Types of Cabinet Hinges – Their Features & Finishes
Did you know that there are numerous types of cabinet hinges having different looks, function, features and finishes? Here,...
How to Select the Right Cabinet Hinges? A Comprehensive Guide
Hinges are essential for cabinets as they help them open, close, and look good. There are many hinge styles to choose from, so you can find one that fits your style and needs. This guide will explain the different kinds of hinges, whether you’re fixing up cabinets or just want to learn about them.
Types of Hinges
Concealed Hinges: Concealed hinges are installed inside the cabinet, so you can’t see them when the door is shut. They give cabinets a smooth and classy look. They’re often used in modern kitchens and bathrooms with doors that cover the frame, making the space look clean and contemporary.
Overlay Hinges: Overlay hinges come in different types to fit various cabinet styles.
- Full overlay hinges cover the entire cabinet frame, giving a clean and modern look.
- Half overlay hinges cover half of the frame, commonly used in traditional styles.
- Inset overlay hinges fit inside the cabinet frame, offering a classic and flush appearance.
These hinges are popular for kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, each providing a unique design and functionality.
Butt Hinges: Butt hinges are classic cabinet hardware. They have two flat metal pieces connected by a pin in the middle, giving them a simple, lasting design. They’re easy to put on and care for and provide cabinet doors with solid support. Butt hinges work best for cabinets with doors that fit inside the frame, making them sit level with the cabinet.
Wrap Hinges: Wrap-around hinges resemble semi-concealed hinges, distinguished by an additional partial or complete wrap extending around the interior edge of the frame or further into the frame’s interior. Select these hinges to achieve the aesthetic of a semi-concealed hinge enhanced with superior support.
Consider Your Door Overlay Style
Think about the type of door cover you need. You have to choose the right hinge that fits the door style you’re making so the door sits just right without too much gap. There are two main types of door covers: inset doors, which sit inside the frame, and overlay doors, which sit on top of the frame and can either cover a bit of it or all of it. Check your cabinet designs to see which type of door overlay style will complement them.
- Inset: This is when the door sits inside the frame, nice and flat, and the frame goes all around the door. The hinges you’ll usually see on these doors are called butt hinges, surface mounts, or inset European hinges.
- Full Overlay: This type is also known as just overlay. When the door is shut, it covers the whole front of the cabinet, and when the door is open, you can see the cabinet’s wooden edge. The hinges often used here are called full or partial wrap-around, flush mount, surface mount, or full overlay European hinges.
- Partial Overlay: With this style, the door covers only part of the cabinet front when it’s closed. Like the full overlay, you can see the wooden edge of the cabinet when the door is open. The common hinges for these doors are similar to the full overlay and include full or partial wrap-around, flush mount, surface mount, and partial overlay European hinges.
Choose Between Concealed or Exposed Hinges
Exposed hinges, such as butt hinges, are prominently visible and commonly found in traditional American and vintage cabinet styles. Conversely, concealed hinges provide a sleek exterior appearance, ideal for contemporary designs.
Consider Motion Features
Motion features, such as soft closing hinges, are gaining popularity for their ability to reduce slamming noise and facilitate easy door closure, even when hands are full. Here are some popular motion features to consider:
- Soft-close: Prevents doors from slamming by gradually shutting the door.
- Self-open: Allows doors to be quickly popped open by pressing the drawer front; suitable for modern styles and does not require external cabinet hardware.
- Self-close: Featured in specific concealed hinges, this function operates similarly to soft-close hinges but requires even less effort from the user to close the door.
Cabinet Hinge Styles
Cabinet hinges are available in various sizes and uses, but they mainly fall into Traditional and European groups.
- European hinge designs are hidden when the cabinet door is closed.
- Traditional hinge designs tend to be more noticeable and are made for cabinets with a face frame.
Deciding Hinge Finish
Selecting the right hinge finish is crucial for achieving the desired aesthetic in your space. Consider the cabinet material, surrounding decor, and personal preferences. Standard finishes include polished chrome for a modern look, antique brass for a vintage vibe, and matte black for a contemporary feel.
Weight Consideration in Cabinet Hinge Selection
Considering the weight of the cabinet door is crucial when choosing the correct hinge type for several reasons:
- Safety: Overloading hinges with excessive weight can pose safety risks, such as the door falling off unexpectedly or causing injury when opening or closing.
- Functionality: Hinges are designed to support specific weights. Choosing a hinge that cannot adequately support the weight of the cabinet door may result in poor functionality, such as sagging or difficulty opening and closing the door.
- Durability: If the hinge is unsuitable for the door’s weight, it may wear out more quickly, leading to premature failure and replacement.
- Aesthetic Considerations: Hinges that are too large or bulky for the door’s weight can detract from the overall appearance of the cabinet and may not provide the sleek look desired.
By considering the weight of the cabinet door when selecting the hinge type, you can ensure proper functionality, longevity, safety, and aesthetic appeal.
Need Help? Get In Touch with Handles & More!
If you need help selecting the right cabinet hinges for your Sydney home, contact Handles and More at 02 9757 4400. Our experienced and friendly team will be delighted to assist you.
Wrapping Up
Selecting the appropriate cabinet hinge is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your space’s functionality and aesthetics. Whether you opt for concealed or exposed hinges, consider factors such as style, motion features, and finish to ensure they complement your cabinets and overall design scheme.
By understanding the differences between hinge types and their respective advantages, you can make an informed decision that enhances the beauty and usability of your cabinets. Remember also to consider the longevity and durability of the hinges to ensure they stand the test of time.
With the right cabinet hinges in place, you can enjoy seamless operation, reduced noise, and a cohesive look that elevates the appeal of your kitchen or furniture. Take the time to explore your options and choose hinges that best suit your needs, style preferences, and budget.
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