When it’s time to install new cabinets in your home, there are a lot of exciting decisions to make. From choosing the perfect materials and finishes to selecting the colors that will complement your space, every detail plays a part in creating your dream kitchen, bathroom, or living area. But one of the most important decisions you’ll make when it comes to cabinetry involves its construction. Will you choose framed or frameless cabinets? This fundamental choice impacts both the aesthetic and functionality of your cabinets, so it’s essential to understand the differences between the two.

What is the difference between framed and frameless cabinets? In a nutshell, framed cabinetry has a face frame that provides an attachment point for doors and drawers, while frameless cabinetry does not have a face frame, offering the opportunity to do a range of styles from contemporary to traditional.

Want to learn more? Here’s framed vs. frameless cabinetry explained in depth:

What Is Framed Cabinetry?

Framed cabinetry, also known as American-style cabinetry, has been popular in traditional homes for decades. As the name suggests, these cabinets feature a frame on the front of the cabinet box. This frame, typically 1-1/2 inches wide, resembles a picture frame and allows your cabinet doors and drawers to be mounted in various configurations.

With all that in mind, it’s also helpful to note that there are three main types of framed cabinets:

Full Overlay

The cabinet doors cover most of the face frame, leaving only a small portion visible. This is a common style for box lines that do not offer frameless as an option. It’s helpful to note that frameless cabinets give you the same look of full overlay cabinets while maximizing the storage space available for you to use.

Partial Overlay

A ½” overlay is a common standard overlay where more of the face frame is visible around the doors and drawers.

Inset

The doors and drawers fit inside the face frame opening, sitting flush with the frame when closed.

Framed cabinets have long been appreciated for their classic, traditional look. The visible frame can add visual interest and a sense of craftsmanship to the cabinetry. However, it's worth noting that framed cabinets are slowly falling out of favor compared to their frameless counterparts, particularly in more modern or contemporary home designs.

What Are Frameless Cabinets?

Frameless cabinets, also known as European-style or full-access cabinets, are a more modern alternative to framed cabinetry. As the name implies, these cabinets do not have a face frame attached to the front of the cabinet box. Instead, the doors and drawers attach directly to the sides of the cabinet.

This style of cabinetry has gained significant popularity in recent years, particularly in contemporary and minimalist home designs. The absence of a frame creates a sleek look that many homeowners find appealing. But an enhanced appearance isn’t the only benefit of this style of cabinetry. Let’s take a closer look at the array of advantages of frameless cabinets…

Benefits of Frameless Cabinets

Increased Storage Space: Without a face frame, frameless cabinets offer full access to the entire width of the cabinet interior. This can result in more storage space compared to framed cabinets.
Larger Drawers: The frameless design allows for slightly wider drawers, providing even more storage space.
Easier Access: The lack of a frame means there's no center stile between doors, making it easier to reach items stored in the cabinet, especially in corner units.
Modern or Traditional Aesthetic: Frameless cabinets can be customized to suit a variety of kitchen designs, from contemporary to traditional (refer to the images below for examples of traditionally-styled frameless cabinets).
Customization Options: These cabinets often come with a wide range of door styles and finishes, allowing for greater customization.
Durability: Despite the absence of a frame, these cabinets are built to be sturdy and long-lasting.
Easier to Clean: With fewer nooks and crannies, frameless cabinets can be easier to keep clean.

A common misunderstanding is that frameless needs to be modern. Below, we showcase that by changing up the door style and other design elements, we can create a traditional look as well:

Making Your Decision: Framed vs. Frameless Cabinets

As you weigh the differences between framed and frameless cabinets, consider the following factors:

Aesthetic Preference: Do you prefer a classic, traditional look (which framed cabinetry can provide) or a more modern, streamlined appearance (which can be achieved with frameless cabinetry)?
Storage Needs: If maximizing storage space is a priority, frameless cabinets might be the better choice.
Budget: Framed cabinets can sometimes be less expensive, though this isn't always the case.
Customization: Both styles offer customization options, but frameless cabinets often provide more flexibility in terms of drawer sizes and internal fittings.

Design Beautiful Cabinets With Sean’s Cabinetry

When it comes to framed vs. frameless cabinetry, the choice often comes down to personal preference and the overall style of your home. Frameless cabinets have been gaining ground in recent years due to their modern look and practical benefits, but framed cabinets still hold their own, especially in more traditional home designs. Whether you're drawn to the classic charm of framed cabinets or the modern appeal and functionality of frameless designs, the key is to choose a style that you'll love for years to come.

If you're still unsure about which style is right for your home, or if you're ready to start designing your dream kitchen, reach out to the experts at Sean's Cabinetry. Our team specializes in both framed and frameless custom cabinets, ensuring you get the perfect fit for your space. Plus, we also design and install custom countertops to complete your kitchen transformation. Contact Sean's Cabinetry today, and let's bring your vision to life!

Framed vs. Frameless Cabinets: What’s the Difference?