When it comes to designing cabinets for the kitchen, or any other room for that matter, many people don’t give a second thought to how you access items inside said cabinets. Typically the box will have one or two doors that swing out vertically, like a door into a house or room. Depending on how large the cabinet doors are, one may need to step back to allow the door to swing open freely; pretty typical for your everyday cabinets.
In today’s blog, we’re going to look at a few different storage options that Dura Supreme Cabinetry offers for opening cabinet doors. These different options can help break up the monotony of single doors all in a row, as well as give you a more convenient option for accessing what’s inside your cabinet box. Let’s take a look!
Wall Lift Cabinet Doors
Wall Lift Doors are a convenient way to access wall cabinets. What’s nice about a Wall Lift Door is the fact it doesn’t have a large “footprint” so to speak. The cabinet door lifts vertically to an open position, which means it is up and out of the way. This is especially nice if you are a busy cook or baker and you like to have your cabinet doors open to see and access what’s inside readily. No need to open and close doors, and best of all, you probably won’t hit your head on the open door!
The Wall Lift Door at this bar area can stay open so you and your guest can serve themselves while keeping the countertops clear. Dura Supreme design by CR Cabinets of Davenport, Iowa.
The below project by our friends at Emergent Construction of Indianapolis, Indiana shows how a Wall Lift Door used on a wall appliance cabinet can be more convenient than standard swing-out doors. The lift door is up and out of the way so you can access the most important appliance in the kitchen as you start your day. Just close it back up when you’re done and you can hide the countertop appliances.
Dura Supreme design by Emergent Construction of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Dura Supreme design by Emergent Construction of Indianapolis, Indiana.
The below project shows both the Wall Lift Door as well as a swinging door side by side. Notice the lift door doesn’t stick out as far as the swing door, allowing it to stay open without getting in the way of a person standing in front of appliances that get used a lot.
The Lift Door of this built-in hutch area can easily be opened up to reveal the desk area behind the door. You can easily hide laptops and other work accessories when not in use. How’s that for convenience?
Designed by Erin Harvard of Modern Mountain Cabinetry & Co, Loomis, California. Photo by Chantel Elder of Eleakis & Elder Photography
Wall Stay-Lift Cabinet Doors
Another option for a door that lifts out of the way is our Wall Stay-Lift Door. Unlike the Wall Lift Door that raises vertically, this cabinet door swings up horizontally, making it ideal for cabinetry that sit higher up. The door only needs 4.5″ max clearance above for it to open fully and the hinges are static so it will stay open at whatever angle you set it at. But beware! It can be difficult for those that are shorter in stature to close the door if it is set too high, so be sure to verify where it will work well, and who will be using it or be prepared to have a stool nearby!
A Wall Stay-Lift Cabinet Door from Dura Supreme Cabinetry.
A Wall Stay-Lift Cabinet Door from Dura Supreme Cabinetry.
Julie Holzman of Holzman Interiors in New York City, New York designed this contemporary styled kitchen with our Stay-Lift Doors. They work for both standard full doors as well as our aluminum frame door options.
Dura Supreme design by Julie Holzman of Holzman Interiors in New York City, New York.
Dura Supreme design by Julie Holzman of Holzman Interiors in New York City, New York.
Bi-Fold Lift Cabinet Doors
And finally, we have our Bi-Fold Lift Door option. Just as a bi-fold door hinges two doors together to swing open left or right, we have a bi-fold that hinges and lifts up. This design allows one to have a larger cabinet with doors that aren’t swinging towards you but up and away. One thing to consider is how far from the ceiling a cabinet with this door type is mounted, as it will need 4.75″ to 6.5″ of clearance, depending on the overall height of the cabinet.
The below image is a beautiful example of using Bi-Fold Lift Doors for storing all your dishes and glassware, and because they are mounted below another cabinet, they both can open fully without the worry of hitting the ceiling.
Design by Jeremy Sarcoz of Heartwood Designs in Sedona, Arizona. Photo by Michael Thackrah.
A Bi-Fold Cabinet Door from Dura Supreme Cabinetry.
The designer for the project below was very thoughtful about how close the Bi-Fold Door cabinet could get to the ceiling without the cabinet doors hitting. Another example of how you can have a larger cabinet and still have doors that lift up and out of the way rather than swinging toward you.
Design by Ispiri Design & Remodel of Edina, Minnesota.
As you’re looking to add visual interest to your cabinet design, as well as an alternative way to easily access items inside cabinets, consider our cabinet lift door options. Depending on the door lift style, the cabinet door style, and overlay itself, there are a few variations in sizes as well as some limitations, so you’ll want to discuss in detail with your designer what will work with your design and needs.
To get in contact with a Dura Supreme designer near you, just click here to find your local showroom!
