Should You Add Glass Front Cabinet Doors?

Design Notes

Should You Add Glass Front Cabinet Doors?

The kitchen is meant to be a welcome place for both homeowners and guests alike. It is also the central part of the home and serves multiple functions, such as a homework station, a snacking location, a letter writing area, and a coffee break. With all of this going on in one area, it is no surprise that considerable thought goes into the design, with cabinets being the main focus. Several aspects make up the design process, including color, size, and style, specifically door styles. Glass front doors seem to be gaining in popularity, and with good reason. They allow the homeowner to safely showcase items that matter, like hand-crafted pottery pieces or family heirlooms, and work well in larger kitchens since they add variety. An elegant style choice for any kitchen, they add a special touch to the cabinets, creating a beautiful visual statement in the heart of the home while still staying true to a unified look. You might wonder if glass front doors are the right choice for you and your new kitchen, so let’s answer a few common questions and discuss their pros and cons to see if they should be in your upcoming design.

Are Glass Front Cabinet Doors More Expensive?

They do have a higher price point than regular cabinet doors, and the price can vary depending on the type of glass you choose and the size. Your designer will be able to show you options and help you decide which one will provide you with the most value.

How Many Glass Front Cabinets Are In The Kitchen?

Glass front cabinets are a beautiful addition to the kitchen, but how many are just right? While you can choose to do all of your upper cabinets in glass, it’s important to remember that everything will be visible, so if you have certain dishes or food items that you would prefer to keep out of sight, it is best to limit the number of glass front doors. You can choose to do every other one, one on either side of the sink, or even small cabinets above your regular doors. These options create an elegant look in the kitchen and draw the eye to whatever is displayed inside.

Types Of Glass Cabinet Doors

There are numerous choices and styles for your cabinet doors, each bringing a unique look and texture to the kitchen. Here are some popular glass cabinet door options:

Clear glass: while this is a simple choice, it provides the best option for displaying the things you cherish or want to highlight and even protect.
Frosted glass: If you want the delicate look of glass cabinet doors but still want to retain a little privacy over your belongings, this option will deliver. The frosted glass comes in multiple opacity choices, leaving just how frosted you prefer completely up to you.
Colored glass: This can be a fun way to add pops of color to the kitchen, though we recommend limiting it as a little goes a long way.
Mirrored glass is a beautiful and elegant choice. It comes in a variety of options, such as a true mirror and ones that are slightly colored or even speckled. A vintage or antique look is also an option.
Textured glass: Texture is a wonderful design tool. It tends to draw the eye into the piece and gives a touch of variety from the main look while still blending well with it. From ripples to ridges, there are a great many to choose from.

All of these options have unique features and complement different designs and colors. Adding glass front doors is another way for you to showcase a little of yourself in the design. Talk to your designer about looking at some of these options.

Lighting For Glass Front Cabinets.

Light is an excellent additive to any room; it enhances the space and sends a warm invitation to all who enter. Many designers encourage the use of extra lighting in a kitchen, such as under cabinet lighting and accent lighting, because the cabinets tend to cause shadows, which make it difficult to see when doing things. Plus, it always makes things look amazing. Pairing lighting with glass front cabinet doors results in one stunning cabinet. Whatever is showcased inside will only be highlighted more, and when textured or colored glass is used, it creates a soft glow that enhances the beauty. Some of the choices available are:

Puck lighting
LED strip lighting
Halogen lighting
Rope lighting

Each brings different looks and elements to the cabinet and different effects to the glass. Adding extra light to glass cabinet doors will make them stand out more or accent them softly. They are always a great choice, so be sure to talk with your designer about them.

How Do You Decorate Glass Front Cabinets?

Wondering what to do with your new glass cabinets? The possibilities are endless, and there are many ways to express yourself through what you decide to display. If you want the cabinets to serve a functional purpose, you can showcase your coffee cups and dinnerware. You can choose a matching set or have fun with a colorful set that displays like its own art gallery. Another function of glass-front cabinets is to arrange specialty dishes and other pieces inside. They will remain safe but within reach if you would like to use them in the future. Don’t be afraid to have fun with your glass front cabinet doors and let your unique style come out. Read this blog for more tips and tricks, or you can also browse Pinterest for more inspiration.

The Pros Of Glass Front Cabinets

We have already discussed some of the points, but there are several benefits to choosing glass-front cabinets for your kitchen. Here are a few of them.

Brighten a space: glass is naturally reflective, so if your cabinets or kitchen space is a little darker, glass can brighten it up perfectly.
Protection: if you want those unique pieces to stay safe but seen, glass is an excellent option since it protects from dust and accidents.
Special touches: Since glass is clear, you can include little extras like beadboard, a wood interior, or even paint. This makes it stand out and adds a little pop.

Whether you decide to go with a couple or with several, glass front doors offer a variety of plus to your kitchen space.

The Cons Of Glass Front Cabinets

Of course, with most things, there are a few cons; though limited, glass front cabinet doors come with drawbacks such as:

Visibility: Whatever you choose to place inside will be seen. Of course, frosted glass can help with this a little, but putting paperwork or craft supplies inside is still not a good idea.
Cleaning: Because glass shows dirt and fingerprints quickly, it will need to be cleaned more frequently than a regular cabinet would.

Some of these things can be minimized by the type and style of the glass you choose, so be sure to talk with your designer about all your options and any specific concerns you may have about glass.

Reflect Yourself

Your kitchen is your space; it is one of the most used areas in the home, meaning that you should enjoy the time you spend there, which is often linked with the look and feel of an area. Taking the time to browse through inspiration galleries and list what matters to you is never a waste, but it will aid in the design process. With over 20 years of experience, our design team has what it takes to help guide you through your renovation journey and give you a kitchen you will enjoy for years to come. Contact us today, and let’s get started planning your new space.

byStacey Walker/onMay 21, 2019/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inDesign Notes

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