For many, the kitchen is the repository of so many good feelings and memories – and the way it is organized is only the first taste of satisfaction. The secret to a cataloged kitchen can be found in the very system of doors and drawers composing it: cabinetry. Inside the kitchen cabinetry lies the makings of meals and memories at the heart of family life.

Building your kitchen cabinets is only a feasible plan if you have plenty of time, a shop full of tools, and intermediate woodworking skills. While building your cabinets saves about 66%, the cost of tools and time eats into this significantly for someone who is not an experienced woodworker. With adequate cabinet space, your kitchen will function far more efficiently. This can help to make cooking easier and allow you to complete your processes far more quickly. If the kitchen doesn't have sufficient cabinet space, groceries will likely litter the countertops.

When planning a full kitchen renovation, cabinet design is one of the most important choices, especially as cabinetry is typically the single biggest investment you'll make. Whether or not your kitchen cabinets are well designed and well organized can make or break your experience in the kitchen—especially if you have a small kitchen—and a cabinet design mistake is not an easy one to remedy. Furthermore, there are endless cabinet styles and designs to choose from, making the design process a little harder to navigate.

A lot goes into kitchen design. Faucets, lighting, and décor are all pieces to the puzzle of a perfect kitchen—no detail is too small. But while there are plenty of smaller pieces to notice in your kitchen, don’t overlook a big part of the room—your kitchen cabinets.

You’ve likely noticed cabinets outside your home that you’d love to incorporate into your own kitchen. But, before you make the big decision to install new cabinets, make sure you know the different types of cabinets, all of which are beautiful options.

What material is best for cabinets?

 Hardwood. Arguably the most durable material for kitchen cabinets, hardwood is solid wood. Some hardwood types, such as hickory or maple, will resist scratching and denting more than softwood species like walnut and mahogany. However, the former will cost more due to durability and overall quality. 

But if you are on budget Plywood is the best option for cheap kitchen cabinets. While you can still get nice MDF or particleboard cabinets, we would say to look for plywood. Our least expensive cabinets are plywood boxes with solid wood doors. They are quality construction for a cheap price.

But if your kitchen cabinet finish's durability is a high priority, there is no better option than a high gloss finish. A gloss finish will give you the durability you need in a busy kitchen where scratches, dings, and dents are likely to occur.

NOTE: Since glossy finishes are the quickest to show scratches and stains, matte finishes are ideal for those who want to hide their furniture's imperfections. On the other hand, cabinets with a matte finish absorb light instead of reflecting it. As a result, this finish will not help your space feel bigger. Glossy finishes are often the best for kitchen applications. However, if you're not a fan of shinier walls, then satin or matte sheen would be best. A matte sheen is also ideal if you're painting over walls with surface imperfections.

Wall Cabinets & Cupboards

The upper kitchen cupboards are generally less deep. The difference between a cupboard and a cabinet is that a cupboard can be a freestanding unit usually found in a kitchen or pantry, while a cabinet is typically built into a wall and employed. But both are used for food storage. At about 12” deep, these cabinets are deep enough for a dinner plate, rows of glasses, or even a glorious gallimaufry of culinary clutter. Good kitchen cabinet design ideas take into account a need for storage versatility.

Shaker Cabinets

The most common style for cabinets today is the Shaker-style. The Shaker-style consists of five pieces of flat panel, creating a frame with four pieces and with a single flat center panel as the fifth piece. This is a popular trend because of the simple and classic look they offer to either a traditional or contemporary design. Shaker cabinets have several trademark characteristics including flat paneled doors with rail frames, sturdy construction with quality wood, and utilitarian designs.

Handleless Cabinets

True handleless cabinets refer to cabinets with a continuous C-shaped rail built-in to the cabinet. The rail sits behind each cabinet and drawer front, creating a space you can easily grip. A thin, plated-steel prep counter extends off the sink to face the den. Though you may think removing handles would result in a cheaper kitchen, specialist craftsmanship is needed to create the mechanisms allowing doors and drawers to open without them. Therefore, handleless kitchen cabinets will be more expensive and if you're after a contemporary look to your kitchen, then handleless is a good option. The sleek lines are elegant and minimalist, giving you a modern feel to your kitchen. On the other hand, if a traditional Shaker style or rustic feel is more up your street, then handles will work well with that look.

Tall & Pantry Cabinets

A well-serving kitchen craves the tall cabinets, too – those nearly 7’ foot tall cabinets where pantry goods and brooms are stored. It is perfect for storing and displaying your daily items. The tall pantry cabinet is a great storage choice for compact space. These pantry cabinets are often augmented with pull-out shelves and fitted storage racks to make access to foods and stored cooking appliances easy. They typically come in standard sizes, although they may need to be custom built to fit in your space. This storage closet is either separate from, or built into, a wall while the pantry is a small room, closet, or cabinet usually located in or near the kitchen.

NOTE:  A well-organized pantry can help you store all the food along with other kitchen equipment, and keep your countertops free of groceries or clutter. A walk-in pantry can offer a nice enclosed space with plenty of room for shelving, however, distance from your cooking area can be less convenient than cabinet space.

 Corner & Specialty Cabinets

Additionally, there are cabinets with specific shapes – like the base cabinet for a sink. Specialty cabinets are fitted to the space, like corner cabinets or island counters. They're specifically designed to be installed into a corner of a room. Because of the requirements of fitting inside the corner, these cabinets are constructed differently than the base and wall cabinets that surround them in your kitchen. Opt to utilize the significant storage capacity of a corner cabinet space with Lazy Susan shelves, corner drawers, or a bi-fold door. Cupboards that include a wine bottle rack come in handy for parties, and customized hutch cabinets can hold the special occasion linens and silver.

If you have a small kitchen, a corner cabinet with a garage door will help you maximize space by avoiding pullout drawers. It also makes a visually clean accent when you combine it with a minimalist or Scandanavian kitchen design as it stores items while adding a unique pattern.

 Stock Cabinets 

Another easy option for finding ready-made cabinets is perusing the manufacturers’ stock cabinets. Stock cabinets are pre-manufactured; they can be supplied as ready-to-assemble or pre-assembled. Custom cabinets are made to order; they can be customized to almost any color, size, and shape. It’s important to carefully review the construction and materials used, to ensure it meets your expectations. Cabinets are made from real wood, wood veneer, melamine resin, or laminates. Solid wood is heavy, expensive, and rare, and often cabinets have wood fronts with sides and backs made of other materials. 

Semi-Custom Cabinets 

Special order cabinets are modified to fit better or upgrade some of the materials and accessories. Semi-custom cabinets are manufactured with standard sizes, styles, and finishes. They are similar to stock, but have more options for customization and added detail. For example, you may have the ability to alter dimensions such as cabinet depth. The extended range of styles and sizes makes it easier to match a design theme. These semi-custom options can personalize your space for less cost than fully custom-built cabinets. Semi-custom cabinets are slightly more expensive than stock cabinets, but they are still a good choice if you need some customization while remaining budget-conscious.

Custom Cabinets

Custom cabinets are an investment in superior hand-built construction, designed to meet individual specifications. This is ideal for high-end homes, as the materials available can be limitless. They may be mounted to the ceiling or the floor. Custom cabinets are storage cabinets that are built specifically for the area in which they will be used. These cabinets may include the smooth-glide hardware, interior lighting, and hand-rubbed finishes that make each piece a satisfying work of art. 

Customization can be essential for specific needs. Very tall people might want counters that rise higher for their comfort, while people who use a wheelchair would opt for more accessible layouts. This option is more expensive since it's made to order to suit your needs. These are ideal for kitchens with an irregular shape or tricky corners to navigate.

If you’ve already renovated a kitchen or are just beginning the process, you know how overwhelming the details can be. Whatever style and type of cabinet you'd go for, make sure that it suits your needs and fit your home for a well-organized look!