It’s always tough to make design decisions when it comes to cabinetry. There are so many things to consider! However, there’s one aspect that many homeowners gloss over that can greatly affect the desired look: cabinet construction. We’re not talking about the nitty gritty of building it, per se. We’re talking about the types of cabinet door overlays.

There are two types, in general: inset cabinet doors and overlay cabinet doors. We’ve talked about the former in a previous article, so today we’ll discuss the ins and outs of overlay cabinetry.

What is Overlay Cabinetry?

Overlay cabinetry describes a type of cabinet construction where the doors and drawers sit on top of the cabinet frame, hence the term “overlay.” There are two types, full overlay and partial overlay, depending on how much of the cabinet frames are covered. Contrast this to inset cabinets, where cabinet doors sit inside the openings of the face frames.

We’re certain you’ve seen this type of cabinet construction before! Full overlay cabinets were all the rage in the mid-20th century, and are making headway again in today’s contemporary and modern homes. Partial overlay cabinets, on the other hand, are seen in both contemporary and traditional style homes.

Full Overlay Cabinets vs Partial Overlay Cabinets

As we briefly mentioned, the key difference between full and partial overlay cabinets is how much of the face frame it covers. Full overlay cabinets leave only a minimal amount of the face frame exposed –around ⅛” to ⅜” only. This is just enough space to keep the doors from catching on each other. This minimal gap creates a seamless and continuous appearance that lends itself well to a clean and sleek aesthetic.

Why Should I Choose Full Overlay Cabinets?

1. Contemporary Aesthetics. Because of the streamlined appearance of this type of cabinet construction, full overlay cabinet doors are the best choice for contemporary homes. This is especially true when paired with flat slab doors and integrated finger pulls that double down on the clean and minimalist aesthetic.

2. Maximized Interior Storage. Because the entire cabinet frame will be covered by the door, the frame can be made as narrow as needed. This allows for larger and more spacious cabinet interiors and maximizes the available storage.

3. Increased Resale Value. The sleek and modern appearance of full overlay cabinets can greatly enhance the perceived value of a home. As long as it matches the rest of your home’s aesthetic, then this can potentially contribute to a higher asking price should you choose to sell your home.

On the other hand, partial overlay cabinets expose more of the face frame. About ½” of the cabinet door lies on top of the face frame while leaving about 1 ½” to 2” of the frame visible. In contrast to its full overlay sibling, partial overlay cabinets have a more traditional or classic aesthetic.

Why Should I Choose Partial Overlay Cabinets?

1. Traditional Aesthetics. In contrast to full overlay, partial overlay cabinet doors lend themselves well to traditionally styled homes. The visible frame edges allow more space for the cabinet doors to breathe. This in turn allows for more ornate and detailed door styles such as beaded edges and ogee profile edges.

2. Cost-effectiveness. Partial overlay cabinet doors are more cost effective to install when compared to inset and full overlay cabinets. This makes it a great option for those more budget-conscious. 

Are Overlay Cabinets Right For You?

Whether overlay cabinets are right for you depends on your design preferences and the aesthetic you envision for your space. Full overlay cabinet doors are a great fit if you heavily lean towards a clean and sleek contemporary look. If your inclinations skew toward the traditional, then partial overlay cabinet doors might work better. If you’re somewhere down the middle such as with transitional styles, then both will work well depending on the other details of your cabinetry. You might also decide that overlay cabinets aren’t for you and decide to go with inset cabinet doors instead!

The decision ultimately rests on your personal tastes. Your home is a reflection of you and your unique sense of style, so choose the style of cabinet doors that resonates with you.

Should you need further assistance, then it’s time to consult a professional. Wood & Co. has years of experience designing and building bespoke cabinets all across Long Island and various parts of New York. Get in touch with us and let’s work together to create your ideal living space!