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Cabinet Style Guide: Inset, Framed, Frameless – What’s the Difference?

Modern frameless kitchen with white cabinets, wood accents, and marble floor. Features a stove, toaster, sink, blender, jars, and LED-lit backsplash.

Choosing cabinetry isn’t just about colors and handles; it’s about the bones of your design. The cabinet construction style you choose affects how your kitchen looks, how much storage you get, and how easily everything fits together.


In this guide, we’re breaking down the three most common cabinet construction styles:

  • Framed

  • Frameless

  • Inset


By the end, you’ll know exactly what works best for your style, space, and functionality.



Framed vs Frameless Cabinets:

The Core Cabinet Styles


Illustration of a framed and frameless cabinet. Framed has a visible frame around the drawer. Both cabinets have open drawers and doors.
Notice how the framed version has a "face frame" outlining the front, while the frameless cabinet shows full, unobstructed access. | *Photo Courtesy of Linn's Prestige Kitchens

When choosing kitchen or bathroom cabinets, one of the most foundational decisions you'll make is between framed and frameless construction. This choice affects how your cabinets look, how they function, how much storage you get, and even how they’re installed.


What Are Framed Cabinets?


Framed cabinets are the traditional American style of construction. These feature a “face frame” on the front of the cabinet box—think of it as a picture frame surrounding the opening.


Why choose Framed Cabinets?


  • Classic and durable

  • More door style flexibility (overlay or inset)

  • Easier to install on uneven walls

  • Great for transitional or traditional kitchens


Best for: Traditional to transitional kitchens, detailed moldings, or homeowners looking for long-term durability.


Modern kitchen with white shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and wood flooring. Bright window, cookbook, and plant add a cozy touch.

Modern kitchen with shaker cabinets, gray island, stainless steel appliances, and a black chandelier. Bright, clean, and minimalist.


What Are Frameless Cabinets?


Frameless cabinets (also known as "European-style" or "full access" cabinets) eliminate the face frame entirely. Instead, the door is attached directly to the cabinet box, creating a clean, minimal profile and maximizing space.


Why choose Frameless Cabinets?


  • Sleek and modern appearance

  • Full access to interior space (more storage!)

  • Consistent gaps between doors

  • Requires more precise installation for alignment


Best for: Modern kitchens, minimalist designs, or spaces where every inch of storage counts.


Modern kitchen with grey frameless cabinets, light countertops, and wood accents. A vase with flowers, cutting board, and striped towel add warmth.

Modern kitchen island with frameless cabinets, gold handles, and a built-in dishwasher. Sleek design with a white countertop and bar stools.
Photo Courtesy of Legacy Cabinets

What About Inset Cabinets?


Inset cabinets fall under the framed category, but with a twist in style and craftsmanship.


In inset cabinetry, the doors and drawers sit inside the face frame, flush with the cabinet box. This creates a highly tailored, elegant look often associated with custom work.


Why choose Inset?


  • Upscale, tailored aesthetic

  • Precise, flush door alignment

  • Popular in high-end and historic homes


Note: Inset cabinets typically require more skill to build and install. Due to the craftsmanship involved, they offer less flexibility for door overlays and can cost more.

Inset Cabinet Face Frame Styles.
*Photo Courtesy of Dura Supreme
Inset cabinet partially open, modern style. Black countertop with a red apple on top. Light wood floor, clean and tidy ambiance.



How to Choose the Right Cabinet Type?


Here’s how to quickly narrow it down:

  • Frameless → Love modern minimalism and storage maximization

  • Framed → Want traditional charm and flexibility

  • Inset → Going for custom, timeless, or high-end craftsmanship

Diagram of face frame cabinet doors labeled Frameless, Framed, Inset. Shows front and top views in black and white, text on white background.


Need Help Deciding?


Choosing between framed, frameless, and inset cabinetry doesn’t have to be confusing. At RMH Kitchen, Bath and Interiors, we help homeowners, designers, and contractors navigate cabinetry construction, door styles, finishes, and layouts, every step of the way.


📌 Cabinets are an investment in your home. Make the smart choice from the start.


Explore Our Cabinet Services and start designing with confidence.

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