Full overlay or Inset Kitchen Cabinets?

While there are differences between the cabinet designs, they are all lovely. In the end, the real difference is aesthetics and not function. Therefore, go with your preference. The three styles available are inset, full overlay, and partial overlay.

Inset Kitchen Cabinets

The doors in inset cabinets are inset into the frame, giving the cabinets a flat front surface while framing each cabinet door. This is a lovely look, which takes more talent and craftsmanship to produce. It is rather rare to actually see inset cabinets, because the extra craftsmanship, time, and effort increases the cost of the cabinets. Since this is a decorative touch, most people choose convenient internal improvements to the cabinets instead.

Full Overlay Cabinets

The doors completely cover the frame, giving the flat front surface without the framing effect of the inlay. This also gives you a slightly larger cabinet, as the inset doors do take space away from the overall size. This is such a beautiful look that it is what you see in many award-winning kitchens. Because of the savings associated with this style, many people invest instead in space and work saving improvements on the inside of the cabinets, such as pull out shelving, corner turntable cabinets, and deep organized drawers.

Partial Overlay Cabinets

With partial overlay cabinets, the doors overlay the frame with a gap that shows the underlying frame. This gives the cabinet a framed look, but the effect is not flat. However, you have the choice of using finger-pulls instead of hardware on these cabinet doors. This is good for a clean sharp look. The complaint most seen with inset and full overlay cabinets is that you are more likely to pinch your fingers with them. The doors either close into the frame or so close together that they can pinch easily. They also require hardware, because the doors cannot be opened without it. With or without hardware, the partial overlay cabinets are not likely to pinch your fingers.

More Thoughts on Style

It is not uncommon today for upper cabinets and lower ones to differ in style. If you love the look of inlay cabinets, you can use them for upper cabinets where the delightful style will show beautifully and use full overlay for your lower cabinets. This is especially nice when coupled with other features that set the cabinets apart, such as a lighter color for one than the other. Making the upper and lower cabinets differ in color or style is an option that is gaining in popularity.

Remember that the most important features of your kitchen are entirely based on your style, tastes, and preferences. Contact us at Edgewood Cabinetry to learn more about all the beautiful options you have in designing your new kitchen, with style and work-saving features you will love for many years.