In-Frame Kitchens: A Complete Buyer’s Guide
In-Frame Kitchens: A Complete Buyer’s Guide
An in-frame kitchen is defined by the way each door and drawer front sits inside a fixed face frame on the front of the cabinet. This creates the furniture-like appearance associated with traditional British kitchen design and produces the crisp shadow lines that make the style instantly recognisable.
Painted Kitchen Co supplies in-frame cabinetry directly to homeowners, designers and trade customers. Our cabinets are available in standard and bespoke sizes, flat packed or assembled, with transparent online cabinet prices and free CAD planning.
What is an in-frame kitchen?
On an in-frame cabinet, a solid frame is fixed to the front of the carcase. The doors and drawer fronts are then fitted within the openings in that frame. The frame remains visible around every opening, giving the kitchen more structure and detail than a typical frameless cabinet.
In a frameless kitchen, the doors normally cover most of the front edge of the cabinet box. Both systems can make a practical kitchen, but they have a noticeably different appearance.
In-frame compared with frameless
| Feature | In-frame | Frameless |
|---|---|---|
| Door position | Sits inside a face frame | Usually overlays the cabinet edge |
| Appearance | Furniture-like and structured | Cleaner, simpler cabinet front |
| Style association | Traditional, Shaker and classic | Common in modern fitted kitchens |
| Adjustment | Consistent gaps require careful fitting | Overlay doors can be more forgiving |
| Interior opening | Frame slightly reduces clear access | Wider unobstructed opening |
Is Shaker the same as in-frame?
No. “Shaker” describes the door style, usually a simple frame-and-panel door. “In-frame” describes how the door is mounted within the cabinet face frame. A kitchen can have Shaker doors on either an in-frame or frameless cabinet.
Our Simple Shaker and Signature Shaker ranges are both in-frame.
Plain frame or cock-beaded frame?
Our Simple range has a plain inner edge to the face frame for a restrained appearance. Signature adds a fine cock-bead around the opening, introducing a traditional moulded detail and a stronger shadow line. Both can be personalised further with optional centre-panel beadings.
How our in-frame cabinets are made
- Oak-veneered MDF carcases for a stable, consistent cabinet box
- Solid birch face frames and door rails
- MDF centre panels for stability
- Dovetailed solid-oak drawer boxes
- Soft-close adjustable drawer runners
- Lacquered interiors ready for use
Read the complete materials and construction guide.
Advantages of an in-frame kitchen
- A distinctive, furniture-like look
- Visible frame details that suit painted finishes
- A timeless style that works in period and newer homes
- Choice of plain or decorative frame profiles
- Standard and bespoke cabinet options
- Doors and drawers that can be adjusted individually within the frame
Points to consider before buying
- The frame reduces the clear opening slightly compared with an equivalent frameless cabinet.
- Consistent gaps around doors and drawers depend on accurate assembly and installation.
- Painting and final adjustment should be planned as part of the installation, not treated as an afterthought.
- Some internal accessories designed for frameless cabinets may need checking for compatibility.
- In-frame cabinetry has more visible components, so compare complete cabinet specifications rather than the door alone.
Can an in-frame kitchen be flat packed?
Yes. In-frame describes the finished construction, not how the parts are transported. Our cabinets can be supplied flat packed for you or your fitter to assemble, or built in our workshop before delivery. Both options use the same principal components.
Read our flat-pack in-frame kitchen guide for the tools, assembly process and trade-offs.
Standard sizes or bespoke cabinets?
Using standard cabinets for most of a kitchen usually offers the best value. Bespoke or altered pieces can then solve particular problems such as unusual wall lengths, tall ceilings, chimney breasts or a specific island design. Our free CAD service helps identify where standard units will work and where a made-to-measure piece is genuinely useful.
What does an in-frame kitchen cost?
The cabinetry cost depends on the number and type of cabinets, the balance of standard and bespoke units, whether the order is flat packed or assembled, and the decorative details selected. Drawer units, tall housings, dresser tops and complex corner solutions cost more than simple cupboards.
We publish current individual cabinet prices in our online cabinet collection. For a meaningful project total, send us your plan so we can prepare a cabinet list and quotation. Painting, worktops, appliances, fitting and delivery should be budgeted separately unless specifically included in your quote.
Choosing hinges and handles
Traditional butt hinges emphasise the furniture character of an in-frame kitchen, while concealed hinge options create a quieter appearance. Handles also change the overall feel considerably: cup handles and knobs are classic choices, while simple bars or latches can move the design in a different direction.
Discuss the hinge choice at quotation stage so the doors and frames are prepared correctly.
Painted finishes
Paint is one of the strengths of in-frame cabinetry because the visible face frame, doors, drawer fronts and finishing panels can be treated as one coordinated scheme. Our interiors are lacquered, while visible exterior components are supplied primed for final finishing after installation.
See our painting advice for preparation and finishing considerations.
How to buy from Painted Kitchen Co
- Browse the cabinet range and prices.
- Choose between Simple Shaker and Signature Shaker.
- Send us your measurements, sketch or existing design.
- Review the free CAD proposal and cabinet quotation.
- Confirm standard and bespoke items, flat pack or assembled supply, hinges and delivery.
- Approve the final specification before production and dispatch.
See an in-frame kitchen in person
Visit our showrooms in Ealing, West London or Christchurch, Dorset. Our Stroud display store is due to open in November 2026. Check current showroom details and opening hours before travelling.
You can also explore the finished kitchen gallery and 3D showroom tours.
Frequently asked questions
Are in-frame kitchens only suitable for period homes?
No. A plain frame, restrained colour and simple hardware can work very well in a modern extension or contemporary home.
Can in-frame cabinet doors be adjusted?
Yes. The exact method depends on the hinge selected. Correct installation and final adjustment are important for even gaps.
Can you make unusual cabinet sizes?
Yes, many dimensions can be altered and fully bespoke items can be quoted. Send us the intended size and use so we can advise.
Do you supply throughout the UK?
Yes. Orders are dispatched from our warehouse near Swindon, Wiltshire. See our delivery page.