Choosing the right cabinet finish is one of the most important steps when designing an IKEA kitchen. Should you go for high-gloss doors that reflect light and create a modern vibe, or matte finishes that feel calm, soft, and timeless?
IKEA VEDDINGE vs VALLSTENA – What’s the Real Difference?
06.06.2025
VALLSTENA
When planning a clean and modern IKEA kitchen, many homeowners consider VEDDINGE and VALLSTENA as top contenders. At first glance, these two fronts appear nearly identical – both are flat, minimalist, and white. However, there are subtle but important differences in material, finish, color tone, and pricing that can influence your final decision.
In this guide, we'll break down how VEDDINGE and VALLSTENA compare side by side.
VEDDINGE
Appearance & Aesthetic
Both VEDDINGE and VALLSTENA are sleek, handle-less kitchen fronts with a flat design, ideal for contemporary and Scandinavian-inspired interiors.
VEDDINGE offers a soft white tone with a slightly warmer base. It gives off a calm, minimalist vibe with a hint of warmth.
VALLSTENA appears just a touch cooler in tone, leaning toward a more neutral white. In most lighting conditions, the difference is hard to notice, but side-by-side it becomes more apparent.
VEDDINGE
NCS Color Codes
➤ VEDDINGE White: NCS S 0502-Y05R, gloss 40
➤ VALLSTENA White: NCS S 0602-G92Y, gloss 6 (matte finish)
These values confirm the undertone difference, VEDDINGE is slightly warmer, while VALLSTENA is cooler. The recently confirmed gloss level for VALLSTENA is just 6 at 60°, meaning it has a very low sheen matte surface. These codes are for guidance only. Different manufacturers or color mixes may produce varying results.
VALLSTENA
Material & Finish
VEDDINGE is made from MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and has a painted lacquer finish. This provides a premium, smooth surface but may require more care to avoid scratches or dents.
VALLSTENA is constructed from particleboard with an embossed rPP foil wrap (recycled polypropylene). The surface has a matte finish with a gloss level of 6 (at 60°), which gives it a subtle, low-sheen appearance. It is more resistant to moisture and easier to wipe clean, making it slightly more practical in high-traffic or family kitchens.
To the touch, VEDDINGE may feel more refined and silky-smooth, while VALLSTENA feels more structured and durable thanks to its textured, embossed surface.
VALLSTENA
Price Comparison
In markets like the U.S., VALLSTENA is positioned as a more affordable alternative to VEDDINGE:
A 15"x30" door in VEDDINGE: approximately $22
Same size in VALLSTENA: approximately $14
That's a price difference of about 36% (Mai 2025), making VALLSTENA a strong contender for budget-conscious projects without compromising the minimalist look.
VEDDINGE
Color Matching with Other IKEA Series
VALLSTENA shares the same NCS color code – S 0602-G92Y – with several other IKEA product lines. This includes wardrobe fronts like PAX: VIKANES, TYSSEDAL, HASVIK, GULLABERG, GRIMO, FORSAND, BERGSBO and PLATSA: SANNIDAL and FONNES.
If you're aiming for visual consistency across rooms, this makes VALLSTENA an excellent choice to pair with other white IKEA furniture using the same tone.
PAX: GRIMO
Practical Use
Both fronts are compatible with IKEA's METOD/SEKTION kitchen system (METOD in Europe, SEKTION in North America) and available in a wide range of sizes. The clean lines and handle-free look make them ideal for:
Small kitchens seeking visual simplicity
Modern apartments
Custom storage solutions throughout the home, such as wardrobes, home offices, or hallway cabinetry
PLATSA: SANNIDAL
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
Choose VEDDINGE if:
You want a slightly warmer white tone
You prefer a painted finish with a smoother, more premium feel
You're aiming for a high-end minimalist aesthetic
Choose VALLSTENA if:
You want to save money without sacrificing style
You prefer a finish that's easier to maintain
You're designing a functional, everyday kitchen with clean lines
The visual differences are subtle, but the price and finish may be the deciding factors depending on your priorities.
All images in this article were captured by Mauritz Interior & Design.
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