When building new cabinets for your kitchen, most of the focus is placed on what the cabinets will look like. While elements such as the color, style, and available storage space are all important aspects to keep in mind, one decision that deserves more focus is figuring out what type of hinges will be best for the cabinet doors. Door hinges for kitchen cabinets are available in many styles and colors, all designed to stand up to your family’s everyday wear and tear. There are many factors that can play a role in determining the correct type of hinge to use for your next cabinetry project. This guide to choosing the right cabinet hinge can help you decide on the right hardware for the job.
Categories of Hinges
When it comes to the hinge itself, there are three main categories that all hinges fit into, and each will serve a different aesthetic purpose depending on the style you want to present. The type of hinge you choose should match the style of cabinets that you are building. While there are some hinges that are capable of serving multiple purposes, it is often best to decide on one specific style, as this will help you maintain a consistent look throughout your kitchen and the rest of your home.
The first option is called a concealed hinge. As the name suggests, these are hinges that are invisible when the cabinet doors are closed. These have become increasingly common due to the rise in popularity of more minimalist home furnishings and décor. Also referred to as a European or cup hinge, this type of hinge is screwed onto the inside of the frame and the back of the cabinet door to help hide any signs of the hinge. When using this sort of hinge, the doors will still swing outward, allowing you to put these hinges anywhere on the door panel without losing any visual appeal.
The second category of hinges that are in wide use is sometimes referred to as semi-concealed hinges. This variety is partially visible and serves to benefit both form and function. A semi-concealed hinge will often have a decorative design or tip to help accent the cabinets. Mounted on the outside, they will screw into the front of the door and the cabinet frame. This type of hinge is best used when you want the hinges to serve as an accent for the rest of the kitchen.
Finally, there is a style of hinges called exposed hinges that make no effort to conceal themselves at all. In some cases, they are even designed to stand out as a marquee feature of the design. These hinges have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the emergence of farmhouse-style home décor. This is a style that portrays a home that is cozy, warm, and inviting.
The Style of Cabinet
The next thing to consider when selecting the best hinges for your project is the style of kitchen cabinet that you want to build. While there are many different styles available, it is important to pick out a hinge that will match the cabinet. One of the available style options is called Flat Panel. With this style of cabinet, there are no panels or framing to tarnish the sleek look. If you are building this type of cabinet, a concealed hinge is the most obvious choice because you don’t want to interrupt the clean lines or draw attention away from them. A mortise hinge is one where the hinge is set into the wood, and it can help give flat panel cabinets a modern appeal.
Another type of minimalist cabinet design is called Shaker-style. These cabinets feature doors that are inset, meaning that the door will end up mostly flush with the cabinet frame on the sides but not the top and bottom. When using this wildly popular cabinet style, semi-concealed hinges are a great way to accent the cabinet.
Depending on personal taste, you can also consider beadboard cabinets. Construction of this style involves sliding grooved, vertical slats into place. Visually, these cabinets are the complete opposite from the flat panel look, as they utilize planks that can add to a farmhouse or cottage motif. Because this style is very customizable and allows a large amount of creative freedom, exposed hinges are a fantastic way to add extra character to the room.
Additional Considerations
Aside from the appearance of the hinges, there are many other aspects to consider when selecting a hinge. One thing to think about is the weight of the doors. Most cabinet doors are reasonably light and only require the use of two hinges, but this can vary based on how heavy the door is. Adding an additional hinge is always an option, as is using a more heavy-duty hinge that can stand-up against additional wear.
The presence of children is also something to think about when selecting hinges. Installing concealed hinges can help prevent accidents and jammed fingers. There are also some hinges that allow you to easily detach the doors for cleaning. If your children are constantly leaving cabinet doors open, you may consider self-closing hinges that have a spring that pulls the door closed automatically once engaged.
Finally, no guide to choosing the right cabinet hinge is complete without considering the dimensions of the doors and frames that you will be screwing a hinge into. You must be sure not to use hinges with screws that will go all the way through the door. Doing so could lead to problems with the integrity of the wood, potentially meaning that you will need to repair or replace the cabinets sooner than you would otherwise need to.
At Pro Cabinet Supply, we specialize in providing cabinet supplies to everybody from contractors and handymen to the weekend warriors and DIYers. Whenever you order from us, you can rest easy knowing that you will be getting the right product at the right price. Check out our huge selection of decorative cabinet hinges, along with all our other kitchen cabinet supplies today.
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