Designing your kitchen is one of the most exciting parts of building a custom home because your kitchen is often the heart of your home, where you gather, cook, chat and even receive guests if there’s an eating zone here. One design element that has been around for years and is still incredibly popular are glass front cabinet doors. Glass cabinets look fabulous in the right design, but there are some downsides of them as well. Before you decide to put them in your home kitchen, here are a few of the pros and cons of glass cabinet doors, consider them to find out whether they are for your space or not.
What Are Pros Of Glass Kitchen Cabinets?
There is a wide array of choices available in the market: glass front cabinet doors are not just available in regular, flat panel types, they’re also available in textured, frosted, stained, seeded and leaded versions. Hence, you can find a glass kitchen cabinet door that suits your kitchen theme and style whether it’s traditional, modern, or transitional.
In large kitchens with numerous cabinets, solid wood cupboard doors can look monotonous. On the other hand, glass cabinets can break up the monotony in several ways. Either by only using a few glass panels in select cabinets, choosing frosted or leaded glass, or placing attractive dishes behind transparent glass adds interest to your kitchen.
Having transparent cabinet doors allows you to take advantage of the space to create a unique design element. Line the back of the cabinets with eclectic wallpaper, install mirrors or shiplap, or add lighting inside the cabinets. You can also use the glass itself as an opportunity to create interest, such as by installing colored glass or even adding stained glass designs within the frames.
They make kitchens look bigger, just like mirrors, glass front kitchen cabinets also reflect and scatter light throughout the room, making it look open and airy. Placing glass front cabinetry near windows or in the corners offers more light reflection for the biggest impact.
They make kitchenware easier to find: glass front kitchen cabinets are transparent, that’s why you’ll be able to locate the kitchen equipment you need even without opening your kitchen cabinet doors. Plus, they’re a great way to display your kitchenware compared to open shelving since you don’t need to worry about it breaking or getting dusty.
They’re easy to clean: unlike wooden kitchen cabinets, glass-front kitchen cabinets are waterproof and stain resistant, making them easier to clean. So, you can just wipe and go! Nevertheless, if ever it gets greasy you can spray it with a glass cleaner first before wiping it with a soft, clean cloth to make it crystal-clear again.
A beautiful dove grey kitchen with shaker and glass front cabinets, a tile backsplash and a white marble countertop plus gold handles.
A beautiful greige kitchen with shaker cabinets, white stone countertops, glass cabinets, floating shelves and white stone countertops.
A beautiful light stained shaker style kitchen with a white subway tile backsplash and white quartz countertops plus black fixtures.
A beautiful two tone kitchen with grey and white shaker style cabinets, white quartz countertops and a backsplash plus a boho rug.
A beautiful white kitchen with inlay and glass cabinets, stainless steel handles and knots, a white subway tile backsplash.
A beautiful white kitchen with white countertops, a white backsplash, shaker and glass front cabinets, a hex tile floor and a windowsill bench.
A bold art deco black and white kitchen with black cabinets with glass fronts, a striped floor, glossy black cabinets and concrete countertops.
A bright blue kitchen with terracotta tile on the floor, a large vintage hood, butcher block countertops and a patterned ceiling.
Flat panel and glass cabinets highlight this catchy kitchen, complemented by a white chevron backsplash. Black built-in shelves add contrast and built-in appliances enhance functionality. Combine black shelves and white tiles for a modern look.
A charcoal grey shaker style kitchen with white countertops, wooden beams on the ceiling and brass touches for more elegance.
Tan shaker cabinets create a chic cottage kitchen with a matching beadboard backsplash. Cool lamps add charm and a cozy atmosphere. Use beadboard for a classic, cottage-style kitchen.
A chic Scandinavian kitchen with a brick wall, grey and frosted glass cabinets, butcherblock countertops and much light.
Shaker style and glass front cabinets bring elegance to this chic white kitchen. Built-in shelves and a white tile backsplash enhance the clean look, while white marble countertops add luxury. Opt for glass front cabinets to showcase dishware.
A classy English kitchen with dark green and white cabinets, inlay and glass ones, a green stone countertop.
A cozy eclectic kitchen done with rich-colored cabinets and countertops, with copper pendant lamps.
A cozy stained kitchen with shaker and glass front cabinets, a neutral tile backsplash, white quartz countertops and potted plants.
Rich-colored wooden countertops add warmth to this cozy traditional grey kitchen. Usual and glass cabinets provide ample storage, while metal knobs give a classic touch. Choose wooden countertops for a warm, inviting kitchen.
A creamy vintage kitchen with shaker and glass cabinets, black quartz countertops, a window as a backsplash and knobs and handles.
Inlay and glass cabinets enhance this delicate creamy kitchen. Open shelves and white quartz countertops add elegance, while stained shelves and a stained kitchen island provide warmth. Choose inlay cabinets for a refined kitchen design.
A delicate tan kitchen with shaker and glass front cabinets, gold handles and a white marble backsplash and countertops.
A dramatic black and white kitchen with shaker adn glass cabinets, a white kitchen island with a black countertop, a white backsplash.
Light green and aqua hues make this coastal kitchen gorgeous. Glass and open cabinets provide a breezy feel, while a green kitchen island and white stools complete the look. Use coastal colors for a fresh, inviting kitchen.
A graphite grey kitchen with inlay and glass cabinets, open shelves, grey granite countertops, a beadboard backsplash.
A graphite grey kitchen with shaker and glass cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash, butcherblock countertops and pendant lamps.
What Are Cons Of Glass Kitchen Cabinets?
They’re fragile: glass front kitchen cabinet doors are prone to cracking and breaking, that’s why you should handle them with care and close them gently.
They make clutter visible: although it is mentioned earlier that glass-front kitchen cabinet doors are a great way to display kitchenware, that is if they’re arranged and organized. Not arranging them in piles, according to kind and color, will only make your kitchen look like a mess and worse, everyone who will enter your kitchen will be able to see it.
Glass doors show every fingerprint, grease smudge, and water spot while visible dust collects in the corners of the frames. While the upkeep only requires glass cleaner and paper towels, you will find yourself wiping them down fairly regularly compared to solid kitchen cabinetry.
High-quality glass is installed in cabinet doors in order to reduce the risk of cracked or shattered glass. While this is safer, it’s also going to be more expensive than wooden cabinetry.
If the glass cracks, breaks, or discolors over time, you’re looking at more frequent replacement than you would with wood.
A graphite grey traditional kitchen with stainless teel accents and appliances and vintage lamps.
A grey kitchen with flat panel and glass cabinets, a white marble backsplash and countertops and a large kitchen island.
A grey kitchen with shaker and glass cabinets, butcherblock countertops, a tiny kitchen island and a window backsplash.
A grey kitchen with shaker and glass front cabinets, a white marble tile backsplash and black countertops.
A light grey kitchen with inlay and glass front cabinets, a faux stone backsplash, grey granite countertops and black handles and fixtures.
A light grey U-shaped kitchen with inlay and glass cabinets, white stone countertops and black knobs plus a window in the center.
A lovely bright blue kitchen with shaker and glass front cabinets, white countertops, gold handles and a bold printed rug is wow.
Gold handles add a touch of luxury to this lovely creamy kitchen with shaker and glass cabinets. White marble countertops and a backsplash enhance elegance. Combine gold accents with marble for a sophisticated kitchen.
Wooden countertops and grey cabinets blend traditional and modern styles in this kitchen. Whites and off-whites add brightness. Use wood and grey for a balanced, stylish kitchen.
A lovely mint kitchen with shaker and glass front cabinets, a white marble backsplash and countertops and gold handles.
Skinny shaker and glass front cabinets make this kitchen lovely. White stone countertops and a white backsplash add elegance, while brass touches provide warmth. Choose brass accents for a chic kitchen finish.
A lovely vintage kitchen with blue cabinets, a vintage hearth, open shelves for plates, wooden beams and a wooden dining set.
A mint green kitchen with shaker, flat and glass front cabinets, a white quartz countertop and a cool pendant lamp.
Butcherblock countertops bring warmth to this modern cottage kitchen with wooden beams and light green shaker style cabinets. A storage basket and pendant lamp complete the cozy design. Use wooden elements and practical storage for a charming kitchen.
A modern country kitchen in white, with cool cabinets, a large kitchen island with a butcherblock countertop, pendant lamps and woven stools.
A modern grey kitchen with flat panel and glass front cabinets, black countertops and a backsplash, gold handles.
A modern white kitchen with black touches, flat, inlay and glass cabinets, black handles and black framing.
A pretty grey and stained kitchen with shaker, inlay and glass arched cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash and white countertops.
Red pendant lamps and green knobs add a fun touch to this pretty mint green kitchen with a white beadboard backsplash. Butcherblock countertops complete the look. Opt for colorful fixtures and natural materials for a charming kitchen.
A refined dove grey kitchen with vintage flare, with inlay and glass front cabinets, a matching wooden backsplash and butcherblock countertops.
A refined greige kitchen with inlay, flat panel and glass cabinets, white quartz countertops and a beadboard backsplash feels vintage.
A refined greige kitchen with shaker and glass front cabinets, a white embossed tile backsplash and black countertops is a beautiful farmhouse solution.
A relaxed beach kitchen with dove grey sleek cabinets, white stone coutnertops, wooden beams and lovely woven stools.
A rich-stained kitchen with shaker and glass cabinets, black quartz countertops, a white subway tile backsplash is elegant and chic.
Brass pendant lamps illuminate this serene white kitchen with inlay and glass cabinets. A white stone backsplash and countertops add a clean look. Use brass lighting for a warm, inviting atmosphere.
This sophisticated kitchen features matte black cabinets paired with white marble countertops and a matching backsplash. The stunning crystal chandelier adds a dramatic flair. Choose sleek, modern appliances to maintain the refined aesthetic.
Glass kitchen cabinet doors are versatile, timeless, and elegant, that’s why it’s a good material choice for any kitchen style. However, you have to be extra careful in using one, and make time to sort your kitchenware so that everything looks spick and span, otherwise they’ll be a window to your personal orderliness and might leave a bad impression on your guests.
A stained kitchen with chevron and glass front cabinets, black countertops and a backsplash and an eating zone right here.
A stylish kitchen with black cabinets, a wooden kitchen island, black leather stools and a black hood.
A stylish kitchen with dark green and stained kitchen cabinets, arches and glass ones, with a glossy tile backsplash and a white hood.
A vintage tan-colored kitchen with inlay and glass cabinets, dark stone countertops and a beadboard backsplash plus a vintage black cooker.
A vintage-inspired green kitchen with inlay and glass cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash, black stone countertops.
Black shaker cabinets and a black Zellige tile backsplash create a vintage-inspired kitchen. White countertops provide contrast, while metal pendant lamps add industrial charm. Choose Zellige tiles for a unique, textured look.
A welcoming modern farmhouse kitchen with light-stained cabinets, wooden beams and stools that warm up the space.
Butcherblock countertops add warmth to this welcoming white Scandinavian kitchen. Glass cabinets and white tiles create a bright space, with a small eating zone for convenience. Choose butcherblock for a cozy, functional kitchen.
A white farmhouse kitchen with a black glazed tiles, butcherblock countertops, black pendant lamps.
White subway tile backsplash and quartz countertops make this grey kitchen feel airy. Inlay and glass cabinets add a touch of elegance. Use subway tiles for a classic, easy-to-clean kitchen.
An airy neutral kitchen with flat panel and glass cabinets, black stone countertops and a backsplash, brass handles.
An elegant navy kitchen with shaker and glass front cabinets, a white tile backsplash, an oval window, brass pendant lamps.
An exquisite white kitchen with inlay and glass cabinets, a white and blue quartz backsplash and countertops is wow.
Woven pendant lamps and a wicker chair give this beach kitchen a cozy feel. White cabinets and a kitchen island provide ample storage and workspace. Add floating shelves to keep the decor airy and showcase your beach-themed items.
An ocean blue kitchen with flat panel and glass front cabinets, a stone countertop, built-in appliances and a cool chandelier.