Face Frame vs. Frameless Cabinets: What's the Difference and Why It Matters
When planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, the style of cabinetry you choose will define the overall tone of your space. One of the most important (yet often overlooked) decisions is choosing between face frame and frameless cabinets. Both have their merits—but if you're after sleek aesthetics, optimal storage, and a modern feel, frameless may be your match.
What Are Face Frame Cabinets?
Face frame cabinets are built with a 1.5-inch frame that runs around the front of the cabinet box, giving it a more structured, traditional appearance. The doors attach to this frame, leaving small gaps between drawers and doors—what many consider a “classic American” look.
These cabinets have been around for generations and are still a great option for homeowners who love a timeless, homey aesthetic or want to match the style of an older home. They’re sturdy, easier to install on uneven walls, and allow for both overlay and inset door styles.
What Are Frameless Cabinets?
Frameless cabinets, often referred to as European-style cabinets, skip the face frame altogether. Instead, the cabinet doors attach directly to the sides of the cabinet box, creating a seamless, flush look with tight reveals and clean lines. This method maximizes access to the interior and enhances storage space.
Frameless cabinets are a hallmark of modern design—sleek, minimal, and highly functional. They’ve become the go-to choice for high-end remodels and custom homes, favored by architects and designers who want cabinetry that feels integrated and intentional.
Why Frameless Is the Future
While both options have their place, frameless cabinets are steadily becoming the standard in contemporary cabinetry. They offer several compelling benefits:
Maximized storage space due to the lack of face frame
Clean, uniform lines that pair perfectly with modern countertops and hardware
Sleek door alignment with minimal gaps
Highly customizable for modern accessories and inserts
But frameless isn’t just about looks—it requires more. Precision manufacturing, flawless hardware alignment, and absolute accuracy in cuts and construction are non-negotiable. These cabinets must be made by skilled, experienced cabinet shops that understand the nuances of frameless systems and have invested in the right equipment and training to do them right.
Face Frame Still Has Its Place
If you're leaning toward a cozy, traditional, or farmhouse aesthetic—or if you're remodeling an older home and want to match its character—face frame cabinets may be the better fit. They're often more forgiving in installation and can be slightly less expensive depending on the configuration.
Choosing What’s Right for You
At Ivy Cabinets, we specialize in both styles, but we see frameless cabinetry as the future of our industry. The clean aesthetic, precise lines, and elevated functionality make it the clear choice for those seeking a modern, design-forward space. And with the right craftsmanship behind them, frameless cabinets can take your space from good to stunning.
Curious about what frameless could look like in your home? Let’s talk design.