What’s a Good Alternative to Shaker-Style Cabinet Doors?
Posted by Melissa Hollobaugh on Jun 25th 2025
Shaker-style cabinet doors are among some of the most popular cabinet door styles available. These styles are simple in structure and incredibly versatile. Whether you have a traditional, modern, or farmhouse kitchen, you can make shaker-style cabinet doors expertly complement your desired aesthetic.
Are you looking for something fun and different than the status quo? We're here to introduce you to a few of our favorite alternatives to shaker-style cabinet doors. Here's everything you need to know.
Why Homeowners Are Looking Beyond Shaker Style
Shaker-style cabinet doors have been a popular choice in the design industry for decades. Most homes or apartments likely have a shaker-style cabinet door installed. The rise in popularity has saturated the market. That's why many homeowners are seeking a creative alternative to traditional shaker-style cabinet doors.
Top Alternatives to Shaker-Style Cabinet Doors
When exploring different alternatives, consider your aesthetic preferences for your space. If you prefer a more modern look, choose styles that are simple in design and lack ornate details. If you like traditional or vintage kitchens, consider exploring options with more intricate detailing or prominent frames. Here's our top five alternatives to shaker-style cabinet doors:
Slab Cabinet Doors
 Highland Slab Cabinet Door |
 Highland Laminate Door |
 Livingston Slab Cabinet Door |
 Livingston Laminate Door |
Slab cabinet doors feature a completely flat panel. There is no frame or intricate detailing. The smooth surface looks best in modern or minimalist home designs. However, the style is versatile enough to work in more traditional settings.
Benefits:
- Easy to clean
- Versatile
- Can work with or without hardware
Raised Panel Cabinet Doors
 Revere Cabinet Door |
 Century Cabinet Door |
 Pine Country Cabinet Door |
 Sedona Cabinet Door |
Raised panel cabinets are a more traditional cabinet door style. These styles feature a raised center panel that offers a bit more depth and dimension. Raised panel cabinet doors are typically paired with intricate details or decorative frames, offering a more traditional aesthetic.
Benefits:
- Visually appealing
- Great for classic or traditional kitchens
- A variety of frames and decorative styles to choose from
Beadboard Cabinet Doors
 Camden Cabinet Door |
 Sheldon Cabinet Door |
 Ranchero Cabinet Door |
 Pinnacle Cabinet Door |
If looking for something with more character and charm, beadboard cabinet doors are a great option. This style has decorative beadboard detailing in the center of the cabinet door. It pairs elegantly with more homey aesthetics, and the beadboard detail adds more visual interest without going over the top.
Benefits:
- Adds character to a space
- Can be stained or painted
- Works well in unique kitchen designs, like coastal and cottage
Recessed Panel with Decorative Edge
 Trenton Cabinet Door |
 Monterey Cabinet Door |
 Auburn Cabinet Door |
 Mission Cabinet Door |
Recessed panel cabinets have a center panel that sits lower than the rest of the frame. This style is typically paired with a decorative edge or intricate frame detailing. It works well in traditional and transitional kitchens.
Benefits:
- A variety of styles are available
- Adds more depth and dimension to your space
- Works well in traditional, transitional, and vintage kitchens
SHOP RECESSED PANEL DOOR STYLES
Glass Cabinet Doors
 Heritage Glass Ready Cabinet Door |
 Adobe Glass Ready Cabinet Door 4 French Lites |
 Colonial Glass Ready Cabinet Door |
 Artesia Glass Ready Cabinet Door 6 French Lites |
If you want to invite more light into your space and create a sense of openness, consider adding glass cabinet doors. Glass-front cabinet doors work well when paired with a complementary style. It's a great way to make your space look more visually interesting.
Benefits:
- Option to display your favorite dishware or decor
- Invites more light into your space
- Can be paired with almost any cabinet door style
Custom Cabinet Doors for Personalized Style
No matter the alternative to the shaker-style cabinet door you prefer, consider investing in a custom-made solution. Custom-made replacement cabinet doors are designed to fit the exact dimensions of your cabinets. You don't need to worry about unwanted gaps or an uneven fit; the doors will perfectly fit the existing cabinets you have.
You can also customize your cabinets to complement your desired aesthetic. Whether you want to paint your cabinet doors or keep the style traditional with a durable solid wood option, you can choose what pairs best with the existing cabinetry in your home.
How to Choose the Right Style for Your Space
To determine which style would work best for your kitchen, you'll want to decide on your overall aesthetic. Do you like a more modern and simple look? Or do you prefer the charm of coastal chic or farmhouse? From there, you can narrow down your options and find a style that pairs elegantly with your vision for your space.
To avoid a complete kitchen makeover, consider the existing kitchen elements and find replacement cabinet doors that complement them. Consider the color of your countertops, flooring, and appliances, and choose an option that will provide a harmonious balance.
Transform Your Kitchen with Shaker Door Alternatives
No matter what style you prefer, CabinetDoors.com is here to help. We specialize in durable, high-end cabinet door replacements. All of our cabinet doors and drawer fronts are custom-made and made to order. We're here to help you find a stylish alternative that enhances the look of your kitchen and provides functional benefits to your space. We also have a variety of wood species, paint colors, and decorative frames. Let us know what you're looking for, and we'll take care of the rest.
Explore our collection of shake-style alternatives today.
SHOP REPLACEMENT CABINET DOORS
FAQs About Cabinet Door Style Alternatives
Are there cabinet door styles similar to shaker but with more detail?
Some cabinet door styles offer more decorative details, and others have fewer. If you prefer a more classic or traditional aesthetic, we recommend styles with more decorative components. If you prefer modern designs, look for simpler options.
Which cabinet door shaker alternatives work well in small kitchens?
Slab cabinet doors and recessed cabinet doors are simple in design and still add visual interest. These options aren't too "busy" and will make your kitchen appear bigger and more open.
