The Classification of Furniture Hinges: A Professional Guide

Furniture hinges are crucial parts in wardrobes, cabinets and other furniture. They add smoothness, strength and beauty to doors and panels. Choosing the right hinge is crucial with regards to operation, safety and design compatibility.

Let me, as a professional hinge manufacturer, lead you through the principal classes of furniture hinges based on structure, function, type of mounting and use.

By Structure

Concealed Hinges (Cup Hinges / European Hinges)

Concealed hinges are most commonly seen in modern cabinets. They are installed inside the cabinet and can be hidden even when the cabinet door is closed, creating a simple and clean look.

Features:

• Soft-close or standard options
• Adjustable in three directions (up/down, left/right, in/out)
• Commonly used in kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, and office furniture

Butt Hinges

Traditional double leaf hinges are mounted on the surface or inside the door frame. They are visible when the door is closed.

Features:

• Simple design
• Strong and reliable
• Often used in wooden doors, small chests, and vintage furniture

Piano Hinges (Continuous Hinges)

These run the full length of the door or panel, distributing weight evenly and providing high stability.

Features:

• Excellent load-bearing capacity
• Ideal for lids, folding tables, and long panels

By Function

Soft-Close Hinges

These hinges integrate a damping mechanism that allows the door to close slowly and silently, preventing slamming and extending the life of the furniture.

Self-Close Hinges

Equipped with a spring mechanism, these hinges pull the door shut once it’s within a certain distance of closing.

Lift-Up Hinges

Used for overhead cabinets, they allow doors to open upward and stay in position.

Push-to-Open Hinges

Allow the door to open with a light push, eliminating the need for handles and creating a clean design.

By Installation Method

Inset Hinges

Designed for doors that sit flush with the cabinet frame.

Overlay Hinges

Used when the door overlays (covers) part of the cabinet frame.

Types include:

• Full Overlay
• Half Overlay
• Inset

The selection depends on the number of doors sharing a panel and the aesthetic preferences.

By Application

Cabinet Hinges

Specifically designed for kitchen, bathroom, and storage cabinets. Functionality and aesthetics are both critical.

Glass Door Hinges

Designed to secure glass panels without drilling through the glass. Commonly used in display cases or modern office furniture.

Heavy-Duty Hinges

Used for larger doors or panels requiring greater support, such as commercial furniture or storage units.

Conclusion

Understanding the classification of furniture hinges is essential to making informed decisions when designing, producing or purchasing. Whether you are a manufacturer, designer or hardware supplier, choosing the right type of hinge ensures the longevity, safety and functionality of your product.