Glass-front cabinetry is making a clear statement.
(There's more where that came from!)
Glass doors are a great way to break up a run of solid cabinetry, create visual interest and give a kitchen a more open, airy feel. But here's the thing: you don't need to turn the entire kitchen into a display case.
In fact, a little glass can go a long way.
Mix It Up
One of the easiest ways to make glass work is to mix it with other cabinet styles.
Pair Prepped for Glass (PFG) cabinets with standard wall cabinets to create contrast. Or bring No Door (ND) cabinets into the mix for even more openness.
Think of it as creating a little rhythm across the wall: closed storage, glass display, open storage. It's a simple way to keep a long run of cabinetry from feeling, well, cabinet-y.
And if your customer asks whether you can use too much glass?
Tell them that's a pane-ful question.
You're welcome.
A Clear View of the Details
With HDC, traditional door frames can be routed and prepped for glass (PFG).
The clear glass panels are cut to size and ship separately to the ship-to address for field installation. HDC recommends installing the panels using clear silicone.
Another nice detail: PFG cabinet interiors are finished to match the face frame color, including adjustable shelves.
That means the inside gets just as much attention as the outside—which is particularly helpful when whatever is behind the glass is going to be part of the design.
One important thing to remember when planning: PFG is not available on RTF or melamine-finished door styles.
Go Tall. See Clearly.
Glass isn't just for wall cabinets.
For Tall Cabinets and Vanity Linen Cabinets, the upper door frames can be routed and prepped for glass. The interiors are finished to match the face frame color, including the adjustable shelves.
Meanwhile, the standard base, vanity base and lower portion of a tall cabinet remain closed.
That's another opportunity to play with contrast: concealed storage below, display up top.
Basically, it's a little bit of now you see it, now you don't.
The Glass Half Full
The biggest takeaway? Don't think of glass as an all-or-nothing decision.
Use it to highlight a section of cabinetry. Break up a long wall. Create a display moment. Or combine PFG with ND and standard wall cabinets to make storage feel more open and dynamic.
The goal isn't to put everything on display. It's to decide what deserves to be seen.
And that's where the designer comes in.
Because when it comes to glass-front cabinetry, the best designs aren't about seeing everything. They're about seeing just enough. Now that's a clear win.
—Travis
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