There are many factors to consider when designing your cabinetry. You have to think about the color, the style, sizes, proportions, even how many cabinets you need. What some homeowners don’t really know much about is the type of cabinet build and how it affects the look of your space. The one we’ll specifically talk about today is the inset cabinet. In this article, we’ll go over what it is, what makes it unique, and why you might choose it for your home.

What is Inset Cabinetry?
You might not know the term itself, but we’re sure you’ve seen inset cabinetry before –most likely on Pinterest, Houzz, or on magazines focused on high-end interiors. First popularized in the 18th and 19th centuries, inset style cabinets are a type of framed cabinetry where the doors sit inside the openings formed by the cabinet face frames –hence the term “inset”. There’s only a minimal gap between the cabinet door and face frames, thus requiring precise and skillful craftsmanship. Inset cabinets have a distinct look, often favored by many homeowners and designers of luxury homes.

Inset Cabinets vs. Overlay Cabinets
On the inset cabinet other end of the spectrum is the overlay cabinet. This is a more commonly seen build type where the cabinet doors go over and cover the cabinet frame. Functionally, they don’t differ greatly from inset cabinets, and each have their pros and cons. The primary reason homeowners and designers choose one or the other is for the specific look they create.

Take a look at the two kitchens below. Both primarily use white cabinets. Both are use Shaker-style doors, and sport a classic Hamptons look. Size and configuration aside, their primary difference lies in the cabinet type –one has inset kitchen cabinets, the other has full overlay cabinets. Inset kitchen cabinetry gives a distinct and refined look akin to fine custom furniture pieces.