Different Kinds of Hinges for Kitchen Cabinets

Installing new kitchen cabinets offers an excellent opportunity to upgrade your kitchen's style and storage. But the type of hinge you choose for your cabinet doors can make a big difference in how those cabinets look and function.

From concealed hinges to self-closing models, there is a wide variety of kitchen cabinet hinge types to consider. The right hinge for your kitchen will depend on cabinet style, ease of installation, and special features like soft-close mechanisms.

Overview of Kitchen Cabinet Hinges

Kitchen cabinet hinges connect the cabinet door to the cabinet box or frame. They allow the door to open and close smoothly and hold alignment over time. The most common types include:

• Concealed hinges - Fit inside holes in the cabinet and door for a smooth exterior look.
• Semi-concealed hinges - Partially visible exterior plate affixed to the outside of the cabinet.
• Full overlay hinges - Allow doors to cover the entire face of the cabinet.
• Inset hinges - For cabinet doors set within the cabinet frame opening.
• Partial inset hinges - For cabinet doors that partially overlap the cabinet frame.

Other specialty hinges provide additional functionality like self-closing or soft-close features. The wide range of hinge types and options allow kitchen designers to match the appropriate hinge design to the kitchen aesthetic.

Types of Kitchen Cabinet Door Hinges

Concealed Hinges

Also called European cup hinges, concealed cabinet hinges feature a mounting plate that attaches inside the cabinet frame and a cup that fits into a hole drilled into the back of the door. With the door closed, the hinge is completely hidden from view for a seamless, integrated look.

Concealed hinges allow the cabinet door to open wide easily. Many models offer adjustable screws that alter the door's horizontal and vertical position, eliminating gaps between doors and cabinets. Choose concealed hinges for frameless modern cabinets, inset cabinet doors, and a minimalist, uncluttered look.

Semi-concealed Hinges

Semi-concealed cabinet hinges have a mounting plate visible on the exterior of the cabinet frame when the door is closed. The interior cup fits into a hole in the door like a concealed hinge. Some semi-concealed hinges function as both hinge and clasp to hold both doors together at a corner.

Semi-concealed hinges provide a decorative touch and work well for overlay cabinet doors. Adjustability is more limited than concealed hinges, but some styles allow vertical adjustment. Opt for semi-concealed hinges if you want partial visibility or a traditional look.

Full Overlay Hinges

Full overlay cabinet doors cover the entire face frame, leaving just a small reveal around the edges. Full overlay hinges extend the door out far enough to clear the frame and allow it to open fully. Many include adjusting screws for precision spacing.

Full overlay hinges maintain a consistent gap around all sides of the door for a uniform look. They work well for frameless cabinets or adding new doors to existing face frame cabinets. Look for full overlay hinges with wide openings for maximum clearance.

Inset Hinges

Inset cabinet doors fit snugly within the frame opening, providing a built-in look popular with many traditional kitchen styles. Inset hinges mount inside the frame itself, hiding from view behind the closed door.

Inset hinges hold the door in place within the frame, keeping the reveal even on all sides. Models with adjusting screws allow tweaking the door spacing and alignment. Inset hinges give a seamless custom look and work for any door style.

Partial Inset Hinges

Partial inset cabinet doors overlap the frame but do not cover it completely. The exposed portion of the frame provides a decorative touch. Partial inset hinges allow proper positioning for this inset/overlay hybrid door style.

Partial inset hinges combine attributes of inset and overlay hinges. The exposed hinge arm must open wide but remain partially visible. Some models feature adjustable overlay, so you can control the amount of frame revealed. Partial inset hinges deliver flexibility for a customized inset look.

Self-Closing Hinges for Kitchen Cabinets

Self-closing hinges utilize spring tension or cam mechanisms that automatically shut the cabinet door after it gets opened. A self-closing hinge allows hands-free operation when your hands are full.

Self-closing functionality works well for corner cabinet doors and cabinets under sinks or cooktops. Look for self-closing hinges with adjustable tension to control the closing speed. Soft-close features will further prevent slamming.

Soft-Close Hinges for Kitchen Cabinets

Soft-close hinges utilize springs and dampeners to prevent cabinet doors from slamming shut. The closing motion gradually decelerates to a gentle close without any loud banging.

Soft-close hinges prevent damage to cabinets and contents while reducing annoying noise. They make kitchens safer for kids and more user-friendly for all. Soft-close hinges are ideal for any cabinet door that needs frequent regular access.

Corner Cabinet Hinges

Corner cabinets maximize awkward angled spaces but introduce some special door clearance challenges. Corner cabinet hinges allow the door to open fully while clearing neighboring cabinets or walls.

Specialty hinges like Soss corner hinges provide a wide range of unimpeded motion. Some feature compound joints for flexing around two planes. Self-closing and soft-close features are particularly helpful for tricky corner doors.

Undermount Drawer Slides for Kitchen Cabinets

Undermount drawer slides attach below the drawer to hide the sliding mechanism. Full extension models allow the drawer to open completely for full access to contents.

Undermount slides facilitate a sleek, clean look and prevent drawer rollers from gathering dust and debris. High-quality ball bearing slides provide the smoothest motion. Look for full extension undermount drawer slides for maximum usage of drawer space.

When selecting hardware for new kitchen cabinets, hinge choice impacts both form and function. Consider cabinet door style, installation method, opening and closing needs, and any special features like soft-close mechanisms.

Overlay cabinet doors work well with semi-concealed and full overlay hinges, while inset doors pair best with concealed inset hinges. Look for adjustable hinges to fine-tune the fit. Self-closing, soft-close, and specialty hinges solve specific issues like corner cabinets.

Hinges with sleek profiles suit modern cabinetry, while more ornate designs complement traditional kitchens. Finishes should coordinate with handles and other hardware. Investing in high-quality durable hinges ensures long-lasting performance.

Take the time to evaluate the types of kitchen cabinet hinges available before choosing the best option for your new kitchen design. Keep door style, hardware finish, and functional needs in mind. The right hinges will help your new kitchen cabinets look beautiful and operate smoothly for years to come.