Glass-front upper cabinets are a classic design feature that never seem to go out of style. Whether you're designing a brand-new kitchen or looking to update your existing space, glass doors offer a unique opportunity to elevate your kitchen with a touch of openness, light, and sophistication. But are they right for you?
In this guide, we'll explore the real pros and cons of glass kitchen cabinets. We'll also answer some of the most frequently searched questions like "Do glass cabinets make a kitchen look bigger?" and "Are they still in style?". Let's get into it.
Upper kitchen cabinets with glass doors are wall-mounted storage units that use clear, frosted, or textured glass as a front panel instead of solid doors. They allow you to see inside the cabinet while still protecting the contents from dust and grease.
You'll often see this design used in IKEA cabinet lines such as BODBYN, STENSUND, AXSTAD, and LERHYTTAN. Each style offers its own aesthetic — from traditional to modern — while incorporating glass in elegant, functional ways.
The short answer is yes — if used intentionally. Glass-front cabinets can bring several design and lifestyle benefits:
Solid cabinet doors can feel heavy in smaller kitchens. Glass doors create openness and prevent upper cabinets from overwhelming the space.
These cabinets are perfect for displaying beautiful dishware, glassware, or curated kitchen accessories. They can act as mini gallery spaces in your kitchen.
Glass-front cabinetry often feels more high-end. It adds depth and detail to your kitchen design that solid fronts sometimes lack.
However, they are not the best fit for every lifestyle. If you tend to throw mismatched mugs and random containers into cabinets, the visual transparency of glass can be a stress factor instead of a design asset.
Yes — and this is one of their biggest strengths. Glass reflects light, whether natural or artificial, and this creates a brighter, more open feel in your kitchen. Here's how they achieve that:
Glass allows both daylight and artificial light to bounce around the room, reducing visual shadows and making the space feel more expansive.
Because you can see into the cabinets, glass doors remove visual barriers. Your eyes travel further into the room, which tricks your brain into feeling like the space is larger.
When combined with solid base cabinets, glass uppers create a nice contrast that keeps the kitchen from feeling too heavy or crowded.
This makes them an excellent choice for galley kitchens, apartments, and homes with limited square footage.
As with all beautiful things, there are trade-offs. Here are the most common concerns with glass-front cabinets:
Glass shows fingerprints, dust, and smudges far more than solid doors. You'll need to wipe them down more frequently to keep them looking pristine.
Everything behind the door is visible. If you're not organized or don't use matching storage containers, it can quickly look messy.
While tempered glass is strong, it is still more fragile than wood or MDF. Households with small children or very active kitchens should take this into account.
Glass doors are not ideal for storing pantry items, bulk goods, or cleaning supplies. These need to be hidden behind solid fronts to maintain a clean visual look.
That said, many of these downsides are manageable with good layout planning and intentional styling.
Not at all. In fact, glass-front kitchen cabinets are one of the few design elements that remain timeless regardless of trends.
Here's why they continue to be popular in 2025:
They've been used in kitchens for over a century, from French country homes to modern Scandinavian apartments. Glass doors never really left.
Whether your kitchen is rustic, contemporary, industrial, or transitional, there is a glass-door style that fits. For example:
BODBYN offers a traditional framed look
AXSTAD is more modern and flat-fronted
LERHYTTAN adds warmth with wood and glass fusion
Even if trends evolve, you can refresh the inside of your cabinets — update what you display, add LED lighting, or change out shelves to match current styles.
So no, they are not outdated. In fact, with the right design, they can be the focal point of a contemporary kitchen.
If you're planning to use glass doors, here are some tips to make the most of them:
Stick to a cohesive color palette or material (like all-white ceramics or clear glassware) to maintain a clean visual flow.
Interior lights can highlight your best pieces and add a cozy, ambient glow in the evening.
If you want the feel of glass but less exposure, frosted or ribbed options blur the contents while still reflecting light.
Store practical items like spices and Tupperware in base cabinets. Save the upper glass-front ones for beauty and balance.
Upper kitchen cabinets with glass doors are not just a design choice — they're a lifestyle one. If you're willing to stay tidy and want a kitchen that feels open, elegant, and expressive, glass doors are absolutely worth considering. They continue to stand the test of time and offer both aesthetic and functional value.
Whether you choose the clean lines of AXSTAD or the charming detailing of STENSUND, glass cabinets can elevate your kitchen into a space you're proud to show off.
If you're considering glass door cabinets or planning a full kitchen upgrade, there's no better way to get inspired than by seeing real IKEA kitchens in action. I've personally filmed and documented a wide range of IKEA kitchen setups, from minimalist to modern farmhouse to help you visualize what's possible.
👉 Browse all my filmed IKEA kitchens here:
mauritzinteriordesign.com/ikea-kitchen
All photos were captured directly in IKEA store showrooms to provide authentic, real-life inspiration.
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Glass-front upper cabinets are a classic design feature that never seem to go out of style. Whether you're designing a brand-new kitchen or looking to update your existing space, glass doors offer a unique opportunity to elevate your kitchen with a touch of openness, light, and sophistication. But are they right for you?