Overlay vs Inset Hinges (Plus Concealed Hinges and Soft-Close Options)
Cabinet hinges affect how your doors look, open, and close. This guide breaks down hinge terms homeowners search most—overlay vs inset, concealed hinges, and soft-close—so you can choose the right hinge for your cabinets.
Overlay vs Inset Cabinet Doors
Overlay doors sit on top of the cabinet frame. Inset doors sit inside the frame and close flush with the cabinet face.
- Full overlay: covers most of the frame (modern look)
- Partial overlay: leaves more frame visible (traditional look)
- Inset: door sits flush inside the frame (classic, built-in look)
Face-Frame vs Frameless Cabinets
Hinge selection depends on your cabinet type:
- Face-frame cabinets: have a frame around the cabinet opening
- Frameless cabinets: no face frame (European-style)
Concealed (Euro) Hinges
Concealed hinges are hidden when the door is closed. They’re popular because they’re adjustable and create a clean look.
Soft-Close Hinges
Soft-close hinges prevent slamming and reduce wear on doors. They’re a popular upgrade for kitchens and high-traffic areas.
What You Need Before Buying Hinges
- Cabinet type: face-frame or frameless
- Door style: overlay (full/partial) or inset
- Door thickness
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Cabinet Hinge FAQs
What is the difference between overlay and inset cabinet doors?
Overlay doors sit on top of the cabinet frame, while inset doors sit inside the frame and close flush with the cabinet face.
What are concealed (Euro) hinges?
Concealed hinges are hidden when the cabinet door is closed. Many are adjustable and available with soft-close features.
Do I need soft-close hinges?
Soft-close hinges prevent slamming and can reduce wear on cabinet doors. They’re a popular upgrade for kitchens and high-traffic areas.
How do I know if I have face-frame or frameless cabinets?
Face-frame cabinets have a frame around the cabinet opening. Frameless cabinets do not and are common in European-style cabinetry.
Can I replace hinges without changing cabinet doors?
Often yes, but you must match cabinet type (face-frame vs frameless), overlay/inset style, and hinge specifications for proper fit.
