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New kitchen cupboard doors are one of the simplest ways to update your kitchen without replacing the full room. If your existing units are still strong, well fitted and practical, changing the doors and drawer fronts can give the space a fresh new look with less disruption than a full refit.
Before you order, it is important to understand what can be replaced, how to measure correctly, which styles and finishes are available, and what details can affect the final result. This guide explains what to know before buying new kitchen cupboard doors so you can plan your refresh with confidence.
Why Choose New Kitchen Cupboard Doors?
New kitchen cupboard doors are ideal when the main kitchen units are still in good condition but the visible fronts look tired, dated or no longer suit your style. The cabinet carcasses can often last for many years, while the doors take most of the daily wear.
Replacing the doors focuses the update on the part of the kitchen you see first. It can change the colour, finish and character of the room without removing the existing cabinets, worktops or layout.
New kitchen cupboard doors can help you:
- Refresh the look of your kitchen without a full refit.
- Keep a layout that already works well.
- Replace worn, scratched, faded or dated doors.
- Update the colour and finish of the room.
- Match new drawer fronts, panels and handles.
- Reduce disruption compared with replacing the full kitchen.
- Control your budget by keeping usable units in place.
If you are ready to compare options, start with KBB’s main replacement kitchen doors range.
What to Check Before Ordering New Kitchen Cupboard Doors
Before choosing a style or colour, check whether your existing kitchen is suitable for replacement doors. New kitchen cupboard doors work best when the cabinets behind them are solid, dry and properly fixed.
Check the cabinet carcasses
Open each cupboard and inspect the unit. Look for swelling, water damage, loose sides, damaged hinge fixing points or bowed panels. If the cabinet boxes are sturdy, replacing the doors can be a very practical option.
Check the layout
If you like your current layout and the storage works well, keeping the units makes sense. If you want to move appliances, change plumbing or alter the kitchen shape, a larger refurbishment may be needed.
Check the existing doors and drawer fronts
Make a list of every item you want to replace. Include base unit doors, wall unit doors, tall larder doors, drawer fronts, integrated appliance doors, end panels and any finishing pieces you want to update.
Check the hinges
Look at how the current doors are fixed. If the hinge plates are in good condition and the positions are standard, fitting new doors may be more straightforward. If the hinges are worn or unusual, plan for extra care when ordering and fitting.
What Can Be Replaced?
A kitchen door refresh can include more than just the cupboard doors. For the best result, consider all visible parts of the kitchen front.
Cupboard doors
The main kitchen cupboard doors usually have the biggest visual impact. Replacing them can change the room from traditional to modern, dark to bright, or plain to more characterful.
Drawer fronts
Drawer fronts should usually be replaced at the same time as the doors. If you leave old drawer fronts beside new doors, the kitchen can look partly finished rather than fully refreshed.
End panels
End panels are visible at the sides of base units, wall units or tall units. If they are worn or no longer match your new kitchen cupboard doors, replacing them can create a more complete finish.
Plinths and trims
Plinths, cornices and pelmets can make a big difference to the final look. If these parts are damaged or mismatched, include them in your order planning.
Handles and knobs
New handles can change the style of a door dramatically. A shaker door with cup handles feels different from the same door with slim bar handles or round knobs.
How to Measure for New Kitchen Cupboard Doors
Accurate measuring is one of the most important parts of ordering new kitchen cupboard doors. The safest approach is to measure the existing door or drawer front, not just the cabinet opening.
Existing doors already account for overlay, spacing and how the front sits on the unit. Measuring the old doors gives you a more reliable starting point for ordering replacements.
Measuring steps
- Open or remove the existing door if needed.
- Measure the height of the door in millimetres.
- Measure the width of the door in millimetres.
- Measure each drawer front separately.
- Check hinge positions if you need hinge holes drilled.
- Label each item clearly, such as “base unit left door” or “top drawer front”.
- Repeat for every door and drawer front in the kitchen.
- Double-check all sizes before placing your order.
For detailed measuring advice, use KBB’s how to measure a door guide before ordering.
Common measuring mistakes to avoid
- Measuring the cabinet opening instead of the existing door.
- Assuming all doors are the same size.
- Forgetting to measure drawer fronts.
- Mixing up height and width.
- Recording measurements in centimetres instead of millimetres.
- Forgetting hinge positions when hinge holes are needed.
Kitchen Cupboard Door Styles to Consider
The style of your new kitchen cupboard doors will shape the overall look of the room. Some styles are clean and modern, while others feel more classic, homely or traditional.
Shaker and five-piece doors
Shaker and five-piece kitchen doors are popular because they work in many different homes. Their framed design can feel traditional, modern country or contemporary depending on the colour and handle choice.
If you like this look, explore KBB’s 5 piece construction kitchen doors.
Slab doors
Slab doors are simple and flat, making them a good option for a clean modern kitchen. They are also practical if you want an easy-to-wipe surface with fewer grooves or decorative details.
Handle-less doors
Handle-less kitchen cupboard doors are ideal for a streamlined look. They can help smaller kitchens feel less busy and work well in open-plan spaces.
For a sleek finish, view KBB’s handle-less kitchen doors.
Gloss doors
High gloss doors can brighten a room by reflecting light. They are often used in modern kitchens and can work well in compact spaces where you want the room to feel more open.
Browse KBB’s high gloss kitchen doors if you want a reflective contemporary finish.
Acrylic doors
Acrylic kitchen doors are another option for a polished modern look. They can create a smooth, sleek appearance and are well suited to contemporary kitchen designs.
You can also view KBB’s acrylic kitchen doors or the Sorrento Acrylic Kitchen Doors product page.
Économique doors
Économique kitchen doors are a practical choice if you want a broad selection of colours and woodgrain finishes. They are useful for many styles, from simple modern updates to more traditional kitchen refreshes.
See KBB’s Économique kitchen doors gallery or the Économique Kitchen Doors ordering page.
Colours and Finishes for New Kitchen Cupboard Doors
Colour and finish can completely change how your kitchen feels. Before ordering new kitchen cupboard doors, think about the room size, natural light, worktops, flooring, wall colour and the look you want to create.
Popular colour choices
- White or porcelain: bright, clean and timeless.
- Cream or cashmere: warmer than pure white and easy to live with.
- Light grey: modern, neutral and versatile.
- Dust grey or graphite: stronger and more contemporary.
- Marine blue or indigo: bold, stylish and suited to feature kitchens.
- Green shades: natural, calm and increasingly popular in kitchen design.
- Woodgrain: warm, textured and ideal for a more natural look.
- Paintable: best when you want a specific custom colour.
Finish comparison
| Finish | Best For | Look and Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Matt | Soft, understated kitchen designs | Calm and less reflective |
| Gloss | Modern kitchens and smaller rooms | Bright and reflective |
| Woodgrain | Traditional, warm or natural schemes | Textured and homely |
| Acrylic | Sleek contemporary kitchens | Polished and modern |
| Paintable | Custom colour projects | Flexible and personalised |
If you want more visual inspiration before ordering, browse the KBB gallery to compare different room styles and finishes.
Hinges, Hinge Holes and Fitting
Before ordering new kitchen cupboard doors, check whether you need hinge holes drilled. Hinge holes are the large circular recesses that allow concealed hinges to sit neatly in the back of the door.
If you are replacing like-for-like doors, you may be able to match the existing hinge positions. If the old doors have been adjusted over time, measure carefully and check every hinge position before ordering.
Things to consider
- Which side the door is hinged on.
- The distance from the top of the door to the hinge hole.
- The distance from the bottom of the door to the hinge hole.
- Whether tall doors need more than two hinges.
- Whether existing hinge plates are still secure.
- Whether old hinges should be reused or replaced.
If you plan to fit the doors yourself, KBB’s how to hang your cupboard door guide is a helpful resource.
If you are unsure about hinge positions, unusual units or large doors, it may be worth asking a fitter or joiner to check the kitchen before you order.
When to Choose Made-to-Measure Kitchen Cupboard Doors
Made-to-measure kitchen cupboard doors are useful when your existing doors are not standard sizes or when you need a more tailored fit. This is common in older kitchens, custom-built units or kitchens that have been altered over time.
Made-to-measure doors may be useful if:
- Your current doors are unusual sizes.
- You have older kitchen units.
- You are replacing tall larder doors.
- You need matching drawer fronts in specific sizes.
- You want a more precise fit for existing cabinets.
- You are updating a kitchen without changing the layout.
For custom sizing, view KBB’s made-to-measure kitchen doors.
Budget and Ordering Considerations
The cost of new kitchen cupboard doors depends on the number of items, the sizes required, the chosen range and the finish. A small kitchen with simple doors will usually cost less than a large kitchen with tall doors, multiple drawers and matching panels.
What can affect the price?
- The number of cupboard doors.
- The number of drawer fronts.
- Door height and width.
- Standard sizes or made-to-measure sizes.
- Choice of range, style and finish.
- Hinge hole drilling.
- Matching side panels, plinths, cornices or pelmets.
- New handles, knobs or accessories.
- DIY fitting or professional fitting.
It is helpful to create a full list of everything needed before choosing a final range. This makes it easier to compare options and avoid forgetting important finishing pieces.
Should You Order Samples First?
Ordering samples can be useful before committing to new kitchen cupboard doors, especially if you are choosing between similar shades or finishes. Colours can look different depending on natural light, artificial light, flooring and worktops.
A finish that looks bright online may appear warmer, cooler, darker or lighter in your kitchen. Samples can help you compare colours in the actual room before placing a full order.
When samples are especially useful
- You are choosing between several grey or neutral shades.
- You want to match existing worktops or flooring.
- You are considering a bold colour such as blue, green or black.
- You are comparing matt, gloss, woodgrain or acrylic finishes.
- You want to check how the colour looks at different times of day.
How to Make New Kitchen Cupboard Doors Look Like a Full Kitchen Refresh
New kitchen cupboard doors can make a big difference on their own, but the final result often looks best when the details are considered too.
Replace the drawer fronts
Matching drawer fronts help the kitchen look complete. If you only replace the doors, older drawer fronts can make the update look inconsistent.
Update the handles
Handles can change the whole character of the kitchen. Slim handles feel modern, cup handles suit shaker styles and knobs can create a softer traditional look.
Refresh the walls
A fresh wall colour can help your new doors stand out. Pale walls can brighten dark cupboard doors, while warmer neutrals can soften white, cream or grey doors.
Review lighting
Better lighting can make new finishes look their best. Under-cabinet lighting or brighter bulbs can make the room feel cleaner and more inviting.
Use matching panels and trims
If old plinths, end panels or trims are worn, replacing them can help the kitchen feel properly finished.
New Kitchen Cupboard Doors Pre-Order Checklist
Use this checklist before placing your order.
- Check that your existing kitchen units are solid and dry.
- Decide whether you are replacing doors only or doors and drawer fronts.
- Measure each existing door in millimetres.
- Measure every drawer front separately.
- Record hinge positions if hinge holes are required.
- Choose a style such as shaker, slab, gloss, acrylic or handle-less.
- Compare colours and finishes in your own kitchen lighting.
- Consider ordering samples before making a final choice.
- Decide whether you need new handles or knobs.
- Check whether panels, plinths or trims should be replaced too.
- Use KBB’s measuring guide before ordering.
- Browse KBB’s replacement kitchen door range to compare options.
Ready to Order New Kitchen Cupboard Doors?
New kitchen cupboard doors can transform the look of your kitchen without replacing the full room. The key is to check your existing units, measure carefully, choose a suitable style and think about the finishing details before placing your order.
Whether you want a simple matt finish, a classic shaker style, a sleek gloss look or made-to-measure replacement doors, KBB offers a wide range of kitchen door options to help you refresh your space.
Shop replacement kitchen doors
FAQs About New Kitchen Cupboard Doors
Can I replace kitchen cupboard doors without replacing the units?
Yes, if the existing units are still solid and in good condition, you can usually replace the kitchen cupboard doors without replacing the full cabinets.
Should I replace drawer fronts at the same time?
Yes, replacing drawer fronts at the same time usually gives the most complete finish. It helps the kitchen look fully refreshed rather than partly updated.
Do I measure the cabinet or the old door?
In most cases, measure the existing door or drawer front. This helps account for the correct size, overlay and fit.
Can I order made-to-measure kitchen cupboard doors?
Yes, made-to-measure kitchen cupboard doors are useful when your existing doors are unusual sizes or when you need a tailored fit for older or custom units.
Are new kitchen cupboard doors easy to fit?
Many replacement doors can be fitted as a DIY project, especially if you are replacing like-for-like doors and using pre-drilled hinge holes. More unusual kitchens may need a fitter.
What style of new kitchen cupboard doors should I choose?
Choose based on the look you want. Shaker doors are timeless, slab doors are modern, gloss doors brighten the room, acrylic doors feel sleek and paintable doors are ideal for custom colours.
