The right cabinet hinge depends on the cabinet construction, how the door sits against it, the opening angle and the closing action. Work through those details before choosing a hinge and its mounting plate; parts that look similar are not automatically interchangeable.

What kind of cabinet are you working with?

Face-frame cabinets

A face-frame cabinet has a frame fixed across the front of the cabinet box. The door hinge mounts to that frame, so check the intended fixing method and door position when choosing hardware.

Frameless cabinets

On a frameless cabinet the door hinges mount to the sides of the cabinet box, commonly through a hinge and matching mounting plate. Many concealed cabinet hinges are designed for this arrangement, but the individual fitting specifications still matter.

Check the door overlay

With a full-overlay door, the door covers most of the cabinet front edge. A half-overlay arrangement shares a cabinet side between neighbouring doors. An inset door sits within the opening; a lipped or 3/8-inch inset door has a rebated edge. These positions need different hinge and plate geometry. Measure the door and cabinet rather than choosing on appearance alone.

Choose the opening and closing action

Soft close

Some hinge models incorporate damping to slow the door as it closes. Others use a separately specified damping device. Check the exact hinge and device listing before combining them; a generic soft-close label does not establish compatibility.

Self-closing and free-swinging

A spring-assisted, self-closing hinge pulls the door shut near the end of its travel. A free-swinging hinge does not provide that closing action. For handleless push-to-open doors, check the hinge design and the separately selected opening device.

Popular cabinet hinge types

Butt hinges have two leaves joined by a pin and are often recessed into the door and frame. See the butt hinge range for the available sizes and finishes.

Flush hinges nest one leaf inside the other when closed. Check the fixing method and load suitability for the specific door.

Concealed cup hinges fit a bored hole in the back of the cabinet door and work with a matching cabinet-side mounting plate. Select by door overlay, cup drilling pattern, opening angle, door thickness and fixing style. Browse Blum CLIP top hinges alongside the separate CLIP top mounting plates.

Angled or specialist hinges may be needed for corner or unusual cabinet geometry. Check the exact installation drawing, rather than assuming a standard hinge will produce the required opening clearance.

Continuous hinges, also called piano hinges, run along the length of a door. They are a different fixing approach from concealed cup hinges and should be sized for the door and intended use.

Shop this guide

• Blum CLIP top concealed hinges for compatible cabinet-door applications.
• Blum CLIP top mounting plates to match the selected hinge and overlay.
• Blum hinge accessories for separately specified finishing and fitting parts.
• Blum BLUMOTION hinge devices for compatible damping applications.
• Blum TIP-ON devices for compatible handleless doors.
• Traditional butt hinges for mortised door and frame installations.

Before ordering, confirm the hinge article number, mounting plate, door thickness, drilling pattern and required clearance using the product listing and fitting instructions. Hart Wholesale stocks a range of options, but the right combination depends on your cabinet.