Cabinet Door Styles Demystified: Shaker, Slab, Raised & More
When it comes to designing your dream kitchen or bath, cabinetry is one of the most important elements to get right—not just in terms of storage, but in defining the overall style of the space. At the heart of every cabinet is the door style. From sleek and modern to warm and traditional, the door style sets the tone and personality of the room.
But with so many cabinet styles out there, where do you begin? In this guide, we’re breaking down the most popular cabinet door styles—Shaker, slab, raised panel, recessed panel, and glass-front—so you can confidently choose the right one for your space.
1. Shaker Style
Clean lines. Timeless appeal. Universal favorite.
The Shaker style is by far the most popular cabinet door design today—and for good reason. It features a five-piece door with a flat, recessed center panel and minimal detailing. This simple, versatile style blends beautifully with nearly every design aesthetic, from farmhouse and coastal to modern and transitional.
Why people love it:
Clean, unfussy look that doesn’t go out of style
Works well with a wide variety of hardware and finishes
Easy to pair with both neutral and bold color palettes
Best for: Transitional, farmhouse, modern, and Scandinavian kitchens
2. Slab (Flat-Panel) Style
Minimalist. Modern. Sleek.
Slab doors—also known as flat-panel doors—are made from a single, unembellished piece of material. There are no frames or panels, which gives them a streamlined and contemporary look. This style is especially popular in modern and European-style kitchens.
Why people love it:
Smooth surface makes cleaning a breeze
Ideal for high-gloss or textured finishes
Delivers a seamless, ultra-modern vibe
Best for: Contemporary, mid-century modern, industrial, and minimalist spaces
3. Raised Panel
Classic. Detailed. Full of depth.
Raised panel cabinet doors are all about dimension. The center panel is slightly elevated above the surrounding frame, often with decorative edging or beveling. This style leans more traditional and is commonly found in elegant, formal kitchens and bathrooms.
Why people love it:
Adds visual interest and architectural character
Pairs well with rich wood stains and ornate hardware
A timeless choice for more traditional designs
Best for: Traditional, colonial, or Tuscan-inspired spaces
4. Recessed Panel (Flat Panel)
Subtle. Balanced. Understated elegance.
Recessed panel doors look similar to Shaker but offer slight variations—like beveled edges or softer transitions. They offer a bit more detail than a Shaker door but aren’t as decorative as raised panels, making them a great in-between style.
Why people love it:
Versatile for mixing with other door styles
Offers subtle sophistication without feeling too ornate
Works beautifully in both transitional and classic designs
Best for: Transitional, traditional, or eclectic spaces
5. Glass-Front or Mullion Doors
Light-enhancing. Decorative. Display-ready.
Glass-front cabinet doors typically feature a frame with a glass insert, sometimes with mullions (the grid that divides the panes). They’re often used in upper cabinets to create a more open, airy feel and to showcase glassware or decorative dishes.
Why people love it:
Breaks up solid cabinetry for visual variety
Creates a lighter, more open feel in the room
Perfect for highlighting curated collections
Best for: Mixed into any kitchen design as an accent or feature
Choosing the Right Cabinet Door Style for You
Not sure which style is best? Here are a few quick tips:
Match your home’s overall aesthetic. A craftsman home may call for Shaker; a mid-century modern space may lean slab.
Consider maintenance. Simpler styles like slab and Shaker are easier to clean.
Think long-term. Choose a look you’ll still love in 5–10 years.
Don’t forget the hardware. Knobs and pulls can dramatically change the feel of any door style.
Final Thoughts
Your cabinet doors are more than just functional—they’re a key design feature that can elevate your entire kitchen or bath. Whether you lean modern or traditional, choosing the right style helps your space reflect your taste while standing the test of time.
If you’re planning a remodel or just exploring ideas, we invite you to stop by our showroom to see these styles in person and chat with our design team. Sometimes, all it takes is seeing a door up close to know it’s the one.