The term refers to how the cabinet door or drawer front aligns with the face frame (if present) or the cabinet box itself. Specifically, it describes a situation where the door or drawer front sits partially or entirely in front of the cabinet frame or box, rather than being flush or inset. This design creates a distinct visual appearance, often characterized by reveals or overlaps. As an example, a cabinet door that extends half an inch beyond the cabinet frame on all sides is an illustration of this design principle.
This method of construction offers several advantages. It can be more forgiving during installation, as slight misalignments are less noticeable than with inset designs. It also provides a traditional aesthetic, frequently seen in older homes or those designed with a vintage style. Historically, it was a common and relatively simple approach to cabinet making before more precise manufacturing techniques became widespread. Furthermore, the overlapping design can help conceal slight imperfections in the cabinet box construction.
