Why Use Metal Cabinet Doors

Custom kitchen cabinets with floating shelves

Design Notes

If there is one thing we have learned about kitchen design, it’s that the rules from thirty years ago are no longer enforced as they once were. There is greater freedom to express your style in the heart of the home, enabling the space to tell your story more accurately. New materials are being paired together to create something unique and wonderful. One of these new combinations is metal and wood, specifically metal cabinet doors. While not the typical choice for kitchen cabinet design, this choice adds a new dimension to the overall look and feel of the kitchen. It also creates an elegant focal point, and they can be paired with glass-front doors to take it to another level. Let’s explore what it means to design cabinet doors with metal and how you can best maximize their effect.

Metal Cabinet Doors

Even though traditional cabinet doors have been made from wood, the rules in design have been shifting for many years, resulting in thinking outside the box when choosing your building materials. Metal is now a strong contender in cabinet design for several reasons. It creates a beautiful accent to the overall look of the space, it is easier to maintain, and it can blend with multiple materials. Several types of metal can be used, like stainless steel and aluminum, with a wide variety of finishes such as:

Aluminum
Oil rubbed bronze
Gold
Graphite
Chrome
Silver
Copper

These variations mean that metal doors can be used in multiple design styles, including modern, contemporary, transitional, and even a modern farmhouse look. They can create contrast or bring everything together to create one unified look, whether in your bathroom, kitchen, or home office. Many designers enjoy using metal in cabinet design since it adds another layer of interest to the space. Plus, it is a durable material that can withstand the daily use most cabinets experience. As there are both cool and warm metal tones, they can be used for any color scheme you want, so don’t be afraid to look at some metal samples with your designer.

Walnut cabinets with a window and white backsplash

Blending Metal With Other Materials

Versatility is an essential feature of any product since it means they are not confined to one particular use or style. Metal cabinet doors can serve in a wide variety of roles, plus they also mix well with any number of materials, including:

Glass
Wood
Concrete (think countertops)

The skies are the limit when it comes to creating something new, different, or unique for your home. Glass front doors framed with metal are nothing short of stunning, adding a whole new look to a cabinet design. They also make a beautiful focal point while also highlighting the many other outstanding features in your space. Mixing metal cabinet doors with traditional stained or even painted ones is another option to get a few wows from the neighbors. You can have your upper cabinet doors made of metal and the lower cabinet doors made of wood. This is also an excellent look for a bathroom space since it immediately adds a luxurious feel to the area. Consider using frosted glass doors here as they give you a little privacy about what is stored there, but still leave the space feeling more open. There is even the option to use metal and wood together in one door style, such as a strip of gold finish in a dark wood. Trust us, the results are nothing short of amazing. Some homeowners are looking for a more industrial feel in their kitchen by using a raw concrete countertop, which pairs perfectly with metal cabinet doors. So, if you are looking for material that would work well with others, metal is the obvious choice.

Walnut cabinets with white countertops and backsplash

Where To Use Metal Doors In Design

While the kitchen and bathroom are the main areas in the home that have cabinets, several other spaces can benefit from them as well, like:

Laundry room
Mudroom
Home office
Outdoor kitchen
Family room
Bedroom

Metal can be used throughout the home, even in cabinet design, especially since it comes in both cool and warm tones. The laundry room is an area in the house that is used regularly, so it must be not only functional but also inviting. The only thing that makes chores harder is doing them in a drab and boring place. Utilizing a few metal cabinet doors, maybe even paired with glass, can instantly transform the space into something a little brighter. Our home office is another space that has become an essential part of our day, as many still work from home. Studies show that design plays a significant role in our emotional well-being, which can influence our level of productivity. How your office looks matters, so if you want to renovate your space, don’t forget to check out metal since it goes with so many colors and styles. However, it may not be your first thought when redecorating or renovating the family room or even the bedroom; metal doors can add another layer of interest to the design that you never knew was possible. Built-ins with glass-framed metal doors always look stunning and make a lovely focal point too. Outdoor kitchens are another great area where metal can provide the necessary function. This material is durable and can withstand the elements very well, plus it is easy to clean after cooking, no matter what was served. Spend some time browsing places like Pinterest and Houzz for more inspiration on how metal cabinet doors can take your home to a whole new level.

Why Have Metal Cabinet Doors?

For years, metal has served to provide significant functionality to multiple industries and products, which made it an easy transition into cabinet design. Their successful pairings with other materials and design styles are finally being recognized and appreciated by homeowners and designers alike. Whether you want a floor-to-ceiling cabinet or a simple mudroom in the entryway, metal cabinet doors are a suitable, not to mention stunning, choice. They allow you to get creative and forge a look that is unique to your style. The durability and timelessness of metal are just a couple of reasons it is trending now and for the foreseeable future. Don’t be afraid to check it out and talk with your designer about how metal cabinet doors can benefit your home renovation, no matter what area of the house.

byJan Blanton/onJune 21, 2022/updatedJanuary 27, 2026/inDesign Notes

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