If you’re planning a kitchen remodel or custom cabinetry project, you’ve probably come across terms like face frame, frameless, Eurostyle (frameless), or inset cabinets. But what do they actually mean — and why does it matter for your design?
At ARKA Cabinets, we believe that when you understand your options, you can make smarter, more confident choices. Let’s break down the basics of cabinet construction, and how the style you choose affects the look, function, and feel of your space.
What Is a Face Frame Cabinet?
Face frame cabinets — often called traditional American cabinets — have a solid wood frame attached to the front of the cabinet box. This frame acts a bit like a “picture frame” around the cabinet opening. The doors and drawers are then mounted onto this frame.
Benefits of Face Frame Cabinets:
- Classic, timeless appearance
- Sturdy structure — great for larger kitchens or homes with traditional architecture
- Supports a variety of door styles: inset, full overlay, and partial overlay
Inset Cabinets:
Inset doors sit flush inside the face frame, creating a smooth, furniture-like appearance. This style requires the highest level of precision and craftsmanship, making it the most expensive type of cabinet construction. It’s often found in luxury kitchens and high-end remodels.
Full Overlay Cabinets:
Full overlay doors lay over the face of the cabinet frame, covering nearly all of it. This provides a clean, modern look while still using a face frame structure. It’s a popular choice for transitional kitchens because it blends traditional construction with modern aesthetics.
Partial Overlay Cabinets:
Partial overlay doors cover only part of the face frame, leaving more of the frame exposed. Once a standard in American cabinetry, this style has become increasingly rare in modern design. At ARKA Cabinets, it’s been years since we’ve had a request for partial overlay cabinets. The style tends to look more dated, with wider gaps between doors and drawers and a less tailored finish than today’s full-overlay or inset options.
Design Notes:
Face frame cabinets are especially popular in classic, farmhouse, or transitional kitchens. The visible frame adds detail and craftsmanship to the design.
What Are Frameless (Eurostyle) Cabinets?
Frameless cabinets — also known as Eurostyle cabinets — skip the front frame altogether. Instead, the cabinet doors attach directly to the cabinet box. This creates a sleeker, more streamlined appearance with minimal visible gaps.
Benefits of Frameless Cabinets:
- Clean, modern look — ideal for contemporary or minimalist designs
- Maximized storage space inside the cabinet
- Consistent, tight lines between doors and drawers for a seamless aesthetic
Design Notes:
Frameless cabinets are a go-to choice for modern kitchens, Scandinavian-inspired spaces, and anyone who loves a clean, uncluttered look.
Which Style Is Right for You?
When choosing between face frame and frameless (Euro) cabinets, consider:
Your design vision: Do you love traditional details or clean modern lines?
Your storage needs: Frameless cabinets give you a bit more usable space inside each cabinet.
Your home’s architecture: A historic home might suit face frame cabinets beautifully, while a new build could lean modern with frameless designs.
Your lifestyle: If easy cleaning and maximum function are key, frameless cabinets often win points for simplicity.
Not sure how to choose the right style of cabinets? Consider working with a professional interior designer. We covered all the benefits of working with a pro, and how it can save you time and money, in our previous blog post. And don’t forget, ARKA offers design services in-house to make the process even easier.
ARKA Cabinets: We build both Face Frame and Frameless Cabinets
At ARKA Cabinets, we specialize in both cabinet construction methods, giving you true freedom in your design. Our expert team builds face frame cabinets, frameless Eurostyle cabinets, and every door configuration — full overlay, inset, and beyond. You aren’t limited by what we can produce — we fabricate every cabinet in-house using premium materials and proven techniques. We have the tools, knowledge and expertise to build cabinets that will last decades. Let’s start the conversation about building cabinets that are made to match your space, your taste, and your life.
Ready to explore your options?
Request a design consultation or visit our showroom to see both cabinet styles up close.
