Do your kitchen cabinets look wrong? Maybe some are old and some are new. Or you lost a door and need a new one. Matching kitchen cabinets can be hard! This guide will show you how to match existing kitchen cabinets and looks very attractive. You will save money and your kitchen will look great!
Understanding Kitchen Cabinet Matching
What Does It Mean to Match Existing Kitchen Cabinets?
When we talk about how to match existing kitchen cabinets, we mean making new or fixed cabinets look like your old ones. This includes:
- Same color
- Same wood type
- Same style of doors
- Same handles and knobs
Why Matching Your Kitchen Cabinets Matters
Matching your cabinets is important for many reasons:
- Your kitchen will look better
- Your house might be worth more money
- You’ll feel happy when you see your nice kitchen
- You won’t need to buy all new cabinets
Common Problems When Matching Cabinets
Many things can make matching existing kitchen cabinets hard:
- Old paint may have changed color over time
- The wood might be a type that’s hard to find today
- The style of your old cabinets might not be made anymore
- The size might be different from what stores sell now
Step-By-Step Guide on How to Match Existing Kitchen Cabinets
Step 1: Know Your Cabinet Type
First, you need to know what your cabinets are made of:
| Cabinet Type | How to Spot It | Matching Tips |
| Oak | Light with strong grain | Hard to paint; better to stain |
| Maple | Smooth with light grain | Takes paint well |
| Cherry | Red-brown color | Gets darker over time |
| MDF | No grain, very smooth | Only use paint, not stain |
Also check if your finish is:
- Glossy (shiny)
- Semi-gloss (a little shiny)
- Matte (not shiny)
Step 2: Find the Perfect Color Match
To match existing kitchen cabinets, you need the right color:
- Take a cabinet door to a paint store
- Ask for “color matching” service
- Test the color on a hidden spot first
- Remember that colors look different in different light
Pro Tip: Paint stores can scan your cabinet with a machine to find the exact color!
Step 3: Match the Cabinet Door Style
Cabinet doors come in many styles:
- Shaker: Simple frame around a flat panel
- Flat: Just a flat door with no design
- Raised panel: Middle part sticks out
- Beadboard: Looks like lined-up wood strips
- Glass front: Has glass in the middle
To match your style:
- Take a photo of your cabinet
- Measure the parts of the door
- Look for similar styles in stores
- Ask if they can make a custom door
Step 4: Get Matching Hardware
The little parts matter when you want to match existing kitchen cabinets:
- Knobs
- Pulls (handles)
- Hinges
If you can’t find the same hardware:
- Look online at places that sell old-style hardware
- Take a picture to a hardware store
- Pick something new but in the same style
- Paint all hardware the same color
Step 5: Techniques to Blend Old and New
Sometimes your cabinets won’t match perfectly. Try these tricks:
- Glazing: Add a thin, see-through color on top
- Distressing: Make new wood look old with small marks
- Aging: Rub coffee or tea on new wood to darken it
- Two-tone: Paint upper and lower cabinets different colors on purpose
Step 6: When to Reface Instead of Replace
Sometimes it’s better to put new fronts on all cabinets:
- When the colors are too different
- When styles are very different
- When cabinets are very old
Refacing costs less than new cabinets but more than just matching existing kitchen cabinets.
Step 7: Working With Experts
Cabinet makers can help you match perfectly:
- They have special tools
- They know how to mix stains
- They can make exact copies of your doors
This costs $100-300 per door but gives the best match.
Helpful Tools for Matching Kitchen Cabinets
These tools will help when matching existing kitchen cabinets:
- Color-matching apps on your phone
- Paint deck (book of color samples)
- Wood stain samples
- Small sandpaper pieces
- Clear finishes in different shine levels
DIY Methods vs. Professional Help
| Task | DIY Difficulty | Pro Cost | Better Choice |
| Color matching | Hard | $50-100 | Professional |
| Door style matching | Medium | $150-300 | DIY for simple, Pro for complex |
| Hardware replacement | Easy | $25-50 per door | DIY |
| Refacing all cabinets | Very Hard | $1000-5000 | Professional |
FAQ About Matching Kitchen Cabinets
How do you match existing kitchen cabinets with new ones?
Take a door to a cabinet shop. They can scan the color and make new doors that match your old ones. Or they can help you pick a close match from what they sell.
Can you mix old and new kitchen cabinets?
Yes! Many kitchens now mix cabinet styles on purpose. You might have dark lower cabinets and light upper ones. Or wood cabinets with a painted island.
If you’re looking to organize your kitchen drawers efficiently, that can help your kitchen look better too.
Should I reface or repaint to match cabinets?
Repainting is cheaper but might not last as long. Refacing costs more but looks more like real wood. If your cabinets are in good shape, painting might be all you need.
How much does it cost to match kitchen cabinets professionally?
- Single door match: $100-300
- Color match only: $50-100
- Full kitchen refacing: $1,000-5,000
- All new cabinets: $5,000-20,000
Kitchen Updates That Go With Cabinet Matching
While working on how to match existing kitchen cabinets, think about these other updates:
- New countertops that go with both old and new cabinets
- Comparing gas vs. electric stove costs for a full kitchen update
- Induction vs. ceramic cooktops if you’re updating appliances
- Affordable kitchen remodel ideas to go with your cabinet update
Tips for Matching Cabinets on a Budget
Matching existing kitchen cabinets can be done cheaply:
- Buy unfinished doors and stain them yourself
- Look for “scratch and dent” sales at big stores
- Check online marketplace sites for leftover cabinets
- Use iron-on veneer for small damages
- Try peel-and-stick cabinet covers for temporary fixes
If your budget is really tight, consider easy weeknight dinner recipes that don’t need a fancy kitchen!
When to Give Up on Matching
Sometimes you can’t match cabinets perfectly. If:
- Your cabinets are very, very old
- The wood type isn’t made anymore
- The color was custom mixed
Then consider:
- Painting all cabinets a new color
- Creating a two-tone look on purpose
- Replacing all cabinet doors but keeping the boxes
How to Match Cabinets in Different Kitchen Types
Different kitchens need different matching tricks:
Small Kitchens
In small spaces, matching is extra important. Mismatched cabinets can make the room feel messy. For tiny kitchens, check out best kitchen gadgets for small apartments.
Commercial Kitchens
Restaurant kitchens need special care. They must follow rules and commercial kitchen hoods need regular cleaning.
Vintage Kitchens
Old kitchen styles need special matching. Look for salvage shops that sell old cabinets.
Conclusion: Successfully Matching Your Kitchen Cabinets
Matching existing kitchen cabinets takes time and care. But now you know how to:
- Find the right color match
- Pick the right door style
- Choose matching hardware
- Decide when to call a pro
With these tips, your kitchen will look great, and no one will notice which cabinets are new and which are old!
Remember that a perfect match might not be possible, but a good match that looks planned is sometimes even better. If you’re thinking about other kitchen projects, learn how to choose the right coffee maker or compare non-stick vs. stainless steel cookware for your updated kitchen.
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