From classic butt hinges to sleek concealed styles, our hinge guide helps you choose the right fit for doors, cabinets, and furniture.
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A type of butt hinge, it has hidden bearings between the knuckles of the hinge, which reduce friction and help doors operate more smoothly. Ball bearing hinges are considered heavy-duty and durable, making them ideal for entry doors.
Keep the hinge research rolling with our ball bearing hinge guide.
Used for woodworking projects like small cabinets or jewelry boxes, these small barrel-shaped hinges are typically made of solid brass with brass links. They’re invisible from either side and open to 180 degrees. Barrel hinges aren’t recommended for vertical or load-bearing applications.
Installation requires precise drilling of matching holes in both the door and frame. These decorative yet functional hinges add a professional, seamless appearance to fine woodworking pieces. They are mostly used by craftsmen who want to achieve a smooth and sleek look with the least exposure to hardware in their products.
The most common hinge used on doors and cabinets, butt hinges have two rectangular-shaped leaves with knuckles in the middle, joined by a pin. There are several types: plain bearing, ball bearing (see above), spring-loaded and rising. Learn how to recess hinges on a door.
Also called invisible, hidden or European hinges, concealed hinges are used on entry and interior doors, cabinets and furniture. They’ve been around for a long time. (Soss, a well-known brand, has been making them for over 100 years.) Because they can’t be seen from the outside, they provide a smooth, uninterrupted appearance that’s aesthetically pleasing. And because they can’t be tampered with from the outside, they also provide security.
European-style hinges can be adjusted to align doors after they’re installed. Choose invisible hinges when you want more modern-looking cabinets, furniture and doors.
Concealed hinges are revealed in this guide.
It’s designed to provide support and stability for heavy doors (including entry doors, gates or furniture lids, such as trunks and benches) and frequently-used doors. Ball bearing hinges, concealed hinges and piano.
It’s shaped like a pair of scissors, with the two parts of the hinge (called leaves) connected at a pivot point, which is why they’re also called pivot hinges. Knife hinges are primarily found in cabinets for overlay or inset doors. Once installed, they’re barely noticeable.
This is a continuous hinge, with a central pin and leaves that run the length of whatever they’re attached to. The piano hinge got its name because it’s used on pianos, but it has many more applications. These long, full-length hinges are often used for fold-down workbenches, toy boxes and panels. They distribute weight evenly and offer strong stability.
Pivot hinges are installed at the top and bottom of a door, allowing it to swing from a single point. They can handle heavier doors than some other hinges. And because you can open pivot-hinged doors with a push, they’re an excellent choice in restaurants and homes for doorways between the kitchen and dining room.
A strap hinge is distinguished by its long, narrow leaves—sometimes one, often both. Those provide extra stability in heavy-duty applications, so they’re frequently used outdoors on gates.
They’re also popular for cabinets when you want the hinge to be a design element. These durable hinges create a rustic, farmhouse aesthetic when installed on barn doors or decorative gates. For homeowners seeking both functionality and visual appeal, strap hinges offer the perfect combination of strength and distinctive style.
Use hard metals such as brass for outdoor use—preferably stainless steel or galvanized coatings.
You need to keep some things in mind, including your door type (overlay or inset), desired look (concealed or visible) and budget. For soft-close, it is recommended to use a European-style concealed hinge.
Yes, here’s how you can install hinges for DIY projects. However, make sure to take precise measurements and fit corrosion-resistant screws. If in doubt, hire a professional.
