Inset cabinets have become a popular choice for homeowners seeking a timeless and sophisticated look for their kitchens. Pinterest and Instagram are flooded with these style of cabinets. The overall aesthetic is beautiful. However, like any design choice, inset cabinets come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of inset cabinets to help you make an informed decision for your next kitchen renovation.

We find clients who choose inset cabinets are usually looking for these five things:

1. Classic Aesthetic Appeal: The cabinet doors are set flush with the face frame, creating a seamless and refined appearance that suits various design styles. If you were to run your hand over an inset cabinet it the cabinet and the door or drawer would feel smooth and all on the same plane.
2. Customization Options: Inset cabinets allow for a high level of customization. Homeowners can choose from a variety of materials, finishes, and door styles to match their preferred aesthetic and complement the overall design of the kitchen.
3. Quality Craftsmanship: The construction of inset cabinets often involves precise joinery and meticulous craftsmanship. The doors are fitted into the cabinet frame with precision, providing a high-quality, durable product that can withstand the test of time. It is good to note that not every cabinet maker will offer inset cabinets as an option. Be sure to ask ahead of time if you are wanting inset cabinets.
4. Soft-Close Hinges: Inset cabinets often come with soft-close hinges, adding a touch of luxury to your kitchen. These hinges prevent slamming doors, reducing wear and tear on both the cabinet doors and the frames.
5. Decreased wear and tear on cabinet doors and drawers: Because the cabinet doors, drawers and frame is flush, they’re better protected while closed. Compared to overlay doors, inset doors will get nicked and bumped much less. 

We find clients who decide against inset cabinets usually fall into one or more of these five categories:

1. Cost: One of the primary drawbacks of inset cabinets is their cost. The precision and craftsmanship involved in creating inset doors and ensuring a perfect fit can result in a higher price tag compared to other cabinet styles.
2. Limited Storage Space: Inset cabinets may provide slightly less storage space than overlay cabinets. The doors and drawers need additional clearance space to open fully, which can reduce the overall storage capacity of the cabinets.
3. Maintenance Challenges: The flush fit of inset cabinets can make them more susceptible to dust and crumbs collecting around the edges. Cleaning and maintaining these cabinets may require a bit more effort compared to cabinets with overlays.
4. Installation Complexity: Installing inset cabinets requires a higher level of precision and skill compared to other cabinet styles. Achieving the perfect alignment and symmetry can be challenging, and improper installation may lead to issues with door closure and functionality.

Inset cabinets bring a touch of timeless elegance to any kitchen, but they also come with certain considerations that may impact your decision. Before making a final choice, carefully weigh the pros and cons based on your budget, design preferences, and maintenance expectations.

With the right information, you can make an informed decision that enhances both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your kitchen.