Framed vs Frameless Cabinets: What’s the Difference and Which Is Best?

When planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, one of the most important choices you'll make is whether to go with framed or frameless cabinets. This decision affects not only the look of your cabinetry, but also the storage space, door styles, and even the type of hardware you’ll need. If you’ve heard terms like face frame, inset, or Euro-style, this guide will break it all down clearly.

At Armada Design Center, we help homeowners in the greater Seattle area design beautiful, functional kitchens and bathrooms—and cabinet style is always one of the first design conversations we have.

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What Are Framed Cabinets?

Framed cabinets feature a face frame, which is a 1 to 2-inch-wide wood frame attached to the front of the cabinet box. The doors and drawers are then mounted to this frame. This style is traditional in American cabinetry and is known for its strength and classic appearance.

Common Variations of Framed Cabinets:

• Overlay: Doors sit on top of the frame (can be partial or full overlay).

• Inset: Doors sit within the frame, flush with the cabinet face, creating a clean, built-in look.

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What Are Frameless Cabinets?

Frameless cabinets, often called European-style cabinets, have no face frame at all. Instead, the cabinet box itself is built thicker for strength, and doors are attached directly to the sides of the box. This creates a sleek, seamless look that’s ideal for modern kitchens.

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Key Differences Between Framed and Frameless Cabinets

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Pros of Framed Cabinets

• Sturdy Construction
  The face frame adds strength and helps keep the cabinet square over time.

• Versatile Aesthetic
  Works well with a range of styles, from farmhouse to transitional to traditional.

• Inset Door Options
  Allows for inset cabinetry, which is known for its high-end, furniture-like appearance.

• Traditional American Look
  Commonly used in many homes across the U.S., it’s a familiar and timeless option.

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Cons of Framed Cabinets

• Less Storage Access
  The face frame reduces the size of the cabinet opening slightly.

• May Obstruct Shelves
  Center stiles in some framed cabinets can get in the way of large items.

• More Visible Gaps
  In overlay styles, you may see more spacing between doors and drawers than with frameless styles.

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Pros of Frameless Cabinets

• More Storage Space
  Without a face frame, you gain slightly more usable space inside the cabinet.

• Clean, Modern Look
  Seamless door-to-door transitions make for a smooth, minimal aesthetic.

• Better Accessibility
  Wider openings make it easier to store and retrieve larger items.

• Great for Small Kitchens
  Maximizing space is key in tighter layouts, and frameless cabinets deliver.

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Cons of Frameless Cabinets

• Requires Precision Installation
  Frameless cabinets must be perfectly square and level for doors to line up properly.

• Limited to Full Overlay Doors
  You won’t be able to do inset or partial overlay styles with frameless designs.

• Thicker Cabinet Box Required
  Without a face frame, the cabinet box must be built from thicker material for strength.

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What Are Inset Cabinets?

Inset is a type of framed cabinetry, where the cabinet doors sit flush within the frame rather than on top of it. This style is known for:

• A refined, built-in look

• Tighter spacing around doors and drawers

• High craftsmanship (and usually higher price)

Inset cabinets are beautiful and timeless, but they do require more precision and can offer slightly less storage space than overlay styles.

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Framed vs Frameless Cabinets: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Framed Cabinets if:

• You want a traditional or transitional kitchen

• You love the detail and craftsmanship of inset cabinetry

• You don’t mind sacrificing a bit of space for extra structure

• You're prioritizing a custom, furniture-like appearance

Choose Frameless Cabinets if:

• You’re designing a modern or minimalist kitchen

• You want to maximize storage in small spaces

• You prefer sleek, full-overlay cabinet doors

• You want a smooth, uninterrupted look across your cabinetry

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Cost Comparison

Framed and frameless cabinets are often comparable in cost, depending on the manufacturer and material quality. However:

• Inset cabinets (a type of framed cabinet) are typically more expensive due to the precision involved.

• Frameless cabinets can sometimes cost more in labor if your contractor is less familiar with the installation process.

At Armada Design Center, we work with both framed and frameless cabinet lines at a wide range of price points to suit your style and budget.

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Final Thoughts

Both framed and frameless cabinets are excellent choices, depending on your design preferences and space. Framed cabinets offer a traditional look with plenty of flexibility, while frameless cabinets provide a modern, streamlined appearance with added storage benefits.

The best way to decide? Visit our showroom in Kent to see and feel the difference in person. Our design experts will walk you through your options and help you make the best decision for your kitchen or bath renovation.