10 Common Types of Cabinet Hinges and Their Uses
When choosing durable cabinet materials, don’t overlook one of the most important small components i.e hinges. These simple yet essential hardware pieces play a critical role in the smooth opening and closing of your cabinets. The right cabinet hinges not only enhance functionality but also add a refined aesthetic touch.
From hidden and concealed styles to soft-closing options, the market offers a wide variety of hinge types. And that's just the beginning. In this blog, we’ll walk you through 10 common types of cabinet hinges, how each one works, and which style might best suit your cabinetry needs.
Furthermore, what types of hinges are used in the modern era, and how do they fulfill user needs? Let’s learn about the various types of cabinet hinges that are popular these days.
10 Most Common Types of Cabinet Hinges
Following are the most common types of cabinet hinges:
Butt Hinges
Butt hinges are the most traditional and the oldest type of cabinet hinges. The structure of Butt hinge consists of two rectangular metal plates joined by a central pin. You have seen this type used in traditional kitchen cabinets. These hinges are typically installed on inset doors that sit flush with the cabinet frame.They are commonly used in bookshelves and wardrobes.
Pros:
Durable and sturdy
Easy to install
Cons:
Visible when the door is closed
It doesn’t offer soft-close functionality
Concealed Hinges (European Hinges)
Concealed hinges are a European type of cabinet hinges that are hidden from view when the door is closed. This is the most popular type of modern residential furniture. It is commonly used in modular kitchens and frameless cabinets like european kitchen cabinets.
Pros:
Hidden from view
Adjustable in multiple directions
Often come with soft-close options.
Cons:
Slightly more complex installation
Higher cost than traditional hinges
Soft Close Cabinet Hinges
Another popular type of cabinet hinge is the soft-close hinge. These are built with a hydraulic mechanism that prevents cabinet doors from slamming shut. Soft-close hinges are typically concealed, offering both functionality and a clean, modern appearance. They are ideal for custom cabinets, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and wardrobes in children’s rooms. These hinges operate quietly and help extend the life of your cabinetry.
Pros:
Prevents wear and tear
Child-safe and quiet
Elegant and smooth closing mechanism
Cons:
More expensive than standard hinges
Requires precise alignment
Self-Closing Cabinet Hinges
As the name suggests, the self-closing cabinet hinges automatically shut the door. You just have to lightly tap the door to close, this will close without any effort. These hinges are great for ensuring cabinet doors are never left ajar, making them ideal for busy kitchens, households with kids, and commercial spaces. These hinges are best for big kitchen pantries and bathroom cabinets and are highly recommended for commercial use.
Pros:
Ensures doors stay closed
Available in visible and concealed styles
Cons:
It can wear out over time
May cause slamming if not soft-close
Overlay Hinges
In Overlay hinges the doors sit on top of the frame. These hinges come in various sizes, depending on the size of the door covering the frame. It is highly suitable for framed cabinets, face frames, and frameless cabinet constructions.
Pros:
Easy to measure and install
Available in partial or full overlay types
Cons:
Visible from the outside (unless concealed overlay hinges are used)
Inset Hinges
Another trendy type of cabinet hinge is the inset hinge. This type of hinge is made for doors that sit flush within the cabinet frame. Moreover, this is not like an overlay type that wouldn't sit on top of the frame. You can choose both options for this, concealed or visible. Best for traditional-style cabinets and furniture, and decorative furniture.
Pros:
Provides a classic, clean look
Can be combined with decorative hardware
Cons:
Requires precise fitting
Less room for error during the installation
Pivot Hinges
Pivot hinges are among the most attractive types, typically mounted at the top of the cabinet door. They feature a visible pivot opening design mechanism. These hinges are commonly used in modern furniture and specialty cabinets. This type of hinge is ideal for corner cabinets and high-end cabinetry. Additionally, it is also fit for bar cabinets, or other decorative cabinetry.
Pros:
Unique opening motion
Hidden from direct view
Cons:
Complex to install
Less common and more expensive
Barrel Hinges
Barrel hinges feature small, cylindrical components that are hidden inside the door and frame. This invisible design enhances aesthetic appeal while maintaining smooth functionality. They are ideal for small boxes, jewelry cabinets, and hidden compartments.
Pros:
Invisible once installed
Great for minimalist or secretive designs
Cons:
Not ideal for heavy doors
Requires precise drilling
Wrap-Around Hinges
This is a rare type of cabinet hinge that wraps around the cabinet frame and door. It provides high-end support and prevents it from loosening. This type is best suited for wavy doors, utility cabinets, and cabinetry in garages and basements.
Pros:
Adds extra strength and support
Visible but stylish in industrial designs
Cons:
Bulky appearance
Not suitable for modern minimalist looks
Reverse Bevel Hinges
This design features doors with a beveled edge. It allows the door to open and close quickly without getting stuck or slamming. It is suitable for specialty cabinets and contemporary designs.
Pros:
Clean appearance
Allows for unique door styling
Cons:
Limited applications
Requires beveled door edges
Final thoughts:
Hinges play a crucial role in the construction of cabinets, providing ease of use when opening and closing doors. There are several types of cabinet hinges available; the most popular are soft-close hinges, concealed hinges, and self-closing hinges. The right hinge is chosen according to the frame size and design. For traditional styles, you can go for Butt hinges, while concealed hinges are the most popular choice for modern furniture applications. For kids' wardrobes, soft-close hinges are the best option as they enhance the user experience with smooth operations.
Elevate the operation of your doors, cabinetry seamlessly with highly durable hinges from Install Kitch, experts in providing comfortable and budget-friendly cabinetry solutions. Contact us now.
