1. HInge can be moved - will leave a large hole in the back of the door.

2. Shelf can be notched to clear the hinge - you may not like the look.

3. Glass can be frosted to make it translucent.

I would choose option 2. Or course, this problem should have been discussed with the cabinet maker first (before placing the final order)

I am linking a thread on this same subject; it contains pics which are helpful. There are some differences of opinion there. Also, the lining-up issue may depend upon where you are standing (near, far, off to the side), so the shelves may line up with the mullions at times, but then move a few feet, and it no longer looks lined up.

I had this problem in my kitchen too. It drove me so crazy (I am neurotic about things lining up), while it wouldn't bother other people whatsoever. I ended up replacing my 4 mullioned glass cabinet doors for clear glass doors. I had the clear glass edges bevelled for visual interest, but I was glad to do away with the lining-up issue. I talk about it on the linked thread, with some people agreeing with me and others not agreeing with me.

Here is a link that might be useful: Thread about Shelves Lining up with Mullions

Thank you for the help. Although I have done searches on mullions and shelves, glass shelves, wood shelves and everything else I could think of that might be relevant I couldn't come up with any threads on this subject. I thought I had seen one before with pictures of the misaligned shelves where people said it didn't bother them. If anyone knows how I could find other threads please let me know.

I did discuss this with my KD because I tend to be nuts about symmetry and alignment and this was not supposed to happen. However, as I went back over the final plans I see it was never put in writing so that is all water under the bridge. I'm looking for a way to fix this going forward with the least delay and cost. Or maybe I can get myself hypnotized into believing it all looks okay.

I had discussed this issue with my kd and she said that once the shelves were in place and items were on the shelves it would not be as noticable as it was when empty. Have you filled your cabinets yet?

She showed me a sample, and she was correct. You may try living with it for a while to see if it really, really bothers you.

I agree with Lodalady. After the last thread on shelves lining up, I looked through my kitchen magazines specifically to look at glass-front cabinets. In many cases, the shelves didn't line up, but it looked just fine and I had never noticed it before looking specifically.

As mentioned in the other thread...

• If the shelves line up for you, they won't line up for anyone taller/shorter than you

If you line them up while standing, they won't be lined up while sitting

Bottom line...you cannot line them up for everyone & for every situation/position.

Because symmetry & "lining up" is so important to you, I would do two things:

1. Replace the wood shelves w/glass shelves

Fill the cabinet and live with it for a while and see if you get used to it.

If you cannot get used to it and it keeps bothering you, then ask your KD to order either a different "piece" such as one w/diamonds or diagonal lines OR a "plain" piece, one w/no muntins/mullions (or whatever they're called!)

Good luck!

Hi,
Depending on how great the discrepancy is, there are several types of shelf pins to allow mounting flexibility. The one linked to can be used two ways; one way the shelf is centered on the hole, the other way it is centered about 3/4" above the hole. Maybe this would help.
Casey

Here is a link that might be useful: 2-way shelf pin

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll have a chance to check if your shelf pin idea will work later this week, Casey. But, we won't get our certificate of occupancy for at least a month and probably won't be moving anything in until April so it will be a while before I can really check to see if it bothers me with everything inside. It is good to know that there are solutions and I can fix this down the road if I really don't like it. I think part of what is maddening is that I thought I had this covered but failed to make sure in the final flurry of placing the cabinet order. If anyone has pictures with shelves like mine I would love to see them. Thanks.