Choosing between IKEA's BODBYN and STENSUND kitchen fronts can be surprisingly difficult. Both styles offer a timeless, traditional aesthetic with framed panel doors, soft colors, and matte finishes. But the differences in design detail, material, and overall feel can significantly impact the look and mood of your kitchen.
In this comparison guide, we break down the key differences to help you decide which IKEA front is right for your space.
BODBYN features a more formal, classic look with a narrow frame and an arched detail at the top of the inner panel. The routed edges and slightly glossy finish give it a more refined appearance. It leans toward English cottage or French country style.
STENSUND has a broader frame and a flat inner panel, creating a cleaner, more modern-rustic look. The design feels warmer and more laid-back, ideal for Scandinavian or farmhouse-inspired kitchens.
Best for:
BODBYN: Traditional or elegant interiors
STENSUND: Modern rustic or relaxed, Nordic designs
BODBYN Off-white – NCS S 0502-Y, Gloss 55
BODBYN Gray – NCS S 5000-N, Gloss 35
STENSUND White – NCS S 0603-G80Y, Gloss 25
STENSUND Beige – NCS S 2005-Y20R, Gloss 25
STENSUND Green – NCS S 3010-G50Y, Gloss 25
While both lines offer soft, muted tones, STENSUND's palette feels a bit more natural and organic, whereas BODBYN has slightly sharper contrasts.
BODBYN has a smooth, lacquered finish with a light sheen.
STENSUND features a painted surface with visible brushstroke texture for a more handcrafted appearance.
This makes STENSUND feel slightly more artisanal, while BODBYN feels more polished and refined.
Both fronts are made of fiberboard with foil or paint finishes, but:
BODBYN uses a foil-wrapped design for consistency and easier cleaning.
STENSUND has a more tactile surface but may require more care to avoid visible marks or wear.
Prices are similar and vary by region, but BODBYN tends to be stocked more widely and is part of IKEA's core traditional kitchen offering. STENSUND, while growing in popularity, may be less consistently available depending on the market.
One of the more overlooked but important visual differences lies in the glass doors (vitrins):
BODBYN glass doors typically feature three horizontal and one vertical divider, forming a grid of 8 glass panes. This creates a symmetrical and classic window-like appearance. Note: While this is the most common layout, IKEA has offered variations of BODBYN glass doors with fewer or no dividers depending on size and region.
STENSUND glass doors usually have two horizontal and one vertical divider, resulting in 6 larger glass panes. The design is simpler and more open, aligning with the relaxed and rustic feel of the series.
This subtle difference has a noticeable impact on overall kitchen character: BODBYN appears more traditional and refined, while STENSUND feels lighter and more casual.
Choose BODBYN if you want:
A more elegant, classic kitchen
A clean, consistent surface
A slightly more formal, structured feel
Choose STENSUND if you prefer:
A modern take on traditional framing
Subtle texture and soft tones
A cozy, Scandinavian or farmhouse look
Both are beautiful, practical options – it just depends on your personal style and the atmosphere you want to create.
All photos in this article were taken by Mauritz Interior & Design.
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