This is a more traditional style of cabinetry, although it can be used in contemporary design. The cabinet box is built behind a picture frame-like structure on which the doors and drawers are applied. The frame itself is mostly visible when the cabinet door is open, but it can also be seen where the doors are set further apart. Framed cabinetry is usually slightly more expensive than frameless, because of increased material and finishing costs, and it can reduce your overall storage space and accessibility, but the end look of the cabinet is truly beautiful.

In frameless style cabinetry, doors are attached directly to the sides of the cabinet box with hinges that are most often hidden on the inside of the cabinet. Frequently referred to as Euro-style, this method lends itself to a more contemporary look.

Inset doors, by default, are also framed cabinets. Instead of being behind it, the frame exists around the cabinet door itself, making the spaces between cabinets flush with the doors. Like framed cabinetry, inset doors can reduce your storage space, but the result is aesthetically pleasing. This style is more expensive than overlay, because of increased material and finishing costs, as well as labor.

Overlay cabinet doors work with both framed and frameless cabinetry. In either case, the doors are set directly on top of the cabinet box or frame. In general, overlay doors are less expensive than inset, and are more widely by designers due to cost and increased functional aspects (larger cabinets, more storage space). In contemporary applications, overlay doors create a clean, seamless look, which appeals to a more modern design.

(shown in white)

(shown in off-white paint and medium glaze)

(shown in black with worn edges)

(shown in sage green with worn edges and glaze)

(Dark)

(Medium)

(Light)

(shown in medium stain and medium glaze)

(shown in lighter stain, heavy distressing, and dark glaze)