Full Overlay Cabinets Explained
What exactly are full overlay cabinets? In short, they are a versatile cabinet design featuring doors that completely cover the cabinet face frame. But what does that actually mean, and what benefits does this style of cabinet offer?
Read on to learn everything you need to know about full overlay cabinets, from their distinguishing features to their best uses in your home.
Defining Full Overlay Cabinet Doors
Full overlay cabinet doors fully cover the cabinet face frame when closed. Only a slim reveal line is visible around the door perimeter, creating a streamlined, contemporary look.
Full Overlay vs. Other Cabinet Overlays
To understand full overlay cabinets, it helps to compare them to other common cabinet door styles:
- Partial overlay: Doors partially cover the face frame, leaving some of the frame exposed.
- Inset: Doors fit flush into the cabinet opening rather than overlaying the frame.
- Standard overlay: Doors cover part of the face frame, typically leaving 1-3 inches exposed.
Full overlay is considered a frameless cabinet design. The doors essentially take the place of a face frame, covering the raw cabinet edges for a more integrated and upscale look.
Hinge Concealment
Another defining aspect of full overlay cabinets is that their hinges are completely concealed inside the door and cabinet carcass. With partial overlay designs, you can see a portion of the hinge exposed on the cabinet frame.
The hidden hardware contributes to the seamless, contemporary style that makes full overlay cabinets desirable.
Benefits of Choosing Full Overlay Cabinets
Full overlay cabinets have grown in popularity over the years thanks to an array of benefits that make them a versatile design choice:
Sleek, Minimalist Look
The streamlined aesthetic of full overlay cabinets contributes to a modern, visually lighter look. By fully concealing the cabinet frame and vertical divisions, your kitchen appears more spacious and integrated.
Easier Cleaning
With less space surrounding each door and no visible cabinet face, there is decreased area for grime, fingerprints and grease to accumulate. Full overlay cabinets are easier to keep clean long-term.
Suited for Contemporary Style
If aiming for a contemporary kitchen design, full overlay cabinets nicely fit the bill. Their minimalist look complements other modern elements like flat-panel doors, streamlined pulls and clean lines.
Ideal for Galley Kitchens
For small, narrow galley kitchen layouts, full overlay cabinets can help expand the sense of space by reducing visible framing. The light appearance also pairs well with other space-enhancing tricks like light paint colors and glass cabinet doors.
Considerations When Choosing Full Overlay
While full overlay cabinets have distinct perks, they aren't perfect for every situation. Factors like budget, layout and style preferences come into play. Consider the following before selecting full overlay cabinets:
Precision is a Must
The overlay doors completely cover the cabinet frame and openings, leaving little room for installation error without costly modifications down the road. Exacting precision is required to allow proper clearance between surfaces.
Limited Customization
Due to their specialized construction and concealed hardware, full overlay cabinets allow less room for adjustments than simpler face-frame designs. Customization potential is limited once installed.
Potential for Corner Gapping
In u-shaped kitchen layouts, full overlay cabinets occupy more space in corner areas due to the overhanging doors, increasing the chance of gaps or interference. Careful measurement is key.
Best Uses for Full Overlay Cabinets
While no cabinetry suits every style, certain kitchen designs tend to pair especially well with full overlay cabinet options:
Contemporary Kitchen Style
The crisp, contemporary aesthetic of full overlay cabinets complements other modern design elements like waterfall edges, flat panels, open shelving and mix-and-match finishes.
Kitchens Lacking Architectural Detail
Galley and u-shaped kitchens sometimes lack special architectural elements due to small square footage. The streamlined look of full overlay cabinetry adds clean-lined interest.
Small Kitchen Layouts
For modest kitchen spaces like apartments, full overlay cabinets open up the aesthetic by reducing bulky visible frames to make the room appear lighter.
Mixing and Matching Full Overlay Cabinets
One versatile aspect of full overlay cabinets is that they combine seamlessly with other door styles by utilizing matching recessed interior cabinetry for a cohesive overall look:
Pairing with Open Shelving
The minimalist visual of full overlay cabinets works beautifully with the light, open lines of wall-mounted shelves. This elevates small, contemporary kitchens.
Combining Cabinet Door Styles
Consider using full overlay doors on lower cabinets to streamline the aesthetic, then add partial overlay doors on uppers to reveal a hint of frame that defines each grouping.
Exposed Hardware for Contrast
For a twist on the modern style, try combining full overlay doors with exposed nickel or black hardware. The visible hinges and handles become an intentional, complementary design focal point.
Full Overlay Replacement Doors
One budget-friendly way to reap the benefits of full overlay cabinets is by purchasing replacement overlay doors. This allows you to transform existing cabinet frames without the cost of full cabinet installation.
Maintain Existing Cabinet Layout
The frame, shelving, drawer construction and precise cabinet placement remain intact. Only the visible style changes, streamlining your update process.
Achieve Substantial Style Change
Since the door style accounts for most of your cabinets' visible surface area, switching the overlay design has an outsized impact on your kitchen's overall aesthetic.
Purchasing replacement doors saves substantially on demolition, carpentry and installation costs associated with entirely new cabinet sets. This keeps your remodel budget in check.
Whether opting for full cabinet replacement or easy overlay door swap-outs, full overlay cabinets lend a polished, contemporary look suited to a variety of spaces and styles. Evaluate your kitchen's specific spatial attributes, functional needs and overall desired aesthetic to determine if a full overlay design is right for you.