Choosing the right cabinet hinges depends on cabinet construction, door style, overlay, opening needs, and features. Use the steps below in order—this is the same process professionals follow to avoid fit and alignment problems.

Step 1: Identify Your Cabinet Construction

Frameless (European-style)

• No face frame on the cabinet front

• Hinges mount directly to the cabinet side panel
  Best choice: Concealed (European) hinges

Face-Frame

• A frame surrounds the cabinet opening

• Hinges mount to the frame or door
  Choices: Concealed hinges with face-frame mounting plates, or semi-concealed hinges

Step 2: Determine Door Overlay (Most Important)

Overlay describes how the door sits relative to the cabinet opening.

• Full overlay – Door fully covers the cabinet side or frame

• Half overlay – Two doors share a center partition

• Inset – Door sits flush inside the opening

➡️ Hinges are made specifically for each overlay. Choosing the wrong overlay type will prevent proper alignment.

Step 3: Choose the Hinge Style

Concealed (European) Hinges

• Hidden when the door is closed

• Clean, modern look

• Usually 3-way adjustable (side, height, depth)

Best for kitchens, bathrooms, and modern furniture.

Semi-Concealed Hinges

• Partially visible

• Traditional appearance

• Limited adjustment

Common in classic cabinetry.

Surface-Mount Hinges

• Fully visible

• Decorative or rustic look

• Little or no adjustment

Used when appearance is a design feature.

Step 4: Select the Opening Angle

Choose based on access needs:

• 90°–105° – Standard access

• 110°–120° – Most common for kitchens

• 135°–170° – Corner cabinets, pull-outs, wide access

Wider angles require specific hinge designs.

Step 5: Decide on Features

Soft-Close

• Prevents slamming

• Protects cabinets and doors

• Strongly recommended for kitchens

Self-Closing

• Door pulls itself shut

• Common on many concealed hinges

Clip-On vs Screw-On

• Clip-on: Easy door removal and adjustment

• Screw-on: Traditional mounting

Step 6: Match Door Size and Weight

Heavier or taller doors need stronger hinges and/or more hinges.

General guideline:

• Up to 900 mm door height → 2 hinges

• 900–1500 mm → 3 hinges

• Over 1500 mm → 4 or more hinges

Always check the hinge’s weight rating.

Step 7: Confirm Mounting Details (Concealed Hinges)

Check these specifications:

• Cup diameter: typically 35 mm

• Cup depth: must match door thickness

• Mounting plate type: frameless or face-frame

Incorrect cup depth or plate type is a common installation failure.

Step 8: Choose Finish and Durability

• Kitchens and bathrooms: corrosion-resistant finishes

• Match finish to visible hardware if hinges are exposed

• Steel or stainless steel for durability

Quick Selection Table

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing hinges by appearance only

• Ignoring overlay type

• Forgetting door thickness and weight

• Mixing hinge styles on the same cabinet run

• Skipping adjustability in kitchens

Summary

To choose cabinet hinges correctly:

1. Identify cabinet type

2. Confirm door overlay

3. Select hinge style

4. Choose opening angle

5. Add needed features

6. Match door size and weight

When unsure, concealed, adjustable, soft-close hinges are the safest and most versatile option for most modern cabinets.