Choosing the right cabinet hinges is an important decision that can make or break the look and functionality of your cabinetry. With so many types of hinges available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the 10 most common types of cabinet hinges and provide tips on how to select the best ones for your specific needs.
What are Cabinet Hinges?
Cabinet hinges, also known as cup hinges, are the hardware that connect the cabinet door to the frame or carcass. They allow the door to open and close smoothly and hold it in place when shut. The basic components of a cabinet hinge include:
- Mounting Plate: Attaches to the inside of the cabinet frame.
- Arm: Connects the mounting plate to the cup.
- Cup: Round part attached to the door that fits over the mounting plate.
- Hinge Pin: Pivot rod that allows the cup to swing.
The position, style, and functionality of cabinet hinges can significantly impact the look, access, and convenience of cabinets. That’s why choosing the right type is so important.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cabinet Hinges
There are several factors to take into account when selecting cabinet hinges:
- Cabinet door style: Overlay, inset, or frameless. The hinge must fit the door style.
- Cabinet door size and weight: Bigger/heavier doors need stronger hinges.
- Access needs: How wide the door will open. Full access hinges open to 270 degrees.
- Visibility: Do you want the hinges visible or concealed when closed?
- Ease of installation: Some hinges require more complex installation.
- Budget: Prices range from a couple dollars to over $20 per hinge.
- Finishes: Match the hinge finish to the cabinet hardware. Most are available in multiple finishes.
Keeping these factors in mind will help narrow down the options. Now let’s look at the 10 most popular cabinet hinge types.
1. Standard Butt Hinges
Standard butt hinges, also called full overlay hinges, are the most common and affordable type of cabinet hinge. They work with overlay cabinet doors where the door sits on top of the cabinet frame.
Standard butt hinge. Image by SimplyDesigning.com
Key Features:
- Inexpensive, starting around $2 per hinge
- Available in a wide variety of finishes like brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, satin chrome, etc.
- Provide 90 degrees of opening
- Easy to install with pre-drilled screw holes
- Visible when the cabinet is closed
Butt hinges are simple to install and a great budget choice. However, they only allow the cabinet door to open to 90 degrees, which can limit accessibility.
2. Full Access Hinges
Full access hinges open wider to 270 degrees, allowing for full visibility and easy access to cabinet contents. The spring-loaded motion keeps the door from drifting.
270 degree full access hinge. Image by Rockler
Key Features:
- Provide a 135 to 270 degree range of motion
- Concealed when closed on some overlay cabinet styles
- Soft-close varieties gently snap the door shut
- More expensive than standard hinges, $8-$20 per hinge
Full access hinges are ideal when you need wide opening cabinet doors with convenient access and a clean, hidden look when closed. The soft-close feature provides smooth, quiet closure.
3. Concealed Hinges
Concealed cabinet hinges have a discreet, streamlined appearance as the hinge body is completely hidden when the door is closed. They are commonly used on frameless cabinets.
Concealed hinge seamlessly integrated into cabinet. Image by Blum
Key Features:
- Sleek, minimalist look when cabinet is closed
- Available in self-closing and soft-closing mechanisms
- Pricier than standard hinges, ranging from $7-$25 each
- More challenging installation on frameless cabinets
The clean appearance of concealed hinges is desirable for contemporary, streamlined cabinetry. They also allow for full access to cabinet contents.
4. Partial Concealed Hinges
Partial concealed hinges offer a compromise between exposed butt hinges and fully hidden hinges. When closed, the arm and cup are exposed, but the body remains concealed.
Partial concealed hinge. Image by House of Antique Hardware
Key Features:
- Semi-concealed look showing just cup and arm
- Range of motion up to 270 degrees
- Cost is mid-range, $5-$15 per hinge
- Easier to install than fully concealed hinges
Partial concealed hinges are moderately priced and easier to install than full concealed hinges. They offer more access than butt hinges with some of the clean look of concealed hinges.
5. Inset Hinges
Inset hinges are designed for cabinet doors set within the frame rather than overlaying it. The hinge cups recess into mortises in the door and frame.
Antique brass inset hinges. Image by Signature Hardware
Key Features:
- Provide the inset cabinet door look
- Available as side mount or face mount
- Offer up to 270 degrees of swing
- Cost ranges from $5-$25 per hinge
- Require mortises cut into the door and frame
For traditional inset cabinetry, this hinge style provides the recessed appearance while allowing full access within the cabinet. Installation is more complex than overlay hinges.
6. Spring Hinges
Spring hinges contain a spring mechanism that snaps the cabinet door firmly shut without slamming. No need for pulls – just push or bump to open.
Spring hinge provides self-closing function. Image by McMaster-Carr
Key Features:
- Self-closing spring action
- Available in standard and concealed styles
- Provides a 90 degree opening
- Budget friendly, around $3-$10 each
- Easy DIY installation
Spring hinges offer hands-free opening and closing of cabinets, eliminating the need for hardware pulls. The self-closing function keeps doors neatly shut.
7. Architectural Hinges
Architectural hinges have a highly decorative design that serves both form and function. The exposed hinge itself becomes an accent piece. Popular on vintage, rustic, and arts & crafts style cabinets.
Ornate architectural hinges accent the cabinet doors. Image by Restoration Hardware
Key Features:
- Highly decorative styles like wrought iron or cast metal
- Function as both hinge and decorative hardware
- Provide a 90 degree swing
- Higher cost, ranging from $20-$60 per hinge
- Complement vintage, arts & crafts, or rustic decor
Architectural hinges impart unique character and handcrafted appeal. The ornate styling makes them ideal for accenting specific cabinet doors or furniture pieces.
8. Cabinet Flipper Door Hinges
Flipper door hinges allow cabinet doors to flip up and out of the way instead of opening out. They provide complete access without having to open doors wide.
Flipper hinges allow doors to flip up vertically. Image by Rockler
Key Features:
- Allow door to flip open vertically
- Great for tight spaces or corners
- More specialized installation
- Cost ranges from $5 – $20 per hinge
- Typically used on smaller doors like bath vanities
Flipper hinges create a space-saving way to fully access cabinet contents without having to open doors wide or remove doors. Great for tight spaces.
9. Lift-Off Hinges
Lift-off hinges allow cabinet doors to be lifted off the cabinet frame very easily. No need to unscrew hinges. Helpful for cleaning or moving cabinets.
Lift-off hinge allows doors to remove easily. Image by Amazon
Key Features:
- Allow doors to lift off without tools
- Useful for cleaning and moving
- Convenient access to contents
- Cost is generally $5-$15 per hinge
- Typically used on smaller doors
Lift-off hinges add convenience when you need to quickly remove doors for access or transport. Helpful in kitchens and baths where cleaning is frequent.
10. Pivot Hinges
Pivot cabinet hinges allow the door to swing open by rotating on a central pivot joint like a lazy susan. They can open to a full 360 degrees for total accessibility.
Pivot hinge provides 360 degree rotation. Image by Sugatsune
Key Features:
- Hinge pivots for 360 degree door rotation
- Allows full interior cabinet access
- Used on frameless or inset cabinets
- Higher cost, $25-$60 each
- More complex installation
Pivot hinges are an ideal choice when you need complete cabinet access. The wide-opening rotational movement provides maximal space to reach into and utilize all areas of the cabinet interior.
How to Choose the Best Cabinet Hinges
When selecting cabinet hinges, keep these tips in mind:
- Match hinge style to door style: overlay, inset, or frameless.
- Consider how much access you need. Full access hinges open wider.
- Determine finish based on cabinet hardware. Matching finishes create a cohesive look.
- Choose concealed hinges for a sleek, seamless appearance on closed cabinets.
- Inset hinges work specifically for the inset cabinet door style.
- Larger, heavier doors require stronger hinges reinforced by additional screws.
- Use soft-close hinges for smooth, quiet closure of cabinet doors.
- Opt for hinges with self-closing springs to eliminate the need for pulls.
- Decide whether totally hidden hinges are needed, or if partially exposed are acceptable.
- Architectural hinges bring decorative style but are costlier.
- Flipper and pivot hinges allow ergonomic access in tight spaces.
- Consider ease of installation, especially on frameless cabinets.
Selecting the ideal hinges for your specific cabinet doors and kitchen design ensures functionality, access, and visual appeal. Investing in high quality, durable hinges also provides smooth operation and longevity. With many styles to choose from, you can find cabinet hinges perfect for both form and function.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of cabinet hinges?
The most common cabinet hinge types are:
- Butt hinges
- Full access hinges
- Concealed hinges
- Partial concealed hinges
- Inset hinges
- Spring hinges
- Architectural hinges
- Flipper hinges
- Lift-off hinges
- Pivot hinges
Each style is designed to work with specific cabinet door types and offers different functionality.
How much weight can cabinet hinges hold?
Most standard cabinet hinges can support doors weighing 50-100 lbs depending on hinge quality. Heavy duty hinges are available that can support over 200 lbs for larger doors. The more hinges used per door, the greater weight capacity.
Do all cabinet hinges fit all cabinets?
No, it’s important to choose hinges made specifically for your cabinet door style. Inset hinges fit inset doors, overlay hinges fit overlay doors, etc. Measure hinge holes on existing cabinets before replacing hinges.
Should all the hinges on a cabinet door match?
For the most visually appealing result, all the hinges on a given cabinet door should match in style, finish, and color. Mixing hinge styles and finishes together looks disjointed.
How many hinges should be used on a cabinet door?
The number of hinges depends on the size and weight of the door. A good rule of thumb is:
- Doors under 36″ tall/wide: 2 hinges
- 36-48″ doors: 3 hinges
- Larger or heavier doors: 4 hinges
Using adequate hinges prevents sagging and instability in the cabinet door.
Can I change the hinges on my kitchen cabinets?
In most cases, yes. Old hinges can be replaced with new ones. Just be sure to select hinges specifically designed to fit your cabinet style – inset, overlay, or frameless. Concealed hinges allow upgrading visible hinges to a more streamlined look.
How do you install cabinet hinges?
There are several steps to installing cabinet hinges:
- Remove existing hinges and measure hole positions.
- Mark hinge locations on cabinet frame and doors.
- Drill pilot holes for screws in doors and frame.
- Insert hinge parts into holes and align correctly.
- Attach hinges with screws and test door swing. Adjust as needed.
Be sure to use a drill, screw gun, and other essential installation tools. Follow manufacturer instructions for the specific hinge type.
Do soft-close hinges make a big difference?
Soft-close hinges provide substantial benefits. They prevent cabinet doors from loudly banging shut. The dampened motion also protects against slamming that can loosen hinges over time or shatter glass panes. Soft-close hinges are worth the small extra investment.
Conclusion
The selection of cabinet hinges may seem mundane, but it actually plays a significant role in kitchen cabinet design and functionality. Taking the time to choose hinges suited to your specific cabinet style, needs, and hardware aesthetic pays dividends in creating a kitchen you’ll love living in.
Whether you value sleek modern minimalism, rustic architectural flair, or charming vintage character, there is a cabinet hinge to fit your style. Anticipating how much access you need, door size, ease of installation, and budget considerations also helps narrow down your ideal hinge choices.
With this overview of the 10 most common hinge types, measurements of your existing cabinet doors, and a clear idea of the look you want, you can successfully upgrade or replace your cabinet hinges. Just ensure the new hinges match your door style and installation requirements.
Getting the details of cabinet hinges right truly elevates the sophistication of your kitchen’s design. Pulling open doors effortlessly on smooth hinges demonstrates quality craftsmanship. Thoughtfully selected hinges support both stunning form and flawless function, creating a kitchen you can enjoy for many years to come.
