Top hinges are the traditional type of hinge commonly seen on doors.
Visible and invisible are the two main categories of kitchen cabinet hinges. This means that the hinge is either visible on the outside of cabinet doors or hidden because it is placed inside the door, although many types of hinges are only partially hidden. Kitchen cabinet hinges are available in many different finishes including chrome, brass, copper, black, polished, and hammered. Hinge style and shape options are plentiful, and the type of hinge to use on a particular kitchen cabinet depends on its design.
All basic hinges are made up of three parts: two arms and a pin.
Flush or top hinges are the most basic type of hinge and are not decorative. They are rectangular hinges with a straight edge with the folding section in the center and two or three holes on each side. Holes hold flat head screws. A recessed hinge fits perfectly into the frame of kitchen cabinets. While this type of hinge doesn’t add a decorative touch, it is versatile in that it can be mounted on the inside or outside of a cabinet door.
Kitchen cabinet reverse bevel hinges are designed to fit at a 30 degree angle. A reverse bevel hinge has a metal square on one side of the hinge section. Reverse bevel hinges give kitchen cabinets a clean look because they allow the cabinet door to swing backwards, so no exterior handles or knobs are needed. European style hinges are designed for frameless cabinet styles and are invisible on the outside of kitchen cabinets.
Surface mount hinges are fully visible on cabinet surfaces as half of the hinge is on the frame and half is on the door. These hinges are normally secured with round head screws. A surface mount hinge can also be called a butterfly hinge, as many of these types of kitchen cabinet hinges are beautifully embossed or crimped and have butterfly shapes. Despite its extravagant appearance, the surface mount hinge is considered easy to install.
Recessed kitchen cabinet hinges are available in different types and are designed for cabinet doors that sit flush with the frame. These hinges are only partially invisible, as one section of metal on the frame shows, while the other fits inside the door. Overlapping and half round kitchen cabinet hinges are an ideal hinge type for heavier doors. A metal section of the wrap-around hinge extends from the front to the back of the cabinet door for additional support.
