Stained cabinets refer to kitchen or bathroom cabinetry that has been treated with a stain, usually applied after the wood has been finished with a clear coat. The purpose of applying a stain is to add depth and richness to the color of the wood, as well as to highlight its natural grain patterns. Stained cabinets can come in various shades, from light to dark, depending on the type of wood used and the specific stain applied.