Cabinets, like most home décor, are subject to trends, and with trends come countless options. While trends are fun, it’s also essential to consider form and function when choosing your cabinetry. As homeowners, most of us love a good DIY project, but the multitude of options can be overwhelming. Since cabinets can be the central point of any room, choosing them is a big decision.

Whether you’re looking to update your cabinetry in the kitchen, laundry room, home office or another room, it’s important to find a style that fits your needs and style preferences. Take a look at these factors before you make any decisions.

#1: Spacing

Not only do you want to think about the space in the room, but you will also want to consider cabinet space – what will be going inside the cabinets? Make sure to get the most out of your space when choosing your home cabinetry. If possible, go for cabinets that offer adjustable shelves. This way, you can customize storage as your needs change.

#2: Cabinet Type

There are four basic cabinet types: base cabinets are under the counter; wall-mounted cabinets; tall cabinets are usually standalone, such as for a pantry; and specialty cabinets, such as corner units, hutches or wine racks. Whichever you choose, make them user-friendly. We can’t stress this enough – nobody likes an awkward cabinet. Make sure to keep in mind the location of the cabinet as well as the direction the door opens.

#3: Style

In general, there are four styles to consider when selecting your cabinetry: shaker, raised panel, recessed panel and slab door. Whether you’re looking for modern and contemporary, traditional and timeless or something more formal and elegant, there is a cabinet style for you.

#4: Hardware

The focal point of any cabinet is its hardware. Not only does hardware impact the final look of your cabinets, but it can also change the style by either dressing your cabinets up or taking more formal cabinetry and giving it a contemporary, laid-back spin. Consider first whether you prefer the look of knobs, pulls or a combination of the two, then choose a style and finish.

#5: Assembly

Depending on your DIY goals, the cabinetry you choose can be “ready to assemble” or “pre-assembled.” Ready to assemble cabinets are put together by the buyer — they’re less expensive and not difficult to assemble. Pre-assembled cabinets come to you good to go – they just need to be installed.

Cabinets are a vital part of your home, primarily because of their functionality. They’re also extremely visible to everyone who visits you. Therefore, in the long run, you’ll want to make sure you have cabinets that appeal to you, function well and stay in style for many years to come.