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What are the Advantages to Buying Unfinished Cabinets?

Sheri Cyprus
Sheri Cyprus

Buying unfinished cabinets has many advantages. You can paint or stain them to match the color of other cabinetry in your home. Alternatively, you can choose a totally different color to coordinate with and add new interest to your home's overall decor. You can also choose the style of unfinished cabinet that best fits into the look you want for your home.

For example, if your interior design style is contemporary, you can then select unfinished cabinets with smooth, plain surfaces and clean lines. If, however, you have a Victorian decor in mind, you can choose a more elaborate unfinished cabinet design such as cupboard doors with a detailed molding trim or frame. Since there are so many stains and finishes available at do-it-yourself hardware stores today, you shouldn't have any problem finding an attractive finish.

Lighting can be mounted underneath unfinished cabinets that are then stained to match the kitchen decor.
Lighting can be mounted underneath unfinished cabinets that are then stained to match the kitchen decor.

The opportunity to be very creative is a major advantage of purchasing unfinished cabinets rather than pre-finished ones. An unfinished cabinet could be painted any color of the rainbow if you're looking for something different. You can also apply interesting paint techniques to unfinished cupboards such as a mottled look that involves light and dark shades of the same color. For an informal, rustic look, paint can also be spread in one thin coat on unfinished cabinets and then wiped off to leave a subtle color wash with the graining of the wood showing through underneath.

Another advantage in choosing unfinished wood when renovating bathroom or kitchen cabinets is that you can select a cabinet design that can fit a handle or glass door that will add an attractive update to the room. Even a few glass-fronted cabinets can help make a kitchen appear larger. If you can use a new door handle design on all your cabinets, this can instantly update and change the look of your kitchen or bathroom.

If you select unfinished cabinets that will hold helpful details such as a wine glass holder or lighting mounted underneath, you can add new function to your rooms as well. Before deciding on what kind of unfinished cabinet you want, it may be a good idea to look at kitchen or bathroom design shops and furniture stores for inspiring ideas. Looking at decorating magazines and websites can also help inspire ideas that you would like to use in your kitchen or bathroom cabinet renovation projects.

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    • Lighting can be mounted underneath unfinished cabinets that are then stained to match the kitchen decor.
      By: dpchung
      Lighting can be mounted underneath unfinished cabinets that are then stained to match the kitchen decor.