10 Types of Cabinet Hinges and How to Choose

A kitchen cabinet has many constituent parts such as doors, frames, drawers, and much more. But at a more fundamental level, it is the hardware that holds the entire structure together. Be it cabinet hinges or drawer slides, it is critical to choose the right one depending on the application. When it comes to cabinet hinges, in particular, there are a multitude of options. In this blog, Kipco Hardware, a trusted supplier of kitchen cabinet hinges in Kitchener, lays out 10 major types of hinges and how one should be selected.

Varieties Of Cabinet Hinges

Surface Mount Hinges

These types of cabinet door hinges are mounted right on the surface of the cabinet. Therefore, the entire cabinet hinge is visible. This is a more vintage style and with the right color, material, and design, it can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a cabinet. This type of cabinet hinge is best suited for face frame cabinets with a full overlay door. However, if you are looking for something sleek and modern, then this is not a good choice.

Semi-Concealed Hinges

These types of kitchen cabinet hinges also go well with a face frame cabinet with a partial overlay door. As the name suggests, these hinges are only partially visible. That is, when the cabinet door is closed, only a small part of it is visible. Therefore, it can be used to really enhance the visual appeal of a cabinet by opting for an accent color such as chrome or matte black.

Butt Hinges

This is the most conventional hinge of the lot. It features two plates and a barrel. One plate is set to the side of the cabinet frame, and the other to the side of the door. These kitchen cabinet hinge types are also suitable for face frame cabinets with an inset door. However, while installing, a small recess needs to be carved on the frame, also known as a mortise. Butt hinges offer a more European-style aesthetic to the cabinets, and when the door is closed, only the barrel is visible.

Inset Hinges

For those looking for a streamlined cabinet, inset hinges are the best choice. These are mounted on the inside of the cabinet, preferably frameless, and the side of the cabinet door in such a way that when the door is closed, the hinges are not visible from the front. Of course, they go best with an inset door to create a stylish, minimalist aesthetic.

Partial Overlay Hinges

As mentioned above, partial overlay hinges are also a popular choice for those who don’t want to display their hinges entirely, but would still like it to contribute to the design of the cabinet. These are mounted on the inside of the cabinet and the edge of the door, leaving only the barrel exposed when the door is closed. Moreover, completely inset doors won’t go well here, and the cabinet doors need to overlay a little bit. This makes it easier to open the door and access its contents. Lastly, it gives you the freedom to make the cabinet door hinges stand out with accents or to let it blend in with the surroundings.

Full Overlay Hinge

The major difference between full and partial overlay hinges is that in the former, no part of the hinge is exposed outside the cabinet. It is also mounted on the side of the cabinet frame and to the back edge of the door. However, in the case of this kitchen cabinet hinge, the door does not sit flush like inset hinges but rather sits slightly outside, just like partial overlay hinges.

Flush Hinge

Flush hinges are quite similar to butt hinges but differ in terms of width and spacing. These narrow cabinet hinges also feature two plates and a barrel, but the gap between the frame and the door is very minimal. Therefore, they are also better for situations where mortises can’t be cut. Lastly, when the door is closed, the barrel might be visible like butt hinges, especially on face frame cabinetry.

Wrap Around Hinge

For those looking for heavy-duty hinges for cabinets, wrap-around hinges are an ideal option. These cabinet door hinges wrap around the edge of the cabinet door, offering a greater weight distribution for the screws. Since it securely holds the door in place, it is better suited for frameless cabinets with full overlay doors.

T-Style Hinge

Perhaps the oldest kitchen cabinet hinge type, the t-style hinge adds a rustic charm to the cabinetry. Therefore, they are perfectly suited for ranch-style homes or properties with a rustic design. Apart from aesthetics, they are also known for their durability, strength, and easy installation. 

Butterfly Hinge

Designed solely with aesthetics in mind, butterfly hinges are similar to surface mount hinges, with the exception of design. Shaped like butterflies, they are mounted right on the front of the cabinet frame and doors, ensuring full display. Apart from their unique visual appeal, these types of hinges are also pretty easy to install as they don’t require mortises or other extensive setups.

How To Choose The Right Cabinet Hinge?

With so many choices, it can be overwhelming to select the right hinge, be it replacement cabinet hinges or installing ones for a new cabinet. However, it can be done within a few easy steps. 

Choosing Cabinet Frame: You can choose between a face frame and a frameless one. In the face frame, the frame is visible from the front, whereas in frameless, you just have the box.

Cabinet Door Overlay Type: Cabinet doors can be overlaid in three ways, full overlay, partial overlay and inset. The inset goes best with frameless cabinet frames, whereas full and partial overlays are better suited for face frame cabinets, although they can be designed for frameless cabinets as well.

Hinge Compatibility: Based on the information provided above, you can select the type of hinge based on the cabinet you have or want. This could mean that your hinges may be concealed, fully exposed, or partially exposed, depending on your sensibilities.

Hinge Finish: Choose between chrome, matte finish, or something more conventional.

Special Features: Do you want any special features like self-close cabinet hinges or soft-close hinges? These hinges help close the door with ease without banging the door against the frame.

Therefore, by examining the varieties of cabinet hinges and going through this selection checklist, it is possible to choose a kitchen cabinet hinge for any application.

Looking for quality cabinet hinges or drawer slides for your next project? Reach out to us at Kipco Hardware. Suppliers of premier kitchen cabinet hardware in Kitchener, Ontario, our products are supplemented by our excellent customer service, where our knowledgeable and friendly staff will guide you through all aspects of purchase.