The IKEA Ringhult and Kvik Voxtorp cabinet series both offer sleek, modern Scandinavian design, but they differ significantly in construction, price, and the overall shopping experience. Ringhult is IKEA's budget-friendly option, built with a particleboard core perfect for DIY projects, whereas the Voxtorp series from Kvik uses higher-quality MDF or plywood, positioning it as a more durable, premium investment with greater customization.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which high-gloss, minimalist cabinet front is the right choice for your kitchen renovation.
IKEA Ringhult
IKEA Ringhult is one of the brand's most popular kitchen cabinet door series, known for its glossy, contemporary appearance and accessible price point. Built on the Sektion cabinet system, Ringhult uses a particleboard core with a foil finish, making it a go-to for DIY renovators, landlords, and anyone looking for a modern kitchen upgrade without a major financial investment.
- What it is: A series of high-gloss kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts designed to fit IKEA's modular Sektion cabinet frames.
- Key features: Smooth, seamless surface with a high-gloss foil finish. Simple, flat-front design with no integrated handles, requiring separate hardware.
- Price: Highly affordable, with U.S. base units costing around $100-$200 per cabinet. A small-to-medium kitchen can often be outfitted for under $2,000.
- Dimensions: Available in IKEA's standard Sektion sizes, accommodating a wide range of modular layouts.
- Materials/Construction: Particleboard core covered with a high-gloss plastic foil finish. Easy to clean but can be more susceptible to scratches and heat damage than high-end options.
- Style: Clean, minimalist, and ultra-modern. The high-gloss finish reflects light beautifully, making smaller kitchens feel bigger and brighter.
- Pros: Extremely budget-friendly. Widely available and designed for easy self-assembly. The modern style is versatile and visually clean. Compatible with IKEA's extensive range of interior organizers.
- Cons: Foil finish can be more prone to scratching and peeling over time. Particleboard core offers less durability and moisture resistance than MDF or plywood. Limited to standard modular sizes.
Ringhult is the ideal choice for renters, DIYers on a strict budget, or anyone prioritizing a modern aesthetic at the lowest possible cost.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/ringhult-kitchen-doors-27484/
Kvik Voxtorp
The Voxtorp series from Danish brand Kvik is a mid-range to premium kitchen solution centered on flawless Scandinavian minimalism and superior durability. It features clean lines and integrated handleless designs for a seamless look. Built with higher-quality core materials and finishes, Voxtorp is designed as a long-term investment that balances sophisticated design with practical functionality.
- What it is: A Danish-designed kitchen cabinet series focused on minimalist looks, durable construction, and user customization.
- Key features: Sleek, single-line aesthetic with integrated handle options for a true handleless kitchen. Soft-close hinges come as a standard feature.
- Price: Positioned in a higher price bracket, with individual cabinets costing between $200 and $400. A full kitchen setup typically ranges from $4,000 to $8,000+.
- Dimensions: Offers a wider variety of sizes and more precise configurations than most box-store brands, allowing for more tailored and custom-fit kitchen layouts.
- Materials/Construction: Features a high-quality MDF or plywood core with durable laminate or veneer surfaces that offer better resistance to scratches and moisture.
- Style: Pure Scandinavian minimalism. Delivers a more refined, premium aesthetic with options like matte or gloss surfaces in a broader palette of colors.
- Pros: Superior build quality and material durability. Greater customization in sizing and layout for a bespoke fit. Sophisticated, seamless design with integrated handles.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than IKEA alternatives. Less accessible for DIY installation, often requiring professional services. Not as widely available globally as IKEA.
The Voxtorp series is built for homeowners who want a durable, high-end custom kitchen and are willing to invest more for quality materials and a refined aesthetic.
Shop this product: kvik.co.uk
IKEA Ringhult vs. Kvik Voxtorp Comparison
Materials & Construction
This is the most significant difference between the two products. IKEA's Ringhult uses a particleboard core, which is standard for budget-friendly, ready-to-assemble furniture. While functional, particleboard is more susceptible to moisture damage and may not hold up as well to heavy wear over several decades. The foil finish provides a glossy surface but can be dented or scratched more easily than high-pressure laminate.
Kvik's Voxtorp uses a core of either MDF or plywood, both of which are denser, stronger, and more resistant to moisture and warping than particleboard. Its laminate or veneer finishes are also thicker and more resilient. The soft-close hinges and overall sturdier construction give Voxtorp a more substantial feel and a long lifespan suitable for a forever home.
Style & Aesthetic
Both series champion the clean, flat-front look of modern Scandinavian design. The IKEA Ringhult provides a simple, high-gloss surface that is sleek and bright but feels more utilitarian. Because it requires separate hardware, the final look is influenced by the handles you choose, offering some customization.
The Voxtorp design is more intentionally minimalist and refined. It often features an integrated J-pull handle or a true push-to-open system, creating a completely seamless and uninterrupted cabinet facade. With a wider range of high-end finishes like matte white or rich wood veneers, Voxtorp caters to a more sophisticated, architectural aesthetic.
Fit, Sizing & Customization
IKEA Ringhult is based entirely on IKEA's SEKTION system, which is a modular grid of standard sizes. While versatile, it means you adapt your design to their sizes. This works well for most standard kitchens but can leave awkward gaps or require filler pieces in unconventional spaces.
Kvik, including its Voxtorp line, offers a much wider catalogue of cabinet dimensions and configurations. This allows for wall-to-wall installations that feel more custom and built-in. This level of customization is ideal for homeowners who want to maximize every inch of a unique or challenging kitchen space.
Price & Value
There's no contest when it comes to the lowest upfront cost: Ringhult is significantly cheaper. For projects with tight budgets or in spaces where longevity isn't the primary concern (like a rental property), Ringhult delivers style at an unbeatable price.
Voxtorp costs substantially more, but it provides value differently - through durability, a higher-end experience, and better materials that should last much longer. For homeowners investing in a kitchen they plan to use for 15-20 years or more, the higher upfront cost can be justified by its superior lifespan and timeless design.
Who Each One Works Best For
The choice ultimately comes down to your priorities, budget, and project type. The IKEA Ringhult series is an excellent choice for first-time homeowners, flippers, or anyone undertaking a cosmetic renovation on a tight budget. Its accessibility and DIY-friendly nature empower shoppers to achieve a modern look quickly and affordably.
Kvik Voxtorp is tailored for established homeowners focused on a long-term, high-quality renovation. Its durability and sophisticated style make it a lasting investment. It's best for those who prefer a more personalized design experience and will opt for professional installation to ensure a flawless finish in their dream kitchen.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both cabinet lines deliver clean, modern Scandinavian style, but they are built for entirely different customers and project goals.
Choose IKEA Ringhult if:
- You have a strict budget and need the most affordable option.
- You are comfortable with DIY assembly to save on installation costs.
- The kitchen is for a rental property or a home you don't plan to be in long-term.
- You want the ease of in-store availability and a massive ecosystem of compatible IKEA products.
Choose Kvik Voxtorp if:
- Durability and build quality are your main priorities.
- You want a premium, seamless aesthetic with integrated handles.
- Your budget is larger, and you see this as a long-term home investment.
- Your kitchen has unique dimensions and requires a more customized, bespoke fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Ringhult and Voxtorp?
The main difference is in the brand, material quality, and price. Ringhult is an affordable, DIY-friendly cabinet front from IKEA made of particleboard and foil. Voxtorp is a premium, customizable kitchen series from Danish brand Kvik, made with more durable MDF or plywood cores and high-quality finishes.
Is Kvik better than IKEA?
Kvik is generally considered a higher-end brand with better materials and more robust construction than IKEA, making it a "better" choice for longevity and a premium feel. However, IKEA is better for shoppers on a tight budget who prioritize affordability and a straightforward DIY experience.
How much does a full IKEA Ringhult kitchen cost?
Depending on the size and complexity of the layout, a full kitchen renovation using IKEA Ringhult cabinets can range from $1,500 to $5,000 for all the cabinetry, frames, and basic components for a small to medium-sized kitchen.
Can homeowners install Voxtorp kitchens themselves?
While a skilled DIYer could potentially install a Voxtorp kitchen, it is a more complex system designed for a precise fit. Most customers choose professional installation offered through Kvik to ensure the best possible result, especially given the higher investment.
Which cabinet front is easier to keep clean?
Both Ringhult's high-gloss finish and Voxtorp's smooth matte or gloss surfaces are easy to wipe down. High-gloss finishes like Ringhult tend to show fingerprints and smudges more readily than matte options that are available from Voxtorp.
How long will an IKEA Ringhult kitchen last?
With proper care, an IKEA kitchen with Ringhult fronts can last for 10-15 years or even longer in a low-traffic environment. However, the foil finish may be prone to peeling or damage near high-heat sources like ovens and dishwashers over time.
Where can I buy these cabinets?
IKEA Ringhult is available worldwide at licensed IKEA stores and on their website. Kvik Voxtorp can be purchased from Kvik showrooms, which are primarily located in Europe and Asia, or through their website in select regions.
Are both brands committed to sustainability?
Yes, both IKEA and Kvik prioritize sustainability. IKEA is well-known for its large-scale initiatives in sourcing FSC-certified wood and reducing waste. Kvik also focuses on responsible sourcing and eco-friendly manufacturing to align with modern environmental standards.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
