4 Cabinet Finishes Every DIYer Must Know
Cabinet finishes are one of the most important choices you make when designing or updating your space. The right finish can transform the overall look and feel of your kitchen, bathroom, or living area—whether you’re going for a sleek modern aesthetic, a warm rustic vibe, or something in between.
At Modern Twig, we offer a range of high-quality cabinet finishes made to work seamlessly with IKEA cabinets, so you can get a custom look without the custom price tag. In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular cabinet finishes, highlight their benefits, and show you what makes each one stand out.
1. Matte Finish
A project by Modern Twig / Door style: White Shaker
Matte cabinet finishes have gained popularity in recent years due to their sleek and contemporary appearance. Unlike glossy finishes, matte surfaces absorb light rather than reflecting it, creating a softer, more muted look.
Why choose matte?
- Low maintenance: Less prone to showing fingerprints and smudges compared to high-gloss finishes.
- Premium feel: The smooth, velvety texture adds a refined touch to any space.
- Works with various styles: Whether paired with bold colors or neutral tones, matte finishes add a modern, understated elegance to any space.
2. Wood Veneer Finish
A project by Modern Twig / Door style: Walnut
It’s no secret that textured and natural wood finishes are regaining popularity. In fact, it’s one of our Top 10 Kitchen Cabinet Trends of 2025. But the high cost, high maintenance custom cabinet made from real wood is not the only way to achieve that look. Enter wood veneers!
Wood veneer finishes bring the beauty of real wood into your space, offering a luxurious and organic look without the price tag of custom solid wood cabinetry. Available in a range of wood species, these finishes allow you to achieve a range of aesthetics, from Scandinavian minimalism to Mid-Century Modern charm.
Why choose wood veneer?
- Authentic wood texture: Natural grain patterns give each piece a warm organic feel
- Durable and long-lasting: Veneer resists warping and cracking better than solid wood.
- Versatile: Works beautifully in both traditional and contemporary spaces.
Two of the most popular wood veneers are Rift White Oak and Walnut and it’s easy to see why.
- Rift White Oak creates a light and open feeling. It’s popular in modern, minimalist, Japandi designs and it’s one of the best-selling wood veneers here at Modern Twig.
- Walnut delivers a richer, more dramatic effect. Perfect for mid-century, rustic, farmhouse, and transitional designs.
💡 Pro Tip: For a high-contrast, modern look, pair light wood veneers like Rift White Oak with matte black hardware. Additionally, consider mixing wood veneer cabinets with painted ones to create a custom, layered aesthetic.
3. Faux Wood Finish
A project by Modern Twig / Door style: Beachwood
Faux wood finishes, also known as laminate or textured melamine, capture the look of real wood while offering enhanced durability and affordability. These finishes are ideal for busy households or rental properties where maintenance and long-term wear matter most.
There are several reasons why faux wood can be a great option:
- Moisture-resistant: Unlike natural wood, faux wood does not expand or contract with humidity changes.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep—no need for regular staining or sealing.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Some faux wood finishes are made from recycled materials, making them a sustainable choice.
One of our best-selling faux wood cabinet doors is Beachwood. Its lighter tone makes the space feel brighter, more open, and airy, while also creating a sense of calm and spaciousness.
💡 Pro Tip: Faux wood finishes are perfect in high-moisture areas like bathrooms, as they hold up better than real wood to humidity and spills. For a realistic look, pick a faux wood finish with an embossed texture that mimics real grain patterns.
4. Paint-Ready Finish
A project by Modern Twig / Door style: Paint-Ready Slab in Dunn-Edwards Pouring Copper
Last but definitely not least is the paint-ready finish. If you have a specific color in mind for your cabinetry, a paint-ready finish is the perfect blank canvas. These doors come primed and ready for paint, allowing you to match your cabinets to your existing décor or experiment with bold hues.
Why choose paint-ready?
- Fully customizable: Whether you prefer a classic white, deep navy, or terracotta, the choice is yours.
- Perfect for color refreshes: Easily repaint your cabinets down the line if your taste or trends change.
- Ideal for DIYers and designers: Great for those who want full creative control over their cabinetry.
When it comes to painting, you’ve got options. Different finishing styles can completely change the vibes of your paint-ready cabinets.
- Glossy Finish: Reflective and sleek, making colors pop and adding a modern touch.
- Satin Finish: Soft sheen that strikes a balance between durability and elegance.
- Eggshell Finish: Subtle smooth luster, ideal for a sophisticated yet understated look.
- Matte Finish: Non-reflective, and contemporary aesthetic that hides imperfections well.
💡 Pro Tip: For smooth professional-looking finish, use high-quality cabinet paint and a sprayer or fine-bristle. Want durability? consider applying a clear protective topcoat to seal your paint job.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right cabinet finish can elevate your space and define its overall aesthetic. Whether you want the modern elegance of matte, the timeless beauty of wood veneer, the practicality of faux wood, or flexibility of a paint-ready finish, there’s a perfect option for every style and budget.
If you’re ready to transform your cabinets, Modern Twig has you covered. Our high-quality cabinet doors elevate your standard IKEA cabinets to a custom look without the pricetag. Ready to bring your design to life? Book an appointment and let’s turn your project into a reality.
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