There are two main design styles to consider when picking kitchen cabinets: framed or frameless. Framed and frameless are referring to the construction style of the cabinet – specifically the cabinet’s doors and drawer fronts – yet they are important considerations for the overall look you want in your kitchen.
In framed cabinets, the solid wood frame surrounds the cabinet box on which the doors and drawers pull into the cabinets. It’s generally how kitchens have been fitted out for centuries but also provides a more traditional, old-school look. With frameless cabinets or so-called European-style or full-access cabinets, there’s no frame visibly surrounding the doors/drawers, allowing them to go right up to the cabinet box and provide a clean, modern look.
When remodelling your kitchen, weigh up the benefits of the different cabinet types against your individual needs.
Pros of framed kitchen cabinets
Classic Aesthetic: The timeless look of framed cabinets complements a variety of interior architectural styles, from traditional to transitional; the familiar look can also convey a welcoming ambience in a kitchen.
Durability: The structural integrity of the solid wood frame surrounding the cabinet box makes framed cabinets more durable and reliable over the long term.
Customisation Options: The level of customisation you can do with a framed cabinet is nearly endless, including door style, hardware, and finish options to offer something unique to your personal taste.
Ease of Repair: If a door or drawer front on a framed cabinet is damaged, it’s often quite easy for a homeowner to repair or replace them without having to disassemble the entire cabinet box, saving on calls to a service technician.
Cons of framed kitchen cabinets
Smaller Interior Space: The frame around the cabinet box can eat into the storage space, which is particularly valuable in a small kitchen where there is a premium on space.
Visible Frame Lines: If you don’t like the look of your home being divided into a grid of frames, visible frame lines on cabinet doors and drawers can make your kitchen feel more compartmentalised than a frameless design.
Dust Accumulating Potential: Dust and Debris will collect in recessed areas behind the frame and will need to be physically cleaned on a more frequent basis in order to keep them looking free from dust.
Restricted Access: A full frame presents some difficulty in reaching back into the cabinet or into tight corners.
Pros of frameless kitchen cabinets
More Interior Space Without The Frame: Frameless cabinets offer the maximum possible interior storage capacity of the cabinet box by making the most of your available storage space.
Modern Frame-Free Look: Its sleek, minimalist, modern look comes from its smooth, unbroken lines and lack of design ‘noise’: these frameless cabinets can fit in with many modern styles.
Easy Access: This unit, being frameless, allows unimpeded access into the interior of the cabinet, making it easy to reach items stored way at the back of deeper cabinets or in the tight confines of corners.
Versatility: Frameless cabinets can readily complement other kitchen layouts, including open-concept, so your kitchen will look more seamless and consistent throughout your home.
Cons of frameless kitchen cabinets
Risk of Damage: Frameless cabinets that don’t have the structural support of a frame might be more susceptible to damage from heavy use or impact with drawers and doors.
Fewer bells and whistles: Frameless cabinets may be more contemporary but they could lack the bells and whistles that framed cabinets have. And if you’re looking to make a serious statement, that could feel like a missed opportunity.
Limited Customisation Options: Want your cabinets to resemble those of your favourite brand of Japanese engineering? Maybe you’re designing a contemporary art deco space, and you want to squeeze every bit of artistry into your custom cabinetry? If so, hotel-grade cabinets might not be for you. Frameless cabinets generally offer fewer bells and whistles than framed in order to allow their doors to open seamlessly (unlike the framed cabinetry where the frame holds the door in place).
Repair Problems: Sister panels are not available in frameless cabinets, so if one door or drawer front is damaged, the entire cabinet box must often be replaced. Repair costs can be substantially higher because of the integration of the components.
Alignment Problems: Without a frame, over time, doors and drawers can require that they be re-aligned occasionally to keep everything functioning properly.
Factors to consider when deciding between framed and frameless kitchen cabinets
When making a decision between using framed or frameless kitchen cabinets, the following aspects are considered:
Design Aesthetic: Consider what kind of look you want to achieve – whether it’s a traditional, timeless feel or a sleek, modern look. Painted, framed cabinets are more traditional, while frameless cabinets will give you a more modern look.
Size and Layout: If your kitchen is small, the lack of structural support for frameless cabinets is not much of a drawback, as you’ll be getting the most storage space out of your cabinet interior. Larger kitchens may be the better fit for the added structural stability of a framed cabinet design.
Functionality: Consider your daily kitchen needs, and how many items need to be in those cabinets. Accessibility: How accessible does it need for you and/or how tall do you need the cabinets? Frameless cabinets will allow the innermost part of the cabinet to be more accessible.
Aesthetic: Think about the imperfections on the inside, which will depend on how the backs of the cabinets are joined to the vertical stile of framed cabinets. And, also consider the thickness of the back of these cabinets.
Maintenance and Cleaning: Think about which cabinet style will require more maintenance or cleaning. For example, framed cabinets may have areas of recessed depth that could attract particles of dust and make the cabinets harder to keep clean.
Budget: While the start-up price for frameless cabinets can be more expensive than framed cabinets, the cost of maintenance and repair over time can affect the final total.
Cost comparison between framed and frameless kitchen cabinets
Depending on the material used, type of kitchen cabinet and manufacturer, the price for kitchen cabinets can differ greatly. Costs are dependent on the materials used and the complexity of the designs.
Frameless cabinets tend to be more expensive than framed cabinets, as the construction process is different (no frame needed, hence the name) and may require special hardware.
Here’s a rough cost comparison between framed and frameless kitchen cabinets:
| Cabinet Type | Average Cost (per linear foot) |
| Framed Cabinets (Stock) | $100 – $300 |
| Framed Cabinets (Semi-Custom) | $300 – $600 |
| Framed Cabinets (Custom) | $600 – $1,200 |
| Frameless Cabinets (Stock) | $200 – $500 |
| Frameless Cabinets (Semi-Custom) | $500 – $800 |
| Frameless Cabinets (Custom) | $800 – $1,500 |
Note that these are ballpark figures: the exact price depends on the size of your kitchen, the quality of materials, any bespoke design features and so on.
Conclusion: Making the right choice for your kitchen cabinets
There’s not a straightforward ‘right’ answer when it comes to choosing between framed and frameless kitchen cabinets. It really comes down to personal preference, what functions you need your kitchen to perform, and what your budget allows for.
But Frameless cabinets are better if you are concerned with a modern look, maximise your existing interior space and have a relatively small kitchen. If you appreciate an old school vibe, care for longevity, and have a bigger kitchen, Framed cabinets are a better fit.
Either way, be sure to collaborate with a reputable European kitchen cabinet manufacturer or designer, who will walk you through the selection process and help build your cabinet style to suit your needs.
By thinking through your design preferences, your functional needs and your budget, you can make the right decision for your kitchen and get the most bang for your buck – while ensuring that your kitchen is as functional and welcoming as possible, now and for years to come.