Going With Glass- Working with Mullion Doors

Ready to assemble (RTA) cabinets come with a variety of options. In many cases, you can select from solid wood kitchen cabinets or wood composites with an array of unique finishing details. One of those details is using glass in the cabinet doors. If you are looking for a great way to showcase the china and dinnerware items that you own, glass front doors can be the easiest way to do that. Use the guide below to help you decide if glass front doors are right for you.

Cabinet Placement
The first thing that you want to consider when thinking about glass front cabinet doors is where the cabinets will be placed. It is important that the cabinets be in a location that is both safe for glass and where they will look good. In most cases, glass front doors (also known as mullion doors) are best positioned above the counter. If you were to place them in your base cabinets, the possibility of them being kicked or broken is very real. Instead, select glass front doors that can hang above the counters. It is also a good idea to make sure that the cabinet front will not bang against anything when it is being opened. If there is a sharp corner or wall that the cabinet will bump into, it can cause a very real safety concern. Be sure that there is nothing obstructing the door as it swings open and shut.

Types of Glass
Many homeowners think that there is only one type of glass front cabinet that they can choose from. The beauty of RTA cabinets is that there are other options than just your standard glass panel. You can select from slightly opaque glass to glass that is patterned to match the needs of your kitchen design. If your cabinet shelves tend to be slightly disorganized, you may want to select a semi-opaque patterned glass that lets light through, but also shields the mess from guests when they come to call. Etched glass is also an option if you want a truly unique look in your kitchen.

Who Is In The House?
Perhaps you have narrowed down the cabinets that could safely contain glass and you have an idea of the type of glass that you would like to include in your kitchen’s design. Another thing to consider is who will actually be using the cabinets that have glass. If you have a household full of small children, glass front cabinets can be a cleaning nightmare. Not only will they collect fingerprints and smudges faster than you can clean them, but they can also become a safety hazard if they are repeatedly banged open and closed. While you may love the open look that glass front cabinet doors can provide, they may not be the best option for your growing household.

Selecting glass front doors is a big decision. While they are beautiful in design and offer a great opportunity to showcase your dishes and china, they also come with their fair share of issues. Before you invest in them, be sure that a glass front cabinet door is truly going to be the best choice for you and your family.

Jessica Ackerman, writes for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com and offers aspiring home designers the opportunity to decorate with wrought iron wall decor and wine wall sculptures.