When planning a kitchen renovation, cabinetry is one of the biggest design decisions you’ll make… and one of the more expensive ones. Cabinetry style can dictate the overall aesthetic, but also the functionality and cost of your kitchen. One of the most common questions I get is, “What’s the difference between overlay and inset cabinets- and which is best for my kitchen renovation?” Overlay cabinetry often gets a bad reputation, but both styles have their place. Today, I’m breaking down the pros and cons of each so you can make the right decision for your space.
Last week, I shared how I designed a classic kitchen that still feels timeless, and our cabinets are a huge attributing factor (they’re overlay, by the way). Let’s dive into cabinetry details, so you can find the right fit for your kitchen. I’ve labeled each image throughout this post, so you can see real life examples of each from my projects!
What Is Overlay Cabinetry?
Overlay cabinetry means the cabinet doors and drawer fronts sit on top of the cabinet frame. There are three common types of overlay cabinets:
(from left to right)
Full Overlay: The doors and drawers cover most of the cabinet frame, creating a clean, streamlined look.
Partial Overlay: A portion of the cabinet frame remains visible, leaving more negative space and an obvious view of the face frame.
Frameless / Euro Style: These are sometimes called full access cabinets, and they feature doors that attach to the side of the cabinet box, which create a seamless or modern aesthetic… without seeing a face frame. These work well in ultra modern kitchens, where you’re look for a sleek slab style door or drawer.
Pros of Overlay Cabinets
- Typically budget-friendly and cost less than inset
- More interior storage space (no space lost to door inset)
- Easier to adjust and install
- Wider variety of styles, finishes, and price points
- They hide wear better
- Can be used for any style or aesthetic
Cons of Overlay Cabinets
- Doors and drawers sit proud of the frame (not flush)
- Overlays can feel dated if not done thoughtfully
- They don’t look as custom, compared to inset
What Is Inset Cabinetry?
Inset cabinetry is built so the doors and drawers sit perfectly flush with the cabinet frame. This style dates back to early furniture-making traditions and is often associated with timeless, high-end kitchens. They have a traditional, historic aesthetic.
Pros of Inset Cabinets
- Classic, furniture-like appearance
- Clean lines and elevated custom detail
- Timeless and often higher resale value or better return on investment
- They work beautifully in traditional and classic kitchens
Cons of Inset Cabinets
- More expensive than overlay (due to labor and craftsmanship)
- Less interior storage space
- Doors may need seasonal adjusting due to wood expansion
- Longer lead times (with any custom cabinetry)
- They show wear more quickly- it’s easy to bang or dent the face frame, and it’s visible
- Stylistically, the aesthetic is limited to more traditional kitchens
Overlay vs Inset Cabinets: Which Should You Choose?
So, having that information… which style is right for you? The truth is, both are beautiful options… it depends on your priorities.
Choose overlay if you would like to maximize storage, are on a budget, are concerned about durability, and fall within a wider range of aesthetics.
Choose inset if you love timeless or traditional design, have a higher budget, and prefer cabinets that feel more custom… like built-in furniture, that will age accordingly.
Personally, I love both styles. In my own projects, I’ve used inset for its timeless look, but I’ve also specified overlay in kitchens where storage and budget were my top priorities. The right answer comes down to your lifestyle, kitchen goals, and overall design aesthetic.
My Personal Preference
Because I know you’re going to ask me to choose just one… 75% of the time, my personal preference (in our home) is overlay cabinetry. Why? I just think for the price and practicality, it can be done in a timeless, tasteful, and enduring way. However, in this post- I gave you my unbiased perspective, as an interior designer… but most clients request inlay cabinets. It’s important to choose the option that best fits your home and budget. Each scenario is different!
FAQ
Not at all. Full overlay cabinets are sleek and timeless… just take my kitchen for example!
If your budget allows, inset cabinets definitely add a high-end, timeless feel. However, overlay cabinets can be just as stylish with the right design choices.
They do… slightly. Because the doors sit inside the frame, you lose a bit of interior width compared to overlay. You also have to consider banging pots or pans on the side of the door frame. They’re much easier to dent, and the cabinet door won’t hide those imperfections.
He prefers overlay because he’s a very practical guy. He likes the aesthetic of inset, but his analytical self likes having the durability and extra space. They’re also easier to build and maintain, so he’d choose overlay every time (if I’d let him).
I would advise against doing that in the same room… in your house- sure. In the same space, I’d avoid mixing styles.
I do! Here are my top paint color picks for dark kitchen cabinets.
Definitely! I’ve done that multiple times… it’s the best, budget-friendly way to totally transform the look of your kitchen. We did this in our basement bar. Check out my tutorial on how to replace & upgrade your cabinet doors.
Related Kitchen Renovation Posts
Looking for more ways to update or renovate your kitchen? I’ve shared a lot of resources and good posts. I’ll link some favorites for you below…
- The Kitchen Dimensions Every Designer Knows (And You Should Save)
- 10 Budget-Friendly Ways to Instantly Refresh Your Kitchen
- 50 Classic Kitchen Essentials from Amazon
- How to Install a Hidden Kitchen Trash Can
- Cabinetry Hardware Placement Guide (With Easy Examples)
- Our Kitchen Water Filtration System
- How to Mix Metals and Choose Kitchen Plumbing Fixtures & Hardware
- An Honest Review of the GE Cafe Range
- Ideas for Customizing a Kitchen Island Or Cart
- Easy Smart Home Kitchen Cabinet Lighting Ideas
Whether you lean toward the classic appeal of inset or the practical advantages of overlay, both cabinetry styles work beautifully. Overlay shouldn’t be dismissed… it can be just as stylish and intentional as inset when designed thoughtfully. My advice? Think about your lifestyle, budget, and the long-term aesthetic you want for your home. At the end of the day, when it comes to overlay vs inset cabinets and what’s best for your kitchen renovation, the right choice is the one that makes your kitchen feel timeless and best fits your family. Do you have a preference? Let me know in the comment section below!
The post Overlay vs Inset Cabinets: What’s Best for Your Kitchen appeared first on Room For Tuesday.
