How to Make Glass Front Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Glass cabinet doors, often referred to as "mullions" or "muntins," are a welcome addition to any kitchen. Whether you're doing a complete remodel project or making some slight upgrades, you'll find cabinets with glass doors add sophistication and style. They bring a unique look to a long line of repetitive solid wood, and they improve both the beauty and functionality of a kitchen. Replacing your current wood insert panel with clear or decorative glass creates an eye-catching focal point.

If you want your kitchen to look more stylish and sophisticated, glass cabinet doors are an easy, simple way to do so. They're perfect for showing off your favorite dishware, collectibles or seasonal decor. They also create an illusion of additional space in the cabinet, which can make smaller kitchens feel more open. This guide covers everything about glass kitchen cabinets — glass style options, decorative panel choices and various cabinet door materials.

GLASS IN KITCHEN CABINETS

You'll find adding glass cabinet doors can have a significant impact on your kitchen's overall design appeal. Upper cabinets are the most common placement for glass cabinet doors, though base cabinet applications can also be stunning. Where you choose to place glass elements is up to you, depending on your desired style. When selecting glass cabinet doors for your kitchen, you can opt for transparent glass, beveled glass, leaded glass or frosted glass. Each has a different look and will help you achieve a different design aesthetic.

WHAT ARE MULLION CABINET DOORS?

Most glass cabinet doors are "mullion" style, a term not everyone is familiar with. Mullion cabinet doors have wood mouldings that divide and frame the glass. They can hold together individual glass panes or sit atop a single glass pane as a decorative accent. The latter is more common, as single glass panes are easier to create and work with. You can choose a simple frame option or more complex paneling, depending on the look you want to achieve.

Mullions enhance any kitchen remodeling project by combining functionality with a stylish design. They create more visual interest than solid cabinet doors, so they make great focal points. Mullion cabinet doors come in an array of different configurations. You can enhance your choice of mullion cabinet doors with your preferred glass type.

Here are the most common cabinet door glass types:

• Transparent glass:A kitchen cabinet door with transparent glass will allow you to show off your beautiful dishware. It's a great choice for small kitchens and can create a more spacious feel. It's also the most versatile option, fitting well with any kind of cabinet. Transparent glass is a classic, timeless choice that'll withstand changing trends for many years to come.
• Beveled glass:Beveled glass includes bevels or small, thick pieces of glass carved around their edges. They act as prisms, capturing sunlight and creating beautiful color displays. The result is striking. If you'd like a more decorative glass look, beveled glass is a great option.
• Leaded glass:Leaded glass has lead in place of calcium. It's sometimes called crystal glass because of its brilliant, shiny quality, though it is not actually made from crystal. It was once a popular choice for dishware. If you tap on it, it gives off a unique ringing sound, which helps distinguish it from other types of glass. It's heavy, dense and sparkling, perfect for a classy kitchen look. Leaded glass can create an elegant theme for your kitchen, producing a dramatic effect.
• Frosted glass:You can achieve frosted glass with either sandblasting or acid etching — either way, the result is obscured and cloudy while still allowing light through. You'll often find frosted glass on bathroom windows, brightening the space while preserving privacy. If you prefer a type of glass that is not see-through, frosted is an excellent choice. It'll reflect light in beautiful ways without allowing total visibility into your cabinets.

HOW TO REDESIGN YOUR KITCHEN CABINETS WITH GLASS

When redesigning your kitchen cabinet doors, you have a lot of things to think about. Here are a few questions to consider as you start your cabinet door upgrade project. Answering these questions will help you choose the best cabinet doors to suit your kitchen.

SHOULD I INSTALL SOLID OR MULLION CABINET DOORS?

First, you'll want to decide between solid cabinet doors or mullion doors, featuring glass. If you want your functional kitchen cabinets to double as display cases, choose mullion cabinets. They'll also help add a sense of openness and help brighten the space. If you only want some of your kitchen items on display, you can use a solid design on most of your cabinet doors and a mullion design on a select few. This can be especially impactful if you choose a more complicated six-panel mullion design. That way, the overall effect will be stylish and not overbearing.

WHAT TYPE OF GLASS SHOULD I USE?

If you've settled on mullion cabinet doors, you'll then have to decide on the right kind of glass. Think about your kitchenware — you might even write down an inventory for a complete picture. Which pieces do you want on display? Are there any pieces you'd rather keep behind a solid cabinet door? How wide are the pieces and which of your cabinets will they fit in? It also helps to take some measurements.

Then think about your kitchen as a whole. Does it feel small and cramped? Does it have a good flow of natural light? What color and design elements does it feature beyond the cabinets? If you want to create a more spacious feeling, opt for traditional transparent glass. If you want to play with brightness and light refraction, choose beveled or leaded glass. If you'd like to elevate your kitchen's style with glass but keep your dishware obscured, then frosted glass is a great choice.

WHAT MATERIAL TYPE SHOULD I CHOOSE?

You'll also have options when it comes to the cabinet door material. Different materials have different merits, which are important to consider as you decide. You might opt for either solid wood or rigid thermofoil (RTF) cabinet doors. Either material would make an excellent choice, depending on your preferences. Keep in mind that both materials have different colors and designs available. Here's a quick comparison of those two options:

• Solid wood doors: Many homeowners prefer solid wood elements when upgrading. Solid wood is stronger and more durable than hollowed, veneered wood. Woodworking is an age-old craft — made with time-tested carpentry techniques, solid wood cabinets are built to last. Those looking for sophistication and longevity often select solid wood cabinet doors.

• RTF doors: Detailed below, RTF is dense, smooth, durable and mimics wood with surprising accuracy. It's easy to clean and maintain, which makes it a great option for families with children or those who enjoy hosting guests.

WHAT ARE RIGID THERMOFOIL CABINET DOORS?

RTF is a type of vinyl laminate. Its's similar to particleboard but denser, smoother and more durable. It can simulate wood grain with convincing accuracy, which makes it a popular choice for household doors and cabinets. RTF has a non-porous surface, which means it can stand up to humidity and resist stains. You might choose solid RTF cabinet doors or mullion RTF cabinet doors with glass beneath.

WHAT COLOR CABINET DOORS WILL SUIT MY KITCHEN?

When deciding which mullion doors work for you, you'll also have to think about your kitchen's color scheme. You'll want to pick colors that complement each other instead of competing with each other. For example, if you've chosen an attention-grabbing countertop, you might want understated, neutral cabinet elements. On the other hand, if you've chosen neutral colors for other elements, you might prefer rich, colorful cabinet doors.

WHAT ELEMENTS SHOULD I PAIR WITH MY MULLION CABINET DOORS?

If you're updating your kitchen cabinets, you might consider swapping more than their doors. You could also upgrade the cabinet's shelves, end panels or drawer boxes.

• Shelves: You might consider upgrading your cabinets' shelves if you've had your current shelves for a long time and they are bowing under the weight of your kitchenware. Even if your shelves are still sturdy, they may not match your desired look. The right shelves are important if you're going to have cabinet doors with glass — they'll be visible at all times. Shelves with the wear of many years might look strange behind an elegant glass cabinet front.
• End panels: Cabinet end panels also contribute to your kitchen's overall appearance. If your current end panels look worn or outdated, they might be dragging your whole kitchen design down with them. Installing new end panels is an easy, quick way to upgrade your kitchen. You can paint or stain them however you like to match your style.

• Drawer boxes: Like your cabinet's shelves, their internal drawer boxes should match the design you're striving for. You can also improve your kitchen's functionality with the right drawer boxes.

USING GLASS TO REFACE YOUR CABINETS

Mullion cabinet doors enhance any kitchen in several ways. They add visual interest, display items and improve your kitchen's beauty and functionality. Using glass to reface your cabinets allows you to achieve each of the following goals.

CREATE AN EYE-CATCHING STATEMENT

Cabinets with glass doors are eye-catching. They create more visual interest than regular, solid doors. Just as a display case in a museum intrigues visitors, a mullion cabinet door generates curiosity. Glass cabinet fronts can make a monotonous kitchen that much more exciting. Overall, they have a compelling impact on kitchen design.

SHOWCASE YOUR FAVORITE ITEMS

Another key benefit of a mullion cabinet is the ability to display your favorite items. If you've curated a beautiful set of dishware, why hide it? Every object in your home says something about you, and glass front cabinets give you the chance to show off your personality and taste. Your favorite pieces will be framed as though they're on display at a museum.

If you choose textured or frosted glass, you'll have partial, obscured visibility, which will only increase curiosity and interest. Glass doors allow you to see your kitchenware while protecting it from dust, dirt and other concerns. They're the perfect option for those who want to keep their items both visible and safe.

FIND ITEMS WITH EASE

Visibility into your cabinets is about more than showing off items. It also serves a practical purpose — it makes objects much easier to locate. Although you know where every plate, bowl and spoon has its home in your kitchen, your guests might not. You can make your home more welcoming to visitors by installing glass cabinet doors.

When you say, "Make yourself at home," your guests will have an easier time doing so. They'll be able to get themselves a glass of water without asking you where the glasses are or opening every cabinet to find out. Not to mention, a dwindling supply behind the cabinet doors will alert you it's time to wash the dishes!

CREATE A LARGER, MORE OPEN FEELING

Those with smaller kitchens will notice an immediate benefit after installing mullion cabinet doors. They create more visual depth, making a space feel larger and more open. Think about how much of your kitchen's volume is hiding behind your cabinet doors — making that space visible invites it back into the room.

IMPROVE LIGHTING AND BRIGHTNESS

Glass cabinet doors also improve your kitchen's lighting and brightness. They'll allow more light to travel through your kitchen, making the best use of any natural light. Transparent glass will allow any light through to your objects, catching and reflecting off of them. Beveled glass will create striking, colorful light displays while leaded glass will shine like crystal. Frosted glass will create an understated, subtle light-catching impact. Any type of glass is bound to add more openness and brightness to your kitchen's look.

GLASS CABINET DOOR STYLES

Once you've decided on the right type of glass for your cabinet doors, you'll also have to find the right mullion cabinet door style. First, think about how many panels you'd like. You might choose from any of the following glass kitchen cabinet doors ideas:

• Frame only: Glass doors with a frame-only style add minimalist sophistication to a kitchen. Choosing only a frame allows for a cleaner display of your kitchen items. It'll also add depth to small kitchens, creating a sense of openness.
• Four-panel: You might opt instead for a four-panel mullion style. This option maintains minimalism while adding a little extra flair. You can still put your items on display, but you'll create an added sense of intrigue. A four-panel look will compel visitors to open your cabinets and get a closer look.
• Six-panel: Your kitchen will feel luxurious with six-panel cabinet doors. If you're looking to add some excitement and elegance into your kitchen's design, consider a six-panel option. This works especially well with tall upper cabinets.

CABINET TYPE AND COLOR CHOICES

At Cabinet Doors 'N' More, we offer a selection of Wilmington and Naples RTF options for your mullion cabinet doors. Learn more about each option to decide which will best suit your kitchen. Each cabinet type and color comes with the choice of frame-only, four-panel or six-panel mullions, allowing plenty of personalization. Our mullion cabinet doors hold 1/8-inch thick glass. All solid wood mullion cabinet doors come with clear retaining moulding and strong, clean joints.

1. WILMINGTON OPTIONS

Wilmington cabinet doors use 3/4-inch thick solid wood and feature simple, clean lines with accented edges. They bring warmth to every kitchen and look beautiful paired with any glass option. Wilmington style wood choices include:

• Paint-grade hard maple: Our paint-grade hard maple option comes with a pre-applied primer coat so you can skip the preparation work and get right to painting your new cabinet your color of choice.
• Hard maple: A hard maple color solid wood material offers a simple sophistication. If you're looking to add brightness and class to your kitchen, hard maple is a great choice. As a lighter-colored wood, maple can make any kitchen feel more spacious and inviting.
• Red oak: Red oak offers a detailed, three-dimensional wood grain look with a subtle red-tinted effect. It adds more texture and nature-inspiration than other wood looks, perfect for a chic rustic finish. Red oak provides affordable refinement for any kitchen.
• Cherry: If you're looking for a deep, rich, reddish tone, cherry is the right choice for you. With the right color scheme, a pop of cherry-colored wood can complete a beautiful, homey design.

2. NAPLES RTF OPTIONS

If you prefer an RTF material door, which has great durability and stain-resistance, you can choose from several stylized RTF options, including a new line of beautiful colors. Naples-style cabinet doors look stunning with any kitchen style — they offer a seamless, smooth finish with desirable color consistency. You can choose from several colors, including:

• White: White cabinets and other kitchen elements have become popular for good reason — they're simple, elegant, neutral and add a spacious feel. Mullion cabinet doors can break up the potential monotony of an all-white kitchen, allowing you to display colorful dishware pieces. You can not go wrong with white RTF cabinet doors, whether you choose a solid, basic frame or multi-panel option.
• Antique white: For a less stark and warmer feel, you might choose an antique white color choice for your cabinets. Off-white cabinets inspire a charming overall effect, perfect for the room in which your family comes together for nourishment.
• Stone grey: One of the newest color choices, stone grey looks striking with both darker and lighter elements. You might pair stone grey cabinet doors with a white and charcoal backsplash to enhance feelings of depth.
• Smoke grey: Another new color choice, smoke grey is a bit darker than stone grey, perfect for creating a classy ambiance in your home's kitchen. It'll help pull attention inward, towards your kitchenware display.

Any of these color choices can complement your kitchen design. With their neutral tones, they'll match your choice of wall paint or paper and backsplash. Choose a lighter color for a more open, inviting look or a darker color to create a sophisticated effect.

FIND THE RIGHT GLASS CABINET DOORS AT CABINET DOORS 'N' MORE

If you're looking to upgrade your kitchen, consider glass cabinet doors. They'll elevate your kitchen by creating openness, reflecting light, and allowing for the beautiful and functional display of your kitchenware. You might opt for solid wood or RTF options, with a design and color that suits your style. Whether you're looking for the classic elegance of transparent glass or a more stylized, unique glass look, you can find the right mullion door pairing with Cabinet Doors 'N' More.

Here at Cabinet Doors 'N' More, we offer custom, high-quality replacement cabinet components. We supply everything you need for a kitchen cabinet do-it-yourself remodel, whether you need just one cabinet door or multiple pieces for a large-scale project. When you buy $750 or more in any combination of cabinet doors, drawer fronts, boxes or accessories, you'll get an automatic 10% off your entire order, taken at checkout. We also offer free shipping on all of our projects, with no minimum. If you're ready to make your kitchen feel brand-new, browse our extensive collection of mullion cabinet doors!

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How to Make Glass Front Kitchen Cabinet Doors

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