IKEA products are known for their reliability and functionality and are therefore common in most kitchens. If you're looking to completely update your kitchen, whether from everyday wear and tear or just looking for a completely new look, it might be time to give your kitchen cabinet doors a refresh. But is your kitchen suitable for an easy replacement? The simple answer is that replacements are easy to find through both IKEA and third party websites. However, depending on which kitchen unit you currently have installed, the selection of available paneling differs significantly.
In an exclusive interview, House Digest spoke to Sofia Clarke, Media Relations Partner at Inter IKEA Group, who said these kitchen systems were designed with replacement in mind. “We’ve made it easy to change the fronts so customers can change them at any time to give their kitchen a new feel and look without having to replace the cabinets,” Clarke tells us, specifically referring to the SECTION Line.
Launched in 2015, SEKTION is the leading IKEA kitchen line across North America. It offers a full range of cabinet and drawer options to maximize the functionality and efficiency of your kitchen. The product line is currently still covered by the 25-year guarantee, so cabinets and drawers can easily be exchanged between the SEKTION product lines. The adaptable kitchen line also allows for some internal structural changes that do not require replacing the entire cabinet. “If you choose SEKTION as your kitchen, you can switch between all of our fronts as well as the interior details,” says Clarke.
Replacing discontinued cabinet lines
Not all IKEA kitchens fall under the newly introduced SEKTION system, as the outdated line is still present in homes across North America. The AKURUM system was discontinued about 10 years ago, so there were few replacements. Although the SEKTION cabinet panels are not directly compatible with the AKURUM system, Clarke tells us in her exclusive House Digest interview that you have options. “If you have an AKURUM kitchen, we have a smaller number of fronts to choose from, but there is still the opportunity to update your AKURUM kitchen,” she says. If you are looking to update your AKURUM cabinet panels, you may need to look into aftermarket options for a wider range of drawer and cabinet fronts.
Clarke recommends homeowners look for third-party websites, noting that “there are many companies that specialize in making fronts for our system, as the system itself is of good quality and at a low price.” Brands like Noremax and Superfront both offer fresh styles for your kitchen cabinets. Each focuses on different materials and colors, giving you the freedom to experiment with a range of options, including elegant handleless designs, natural wood panels or bold, colorful finishes. These aftermarket companies often use high-quality materials and innovative finishes, giving your kitchen an upscale aesthetic. For example, Superfront's vibrant colors and patterned paneling can make a bold statement in your kitchen, while Noremax's focus on timeless wood grains creates a warm, natural look. This flexibility ensures that you can achieve a modern, consistent look even with a discontinued IKEA system. These companies offer an excellent solution for homeowners looking to refresh their AKURUM kitchen without a full renovation.
Tips for replacing your IKEA cabinet doors
In her exclusive conversation with House Digest, Clarke told us that it's best to take stock of your existing kitchen furnishings before replacing your cabinet panels. If you use the SEKTION system in your kitchen, she recommends[s] First, think about what you need from the inside. Does it work for you or do you need more drawers, for example? Then, look at what you want the kitchen to look like, choose the front that best suits your aesthetic goals, and change it up.” Options like BODBYN's glass panels or HASSLARP's herringbone veneer can help you customize your space to better organize Does not affect personality or aesthetics. Mix and match cabinet fronts and replace only certain sections like your island to create a dynamic interior.
If you are dealing with an older AKURUM system, look to third-party companies for creative alternatives. These providers allow for even greater customization and offer designs that may not be present in IKEA's current range. For example, vertical wooden fronts or matt surfaces can give your kitchen an elegant, modern look. Additionally, many painted fronts can be sanded and repainted to suit your evolving style.
Clarke emphasizes reducing carbon emissions by not completely replacing your kitchen cabinets, but encouraging homeowners to “use as much of their existing kitchen as possible as this really saves resources and carbon.” By updating just the cabinet and drawer panels, you can give your space an eco-friendly refresh without breaking your budget. Whether you're revamping a SEKTION or AKURUM kitchen, a thoughtful approach will ensure your remodel meets both your aesthetic and practical needs.