Lipped is a cabinetry term which applies to cabinet doors. It represents a design much like inset doors wherein a portion of the door stays flush with the cabinet face frame. The distinction between both styles is the fact that lipped doors maintain an overlay on the cabinet face frame. Hence, the door fits perfectly into the cabinet frame. A knob or pull is essential to access a lipped cabinet or drawer door mainly because of how securely it fits into the frame of the cabinet.

 

To make a lipped door, cabinetmakers need to notch the rear of the door to the same measurements as the cabinet face frame. This precise form of cabinets demands precise measurements and proper hinge movements to keep the problems related to the tight fitting inset part of the cabinets door at bay. This is not the most popular style of cabinet doors because it requires intensive labor during installation. Lipped cabinet doors offer a much more secure closure to kitchen cabinets.