The IKEA Grimslöv and Åxstad cabinet fronts offer two distinct styles for the popular SEKTION kitchen system, differing primarily in aesthetic, finish, and overall vibe. Grimslöv features a classic shaker-style design with a satin off-white finish for a timeless, traditional feel. In contrast, Åxstad has a modern, minimalist look with a smooth matte finish, beveled edges, and is available in multiple colors.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right IKEA cabinet door for your kitchen renovation.
IKEA Grimslöv Cabinet Fronts
The Grimslöv series is IKEA's take on the ever-popular shaker cabinet door. With its classic frame-and-panel construction and versatile off-white color, it serves as a foundation for traditional, transitional, and modern farmhouse kitchen styles. It’s a go-to choice for those seeking a look that won’t go out of style.
- What it is: A shaker-style cabinet door with a framed profile and recessed center panel designed for the IKEA SEKTION kitchen system.
- Key features: Wide 3-inch stiles and rails (the frame), beveled interior edge, smooth foil finish, and a soft off-white color. A 25-year limited warranty is included.
- Price: Mid-range for IKEA, a standard 15x30" door is approximately $64.
- Style: Traditional, transitional, farmhouse, and classic. The timeless design makes it extremely versatile.
- Materials/Construction: Fiberboard core covered in a plastic foil finish for a smooth and durable surface that's easy to clean.
- Pros: Timeless shaker design fits almost any decor style. Foil finish is durable and very easy to wipe down. The off-white color is warm and inviting without being stark. Hides fingerprints and smudges well.
- Cons: Foil finishes can be difficult to repair if scratched or chipped. Limited to one color (off-white). The traditional look may not suit strictly modern or minimalist aesthetics.
The Grimslöv is perfect for homeowners who want a classic, adaptable kitchen style that balances traditional warmth with clean lines, prioritizing a look with proven longevity.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/grimsloev-door-off-white-70266538/
IKEA Åxstad Cabinet Fronts
The Åxstad series is a distinctly modern cabinet front with a clean profile and a sophisticated matte finish. While it has a paneled look reminiscent of a shaker door, its slim frame and smoothly integrated panel create a much sleeker profile. It's an excellent choice for contemporary, Scandinavian, and minimalist kitchens.
- What it is: A modern cabinet front with a matte finish, beveled edges, and an integrated panel, designed for the IKEA SEKTION system.
- Key features: Smooth matte surface that reduces glare, soft-beveled edges on both the doors and drawers, available in several colors including matte white and matte dark blue. Also comes with a 25-year limited warranty.
- Price: Mid- to upper-range for IKEA, a standard 15x30" door is approximately $92.
- Style: Modern, contemporary, and minimalist. The clean lines and non-reflective surface provide a sophisticated, high-end feel.
- Materials/Construction: Fiberboard core with a plastic foil (matte white) or painted finish (dark blue) that's soft to the touch.
- Pros: Sophisticated matte finish offers a premium, modern look. The subtle beveled detail adds visual interest without being traditional. Available in versatile modern colors, including a striking dark blue. Simple, clean lines are easy to dress up or down with hardware.
- Cons: The matte finish, while beautiful, is more prone to showing fingerprints, oils, and smudges than satin finishes. The price is noticeably higher than other IKEA door styles. Finish can be tricky to repair if damaged.
The Åxstad is ideal for those who love a clean, modern aesthetic and want the sleek look of a matte finish to create a contemporary kitchen with a high-end feel.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/axstad-door-matte-white-10426107/
Grimslöv vs. Åxstad Comparison
Style & Aesthetic
This is the most significant difference between the two cabinet fronts. The Grimslöv is firmly in the traditional and transitional camps. Its shaker-style frame is a design staple that has been popular for centuries and blends seamlessly into farmhouse, cottage, or classic home designs. It provides a sense of warmth, craftsmanship, and comfort.
The Åxstad, however, is unapologetically modern. Its design simplifies the shaker concept into a slim, single-piece profile with soft beveled edges. The matte finish enhances its sleek look, absorbing light rather than reflecting it. This creates a soft, velvety texture that works beautifully in minimalist, Scandinavian, and contemporary spaces where clean lines and subtle details reign supreme.
Materials & Finish
Both door styles are built on a fiberboard core, but their surface treatments create different user experiences. Grimslöv uses a plastic foil in a satin finish. This surface is smooth, durable, and practical for a busy kitchen, as it resists moisture and is incredibly easy to clean. Smudges and fingerprints rarely show, making it a low-maintenance option.
Åxstad's signature feature is its matte finish. This provides a beautiful, non-reflective look but comes with a maintenance tradeoff. Matte surfaces, especially in darker colors, are known to attract and display fingerprints and oils from hands. They require more frequent wiping with a microfiber cloth to stay looking pristine. While durable, the finish requires a bit more care to maintain its flawless appearance.
Color & Versatility
Grimslöv comes exclusively in a soft off-white. This color is highly versatile, providing a warm and bright base that works well with a wide variety of countertop materials, backsplash tiles, and hardware finishes. Pair it with butcher block for a farmhouse look or with black granite and brass pulls for a chic transitional vibe.
Åxstad offers more color choices, typically including a matte white and a popular matte dark blue. The matte white is crisp and modern, perfect for a bright, airy aesthetic. The dark blue is bold and sophisticated, serving as a dramatic statement for lowers or a full kitchen. This color availability makes Åxstad a stronger choice for those wanting to build around a precise contemporary color palette.
Price & Value
The Grimslöv is the more budget-friendly of the two, offering significant savings across an entire kitchen project. Priced at about $64 for a 15x30" door, its excellent value makes it a favorite for homeowners who want a classic, durable kitchen without breaking the bank.
Åxstad is positioned as one of IKEA's more premium options, with the same 15x30" door costing around $92. The extra cost is for the sophisticated matte finish and more intricate, modern production process. It delivers a high-end look for less than custom cabinetry, offering excellent value for those prioritizing a modern aesthetic.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both cabinet fronts offer fantastic quality and style within the IKEA ecosystem, but they are built for different design goals and lifestyles.
Choose the Grimslöv if:
- You want a timeless shaker style that will never look dated.
- Your home's aesthetic is traditional, transitional, or modern farmhouse.
- Low maintenance is a priority, you don't want to worry about visible fingerprints or smudges.
- You are working with a tighter budget and want to maximize value.
Choose the Åxstad if:
- You desire a sleek, modern, and minimalist kitchen.
- The sophisticated look of a matte finish is your top priority.
- You want color options like the trendy dark blue or a crisp matte white.
- You don't mind wiping down cabinet fronts more often to keep them looking perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Grimslöv and Åxstad?
The main difference is style and finish. Grimslöv is a classic shaker-style door with a versatile off-white satin foil finish, suited for traditional and transitional kitchens. Åxstad is a modern door with a sleek profile, beveled edges, and a distinctive matte finish, ideal for contemporary and minimalist spaces.
Are both Grimslöv and Åxstad compatible with the IKEA SEKTION system?
Yes, both Grimslöv and Åxstad are designed exclusively for the IKEA SEKTION kitchen planning system. They can be used interchangeably on all SEKTION cabinet boxes, drawers, and cover panels.
Which cabinet front is more durable?
Both are very durable and come with a 25-year limited warranty. The Grimslöv's satin foil finish is excellent at hiding minor wear and is exceptionally easy to clean. The Åxstad's matte finish is also durable but may require more diligent cleaning to avoid the buildup of oils, which could affect the finish over time.
Which door is easier to keep clean?
The Grimslöv is easier to keep looking clean. Its satin finish and framed details are much better at hiding fingerprints, dust, and smudges. The Åxstad’s smooth matte surface will show fingerprints and oil marks more readily, especially the dark blue version.
Can you paint Grimslöv or Åxstad cabinet doors?
IKEA does not recommend painting these doors, as their foil and painted surfaces are not designed for adhesion. While many DIYers have successfully painted them after extensive prep work (sanding and priming with a high-adhesion primer), doing so is at your own risk and will void the warranty.
Which style is more modern?
Åxstad is hands-down the more modern option. Its clean lines, handle-less potential, and matte finish are all hallmarks of contemporary kitchen design.
Which one is more expensive?
The Åxstad is consistently more expensive than the Grimslöv. Across all door and drawer sizes, expect to pay roughly 30-40% more for the Åxstad series.
Do these cabinet fronts come with handles or knobs?
No, hardware like handles and knobs must be purchased separately. This allows you to customize the final look of your kitchen. Both doors require you to drill holes for knob or pull installation.
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