Framed vs. Frameless Cabinets: Inset & Overlay Explained

Framed vs. Frameless Cabinets: Understanding Inset and Overlay Styles

When choosing new cabinetry, one of the most important design decisions you’ll make is the construction style — framed, frameless, inset, or overlay. These terms describe how the cabinet box and doors are built and how they fit together, affecting both appearance and functionality. At MDI Luxury Cabinetry, we believe understanding these styles helps you make a confident investment in quality cabinetry that fits your home’s aesthetic and lifestyle.

🔹 Framed Cabinets

Framed cabinets are the traditional American construction style. They include a solid wood “frame” around the front of the cabinet box, similar to a picture frame. The doors are then attached to this frame.

Benefits:

• Classic, timeless appearance.

• Added strength and durability.

• Easier to adjust doors for perfect alignment.

• Works well in both traditional and transitional kitchen designs.

Best for: Homeowners who love a traditional or farmhouse look with sturdy, long-lasting construction.

🔹 Frameless Cabinets

Frameless cabinets, often called European-style cabinets, do not include a face frame. Instead, the doors attach directly to the sides of the cabinet box, maximizing interior space and creating a sleek, seamless appearance.

Benefits:

• Clean, modern aesthetic.

• Provides more usable storage space.

• Easier access to the interior (no center stile between double doors).

• Ideal for contemporary and minimalist designs.

Best for: Those seeking a smooth, modern look and efficient storage — perfect for contemporary Florida homes and coastal kitchens.

🔹 Inset Cabinets

Inset cabinets are a variation of framed construction, where the doors and drawers sit flush inside the frame instead of resting on top of it. This requires precision craftsmanship — every door must fit perfectly within the frame.

Benefits:

• High-end, furniture-style appearance.

• Smooth, flush surface with clean lines.

• Often paired with decorative hinges for added detail.

Best for: Luxury kitchens and custom cabinetry projects where fine detail and craftsmanship are key. Inset styles are a hallmark of our MDI Luxury Cabinetry custom line, showcasing the precision joinery our brand is known for.

🔹 Overlay Cabinets (Full and Partial)

Overlay cabinets refer to how much of the cabinet frame the door covers:

• Full overlay: The door covers almost the entire frame, creating a clean, modern appearance similar to frameless styles.

• Partial overlay: The door covers only part of the frame, exposing more of the face frame and creating a more traditional look.

Benefits:

• Flexible styling options.

• Easier to replace or adjust doors later.

• Available in many of our MDI RTA and custom cabinet series.

Best for: Homeowners who want a balance of modern design and practical function — great for remodels and renovations throughout Pinellas County and beyond.

🔹 Choosing the Right Style for Your Home

At MDI Luxury Cabinetry, our design team helps you compare these options in person or through our digital design consultations. Whether you prefer the European simplicity of frameless cabinets or the classic precision of inset framed construction, our all-wood cabinetry collections deliver lasting quality, soft-close hardware, and luxury finishes built to impress.

👉 Explore our collections at MDILuxuryCabinetry.com

🏡 Local Expertise You Can Trust

Proudly serving Pinellas County, including Seminole, Largo, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, MDI Luxury Cabinetry combines craftsmanship, customization, and customer service you can count on. From RTA cabinetry to fully custom wood designs, we help homeowners and builders elevate every space with confidence.