Your Guide to the Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Types

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• RTA cabinets need to be assembled manually. 
• Frames increase the durability of the cabinets.
• Glazed cabinets add charm to your kitchen.
• Raised panel door cabinets come in various unique designs.

A kitchen without cabinets is just unimaginable. The global cabinet market is expected to reach $180.25 billion by 2030. 

It not only stores all your utensils like cookware,  dinnerware, food supplies, and appliances, it also maintains the aesthetics of your cooking area. They come in various materials, sizes, and whatnot. But what are the most popular types?

So, in this article, I’ll mention the most popular kitchen cabinet types. This is the guide you would need that will help you upgrade your kitchen. 

Cabinet Construction Types

RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) Cabinets

RTA cabinets are shipped flat-packed and require installation. When purchasing cabinets, homeowners get all the recommended parts and hardware. The customer or contractor assembles them on-site. RTA kitchen cabinets are generally more convenient because they save on shipping and labor. Many RTA cabinet lines are kept in stock and ready to ship in a few days.

Pre-Assembled Cabinets

Cabinets of this type are already assembled and prepared for installation. They are typically glued, nailed, or stapled using professional tools and industrial equipment. Precise assembly ensures a smooth, high-quality finish and strong structural integrity.

While pre-assembled cabinets offer convenience and save installation time, they typically cost more than RTA cabinets because labor is already included in the final price. Shipping is also more expensive since the cabinets are packaged in large, fully assembled boxes that take up more space and may require freight delivery.

Cabinet Build Types

Framed Cabinets

Framed kitchen cabinetry comes with a face frame. Cabinet doors are permanently attached to the frame. A frame makes kitchen cabinets stronger. Oftentimes, framed cabinetry comes with flexible shelves.    

Frameless Cabinets

There are kitchen cabinets that have no face frame. In this case, doors are permanently attached to the frame of a cabinet. As a result, the entire front of the box is painted. Such cabinets have a seamless finish. On the other hand, frameless cabinets provide more storage space in the kitchen.

Below, you can see the major difference between framed and frameless cabinets. 

Other Kitchen Cabinet Types

Shaker Style Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets with shaker-style doors have gained huge popularity today.  This style itself is very simple. Cabinets of this type match any decorating style superbly and suit the kitchens of outdated, contemporary, and traditional styles well.

With shaker-style cabinets, your kitchen will have a clean and modern look. This style will help you construct the inviting atmosphere. Cabinets come in a vast choice of wood species, colors, and stains. There are solutions for all demographics and budgets.

Glazed Cabinets

The vast majority of manufacturers specialize in kitchen cabinetry made of a glazed style. A glaze coating is applied over painted wood. Glazed cabinets are just right for those homeowners who would like to add charm to their dining rooms. Such cabinets are recommended for an antique-style kitchen.   

Cabinets with Flat Panels

It’s another popular kitchen trend for 2025. Nowadays, flat panels are broadly used in painted kitchen cabinetry. With this type of cabinet, your kitchen will always have a clean look. Such cabinets will add character, balance, and comfort to your kitchen. It’s worth noting that flat veneer cabinet style pairs well with deep colors and various structures.

Cabinets with Inset Doors

Cabinets with inset doors are quite an expensive option. However, kitchen drawers of this type are not worth the money they cost. Cabinets come with a frame. The inset door is set inside the cabinet frame. Such cabinets will provide a kitchen with a classic look. 

Kitchen cabinets impress with their durability as well. If you select cabinets of this type, they will last in your house successfully for many years.

Cabinets with Slab Doors

Kitchen cabinets with slab doors are a very effective solution. They always have a fresh look. With cabinets of this type, you’ll find it easy to keep your meals clean. Such cabinets are the perfect choice for kitchens which are designed in forward-looking, mid-century, and European styles.

Cabinets with Raised Panel Doors

Cabinets with raised panel doors get a lot of attention and add space to the kitchen visually. You should give a preference to the curved panel style if you want cabinetry to be a key design centerpiece in your kitchen.

With such cabinets, your kitchen will look stylish. This flooring style works particularly well for traditional kitchens. They come in many designs. There are cabinets of both simple and extravagant designs. So, you’ll manage to pick that ornamental style that’s more to your liking.

What is the Right Type of Kitchen Cabinets for You?

Cabinets have a huge impact on the space design. Selecting cabinetry is one of the things that you have to do when remodeling a kitchen.

All these different cabinetry styles make contributions to the design of a kitchen differently. Each cabinetry style works for certain kitchen formats. So, you should select cabinetry with the overall shape of your kitchen in mind.

Now, you know all your options, and it’s time to make the final choice. Of course, you should select the kitchen cabinetry style that you find most appealing. Try to imagine how cabinets will look in your kitchen first, and then pick the style that will help contribute to your design in the best practical way.

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