If you’re like me, always looking for ways to revamp your space without breaking the bank, then you’re going to love these refurbished cabinet ideas. Let’s dive into some creative ways to bring new life to those old cabinets, making them the star of your home.
1. Distressed Finish
A distressed finish can add a rustic charm to your cabinets. I used a simple sanding technique to reveal layers of paint, giving my cabinets a well-loved, farmhouse feel.
Some ideas to consider:
- Sanding Block Set: Achieve the perfect distressed look effortlessly with ergonomic sanding blocks for your cabinet project.
- Vintage Chalk Paint: Create a charming farmhouse finish using versatile chalk paint for effortless rustic cabinet appeal.
- Polyurethane Matte Finish: Protect your distressed cabinet look with a clear, matte polyurethane finish that lasts.
2. Create a Hutch
Turn a standard cabinet into a hutch by adding a few shelves and decorative backing. It became the perfect display for my vintage teapot collection.
These products might be useful:
- Decorative Shelf Liners: Enhance your hutch’s look with elegant shelf liners and showcase your treasures beautifully.
- Self-Adhesive Wallpaper: Add a stylish backdrop to your cabinet with easy-to-apply self-adhesive wallpaper.
- Adjustable Cabinet Shelves: Maximize space with adjustable shelves, perfect for organizing and displaying your teapot collection.
3. Two-Tone Cabinets
Experiment with two-tone cabinets for a trendy, designer touch. I painted the upper cabinets white and the lowers a soft gray, and it’s a total game-changer.
A few things you might like:
- Cabinet Paint Set: Transform your cabinets with a quality paint set for a stunning two-tone effect.
- Soft Gray Paint: Add elegance to your lower cabinets with this refined soft gray paint.
- White Paint: Brighten your space with this classic white paint for upper cabinets.
4. Transform with Wallpaper
Lining the inside of your cabinets with decorative wallpaper can add unexpected charm. I chose a floral pattern that delights every time I open the door.
Try these:
- Peel and Stick Floral Wallpaper: Revitalize your cabinets effortlessly with peel and stick floral wallpaper for instant charm.
- Wallpaper Smoothing Tool Kit: Achieve a smooth finish applying wallpaper using a convenient smoothing tool kit.
- Decorative Cabinet Knobs: Add elegance with decorative cabinet knobs complementing your wallpaper design.
5. Add a Backsplash
A backsplash can complement your refurbished cabinets perfectly. I went with a subway tile that added a classic feel to my eclectic kitchen.
Items that may come in handy:
- Subway Tile Backsplash Kit: Transform your kitchen with a classic subway tile backsplash that adds elegance and style effortlessly.
- Peel and Stick Backsplash Tiles: Easily install a chic backsplash with peel and stick tiles for a quick kitchen update.
- Tile Installation Adhesive: Secure your backsplash tiles with reliable adhesive, ensuring a long-lasting and durable finish.
6. Chalk Paint Magic
There’s something about chalk paint that instantly brings a vintage vibe to any piece. I once transformed an old kitchen cabinet with chalk paint, and it turned my kitchen into a cozy, shabby chic haven.
These products might help:
- Chalk Paint Set: Revitalize your cabinets effortlessly with this versatile chalk paint set—perfect for a vintage look.
- Decorative Cabinet Handles: Upgrade your cabinet’s charm with these stylish decorative handles for an elegant finish.
- Soft Bristle Paint Brush: Achieve a smooth, seamless finish on your cabinets with this soft bristle paint brush.
7. Incorporate Open Shelving
Replace a few cabinet doors with open shelves for a trendy look. I love how it turned my kitchen into a more inviting and functional space.
Useful items to consider:
- Industrial Pipe Shelf Brackets: Elevate your design with stylish pipe brackets for a sturdy, rustic open shelving addition.
- Wooden Floating Shelves: Add warmth and charm with elegant wooden floating shelves for your kitchen space.
- Cabinet Shelf Liners: Protect and add style to your open shelves with easy-to-clean cabinet shelf liners.
8. Go Bold with Color
Why stick to neutrals when you can make a statement with bold colors? I painted my cabinets a rich navy blue, and it added such depth and character to the space.
You might like:
- Rich Navy Blue Cabinet Paint: Transform your cabinets with this luxurious navy blue paint for a striking new look.
- Antique Brass Cabinet Hardware: Add a touch of elegance with antique brass handles, perfectly complementing bold cabinet colors.
- Decorative Cabinet Trim Molding: Enhance your cabinet redesign with intricate trim molding for added depth and sophistication.
9. Install Pull-Out Shelves
Maximize your cabinet space with pull-out shelves. These have made accessing items at the back of my cabinets so much easier – no more digging around!
Possibly handy products:
- Adjustable Pull-Out Cabinet Shelves: Transform your cabinet space with adjustable pull-out shelves for easy access and organization.
- Heavy-Duty Slide-Out Kitchen Shelves: Upgrade your kitchen cabinets with heavy-duty slide-out shelves for a smoother, more reliable reach.
- Wooden Cabinet Pull-Out Drawers: Enhance accessibility with wooden pull-out drawers, providing a natural look and expanded storage space.
10. Repurpose a TV Cabinet
An old TV cabinet can be repurposed into a stunning bar cart or even a kitchen island. I gave one a new lease on life by adding wheels and a fresh coat of paint, and now it’s the talk of every party!
Explore these options:
- Furniture Caster Wheels: Add mobility to your cabinet transformation with caster wheels, making it versatile and easy to move.
- Chalk Paint for Furniture: Revitalize your cabinet with a fresh coat of chalk paint, perfect for a modern, elegant look.
- Bar Cart Accessories: Enhance your bar cabinet setup with accessories for a complete and stylish entertaining experience.
11. Add a Plate Rack
Integrating a plate rack into your cabinet design can add both style and functionality. I love having my prettiest plates on display and easy to grab.
A few suggestions:
- Wall-Mounted Plate Display Rack: Showcase your favorite dishes stylishly with a durable, wall-mounted plate rack. Easy installation!
- Expandable Wooden Plate Organizer: Organize your kitchen beautifully with an adjustable wooden plate organizer for a personalized touch.
- Vintage Plate Holder for Cabinets: Enhance your cabinet’s charm with a vintage-style plate holder, perfect for an antique look.
12. High Gloss Finish
A high gloss finish can make your cabinets pop with a sleek, modern look. I found it surprisingly easy to achieve and it made cleaning a breeze!
Possibly helpful picks:
- High Gloss Cabinet Paint: Transform your cabinets with shiny, modern paint for an upscale, sleek look effortlessly.
- High Gloss Clear Coat: Enhance and protect your cabinets with this durable, glossy clear coat finish.
- Microfiber Polishing Cloths: Keep your cabinets spotless with these effective and gentle microfiber polishing cloths.
13. Incorporate Lighting
Installing undercabinet lighting can brighten up your workspace and add ambiance. I added LED strips and it transformed my kitchen into a cozy evening retreat.
Might be a good match:
- Flexible LED Strip Lights: Enhance your kitchen ambiance by installing flexible LED strip lights under your cabinets.
- Wireless Under Cabinet Lights: Install wireless under cabinet lights for a sleek, cable-free lighting solution in your kitchen.
- Dimmable LED Puck Lights: Add a warm glow to your cabinets with dimmable LED puck lights, adjustable to your needs.
14. Add Glass Panels
Swapping out solid doors for glass panels can give your cabinets an airy, open feel. I did this in my own dining room, and it beautifully showcases my dish collection.
A few helpful options:
- Clear Glass Cabinet Inserts: Transform your cabinets with elegant glass inserts, perfect for showcasing your prized dishware.
- Cabinet Door Glass Clips: Securely mount glass panels with these easy-to-install door glass clips for a flawless finish.
- LED Cabinet Lighting: Illuminate your glass cabinets with LED lighting to accentuate your displayed items beautifully.
15. Add Decorative Trim
Adding decorative trim can make your cabinets look like they belong in a stately home. I opted for a simple beadboard detail, and it turned out beautifully.
Consider these options:
- Decorative Wood Trim Molding: Enhance your cabinets with elegant wood trim molding for a sophisticated, classic look.
- Beadboard Paneling Sheets: Use beadboard paneling to add timeless charm and texture to your refurbished cabinets.
- Ornamental Wood Appliques: Elevate your cabinet style with intricate wood appliques for a luxurious decorative finish.
16. Create a Built-In Look
For a seamless design, consider creating a built-in look by extending cabinets to the ceiling. It not only added storage but also gave my kitchen a polished, cohesive feel.
Some handy options:
- Adjustable Cabinet Risers: Elevate your cabinet look and increase storage by using adjustable risers to reach the ceiling.
- Ceiling Crown Molding Kits: Enhance your cabinet aesthetics with crown moldings, creating a seamless, built-in appearance.
- Decorative Cabinet Trim: Add stylish trims to your cabinets for a polished, cohesive look that complements your decor.
17. Install New Hardware
Sometimes, all it takes is swapping out old handles for modern hardware to refresh your cabinets. I found some antique brass pulls that added the perfect touch of elegance to my kitchen.
May just do the trick:
- Antique Brass Cabinet Pulls: Update your cabinets with these elegant brass pulls for a sophisticated look instantly.
- Modern Brass Kitchen Handles: Transform your kitchen with sleek brass handles to achieve a fresh modern style.
- Elegant Gold Cabinet Knobs: Refresh your cabinets by installing these stylish gold knobs for a touch of luxury.

















