Everything You Need to Know About Hinges for Doors, Windows & Cabinets
- Pescora Design
- Jul 2
- 9 min read
Hinges are one of those hardware components we rarely notice, until they squeak, break, or stop functioning. Yet, they are essential to how we interact with doors, windows, cabinets, and furniture every day. Whether you're working on a home renovation, building new cabinetry, or crafting furniture, choosing the right type of hinge can impact everything from movement and durability to safety and aesthetics.
Everything You Need to Know About Hinges for Doors, Windows & Cabinets
The door width, height and weight as well as the material quality of the door are decisive factors determining the number of hinges required. In this guide, we’ll walk you through different types of hinges, explaining what they are, how they work, and where they’re commonly used. Let's dive into everything you Need to Know About Hinges for Doors, Windows & Cabinets
GLOSSARY:
Door & Gate Hinges
Butt Hinges
Butt hinges are the most common type of hinge used on doors. They consist of two rectangular leaves joined by a central pin. One leaf is attached to the door and the other to the frame. These hinges are usually mortised into the surfaces, making them barely visible when the door is closed.
Best for: Internal and external wooden doors.
Gate Hinges
Gate hinges are designed for heavy-duty use. They come in several varieties like strap hinges, tee hinges, and adjustable gate hinges. Built to withstand the elements, these hinges are larger and more durable than standard door hinges.
Best for: Garden gates, farm doors, and metal fences.
Rising and Falling Hinges
These hinges are engineered to lift the door slightly when opened and lower it when closing. This mechanism helps avoid dragging over uneven floors and can also offer a self-closing function.
Best for: Public washroom doors or any area with uneven flooring.
Pivot Hinges
Unlike traditional hinges that are attached to the edge of a door, pivot hinges are mounted at the top and bottom, allowing the door to rotate around a central point. This creates a smooth swinging motion and offers a minimalist look.
Best for: Hidden or double-action doors, modern interiors.
Spring Hinges
Spring hinges contain an internal spring that allows the door to automatically return to a closed position after being opened. Some types even allow you to adjust the tension of the spring.
Best for: Fire doors, restaurant kitchens, and commercial spaces.
Swing Clear Hinges
These hinges are designed to allow the door to swing completely clear of the frame when opened. This provides maximum opening width, which is especially helpful for accessibility and moving large items.
Best for: Hospitals, accessible homes, and commercial spaces.
Window & Architectural Hinges
Window Hinges
Window hinges vary depending on the type of window, but most allow the sash to open outward or tilt inward. Friction hinges are common in modern casement windows, allowing controlled opening without additional support arms.
Best for: Casement and awning windows.
Cranked Hinges
Cranked hinges are offset, allowing flush doors or panels to open widely without rubbing against the frame. They’re especially useful when a clean, flush exterior is required.
Best for: Flush cabinet doors, windows with tight clearance.
Adjustable Hinges
Adjustable hinges come with built-in screws or slots that allow you to fine-tune the alignment of the door or window. They’re especially helpful in modern modular furniture and installations.
Best for: Doors or windows that require precision alignment after installation.
Cabinet & Furniture Hinges
Concealed Hinges
Also known as European hinges, concealed hinges are hidden when the door is closed, offering a clean and seamless look. They often come with soft-close options for added luxury.
Best for: Modular kitchens, wardrobes, and high-end furniture.
Kitchen Cabinet Hinges
These are a specialized form of concealed hinges designed specifically for kitchen use. They offer a variety of opening angles and are engineered for frequent, heavy use.
Best for: Overhead kitchen cabinets, under-sink units, and pull-out drawers.
Loose Pin Hinges
These hinges come with a removable pin, allowing the door to be lifted off its hinges without unscrewing it. This makes them highly practical for areas requiring frequent door removal.
Best for: Interior doors, rental spaces, and furniture with removable parts.
Piano Hinges / Continuous Hinges
These long, continuous hinges run the entire length of a door or panel. They provide even support across the surface, making them ideal for lids and long panels.
Best for: Foldable desks, wardrobes etc.
Cabinet Hinges
This is a broad category that includes various mounting styles—such as overlay, inset, and full-wrap hinges. Depending on the design, cabinet hinges can be either visible or concealed.
Best for: All types of furniture and cabinetry.
Flap Fittings
Flap fittings are mechanisms that enable cabinet doors to open upwards or downwards instead of swinging sideways. These fittings are designed to maximize access and space efficiency in vertical or compact layouts.
Best for: Overhead cabinets, bar units, kitchen wall storage.
Folding Flap Fittings
Folding flap fittings are designed for cabinet doors that are divided into two panels. These panels fold onto each other and open together, typically in an upward direction. They are ideal for wide cabinets where a single large flap would be too heavy or obstructive.
Best for: Kitchen overhead cabinets, folding workstations, bi-fold cabinet doors.
Centre Hinges
Centre hinges are used to connect the two parts of a folding flap. They allow the panels to fold inward or outward smoothly, making them essential for bi-fold flap doors. These hinges are often concealed within the fold line for a clean finish.
Best for: Folding cabinet shutters, double-panel flap doors.
Flap Stays
Flap stays are support mechanisms that control the opening and closing movement of a flap. They are often gas-assisted or spring-based and are used in combination with hinges. Flap stays ensure the flap opens to a fixed angle, remains open without support, and closes gently without slamming.
Best for: Overhead flaps, bar cabinets, appliance garages.
Drawer Slides
Side-Mounted Drawer Slides
These slides are installed on both sides of the drawer box and are visible when the drawer is open. They are sturdy, easy to install, and commonly used in wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, and office furniture. They support a decent amount of weight and are suitable for medium to heavy-duty applications.
Undermount Drawer Slides
Undermount slides are fixed beneath the drawer, making them completely hidden from view. They offer a cleaner aesthetic and often come with integrated soft-close functionality. These are ideal for high-end kitchen cabinetry and luxury wardrobes.
Center-Mounted Drawer Slides
A single slide is mounted under the center of the drawer. These slides are typically used in lightweight furniture pieces like side tables and decorative drawers. While easy to install, they have limited load-bearing capacity.
Ball-Bearing (Telescopic) Slides
These slides use ball bearings to allow smooth, full-extension movement. They can handle heavier loads and provide greater access to the drawer’s interior. They are suitable for filing cabinets, tool drawers, and industrial storage units.
Soft-Close Slides
Soft-close slides include a damping mechanism that slows the drawer as it closes, preventing slamming and reducing wear and tear. They offer a quiet, smooth user experience and are popular in modern kitchens, bathroom vanities, and children’s furniture.
Drawer Hinges
Push-to-Open Systems
Push-to-open is a handle-less drawer or door mechanism that allows the panel to open with a simple push. These systems use magnetic or spring-loaded catches to release the panel. When applied to flap fittings, they eliminate the need for external handles, enhancing the minimalistic appearance.
Concealed Hinges for Flip-Down Drawers
These hinges are used on drawer fronts that tilt or fold down instead of pulling out. They are commonly found in kitchen pull-outs, keyboard trays, and bathroom vanities. Concealed hinges offer a streamlined appearance and are often equipped with soft-close features.
Pivot Hinges for Rotating Drawers
Pivot hinges enable a rotating motion rather than the standard pull-out. These are used in corner cabinets, liquor drawers, or space-saving furniture where rotation offers better accessibility. They provide smooth pivoting motion and are often integrated into designer or custom furniture.
Flap or Counterflap Hinges
These hinges allow a drawer front or panel to fold down completely and lie flat when open. They are used in drop-front desks, wall-mounted furniture, and folding workstations. These hinges are ideal for creating temporary horizontal surfaces from vertical panels.
Specialty & Decorative Hinges
Lift-Off Hinges
Also known as slip joint hinges, these allow doors or panels to be lifted off their hinges without tools. The two halves of the hinge simply lift apart when the door is opened.
Best for: Machinery covers, access panels, and temporary partitions.
Backflap Hinges
Backflap hinges have wide rectangular plates and are designed to be surface-mounted without cutting into the door or frame. They offer more coverage and are easier to install.
Best for: Stage sets, temporary structures, folding screens.
Counterflap Hinges
These hinges are designed for panels that fold up, such as bar flaps or counter extensions. They lie flat when open, allowing the panel to rest flush with the counter.
Best for: Reception desks, bars, or folding countertops.
H and HL Hinges
Named for their shape, H hinges are used on lightweight doors, while HL hinges provide extra support for larger panels. Both offer a decorative, antique appearance.
Best for: Barn doors, cabinetry, and period furniture.
Collinge Hinges
Collinge hinges are decorative and often used in period restoration. They feature an ornamental knuckle and are surface-mounted for visibility.
Best for: Antique cabinetry, historical building restoration.
Hurlinge / Flush / Interleaf Hinges
Flush hinges are designed to sit flat on the surface without the need for mortising. They’re small, lightweight, and perfect for simple projects.
Best for: Small boxes, cabinet doors, lightweight furniture.
Trestle Hinges
Trestle hinges are designed for foldable furniture. They allow parts of a table or panel to collapse inward, making storage and transport easy.
Best for: Folding tables, display stands, and craft furniture.
Unequal Hinges
These hinges have one leaf longer than the other, allowing unique mounting configurations. They're used when the mounting space on one side is limited.
Best for: Narrow frames, custom cabinetry.
Weldable Hinges
Weldable hinges are made without holes and are meant to be welded directly onto metal surfaces. They're robust and tamper-proof.
Best for: Metal gates, security doors, industrial use.
Conductor Hinges
These advanced hinges include embedded wiring, allowing power or signals to pass through a moving door. They’re ideal in high-tech applications.
Best for: Access control doors, smart furniture, rotating kiosks.
Specialist Hinges
Specialist hinges are custom-designed for specific needs or industries. They might offer unique movement, added security, or aesthetic features that standard hinges can't provide.
Best for: Luxury furniture, industrial machinery, or bespoke architectural elements.
Best Brands in India for Hinges, Drawer Slides & Flap Fittings
Brand | Segment | Best For | Product Highlights | Price Range |
Häfele | Premium | Modular kitchens, wardrobe hinges, concealed hinges | Soft-close hinges, flap fittings, drawer slides, German precision | Premium |
Blum | Premium | High-end kitchens, wardrobe lift systems, flap hinges | Austrian-engineered concealed hinges, Aventos flap lift systems | Premium |
Hettich | Premium | Cabinet hinges, kitchen drawers, commercial projects | Clip-on concealed hinges, wide-angle opening, push-to-open systems | Premium |
Grass | Premium | Luxury furniture, modular cabinetry | Tiomos hinges, Dynapro drawer runners, handle-free motion tech | Premium |
Dorset | Mid–Premium | Doors, wardrobes, glass panels | Designer butt hinges, soft-close door hinges, architectural hardware | Mid–Premium |
Ozone | Mid–Premium | Glass door hinges, gate hinges, smart cabinetry | Patch fittings, heavy-duty hinges, floor springs | Mid- Premium |
Godrej Locks | Economic | Traditional doors, rental units, institutional furniture | Butt hinges, door closers, flush bolts | Economic |
Ebco | Economic | Kitchen shutters, drawers, basic flap stays | Cabinet hinges, telescopic channels, wardrobe fittings | Economic |
Inox | Economic | Drawers, folding flaps, wardrobes | Ball-bearing slides, folding flap hinges, basic concealed hinges | Economic |
Hardwyn | Mid–Premium | Glass hardware, modular kitchens | Hinges, flap fittings, aluminum profiles | Mid–Premium |
Link Locks | Budget | Budget furniture, DIY work, door hinges | Simple butt hinges, basic piano hinges, mini cabinet hardware | Economic |
IPSA | Mid–Premium | Modern wardrobes, commercial projects | Soft-close, push-to-open, corner cabinet hinges | Mid–Premium |
Kich | Mid–Premium to Premium | Architectural hinges, flush doors, smart solutions | Designer hinges, weldable, floor springs | Mid–Premium |
Enox | Economic to Mid–Premium | Folding furniture, wardrobes, drawers | Cabinet hinges, drawer runners, gas lift stays | Economic |
Suggested Use Based on Application:
Application Area | Recommended Brands |
Modular Kitchens | Blum, Häfele, Hettich, Grass, Ebco |
Wardrobes & Furniture | Hettich, Ebco, Inox, Link Locks, IPSA |
Heavy-Duty Doors/Gates | Dorset, Ozone, Godrej Locks, Kich |
Glass Door Hinges | Ozone, Hafele, Kich, Dorset |
Budget Cabinets | Ebco, Inox, Link Locks, Enox |
Flap Mechanisms | Blum (Aventos), Ebco, Hafele, Hettich |
Decorative/Antique Use | Dorset, Link Locks, Godrej, Kich |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right hinge isn’t just a technical decision, it’s an essential part of functionality, longevity, and user experience. From conventional butt hinges to hi-tech conductor hinges, each type has a specific purpose and benefit. By understanding these hinge types and their applications, you can ensure that your projects are durable, practical, and aligned with your design goals.
Whether you're working on a DIY home upgrade or a large-scale commercial project, this guide will help you pick the right hinge every time.
FAQs:
What is the most commonly used hinge for interior doors?
The most commonly used hinge for interior wooden doors is the butt hinge. It is mortised into the door and frame, providing a neat, secure, and reliable attachment.
How many hinges are required for a standard door?
Typically, a standard door requires three hinges—one near the top, one near the bottom, and one in the center—to ensure proper weight distribution and smooth operation. For taller or heavier doors, additional hinges may be needed.
Are soft-close and push-to-open mechanisms available for drawers and cabinets?
Yes, both soft-close and push-to-open systems are available for drawers and cabinets. Soft-close prevents slamming, while push-to-open eliminates the need for handles.
What type of hinge should I use for a heavy outdoor gate?
For gates, strap hinges, T-hinges, or heavy-duty butt hinges made of rust-resistant materials like stainless steel or galvanized iron are ideal. Consider adjustable gate hinges for added flexibility.
Can I replace hinges myself or should I hire a professional?
Replacing basic hinges (like butt or cabinet hinges) can be a DIY task if you have the right tools and measurements. However, for concealed, pivot, or adjustable hinges, professional help is advised to ensure correct alignment.
Do I need special hinges for glass doors?
Yes, glass doors require glass-compatible hinges that either clamp onto the glass or are fixed with rubber pads. Brands like Ozone, Hafele, and Dorset offer quality solutions for glass door applications.
What are the best brands for hinge hardware in India?
Premium brands include Häfele, Blum, Hettich, and Grass. Mid-range and economic options include Ebco, Inox, Godrej Locks, and Link Locks. Choose based on your budget, application, and desired finish.
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