How to Change Cathedral Cabinet Doors

Replacing cathedral cabinet doors can be a cost-effective way to update the look of your kitchen or bathroom without undertaking an extensive renovation. Whether you desire a more modern aesthetic or simply want to refresh your space, changing these doors allows you to customize their appearance according to your style preference. This guide will walk you through how to change cathedral cabinet doors, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure a successful transformation of your cabinetry. By following these simple steps, you can achieve a fresh new look with minimal effort and investment.

Why Change Cathedral Cabinet Doors?

There are several compelling reasons to consider replacing your cathedral cabinet doors. Firstly, updating these doors provides an opportunity to modernize your space, introducing a clean and contemporary design that aligns with current trends. Over time, cabinetry can also take on signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, dents, or fading, which can detract from the overall appeal of a room.

By changing the doors, you can renew the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom without the need for a complete overhaul. Additionally, selecting new materials or finishes can enhance the durability and functionality of your cabinets, potentially increasing your home’s value. Lastly, changing your cabinet doors allows you the creative freedom to express your personal taste, making your space more reflective of your unique style.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you begin the process of replacing your cathedral cabinet doors, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth and efficient project. Here’s a list of what you will need:

• Screwdriver or Drill: For removing the old doors and installing the new ones.
• Tape Measure: To accurately measure the size of your existing doors and verify the dimensions for the replacements.
• Level: To ensure that your new doors hang evenly and open and close properly.
• Pencil: For marking spots on the cabinets where new hinges or screw holes may be needed.
• New Cabinet Doors: Make sure they are the correct size and style for your intended design.
• Hinges and Screws: These may come with your new doors, but if not, ensure you have the right size and type for your cabinets.
• Sandpaper or a Sanding Block: For smoothing out any rough edges or surfaces before installation.
• Paint or Stain (optional): If you’re planning to customize the finish of your new doors, have your preferred paint or stain handy along with brushes or rollers.

By preparing these tools and materials in advance, you’ll be equipped to handle each step of the door replacement with confidence and efficiency.

10 Methods How to Change Cathedral Cabinet Doors

1. Replace Cathedral Doors with Shaker-Style Doors

One of the most straightforward methods to change your cathedral cabinet doors is to replace them entirely with shaker-style doors, which offer a clean, minimalist look. Shaker doors are flat panels with a recessed center and squared edges, making them versatile for modern, transitional, or farmhouse designs. To replace the doors, measure the current doors carefully, ensuring that the new shaker-style doors will fit the existing cabinetry. Once the new doors are ordered, remove the old cathedral doors by unscrewing the hinges, and attach the new shaker doors using the same hinge holes. This creates an immediate transformation from traditional to modern in a simple swap.

2. Reface the Cabinet Doors with Veneer

If replacing the cabinet doors entirely feels too drastic, consider refacing the cathedral doors instead. This involves applying a thin veneer or laminate over the existing doors to change their look without the need for full replacement. To do this, sand the surface of the doors to create a smooth base, then apply adhesive and the veneer material. You can choose from a variety of finishes, such as wood grain, white, or even textured options, depending on the look you’re going for. Refacing offers an affordable and less labor-intensive way to change the style of cathedral doors without removing them completely.

3. Paint the Cathedral Doors for a Fresh Look

Another way to update cathedral cabinet doors without completely changing them is to paint them in a new color. Painting can turn dated wood or stained doors into a modern, vibrant feature in your space. Start by removing the doors and thoroughly cleaning them to remove any grease or grime. Lightly sand the doors to create a surface that the paint can adhere to, then apply a primer. Once the primer is dry, paint the doors with the color of your choice using a high-quality paint for cabinetry. White, gray, or navy blue are popular modern choices, but the color is entirely up to your personal taste. After the paint dries, reattach the doors for an updated look.

4. Install Glass Inserts

If you’re looking to add an elegant or contemporary touch to your cathedral doors, consider replacing the central wood panels with glass inserts. This method adds transparency and light to your cabinets, creating a more open and airy feel. To do this, you’ll need to carefully cut out the center panel of the cathedral door, leaving the frame intact. Once the panel is removed, install glass inserts using silicone adhesive or glass clips. You can choose clear glass for a sleek, modern look or opt for frosted or textured glass for added privacy and style. Glass inserts make your cabinets feel more sophisticated and modern without completely overhauling the door design.

5. Add Trim or Molding to Create a New Design

For those looking to customize the cathedral cabinet doors without replacing them, adding trim or molding can dramatically change their appearance. By applying decorative wood pieces to the flat areas of the doors, you can create a more modern, geometric design or enhance the traditional look with ornate trim. Start by choosing trim that matches the style you’re aiming for, and cut it to size to fit along the edges or create new patterns. Attach the trim with wood glue or nails, and then sand and paint the entire door to unify the look. This method allows you to keep the existing doors while completely altering their design.

6. Convert Cathedral Doors into Open Shelving

If you want to change the look of your cabinets while also increasing accessibility, converting your cathedral doors into open shelving is an excellent option. Start by removing the cathedral doors entirely and patching any screw holes or damage left behind. Once the doors are off, you can paint or stain the cabinet frames to match your new style. With the doors removed, you’re left with open shelving that allows you to display dishes, decor, or storage baskets.

7. Replace Cathedral Doors with Flat-Panel Doors

If you prefer a minimalist, contemporary style, replacing the arched cathedral doors with flat-panel doors is a sleek option. Flat-panel doors are smooth, without any recessed or raised sections, offering a streamlined, clean look. To do this, order new flat-panel doors that match the dimensions of your existing doors. Remove the cathedral doors by unscrewing the hinges, and install the new flat-panel doors in their place.

8. Add Decorative Mesh or Metal Inserts

For a rustic or industrial vibe, consider swapping out the wooden panels of your cathedral doors for decorative mesh or metal inserts. Begin by cutting out the center panels of the doors, leaving just the frame. Choose a decorative metal mesh or patterned sheet that complements your design aesthetic, such as chicken wire for a farmhouse look or perforated metal for a more industrial feel. Attach the inserts to the back of the door frame using small nails or adhesive.

9. Distress the Cathedral Doors for a Vintage Look

For those who appreciate vintage or shabby chic styles, distressing your existing cathedral cabinet doors can give them a new, antique look. Start by painting the doors in a color that fits your desired aesthetic, such as white, cream, or light blue. Once the paint is dry, use sandpaper to gently distress the edges and raised areas of the doors, revealing the wood or base color beneath. This method creates a weathered, timeworn appearance that works well in farmhouse or cottage-style interiors.

10. Remove the Arched Detail for a Sleeker Profile

If the arched detail of your cathedral doors feels too ornate for your taste, you can modify the doors by cutting off the arched top and creating a squared-off design. This method requires careful cutting and sanding to ensure the doors have a clean, even edge after the arch is removed. Once the arch is cut away, you can sand down the edges and paint or stain the doors to match the rest of your cabinetry.

Conclusion

Updating and enhancing your cathedral cabinet doors can transform the overall aesthetic of your space without the need for a complete renovation. From painting and adding glass inserts to converting them into open shelving or replacing them entirely, these creative solutions offer a range of styles from modern to vintage. Each approach allows you to tailor your cabinets to fit your personal taste and the design of your home. Be sure to follow all instructions on how to change cathedral cabinet doors carefully, and always consult an expert when in doubt.