A Guide to Concealed Hinges & The Different Types of Door Hinges

The important parts of your home aren’t always on display!

When it comes to door hardware, hinges are often overlooked despite their crucial role in the functionality and aesthetics of your home. Concealed hinges, in particular, offer a sleek and modern look while providing robust security. This guide will explore everything you need to know about concealed hinges, including the different types available, their applications, and recommendations for choosing the right one for your door and structure. It’ll also explore the safety and security benefits that come with this kind of hinge, as well as their common applications.

The Key Takeaways

Understand the basics behind these hidden hinges at a glance.

• Concealed hinges – as opposed to butt hinges – are concealed within the frame of the door for an ‘invisible’ appearance.
• They come in full, half, inset and and 3D adjustable forms, as well as with options for soft-close operation.
• Residential, Commercial and Institutional buildings can benefit from the security and style benefits of these door hinges, as well as their easy-to-clean nature.

What Are Concealed Hinges?

You’ll often see them referred to as ‘invisible’ or European hinges, but you won’t often see them. By definition, concealed door hinges are hidden from view when the door is closed, giving a clean, uninterrupted look. This compares to a traditional butt hinge, where the spindle is exposed and visible when the door is shut. Unlike traditional or butt hinges, they are installed within the door and frame instead of on the outside.

They are popular in modern architecture and design for their minimalist look – they can make everything from cupboards to concealed entrances look completely seamless. You’ll find them in both residential and commercial settings for doors, cabinets, and furniture: they can look both timeless and modern.

Sometimes, you’ll find them referred to as “SOSS” hinges – SOSS being a particularly popular brand of this type of hinge. However, there are a range of brands that manufacture this kind of hinge: another that is commonly recommended is TECTUS. TECTUS hinges are designed and made in Germany, and are designed for simple maintenance and strength.

Concealed Hinge Types

Explore the different types of hinges and understand their most common applications, both in external and internal doors, furniture and cabinetry.

Full Overlay Hinges

Full overlay hinges are designed for doors that cover the entire cabinet or frame edge. You’ll find them most often in kitchen cabinetry and are the ideal option for when your cabinet has no frame. They provide a seamless look when the doors are closed, and can even help maximise the storage space inside your cupboard by taking up extremely minimal internal space themselves.

Half Overlay Hinges

Half overlay hinges – sometimes referred to as partial overlay hinges – allow two doors to share a common partition or frame edge. They are ideal for situations where space efficiency is crucial, such as in compact storage units, and offer flexibility in door positioning to help accommodate a range of different cabinet styles and configurations.

Inset Hinges

Inset hinges are used for doors that sit flush with the frame edge, providing a clean and streamlined appearance. With an inset hinge, you can open the door fully without obstructing the cabinet frame. You’ll often find them in high-end cabinetry and designer furniture, as they provide that absolutely seamless style. They exist in contrast to offset hinges, which can swing beyond the frame, often with a visible hinge.

Soft-Close Hinges

Soft-close hinges are equipped with a mechanism that gently closes the door, preventing slamming and reducing wear and tear. Their quiet operation makes them perfect for noise-sensitive environments such as libraries and offices. Plus, their gentle closing mechanism can be a benefit for families with small children: they minimise the risk of small fingers getting snapped as the door closes!

3D Adjustable Hinges

3D adjustable hinges allow for easy adjustment of the door’s position in three dimensions: height, width, and depth. This makes them ideal for precise installations and ensuring perfect alignment: you’ll get the optimal closure every time! This makes them a great choice for more complex or sensitive environments.

When and Where to Use Concealed Hinges – Interior Doors and Exterior Doors

Residential Properties

In residential settings, concealed hinges are commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas for cabinetry and interior doors. Their sleek design complements modern home aesthetics, providing a clutter-free appearance. These door hinges are also exceptionally durable, making them a preference for homeowners who prefer to avoid maintenance in the long term and expect high performance. As a bonus, they’re easier to clean, as their hidden nature means they trap less dirt and dust. Now, that’s a win for people who’d prefer to spend less time cleaning…

Commercial Buildings

Concealed hinges are popular in commercial environments, such as offices and retail spaces, where a professional and clean look is desired. But it’s not just their aesthetically pleasing nature that leads to the choice of these door hinges. They’re also considered to be more secure, as the hinge isn’t accessible and can’t be tampered with. Even if you don’t work in a high-security setting, everyone benefits from zero break-ins. You’ll also find these kinds of door hinges can support a wider door opening, allowing for better accessibility for people using mobility aids, or for moving equipment in and out of your building.

Specialty Applications

These invisible door hinges can also facilitate some creative and clever design, especially where not being seen is a key priority. For specialty applications, such as hidden doors or secret compartments, concealed door hinges provide the perfect solution. Their invisible nature allows for creative design possibilities without compromising on functionality. Whether you’re using a secret compartment for security or just as a special, intriguing feature in your home, these specialised door hinges are an intriguing option to consider.

Recommendations for Different Doors and Buildings

Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinet Doors

For kitchen and bathroom cabinets, soft-close full overlay hinges are recommended. They provide a seamless look and prevent doors from slamming, which is crucial in high-usage areas where peace and quiet are valued. Everyone’s felt the pain of slamming their fingers in a door or cupboard at some point, so these sorts of soft-close door hinges are a great choice to help avoid extremities being jammed or pinched, adding an extra safety dimension. This is particularly helpful if you have kids around!

Office Doors and Furniture

In office settings, 3D adjustable hinges offer the flexibility needed for precise installations, ensuring interior and exterior doors and panels remain perfectly aligned in dynamic environments. You’ll get the perfect seal, even adding a superior insulation option and security against gales and gusts. Choosing these concealed door hinges also contributes to a clean, minimalist, modern aesthetic that’s common in commercial buildings and furniture. And, of course, there’s less space for grime and dirt to accumulate, making them a great choice for keeping high-traffic areas a little more hygienic.

Specialty and Custom Doors

For custom doors or hidden compartments, full overlay or inset concealed hinges enable creative and functional solutions that maintain that clean aesthetic. Soft-close hinges are also a great option for these types of applications, as they add a little extra subtlety and silence where it’s needed.

 

Final Notes on Door Hardware

Concealed hinges are an extremely inviting alternative to butt hinges, providing a cleaner, more modern appearance. But aesthetics isn’t everything! They also come with benefits for security, safety, and customisation: all things you can consider in relation to your next project, whether it be commercial or residential.

Understanding the different types of concealed hinges and their appropriate uses can help you make informed decisions for your projects. Regardless of where your project sits, or the stage you’re at in implementing it John Barnes & Co. is here to provide expert advice and top-quality products to meet all your door hardware needs.