Even though we use them everyday have you ever stopped to think about cabinet hinges and what they do for you? When you reach for your deodorant or the coffee beans cabinet hinges are their making our lives easier.

hinge

It wasn’t always this way. Hinges were first in use in 1600 B.C., but it wasn’t until the Romans adapted them for domestic use that there full services could be employed. Now they are in nearly every room in our homes and there is a large selection to choose from.

door hinge

Rather than trudging from store to store the best way to see the largest selection of cabinet hinges is to shop online. You can compare and save on the hinges you need to complete your kitchen redo or other project. Narrow your selection by finish and cabinet door type.

door hinges

There are several finishes available for cabinet hinges ranging from antique copper to polished chrome. Try white for a farm fresh look or oil rubbed bronze for a vintage look. Match your cabinet knobs and pulls or if the cabinet hinges will be concealed choose the right price for your budget.

cabinet hinge

The type of cabinet door you have will dictate the type of cabinet hinges you need. There are three types of cabinet doors on the market; lipped, flush and overlay. A lipped door had a lip cut completely around it, a flush door rests within the frame and an overlay door rests against the frame.

cabinet hinges

The most common cabinet hinge for an overlay door is a pivot hinge. One hinge is attached to t he top the other to the bottom and parts of each are bent over and recessed or mortised into the door and frame. This results in a concealed hinge. If your cabinet doors are flush you should opt for a butterfly hinge. So named because when open it looks like a butterfly; this hinge consists of two flaps held together by a pin. The flaps are mounted on the outside of the frame and door for decorative purposes. These hinges are available in a wide variety of styles from colonial to art deco.

cabinet door hinge

A similar hinge is the butt hinge. This hinge also has two flaps with screw holes held together by a pin. The difference is the flaps are recessed into the door and frame. When they close the flaps or leaves meet revealing only the pin. Butt hinges can be used on all three types of cabinet door.

cabinet door hinges

Another cabinet hinge that can be used on all three types of door is the spring loaded or self-closing hinge. A small spring within the hinge forces the cabinet door gently closed when it has been open. These are extremely popular in kitchens where cabinets are opened all the time.

hinges

So the next time you reach for the toothpaste or some plates to set the table stop for a moment to ponder the strength of your cabinet hinges and try to imagine what life would be like without them.