---
title: "What Is Partial overlay? Cabinet Glossary | Innovation Cabinetry"
description: "A partial overlay door covers part of the face frame and leaves a strip of the frame visible around each door, which gives a more traditional look."
url: https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/partial-overlay
publisher: Innovation Cabinetry
phone: +1-888-206-1088
find_a_dealer: https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/find-dealer
---

Doors and finishes

# Partial overlay

A partial overlay door covers part of the face frame and leaves a strip of the frame visible around each door, which gives a more traditional look.

A partial overlay door is smaller than a full overlay door. It sits on the front of a [face frame](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/face-frame) and covers only part of it. You see a band of frame between the doors.

The doors are smaller and the fit is more forgiving. Partial overlay suits traditional rooms where the frame is part of the look.

The collections on this site are described by the brand as frameless, so they do not use a face frame. If you want to compare the two door types, read the [full overlay and full access guide](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/guides/full-overlay-and-full-access-cabinets). Then browse styles on the [kitchen cabinet styles and colors](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/kitchen-cabinet-styles-and-colors) page. A dealer can show both door types side by side so you can compare the look in person.

[Related pageFull overlay and full access cabinets](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/guides/full-overlay-and-full-access-cabinets)

## Related terms

-   [Full overlay](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/full-overlay)
-   [Face frame](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/face-frame)
-   [Inset door](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/inset)
-   [Frameless cabinet](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/frameless)

![Whisper Blue Urban shaker kitchen with an island and stools](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/_astro/ub-whisper-blue-gallery-image-1980x1080-1.4YXlLAS7_Z1qUWbv.webp)

## See it in your own space

Dealers near you design, quote and install Innovation Cabinetry. Send your ZIP code and the team matches you with one.