When planning a custom kitchen remodel, one of the most common design questions homeowners face is: what are cabinetry overlays, and which style is right for my home?
Cabinetry overlays describe how your cabinet doors and drawers sit on, or within, the cabinet frame. The three main styles are inset, overlay, and frameless (European-style). Each option affects not just the look of your kitchen but also its storage capacity, functionality, and overall cost.
In this guide, we’ll break down what these terms mean, compare their aesthetic differences, and help you decide which style works best for your lifestyle and design goals.
What Is an Inset Cabinet Door?
Inset cabinetry is the most traditional and timeless style. In this construction, the doors and drawers are set inside the cabinet frame so that the surface sits flush. This precision requires expert craftsmanship and exact measurements, making it one of the most premium choices in custom cabinetry design.
Design Aesthetic:
- Perfect for classic and transitional kitchens in Doylestown, New Hope, and Buckingham
- Offers clean lines and architectural detailing
- Pairs beautifully with shaker and raised-panel cabinet door styles
Functionality & Storage:
Because the doors sit inside the frame, inset cabinets may have slightly less interior storage space than other cabinetry overlays. However, the flawless alignment and tailored look make it a favorite among homeowners seeking bespoke cabinetry solutions.
Cost Consideration:
Inset cabinets are often the most expensive option due to the high level of precision and durability required.
What Is the Difference Between Overlay and Full Overlay Cabinets?
Standard Overlay Cabinets
With a standard overlay, the doors and drawers partially cover the cabinet frame. A small portion of the frame remains visible between each door, giving the design a slightly more casual look compared to inset cabinets.
Full Overlay Cabinets
Full overlay cabinets, sometimes referred to as “franke overlay”, take the design further. In this style, the doors and drawers completely cover the cabinet frame, creating a smooth, continuous appearance similar to inset but without the recessed construction.
Design Aesthetic:
- Standard overlay works well in transitional kitchens where you want visible frame detail.
- Full overlay offers a more seamless, tailored look, making it a great fit for upscale homes in Princeton, New Hope, and Yardley.
Functionality & Storage:
Full overlay cabinetry maximizes storage since there’s no recessed door or extra framing taking up interior space. This makes it ideal for compact kitchens where every inch matters.
Cost Consideration:
While more cost-effective than inset cabinetry, full overlays are slightly more expensive than standard overlays due to the larger door sizes and precision installation required.
Are Frameless Cabinets Better Than Framed?
Frameless cabinetry, also called European-style cabinetry, eliminates the face frame entirely. Instead, doors attach directly to the cabinet box, creating an ultra-sleek, modern appearance.
Design Aesthetic:
- Popular in modern kitchen cabinetry designs throughout Princeton, Lahaska, and Stockton
- Offers a minimalistic, clean-lined aesthetic with a continuous flow across the cabinetry surface
Functionality & Storage:
Without the frame, frameless cabinets provide maximum storage space and wider openings, making them a smart option for homeowners prioritizing efficiency.
Cost Consideration:
Frameless cabinetry pricing varies depending on materials and finishes. It tends to fall between semi-custom full overlays and fully bespoke inset cabinetry.
How To Choose the Best Cabinet Door Overlay Style
Selecting the right cabinetry overlay comes down to three key considerations:
1. Design Goals
- Inset for timeless elegance and architectural detail
- Full overlay for a seamless, contemporary look
- Frameless for modern, minimalistic designs
2. Functionality Needs
- Frameless and full overlays provide more interior storage
- Inset cabinetry offers precision and durability but with slightly less usable space
3. Budget & Lifestyle
- Inset = highest investment, best for long-term customization
- Full overlay = mid-range pricing with a refined, custom aesthetic
- Frameless = modern appeal with flexible budget options
For expert help selecting the right style, our Bucks County cabinetry designers guide homeowners from Langhorne to Milford through every stage of the process—from inspiration and planning to installation.
Start Designing Your Custom Cabinetry
Whether you’re envisioning classic inset cabinetry for a New Hope home, sleek frameless cabinets for a Princeton kitchen, or a modern full-overlay design in Yardley, our design studio is here to help.
Explore our gallery, learn more about our process, and contact us to begin your custom cabinetry journey. With quality craftsmanship, personalized layouts, and thoughtful design, we’ll help you choose cabinetry overlays that elevate your kitchen’s beauty, function, and value.
