What Are Full Overlay Cabinets? A Complete Guide for Homeowners

When you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, the style of cabinetry you choose will shape the entire look of your space. Among the many options available, full overlay cabinets are one of today’s most popular choices. With their sleek lines and nearly seamless appearance, they bring a modern, custom feel without the higher price tag of inset cabinetry. But what exactly are full overlay cabinets, and how do they compare to other styles?

Understanding Full Overlay Cabinets

The term “full overlay” describes how the cabinet doors and drawer fronts sit on the cabinet frame. In this style, the doors cover almost the entire face frame, leaving only a very narrow reveal—often as little as ⅛ of an inch. The result is a clean, uniform look that feels almost like a built-in.

Because so little of the frame shows, full overlay cabinets have a crisp, tailored aesthetic that fits beautifully in transitional and modern homes. They also maximize storage space inside the cabinet box, since the doors don’t cut into the usable interior area.

Full Overlay vs. Partial Overlay

To understand why full overlay is so popular, it helps to compare it with partial overlay cabinets, which have been common in traditional homes for decades. In a partial overlay style, more of the cabinet frame is left exposed—sometimes up to an inch or more. This creates a more classic, framed look, but it also makes the design appear a little busier.

Full overlay cabinetry, by contrast, offers smooth surfaces and tight lines. For homeowners who want a more updated, streamlined space, it’s an appealing choice.

Full Overlay vs. Inset Cabinets

Many people also compare full overlay to inset cabinets, where the doors sit flush inside the frame itself. Inset cabinetry is beautiful and timeless, but it requires extremely precise craftsmanship, which makes it one of the most expensive cabinet styles.

Full overlay cabinets achieve a similar “custom” feel at a more budget-friendly price point. They’re easier to install, and because they don’t sit inside the frame, they allow for slightly more interior space as well. For homeowners who want a polished look without the higher price tag, full overlay offers the perfect middle ground.

Benefits of Choosing Full Overlay

Homeowners often choose full overlay cabinets for a combination of practical and aesthetic reasons. Some of the top advantages include:

A sleek, modern look: Smooth cabinet faces give the impression of custom millwork.
More usable storage space: Every inch inside the cabinet matters, especially in smaller kitchens or bathrooms.
Design versatility: Works with many door styles, including shaker, flat panel, and raised panel.
Affordable luxury: Delivers a high-end look without the same cost as inset cabinetry.

What to Know About Hinges and Doors

Because the cabinet face is almost completely covered, full overlay cabinet doors typically require hardware—such as knobs or pulls—since there isn’t enough exposed frame to grab. Many homeowners pair full overlay cabinets with concealed, soft-close hinges, which not only look refined but also reduce wear and tear over time.

Measuring for full overlay cabinet doors is also different from partial overlay or inset designs. It’s important to size the doors correctly so that they line up evenly, with only the minimal reveal showing. This is where professional guidance is invaluable—ensuring everything is perfectly proportioned.

Are Full Overlay Cabinets Right for You?

Choosing the right cabinet style depends on your home’s design, your budget, and the look you want to achieve. If you’re drawn to clean lines, smooth surfaces, and a modern or transitional aesthetic, full overlay cabinets are an excellent option. They work beautifully in kitchens, bathrooms, and even laundry rooms—anywhere you want storage that feels both functional and stylish.

For homeowners who want the elegance of inset cabinetry without the extra expense, full overlay cabinets provide that same polished feel in a more accessible way.

Bring the Look Home

Cabinetry is more than just storage—it’s the foundation of your space. With full overlay cabinets, you can achieve a design that feels tailored, elevated, and timeless. Whether you’re updating a bathroom vanity or creating your dream kitchen, this cabinet style offers the balance of beauty, function, and value that homeowners love.

Call Premium Wholesale Cabinets today to connect with our design team and explore how full overlay cabinets can transform your home.