19 Types of Hinges: Styles for Every Project

Hidden behind every door and cabinet lies a small mechanical wonder most people never notice. Types of hinges come in dozens of mysterious forms, each engineered for specific secrets.

Some disappear completely from view, while others gleam proudly on display, bright as day.

From ancient castle doors to modern spacecraft, the right hinge makes all the difference. Finding which serves which purpose unlocks a world of clever engineering solutions.

Door Hinge Anatomy: Essential Parts and Components

A hinge might look simple, but understanding its basic parts helps you choose the right type and install it correctly for any project you tackle.

Every hinge has three main components that work together to create smooth, reliable movement between two surfaces.

Knowing these essential parts and the materials they’re made of, such as steel, brass, or stainless steel, makes selecting the perfect hinge much easier for your specific needs.

Let’s break down the anatomy of a hinge so you can work with confidence on your next project.

Cabinet Hinges Types: Complete Overview

Understanding the different types of hinges available for your cabinets is essential for any renovation or installation project. Let’s look at the various cabinet hinge types, from concealed European hinges to traditional butt hinges, helping you choose the perfect hardware for your needs.

1. Butt Hinges

Butt hinges consist of two rectangular leaves joined by a central pin, available in three types: plain bearing for lightweight doors, ball bearing for heavy-duty use, and rising hinges designed to clear carpets and thresholds.

• Best for: Doors, face-frame cabinets, traditional styles
• Cost: $2-$10 per hinge

2. Concealed Hinges /European/Cup Hinges

Concealed hinges mount entirely inside cabinets for a sleek, hidden appearance when closed, offering 3D adjustability and compatibility with frameless designs in full-overlay, half-overlay, or inset configurations with optional soft-close functionality.

• Best for: Frameless cabinets, modern kitchens
• Cost: $3-$20 per hinge

3. Continuous Hinges /Piano Hinges

Continuous hinges run the full length of doors or panels, distributing weight evenly. Once used on piano lids, they now support heavy commercial doors, cabinets, chests, and toolboxes. They come in geared and pin-and-barrel styles for strength and durability.

• Best for: Heavy doors, long panels
• Cost: $10-$50 per hinge

4. Overlay Hinges

Overlay hinges mount on cabinets where the door overlays the opening without recessing into the frame. Available in full and partial overlay styles for both frameless and face-frame cabinets. Many models include soft-close mechanisms for gentle, quiet closing action.

• Best for: Frameless cabinets, face-frame cabinets
• Cost: $2-$15 per hinge

5. Pivot Hinges

Pivot hinges rotate 360 degrees on a single top and bottom pivot, minimizing visible hardware. Ideal for corner cabinets and large doors, with a sleek knife hinge variant for modern designs.

• Best for: Large doors, modern aesthetics
• Cost: $8-$35 per hinge

6. Spring-Loaded Hinges

Spring-loaded hinges have built-in spring tension that automatically pulls doors closed, with adjustable tension to prevent doors from staying open. Ideal for screen, storm, and self-closing doors.

• Best for: Screen doors, self-closing applications
• Cost: $4-$15 per hinge

7. Soft-Close Hinges

Soft-close hinges use a hydraulic damping system that gently slows doors in the last few inches of travel. They reduce noise, extend cabinet life, protect contents, and prevent slamming. These luxury hinges deliver a premium user experience in high-end kitchens and bathrooms.

• Best for: Premium cabinets, luxury spaces
• Cost: $5-$25 per hinge

8. Strap Hinges

Strap hinges feature long decorative leaves that provide heavy-duty support with an ornamental style. Made from brass, stainless steel, or wrought iron, with powder-coated finishes for a visible aesthetic. These robust hinges work beautifully for rustic, period, and decorative applications.

• Best for: Gates, barn doors, decorative
• Cost: $5-$30 per hinge

9. Gate Hinges

Gate hinges feature heavy-duty construction that supports 75+ pounds and are made from weather-resistant materials. They use L-shaped pins and barrel rotation mechanisms for heavy gates and fences. Adjustable variants allow for fine-tuning alignment as gates settle over time.

• Best for: Outdoor gates, heavy doors
• Cost: $8-$40 per hinge

10. Offset Hinges

Offset hinges feature an offset pivot point that extends doorway openings by 1-2 inches. Essential for ADA compliance and wheelchair accessibility in healthcare facilities. They create wider clearances without expensive door frame modifications.

• Best for: Accessibility, ADA compliance
• Cost: $10-$30 per hinge

11. Double-Action Hinges /Swing Hinges

Double-action hinges allow doors to open in both directions with spring-loaded return mechanisms. Available in floor-mounted or frame-mounted options with heavy-duty construction for high-traffic areas. These hinges work perfectly for restaurant kitchens, hospital corridors, and busy commercial spaces.

• Best for: Commercial kitchens, high-traffic areas
• Cost: $15-$50 per hinge

12. Flush Hinges

Flush hinges feature a compact design in which one leaf fits inside the other, eliminating the need for mortising. They provide quick, easy installation for lightweight cabinet doors and small furniture. These budget-friendly hinges work great for DIY projects and simple applications.

• Best for: Lightweight doors, budget projects
• Cost: $1-$5 per hinge

Specialty Hinges for Unique Applications

Beyond standard hinges, specialty types solve unique installation challenges and design needs where conventional hinges won’t work.

13. Barrel Hinges

Barrel hinges feature a small cylindrical design that remains completely hidden when installed, making them ideal for jewelry boxes, small cabinets, and hidden compartments where discreet functionality and minimal visual impact are desired.

• Best for: Jewelry boxes, hidden compartments
• Cost: $2-$8 per hinge

14. Butterfly Hinges

Butterfly hinges feature decorative wing patterns that add ornamental charm to furniture, boxes, and vintage pieces, available in finishes such as brass, bronze, and antique styles to complement your design style.

• Best for: Decorative boxes, vintage furniture
• Cost: $3-$12 per hinge

15. Scissor Hinges

Scissor hinges feature a controlled opening mechanism with adjustable tension that holds doors at specific angles without additional support, making them ideal for tool chests, radiator covers, and automotive applications requiring precise positioning.

• Best for: Tool chests, automotive applications
• Cost: $5-$20 per hinge

16. Weld-On Hinges

Weld-on hinges offer permanent, strong, durable metal-to-metal connections, ideal for containers, trailers, and industrial equipment without removable fasteners. Made from heavy-gauge steel for high load capacity.

• Best for: Trailers, industrial equipment
• Cost: $8-$30 per hinge

17. Glass Door Hinges

Glass door hinges have specialized mounting systems for glass, available with clip-on or drilled options. They suit display cabinets, shower doors, and modern glass uses needing secure, attractive mounting. Clip-on versions install without drilling glass.

• Best for: Display cabinets, shower doors
• Cost: $10-$40 per hinge

18. Parliament Hinges

Parliament hinges have an extended knuckle for doors to swing clear of architrave and molding. Known as such in British and Australian terms, they offer extra clearance for fully opening doors against decorated walls. The longer projection fits thick baseboards, crown molding, and other details.

• Best for: Deep reveals, molding clearance
• Cost: $6-$18 per hinge

19. Drop Leaf Table Hinges / Rule Joint Hinges

Drop leaf table hinges are designed to let leaves fold down flush and create seamless joints when raised. Their radius design matches the table edge, requiring precise installation for space-saving furniture.

• Best for: Drop leaf tables, folding furniture
• Cost: $8-$25 per pair

Hinge Installation Types: Surface vs. Mortise

Hinge installation style matters more than most people think. Surface-mount hinges are quick and beginner-friendly, while mortise hinges offer a stronger, cleaner, more professional finish, especially for heavier doors.

FEATURE	SURFACE MOUNT	MORTISE (FULL/HALF)
Installation difficulty	Easy	Moderate to advanced
Tools required	Basic	Chisel/router, template recommended
Appearance	Visible hinge	Flush, cleaner look
Strength	Moderate	High
Best for	Light interior doors	Heavy doors, exterior, high-traffic
DIY-friendly	Yes	Sometimes (full mortise is tougher)

How to Choose the Right Hinge Type?

Selecting the perfect hinge requires balancing practical needs with design preferences. Evaluate these seven critical factors to ensure your hinges deliver optimal performance and longevity.

• Door/Cabinet Weight: Match hinge weight capacity to your application; lightweight doors need 2-3 hinges, while heavy solid wood or steel doors require 3-4 heavy-duty hinges rated for their total weight.
• Frequency of Use: High-traffic areas demand commercial-grade hinges with reinforced construction, while low-use spaces like closets can use standard residential hinges without compromising functionality.
• Material Compatibility: Wood accepts most hinge types; metal requires welding or through-bolting; and glass requires specialized clamp-style hinges designed for fragile materials.
• Aesthetic Requirements: Concealed hinges offer clean, modern lines for contemporary spaces, while decorative visible hinges become statement pieces that complement traditional or rustic design styles.
• Functionality Needs: Identify essential features such as self-closing mechanisms for safety, soft-close technology for noise reduction, and wide-swing capabilities to meet accessibility and clearance requirements.
• Installation Method: Surface-mount hinges are suitable for DIY installation with basic tools, while mortise hinges require precision routing and are best handled by experienced installers for professional results.
• Environment: Exterior applications require weatherproof stainless steel or coated hinges, while interior hinges can use standard finishes unless they are exposed to bathroom humidity or kitchen grease.

Hinge Materials and Finishes

Hinge materials and finishes affect everything from strength and corrosion resistance to the overall look of your door, cabinet, or furniture. Choosing the right option helps ensure smooth operation, long-lasting performance, and a finish that matches your space.

COMMON HINGE MATERIALS	POPULAR FINISHES
Stainless steel (corrosion-resistant)	Polished chrome
Brass (decorative, traditional)	Brushed nickel
Bronze	Oil-rubbed bronze
Aluminum	Antique brass
Plastic (specialty applications)	Black matte
–	Satin finish
–	Match with door hardware

Hinge Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Selecting the perfect hinge requires balancing practical needs with design preferences. Evaluate these seven critical factors to ensure your hinges deliver optimal performance and longevity.

• Door/Cabinet Weight: Match hinge capacity to your door; lightweight applications need 2-3 standard hinges, while heavy solid wood or steel doors require 3-4 heavy-duty hinges.
• Frequency of Use: High-traffic areas require commercial-grade hinges with reinforced construction, while low-traffic spaces can use standard residential hinges without performance issues.
• Material Compatibility: Wood accepts most hinge types, metal requires welding or through-bolting, and glass needs specialized clamp-style hinges for secure installation.
• Aesthetic Requirements: Concealed hinges provide clean, modern lines, while decorative visible hinges become design statements that complement traditional or rustic styles.
• Functionality Needs: Consider self-closing mechanisms for safety, soft-close technology for quiet operation, or wide-swing capabilities for accessibility and clearance needs.
• Installation Method: Surface-mount hinges are suitable for DIY projects with basic tools, while mortise hinges require precision routing and are best handled by experienced professionals.
• Environment: Exterior applications need weatherproof stainless steel or coated hinges; interior hinges use standard finishes unless exposed to moisture or grease.

Wrapping It Up

Choosing the right hinge for your project is simpler than you might imagine with the right guidance today!

If you’re seeking sleek, concealed hinges for modern cabinets, sturdy butt hinges for heavy doors, or decorative butterfly hinges for furniture, knowing these basics helps you choose with confidence.

Consider your project’s style, weight requirements, and how you want it to function. Ready to get started? Pick the perfect hinge type for your project and transform it today!