Full Overlay
Definition: Full overlay refers to a cabinet door style where the doors cover the entire face of the cabinet box, overlapping the cabinet frame or edges. In this configuration, the doors are sized to fit over the entire opening, leaving minimal or no visible space between the doors, creating a sleek and contemporary look.
Overview:
Full overlay cabinets are popular in modern and contemporary kitchen designs due to their clean, streamlined appearance. Unlike partial overlay or inset doors, full overlay doors cover most or all of the cabinet’s frame, offering more visible cabinet space and creating a uniform, seamless front. This door style is favored for its ability to maximize the look of the cabinetry while minimizing gaps or exposed frames.
Key Features:
- Complete Door Coverage:
- In a full overlay design, the cabinet doors are larger and are positioned so that they cover the entire width of the cabinet opening. The result is a more uniform and continuous look, with the edges of the doors extending over the frame or box, hiding the cabinet box completely.
- The doors typically overlap the cabinet’s face frame by a few inches, which reduces the amount of visible wood or framing that is seen when the doors are closed.
- Sleek and Modern Aesthetic:
- Full overlay doors create a contemporary look that’s popular in modern kitchens and bathrooms. The lack of visible frame pieces between doors gives the cabinet front a clean, unbroken appearance.
- This style is particularly effective in minimalist designs, where simplicity and clean lines are important.
- More Usable Storage Space:
- Since full overlay doors cover the entire opening, they maximize the available storage area by eliminating any gaps or exposed frame. This means you get more storage space inside the cabinet, without sacrificing the look of the cabinetry.
- The design also allows for larger doors or drawers, making full use of the available cabinet space.
- Contemporary and Customizable:
- Full overlay doors can be customized in a variety of ways, from the type of wood used to the finish, hardware, and style of the doors. Homeowners can choose from flat-panel or raised-panel doors, depending on the look they’re going for.
- This door style works well with soft-close hinges, allowing for a smooth, quiet closing action.
- Increased Hardware Visibility:
- With full overlay cabinets, hardware like knobs and pulls can be more visible, as the larger doors leave less space around the edges. However, many modern full-overlay designs incorporate hidden or recessed handles for a more streamlined look.
Why Choose Full Overlay Cabinets?
Full overlay cabinets are a great choice for homeowners looking for a modern, high-end look in their kitchen or bathroom. Their seamless appearance and increased storage capacity make them an attractive option for contemporary spaces where minimalism and clean lines are a priority. If you prefer a sleek, polished design with minimal exposed frames, full overlay cabinetry will give your space a sophisticated, upscale feel.