Cathedral cabinets have a unique charm. Their arched, raised-panel doors echo the elegant lines of European churches. But in many homes, these cabinets now feel dated. The golden oak, heavy trims, and ornate details can make kitchens look stuck in the past.
If you want a fresher, more current look, you don’t have to rip out everything. Modernizing cathedral cabinets is possible—and much more affordable than a full remodel.
This guide will walk you through the smartest ways to update cathedral cabinets without losing their character. We’ll explore design choices, step-by-step methods, costs, and common mistakes. You’ll also see real-life examples, practical tips, and a side-by-side look at different approaches.
Whether you’re a DIY beginner or a homeowner planning to hire help, you’ll find everything you need to create a kitchen that feels brand new.
Why Modernize Cathedral Cabinets?
Many homes built in the 1980s and 1990s feature cathedral cabinets. Their curved, high-arched doors were once a sign of luxury. Over time, tastes changed. Now, most people prefer clean lines, lighter colors, and simple hardware.
Keeping your old cathedral cabinets can make your kitchen feel dark or busy. But replacing them is expensive—often $10,000 to $30,000 for a full set. By modernizing what you have, you can:
- Save money (often 70–90% less than full replacement)
- Reduce waste (no need to send cabinets to the landfill)
- Keep solid wood boxes, which are usually high quality
- Boost home value with a fresh look
Modernizing isn’t just about paint. You can update every part: color, hardware, glass, trim, and even the cabinet shape. Let’s look at the options.
Assessing Your Cabinets: What Can Be Changed?
Before you start, check what you have. Cathedral cabinets come in many variations. Some are solid oak; others have a thin wood veneer. Some doors have deep arches, while others are more subtle.
Walk through your kitchen and note:
- Are the doors in good shape? (No cracks or warps)
- Is the finish smooth or peeling?
- Do you want to keep the arch detail, or hide it?
- Is the wood real or laminate?
- How is the hardware attached?
If your cabinets are solid wood and the boxes are sturdy, you have many options. For laminate or damaged cabinets, you may need extra prep or new doors. Take photos and measurements. This will help you plan and shop for supplies.
Credit: www.reddit.com
Top Methods To Modernize Cathedral Cabinets
Not all updates are equal. Some are quick and simple, while others require advanced skills. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective methods, from easiest to most dramatic.
1. Painting For A Fresh Look
Painting is the most popular way to modernize cathedral cabinets. A new color can change the entire mood of your kitchen. Whites, grays, and deep blues are on trend.
Steps:
- Remove doors and hardware.
- Clean with a degreaser.
- Lightly sand all surfaces.
- Apply a bonding primer (essential for glossy oak).
- Use two coats of cabinet paint (satin or semi-gloss).
- Let cure, then reinstall hardware.
Tips:
- Spraying gives the smoothest finish, but a foam roller works for DIYers.
- Use cabinet-grade paint for durability.
- Fill heavy wood grain with spackle or grain filler for a modern, flat look.
Common Mistake: Skipping primer leads to peeling paint.
2. Replacing Hardware
Old, ornate brass handles make cabinets look dated. Swap them for sleek pulls or simple knobs in black, brushed nickel, or matte gold.
- Measure hole spacing before buying.
- Choose minimalist shapes for a modern effect.
- Consider longer pulls for tall doors.
Hardware can be changed in an afternoon and costs $50–$300 depending on quality.
3. Removing Or Toning Down The Arch
The arch is the most traditional feature. To modernize, you can:
- Replace doors with shaker-style (flat panel) doors.
- Add trim to square off the arch (install a panel inside the arch for a “faux shaker” look).
- Use wood filler and sanding to flatten gentle arches.
This approach costs more but has the biggest impact.
4. Adding Glass Inserts
Replacing solid panels with glass inserts lightens the look and adds visual interest.
Types:
- Clear glass for a contemporary feel
- Frosted or seeded glass for privacy
- Wire mesh for an industrial edge
Cutting glass requires skill, but kits are available for DIY.
5. Open Shelving
Remove a few cabinet doors to create open shelves. Paint the interior and add LED lighting for a modern display.
Best for:
- Upper cabinets that don’t store messy items
- Showing off dishes or cookbooks
Be sure to patch hinge holes and finish edges cleanly.
6. Updating Crown Molding
Heavy, ornate molding can make cabinets feel old-fashioned. Try:
- Replacing with a flat, simple trim
- Removing altogether for a clean line
- Adding modern trim shapes (like cove or square)
A carpenter can handle tricky cuts for angled ceilings.
7. Refacing
Cabinet refacing means replacing just the doors and drawer fronts, then covering boxes with new veneer or paint. You can pick any style—shaker, slab, or even modern arches.
- Professional refacing costs $4,000–$9,000 (average kitchen)
- DIY kits are less, but need careful measurement
Refacing is ideal if your cabinet boxes are solid but you want a whole new door style.
8. Two-tone Finishes
Modern kitchens often use two-tone colors: darker lowers and lighter uppers, or a pop of color on an island.
- Paint base cabinets navy, black, or green
- Paint uppers white or light gray
This adds depth and makes the kitchen feel custom.
9. Soft-close Hinges
Swapping out old hinges for soft-close models instantly makes cabinets feel higher end.
- No more slamming doors
- Hinges cost $3–$10 each
Check compatibility with your door style.
10. Lighting Upgrades
Under-cabinet lighting or LED strip lights inside glass cabinets make a huge difference.
- Choose warm or cool white, depending on your kitchen
- Plug-in kits need no wiring
Lighting highlights your updates and adds a modern touch.
Cost Comparison: Painting Vs Refacing Vs Replacement
Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll spend for each upgrade method. Prices are for an average 10’x10’ kitchen.
| Method | DIY Cost | Pro Cost | Time Needed | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Painting | $150–$500 | $1,500–$4,000 | 3–7 days | Beginner–Intermediate |
| Hardware Swap | $50–$300 | $200–$600 | 1 day | Beginner |
| Door Refacing | $1,500–$4,000 | $4,000–$9,000 | 5–10 days | Intermediate–Pro |
| Full Replacement | N/A | $10,000–$30,000 | 2–4 weeks | Professional |
Most homeowners choose painting and hardware for the best value. Refacing is a good middle ground if you want a door style change.
Credit: almostmakesperfect.com
Choosing The Right Modern Color
Color can instantly pull your kitchen out of the past. The most popular modern cabinet colors include:
- White: Always fresh, makes small kitchens feel bigger
- Light gray: Soft and neutral, hides dust better than white
- Deep navy: Bold but classic, pairs well with brass or gold
- Sage green: Calm, organic feel
- Black: High drama, works best in large, well-lit kitchens
You can also choose a wood stain, but pick lighter, cooler tones (like white oak or ash).
Tips For Picking The Right Shade
- Paint a sample board and view it in different lights
- Consider your countertops and backsplash (warm or cool undertones)
- If walls are dark, go lighter on cabinets
Non-obvious insight: Pure white often looks too stark—choose an off-white or very pale gray for a softer look.
Step-by-step Guide: Diy Cabinet Painting
If you decide to paint your cathedral cabinets, here’s a detailed process for best results.
1. Prep Is Everything
- Remove all doors and drawers (label them so you know where they go)
- Take off all hardware and hinges
- Clean with TSP (trisodium phosphate) or a strong degreaser to remove old grease and wax
2. Sanding
- Lightly sand all surfaces with 120–220 grit sandpaper
- Focus on smoothing the arch details
- Wipe off dust with a tack cloth
3. Repair And Fill
- Fill deep wood grain or dents with wood filler
- For very deep cathedral arches, consider using a filler to create a flatter center panel
- Sand smooth again
4. Priming
- Use a bonding primer (oil or shellac-based for oak)
- Apply with a brush in corners and a roller on flat surfaces
- Let dry fully (follow can directions)
5. Painting
- Use cabinet-grade enamel paint (waterborne alkyd is ideal)
- Apply thin, even coats
- Let dry between coats (usually 4–6 hours)
- Two coats are usually enough
6. Reinstall
- Let doors cure for at least 48 hours before rehanging
- Attach new or cleaned hardware
Pro tip: Set up a drying rack with nails or screws to keep doors off the ground while drying.
Door Style Upgrades: Should You Replace Or Modify?
The main reason cathedral cabinets look dated is the arch. There are two main ways to deal with it:
Replacing Doors
Order new shaker or slab doors from a cabinet supplier. Match the size and hinge type. This is more expensive but gives a completely new look.
Modifying Existing Doors
- Add wood trim inside the arch to create a rectangle (“faux shaker”)
- Fill the arch with MDF or plywood
- Use Bondo or similar filler, then sand and paint
Non-obvious insight: Sometimes, a small trim piece (like a thin lattice) can visually square off an arch, even if the original arch remains behind it.
Adding Modern Touches
Beyond paint and hardware, small upgrades make a big difference.
Lighting
Install under-cabinet LED strips. These are easy to mount and make your workspace brighter.
Glass Doors
Swap a few solid doors for glass. Frosted or ribbed glass hides messes but still looks modern.
Open Shelves
Remove doors from one or two upper cabinets. Paint the inside a contrasting color.
Crown And Toe Kick Updates
Switch out heavy crown molding for a slim, flat trim. Replace old toe kicks (the bottom panel under cabinets) with a matching modern material.
Credit: www.freshdesignblog.com
Mistakes To Avoid
Modernizing cathedral cabinets can go wrong if you:
- Paint over grease or glossy finishes (paint won’t stick)
- Ignore the arch—just painting it white still looks dated
- Pick colors without testing in your kitchen’s light
- Use cheap hardware that breaks or tarnishes
- Forget to label doors and drawers (installing gets confusing)
Pro tip: Take your time with prep. Rushing leads to chips, drips, and uneven finishes.
Real-life Examples
Example 1: Oak Cathedral To Modern White
A homeowner had golden oak cathedral cabinets with heavy brass pulls. They sanded, primed, and painted the cabinets a soft white (Sherwin Williams Alabaster). The arch was left, but with matte black bar pulls and new glass doors on two uppers, the kitchen felt bright and modern.
Example 2: Refaced With Shaker Doors
An older kitchen with cathedral doors was refaced with custom shaker doors. The boxes were painted pale gray, and the new doors had simple black hardware. The transformation was dramatic—no sign of the old arch.
Example 3: Diy Faux Shaker
A budget project: The homeowner added trim inside each arch to square it off, filled the old grain, and painted everything navy blue. The effect was almost as good as new shaker doors but at a fraction of the price.
Table: Quick Comparison Of Modernization Methods
Here’s how each method stacks up for cost, difficulty, and impact.
| Method | Cost | Difficulty | Visual Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paint Only | Low | Easy | Medium |
| Paint + Hardware | Low | Easy | High |
| Door Refacing | Medium–High | Intermediate | Very High |
| Glass Inserts | Medium | Intermediate | High |
| Open Shelving | Low | Easy | Medium |
Maintaining Your Modern Cabinets
After all your hard work, you want the finish to last.
- Clean with gentle soap, not harsh chemicals
- Avoid hanging wet towels on painted surfaces
- Tighten hardware every few months
- Touch up chips with leftover paint
Non-obvious insight: Painted cabinets need 2–3 weeks to fully cure. Be gentle for the first month.
When To Call A Professional
Some upgrades are easy for DIYers. Others (like full refacing or glass inserts) may need a pro.
Hire help if:
- You have many cabinets with deep arches
- Doors are damaged or warped
- You want a flawless sprayed finish
- Electrical work is needed for lighting
Always get quotes and check references.
Environmental Benefits
Modernizing instead of replacing saves trees and keeps old cabinets out of landfills. Many older cabinets use real hardwood, which is more durable than many new ones.
If you do replace doors, see if you can donate the old ones or use them for garage or workshop storage.
Where To Buy Supplies
- Local paint stores (ask for cabinet-grade products)
- Hardware stores (for pulls, hinges, and lighting kits)
- Online retailers (custom doors, trim, and glass)
For more ideas and images, check resources like Houzz.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Cathedral Cabinet?
A cathedral cabinet has a raised panel door with an arched (cathedral-style) top. This style was popular in the 1980s and 1990s, usually in oak or maple. The arch detail is what makes it “cathedral.”
Is It Better To Paint Or Reface Cathedral Cabinets?
Painting is much cheaper and faster. Refacing costs more but gives you a whole new door style. If you like your cabinet layout and boxes are in good shape, painting is usually enough. If you dislike the arch, refacing is better.
How Long Does It Take To Modernize Cathedral Cabinets?
Painting and hardware updates take about one week for a typical kitchen. Door refacing or glass inserts can take 1–2 weeks, depending on parts and installation.
Can I Remove The Arch From Cathedral Cabinet Doors?
You can’t cut it out completely, but you can cover it. Add trim or filler to flatten the arch, then paint. Or, replace the doors with shaker style for a full transformation.
What’s The Most Modern Cabinet Hardware Finish?
Matte black and brushed gold are the most popular modern finishes. Brushed nickel and chrome are also common. Avoid shiny brass or overly ornate pulls for a current look.
Modernizing cathedral cabinets is one of the best ways to refresh your kitchen without the mess and cost of a full renovation. With the right steps, you’ll be amazed at how different your space can feel. Whether you choose to paint, upgrade hardware, or go for new doors, the transformation is well worth the effort.