5 IKEA Kitchen Cabinet Styles Homeowners Love (And What to Know Before You Buy)
Choosing kitchen cabinets isn't as easy as it looks.
White or wood? Modern or traditional? A bold color or something that won't feel outdated in a few years? And how much should you actually spend on cabinet fronts?
IKEA offers plenty of options, but showroom photos don't tell you everything.
We looked at five well-reviewed IKEA kitchen styles available in the U.S. — what makes them appealing, what buyers like, and what you should know before ordering.
These IKEA kitchen cabinet styles all use the SEKTION system, but each offers something different.
1. LERHYTTAN Blue — A Kitchen With a Little Personality
LERHYTTAN doesn't look like your typical flat-front IKEA kitchen. Its muted blue color, solid birch frames, and recessed panels give it a more traditional, furniture-like appearance.
One of the best examples is IKEA's blue kitchen with an island made from rows of small drawers. With traditional metal handles and a wooden countertop, it looks almost like a vintage apothecary cabinet.
It's a great choice if you like classic American kitchens but want something more interesting than white Shaker cabinets.
What homeowners like: Buyers praise the solid feel, attractive finish, and expensive-looking design. The real wood frames and veneered panels are part of what makes this style stand out from more affordable wood-effect fronts.
What to consider: Blue cabinets make a statement, so your flooring, backsplash, and countertops need to work with the color. And while the doors may look reasonably priced individually, the complete kitchen can cost considerably more once all the components are included.
Best for: Homeowners who love traditional details and want a kitchen with character.
2. AXSTAD Gray-Green — Color Without Going Too Bold
Love green kitchens but worried you'll get tired of the color?
AXSTAD Gray-Green is a nice middle ground. The muted shade, matte finish, and simple Shaker-style doors give it a softer look than brighter green cabinets.
We especially like it with white upper cabinets. IKEA uses this combination in its farmhouse kitchen, keeping the lower cabinets and island green while the upper cabinets stay white.
You get some color without making the entire room feel green.
What homeowners like: Buyers appreciate the shade, classic design, and how well it works with different countertops and hardware. The same fronts can suit a modern kitchen or a more traditional home.
What to consider: Some owners have reported difficulty removing oily fingerprints and certain cooking stains from the matte finish, while others find it easy to maintain. It's also worth seeing the color in person — gray-green can look noticeably different under warm and cool lighting.
Best for: Anyone who wants to move away from an all-white kitchen without choosing a strong, dramatic color.
3. ENKÖPING Walnut Effect — The Warmth of Wood for Less
If white cabinets feel too plain and dark painted cabinets too heavy, ENKÖPING is worth considering.
Its brown walnut-effect finish brings warmth to the kitchen, while the framed doors keep the design from looking overly modern. It works particularly well with light countertops, simple hardware, and wooden furniture in nearby living spaces.
But there's an important detail: these aren't solid walnut doors. They're made from fiberboard with a decorative foil finish that imitates walnut.
What homeowners like: Buyers often mention the attractive wood look and value for money. Some say the finish looks even better in person than in IKEA's product photos.
What to consider: The doors may feel lighter than solid wood alternatives. And because the surface is a wood-effect finish rather than natural veneer, it's worth inspecting a sample before deciding.
We'd also avoid combining these cabinets with too many other dark surfaces, especially in a small kitchen.
Best for: Homeowners who want the look of a warm wood kitchen without paying for solid hardwood cabinetry.
4. VOXTORP Matte White — Clean Lines, No Handles
Kitchen cabinets, appliances, outlets, tile, countertops — there's already a lot going on in most kitchens.
VOXTORP helps keep things simple.
Its smooth matte white fronts have integrated handles, creating a continuous surface without rows of knobs or pulls. The result looks clean and works especially well in smaller kitchens and open-plan spaces.
What homeowners like: Buyers praise the minimalist design, easy-to-clean surfaces, and the convenience of having no protruding handles.
But there's one thing we'd definitely test before buying: how the doors feel when you open them.
Integrated handles look great, but they're different from traditional pulls. Try opening a wide drawer in the IKEA showroom to see whether you find the grip comfortable.
What to consider: One customer reported swelling near the recessed handle area after water exposure. That's an individual report, not necessarily a common issue, but it's a reminder to wipe away moisture rather than letting it sit.
Best for: Anyone who likes modern, uncluttered interiors and wants cabinets that don't draw too much attention.
5. ASKERSUND Light Ash Effect — A Modern Kitchen on a Budget
Not every kitchen renovation needs expensive cabinet fronts.
ASKERSUND offers a simple, Scandinavian-inspired look with a light ash-effect finish. The flat doors and subtle wood-grain pattern work well with white countertops, black handles, and neutral flooring.
It's especially appealing for first homes, smaller renovations, or projects where you'd rather save money for appliances and countertops.
What homeowners like: Reviews frequently mention the modern appearance and affordable price. Buyers appreciate getting a clean, finished look without spending heavily on cabinet fronts.
What to consider: Some customers say the finish looks cooler or grayer in person than in IKEA's photos. Others have noticed that the printed wood-grain patterns don't always line up perfectly across neighboring doors and panels.
Since ASKERSUND uses a wood-effect finish rather than natural wood, it's worth looking at a sample next to your flooring and countertop.
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners who want a light, modern kitchen without an all-white design.
Which of These IKEA Kitchen Cabinet Styles Is Right for You?
Each of these kitchens offers something different.
LERHYTTAN Blue: Traditional details and a more distinctive look.
AXSTAD Gray-Green: A softer way to bring color into your kitchen.
ENKÖPING Walnut Effect: Warm wood tones without solid wood prices.
VOXTORP Matte White: Smooth, handle-free cabinets for a minimalist space.
ASKERSUND Light Ash Effect: A modern look at a more affordable price.
The good news is that all five use IKEA's SEKTION system. You can choose the cabinet fronts you like while planning the storage, drawers, and layout around your needs.
Just remember that good-looking cabinets won't fix a poor layout. If you're still planning your space, check out our guide to common kitchen layout mistakes.
Before You Order Your IKEA Kitchen
A finished kitchen photo doesn't show everything that goes into the project.
SEKTION kitchens use separate cabinet frames, doors, drawers, hinges, suspension rails, cover panels, and other components. The exact list depends on your design.
Before ordering, make sure your plan includes all the necessary parts, check availability in your area, and account for assembly and installation.
Even with beautiful cabinet fronts, uneven doors, visible gaps, and poorly fitted panels can affect the final result.
If you're planning your budget, our kitchen cabinet installation cost guide explains what affects professional installation pricing.
Love Your IKEA Kitchen? We'll Install It
Tools & Hands provides IKEA kitchen cabinet assembly and installation across Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs. From SEKTION cabinets to finishing details, we handle it all.
