Full overlay cabinets are built so the cabinet doors and drawer fronts fully cover the opening of the cabinet box. This creates a clean, seamless look with minimal gaps between each door and drawer.
That’s what you’re getting when you choose full overlay cabinets. And at Decor, that’s all we make.
What are full overlay cabinets?
They’re sometimes called “full access” or “frameless-style” cabinets. But technically, you can have a full overlay style on a face-frame cabinet too. The term refers to how much of the cabinet face is covered by the door or drawer front.
In a full overlay cabinet:
The doors and drawer fronts cover most of or the entire front of the cabinet box
The reveal (space between the doors) is minimal
Hinges are hidden
You won’t see much—if any—of the cabinet frame from the front
This gives you a tight, tidy, grid-like layout.
Why we only make full overlay cabinets
We choose full overlay cabinets because they look clean and modern, and in frameless construction, which is the case for Decor Cabinets, they allow for more interior cabinet space compared to traditional face-frame styles.
This gives you:
Consistent reveals across the kitchen
More storage space (especially in frameless styles)
A cohesive look across different cabinet types
Easier alignment when installing
Clean, modern, but not cold
Full overlay cabinets aren’t just for modern kitchens. They work in transitional and traditional spaces too. Shaker styles and applied mouldings can still shine when paired with this layout.
With minimal gaps and edges, you avoid visual distractions. Cabinetry looks more like furniture.
That’s something every room benefits from—kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, laundry rooms, offices.
Common FAQs about full overlay cabinets
Do full overlay cabinets require special hardware?
Not usually. But they do require hinges that support the full door coverage, which we include with all our cabinet packages. Blum is an industry leader in cabinet hardware and easily supports the weight of cabinet doors and drawers.
Can I use decorative handles or knobs?
Yes. Full overlay cabinets work well with all types of hardware—modern pulls, vintage knobs, or even handleless push-to-open designs.
Will I lose access to the inside of the cabinet?
No. In frameless cabinetry, you may even gain more usable space because there are no face frames in the way.
What if I want crown moulding or trim?
You still can. Full overlay doesn’t limit your decorative choices—it gives you a clean starting point. You can have the most ornate cabinet doors be full overlay in style.
Why homeowners and designers both choose full overlay
Full overlay cabinets offer a clean, modern appearance—with minimal gaps and a seamless front that feels intentional and polished.
But the benefits go beyond looks.
This style also supports:
Consistent alignment across doors and drawers
Greater flexibility with hardware placement
Reduced visual distraction in open-concept spaces
Easier cleaning with fewer exposed edges
Better space access—especially in frameless construction
Whether the goal is a quiet, minimalist layout or a bold design with strong lines, full overlay cabinets offer a solid foundation to build from.
