European Vs. Traditional Cabinets

Installation

• The physical setup and installation of European cabinets is one major area of distinction from traditional cabinets. European cabinets have their own suspension and support hardware that makes installation easier. They also tend to take their cabinetry with them when they move so the cabinets are attached to the countertop versus the wall. American cabinetry has taken on the aesthetic look of European cabinets, but homeowners haven't taken on the physical setup of the cabinets.

Paint and Stain

• European style cabinets come in colors, not just stain, and work better with retro and contemporary styles. These cabinets often have doors, but some have open faces that encourage a minimalistic lifestyle. European cabinetry might be found with clear or frosted glass varying fully from the full wooden doors of traditional cabinets. Traditional cabinetry is found in shades of cherry and mahogany as well as glazed or glossed pine and light brown maple.

Hardware

• The hardware is more contemporary and in materials ranging from plastic to stainless steel on European cabinetry. Historically, European hardware was plastic laminate with smooth lines; this made a bold statement. Traditional cabinetry features brass and gold-plated hardware as well as wood. Both European and traditional style cabinetry feature chrome in retro-inspired spaces.The hinges, highly visible on European cabinetry, are not visible or barely visible on traditional cabinetry. In keeping with the style, designers and homeowners tend to have more fun and take more risks with European cabinetry hardware.

Additional Differences

• Traditional cabinetry has plain interiors, without additional organizational systems, while European cabinetry has colorful yet functional interiors. It is popular to see a built-in cutlery organizer or a plate organizational system in European cabinets. This type, due to its frameless nature, has smaller size dimensions as it is typically developed for smaller accommodations in big cities. Traditional cabinetry has more space as it is historically developed for the family home.