The place where you cook meals for your entire family cannot afford to look dull. It has to have a high aesthetic appeal, just like its functionality. One of the features that can balance both these elements well is the kitchen furniture and, more specifically, cabinets. Cabinets occupy larger floor and wall areas. Depending on the choice, their composition and placement can overwhelm, undermine, or perfectly interact with the overall design. The three main signs of a successful composition are front face, size, and finish. Size and door designs are easier to figure out. The struggle begins with finalizing the finishes due to endless opportunities. How do you solve this problem?
Cabinets can be stained, painted, or glazed. Contractors like StoneHill Cabinetry provide all the three options. However, the choices become slightly simpler when you understand the strengths and weaknesses of these finishes. Before taking a final call, you can match their minute details with your requirements, including budget and taste. So, let’s explore each of them.
- Stained Cabinets
Some homeowners adore stained cabinets because of their depth and warmth. Staining doesn’t interfere with the natural wood’s textures, veins, or grain patterns. As a result, the overall visual harmony feels tremendously captivating. You can look at a vast range of shades, from airy and light to bold, for the base material to reflect its personality. Common wood species include red oak, maple, and cherry. Stained cabinets are easy to maintain; however, you must be ready to embrace knots and other visible imperfections in the wood that make this finish outstanding.
- Painted Cabinets
If you want to make your kitchen vibrant-looking at an affordable price, painted cabinets are the way to go. You get an even better color range, from bold, classic, and statement-style. These cabinets are also the best way to express your personality and make an impactful addition to the existing kitchen décor, which can be modern, eclectic, traditional, or classic. With a painted finish, you can imagine all design possibilities hassle-free. It is also easy to maintain or upgrade this finish. Those who want to enjoy the richness of wood in its flawless form can also find this choice most satisfying. However, a few things must be noted, such as chipping and scratching risks, the need for frequent touch-ups, etc.
- Glazed Cabinets
Whether you admire vintage or antique charm, a glazed finish can effortlessly meet your aesthetic goals. A colored glaze is applied over stained or painted wood cabinetry to define contours and intricacies. This finish offers depth and dimension to the overall transitional or traditional kitchen design. Some prefer glaze to hide wood’s blemishes and imperfections, but it can cost more than the other two options.
How do you decide?
A painted finish usually works well with colorful, modern kitchen interiors. You can particularly opt for it if the cabinet is the hero of your culinary space. You can select something like turquoise, green, or red for a dynamic feel. A timeless appeal can be tapped through neutral tones. Or, you can use a stained finish to give your kitchen a more rustic and cozy touch. Light and medium stains can make your space bright, while dark stains look elegant or dramatic. Glazed cabinets can look chic or traditional, depending on your color selection.
Need more help? Find a contractor who can connect you with a designer and guide you to the right features for your space.