The Difference Between Inset, Overlay, and Full Overlay Cabinets

When it comes to kitchen and bathroom design, cabinets play a starring role. Beyond storage, they set the tone for your home’s style—whether it’s classic, modern, or somewhere in between.

But here’s where many Nashville homeowners get stuck: What’s the difference between inset, overlay, and full overlay cabinets?

At first glance, these terms might sound like minor details. In reality, they make a big difference in how your cabinets look, function, and fit into your space. Let’s break it down with clear explanations and examples.

What Are Inset Cabinets?

Inset cabinets are the most traditional—and often most high-end—style. With inset cabinetry, the cabinet doors and drawer fronts fit inside the frame opening, sitting flush with the face frame.

Think of it like a puzzle piece: the door sits perfectly within the frame, creating a smooth, clean look.

Benefits of Inset Cabinets

• Timeless elegance – Popular in shaker-style and historic homes.
• Sleek, flush finish – Everything sits in line, creating clean sightlines
• Durability – Crafted with precision joinery, inset cabinets are built to last.
  

Drawbacks of Inset Cabinets

• Cost – Precision craftsmanship comes at a higher price.
• Slightly less storage – The door sitting inside the frame reduces a small amount of interior space.
• Climate sensitivity – In humid climates like Nashville, wood expansion may cause doors to stick if not properly built.

Example of Inset Cabinets

Imagine a classic white shaker kitchen in Franklin or Belle Meade. The cabinet doors sit flush with the frame, accented with antique brass knobs. The result? A timeless, custom-built look that fits seamlessly with Southern traditional design.

What Are Overlay Cabinets?

With overlay cabinets, the doors and drawers sit on top of the cabinet frame rather than inside it. This is the most common cabinet type you’ll find in many homes because it’s cost-effective and versatile.

Benefits of Overlay Cabinets

• More affordable – Typically less expensive than inset cabinets.
• More interior space – Because doors sit outside the frame, you gain storage room.
• Variety of styles – Works well in both traditional and modern kitchens.
• Drawbacks of Overlay Cabinets
• Visible frame – You’ll see more of the cabinet frame between doors.
• Less seamless look – Compared to inset or full overlay, overlay cabinets look less custom.

Example of Overlay Cabinets

Picture a mid-range kitchen remodel in East Nashville: painted overlay cabinets in a soft gray, paired with stainless steel hardware. A bit of the cabinet frame shows between each door, giving it a slightly more casual look.

What Are Full Overlay Cabinets?

Full overlay cabinets are the modern cousin of standard overlays. Here, the doors and drawer fronts are cut larger to almost completely cover the cabinet frame, leaving very little space (or “reveal”) showing.

This creates a sleek, streamlined appearance similar to inset, but with more efficient storage.

Benefits of Full Overlay Cabinets

• High-end look for less – Similar to inset cabinets, but typically more affordable.
• Maximized storage – No space lost to frame edges.
• Contemporary design – Popular in modern Nashville homes and new builds.

Drawbacks of Full Overlay Cabinets

Requires precision hardware – Handles or pulls are necessary since there’s little frame to grab.  Not as traditional – May not fit the style of older or historic homes

Example of Full Overlay Cabinets

Think of a sleek, modern kitchen in The Gulch: matte navy full overlay cabinets with gold pulls. The doors cover nearly the entire frame, giving the space a custom, high-end feel.