When planning a kitchen refurbishment or fitting replacement kitchen cabinet doors, it is easy to focus on the visible design elements while overlooking hardware such as hinges. The right hinge can transform the look and usability of your cabinets, so let’s look at five common kitchen cabinet hinges in the UK and when they are used.
1. Inset concealed hinges
These hinges are perfect for creating a traditional or bespoke feel, as concealed hinges allow the cabinet door to sit within the frame rather than covering it. This exposes the outer edge of the cabinet, which works beautifully with solid wood kitchens or glass-fronted display units. Their distinctive cranked arm design ensures the door aligns neatly inside the carcass opening.
2. Full overlay concealed hinges
The go-to choice for most modern kitchens, full overlay concealed hinges cover the cabinet sides completely for a smooth, contemporary finish. Their straight arm design and three-point adjustability make them practical and discreet, ensuring doors line up perfectly and close seamlessly.
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3. Bi-fold corner hinges
Ideal for corner units with double doors, bi-fold hinges allow the two doors to fold back on each other as they open, making access to corner storage more convenient. Often combined with a 170° hinge on the main door, they are particularly useful for units with carousels or pull-out shelves.
4. Half overlay concealed hinges
Half overlay concealed hinges are useful where two doors share the same central cabinet panel. With a bent arm, these hinges allow each door to cover only part of the panel while leaving a slim strip exposed. This type of hinge is a common choice for both kitchen and bedroom furniture.
5. Blind corner hinges
For cabinets positioned at a corner where no perpendicular panel is available for fixing, blind corner hinges are the solution. They attach to an inline fascia, provided there is sufficient clearance to install them properly, usually at least 70mm from the fascia’s edge.