Kitchen cabinets are important pieces of home furniture that enhance the space’s overall functionality by offering elegant storage solutions. And since your family spends a considerable amount of time in the kitchen, it makes sense to invest in high-quality cabinets. Additionally, you can use the units to express your style and taste, whether you choose from prefabricated cabinets or have them custom-made to suit your requirements.
However, there are factors to consider to determine which style, colour or material is best suited to your home.
Feeling overwhelmed by the numerous styles, materials and designs? Here are some factors to consider to choose the perfect home kitchen cabinets.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Home Kitchen Cabinets
Here are some tips to help you pick out the best kitchen cabinets.
1. Consider the Style
Choosing the most suitable cabinets is less difficult if you know your kitchen’s style. (This becomes considerably easier if you’re in the middle of a remodel and can create any kitchen you want.) For instance, bright and ornately-designed cabinets aren’t appropriate for a rustic look.
Remember, it’s best to pick out cabinets that match your kitchen’s overall colour scheme and available space. If your kitchen is small, for example, choose cabinets that save space. By considering the style you can pick kitchen cabinets that are suitable for creating the look you’re after.
2. Choose a Door Type
Besides the type of wood and finish you want, the cabinet door you choose is also important. This is the cabinet’s focal point so picking the right one is essential. There are many types available so you can create a unique space by choosing one or multiple styles. For instance, if your kitchen is minimalist, you can mix slab-style doors with glass insert ones to create a modern appearance.
3. Think About Storage
First of all, there can never be too much storage in your kitchen, especially if you use it to entertain guests.
Secondly, consider what you want your kitchen to do for you. For instance, a gourmet chef will want space to accommodate cooking appliances and accessories. Or, if you own family heirloom serving pieces, you may want to display them in a glass cabinet in your kitchen. That’s why it’s important, when purchasing kitchen cabinets, to take note of the items you want to display or store.
4. Know the Wood Type
The type of wood used to construct the cabinets determines its durability and look. Due to their sturdiness, two of the most popular types of wood used to make cabinets are maple and cherry. Popular for its red undertone, cherry has a uniform appearance, with visible pinholes and graining. Maple, on the other hand, has uniform graining patterns, and its lighter shade allows the exterior to be painted in the colour of your choice. It also looks just as good when stained, as this highlights its mineral streaks and creates more character. Oak and pine are also popular options that are durable and available in both light and dark varieties.
5. Framed vs. Frameless
When it comes to style, cabinets either do or do not have a frame. Which is better for your kitchen?
Framed
Framed cabinets have wood strips attached to the outside of the box and are generally 1 ½ inches wide. Their hinges are attached to the frame, allowing the door to open and close properly. The top and bottom strips are known as the rails; the ones on the sides, stiles. Frames generally make the cabinets sturdy, meaning they’re a good choice for busy kitchens.
Frameless
Frameless cabinets need to be attached to the box itself. This style employs concealed hinges, gives more storage and offers better access to items stored inside.
6. Choose the Method of Fabrication
There are three options to choose from.
- Standard
Large kitchen cabinet manufacturers employ standard configurations and sizes to create either ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets or pre-assembled (stock) ones. Standard kitchen cabinets are more affordable than custom-made ones, but you can only choose from standard sizes – a potential problem for unusually-shaped kitchens.
- Custom
Custom cabinets allow you to make the most of your space. They also create an unique look since they’re made to your specifications. However, they’re much more expensive than other options.
- Semi-Custom
These prefabricated cabinets allow customizability in terms of colour, style, configuration and size. The extent of their customization varies by the manufacturer. Semi-custom kitchen cabinets are cheaper than custom ones but more expensive than standard varieties.
Buying a new kitchen cabinet for your home doesn’t have to be daunting. Use these tips to ensure you pick something you’ll enjoy for many years to come. To guarantee you love what you choose, always consider your kitchen’s overall style and design.