The two most common types of cupboard doors are sliding doors and hinged doors. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, and you will need to consider the overall look of your kitchen as well as the size of the kitchen and the available space between the cupboards and other kitchen fixtures. Cupboard doors come in a wide variety of colors, styles, and materials, so you will need to decide what kind of visual presentation you are looking for before purchasing. Be sure to choose doors that will fit your cupboards properly as well; exact measurements will need to be taken and double checked before purchase.
Sliding cupboard doors are convenient in smaller kitchens and kitchens with a clean, simple look. The doors slide side to side on tracks rather than swinging outward, meaning no clearance will be necessary between the face of the cupboards and other kitchen objects. The problem with sliding cupboard doors is the fact that half of the cupboard will always be covered, since the door sliding open essentially covers the other half of the cupboard. This can make accessing larger kitchen appliances or pots and pans difficult to remove from the cupboard.
Hinged cupboard doors swing outward, allowing for greater access to the interior of the cupboard. These are the more common types of cupboard doors available, since they are aesthetically pleasing and allow for easy access. The downside to such doors is the room required to open them; in smaller kitchens, the doors swinging outward can be a problem, as a clear path through the kitchen may be obstructed when the doors are open. This is both a convenience issue and a safety issue, so it is best to measure carefully before committing to this type of door.
If you want to show off the contents of your cupboards, even when the doors are closed, consider doors with glass panes. These doors are quite attractive and allow a person to see through into the cupboard. Fine china can be displayed in the cupboard without obstruction, yet the china will still be protected from accidental impacts or falls. These doors can be a bit more expensive, but they are a good investment if you have expensive china that needs protection. These types of doors are usually hinged, though it is possible to find sliding doors with glass panes as well.
