Frameless versus In-frame kitchens: what's the difference, and which should you choose?

When choosing your kitchen cabinetry there’s a key style decision to make: frameless or in-frame. But what’s the difference between them, and how do you know which is right for you? Here’s everything you need to know about frameless versus in-frame kitchens, including the pros and cons.

What’s the difference between a frameless and an in-frame kitchen?

There are two main types of kitchen cabinet construction: frameless and in-frame. The difference is whether or not there is a ‘face frame’ – that is, a visible frame running around the outside of the doors and the drawer fronts. 

That apparently simple variation makes a big difference to the look and feel for your kitchen. In-frame styles with a visible frame are generally considered to have a more traditional, hand-crafted look, whereas frameless kitchens tend to feel more sleek and contemporary. But those are general rules and – as shown below – there are exceptions!

In-frame kitchen styles

With an in-frame cabinet design, the doors and drawers are set into a face frame, creating a design feature. The doors are traditionally attached to the face frame using decorative exposed hinges.

In-frame Shaker kitchens

The Shaker kitchen is the absolute classic, timeless in-frame style: a celebration of craftsmanship and tradition. So if you’re aiming for that country kitchen or farmhouse look – perhaps incorporating an Aga or beautiful range cooker – then Shaker cabinets with their panelled doors are perfect, especially in natural exposed timber finishes. 

Frameless kitchen cabinet styles

Frameless cabinets do not have a face frame – instead the doors attach directly to the cabinet frame, normally using concealed soft-close hinges. This type of design provides a sleek, streamlined look across the full length of the cabinets.

Frameless vs in-frame kitchens: the pros and cons

Aside from the subjective matter of style, frameless and in-frame kitchens each have their pros and cons in terms of design and functionality. Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of frameless vs in-frame designs:

Storage space

When it comes to storage room, frameless kitchens have a slight advantage over in-frame kitchens. With in-frame designs, the presence of the face frame means that the interior space of the cabinets and drawers is slightly reduced; whereas frameless kitchens have full-width drawers and cabinets, maximising the amount of available storage. So frameless cabinets can be a good choice in a smaller kitchen where space is at a premium.

Strength and durability 

Both in-frame and frameless kitchens are strong and durable. An in-frame kitchen has the advantage of an additional hardwood frame which provides a solid area for attaching and securing the cabinet doors. Frameless cabinets may need more adjustment in order to ensure that the cabinet fronts remain symmetrical and to stop doors and drawers from sticking. On the plus side, it’s easier to adjust the shelves and doors in a frameless cabinet. 

Accessibility and cleaning
With in-frame kitchens, the face frame can create a slight ‘lip’, and the central stile can also make navigating and using the space a little more challenging. Frameless cupboards, meanwhile, offer full access to the interior of the cupboard, making it easier to store and access larger items, and making cleaning and maintenance simpler.