How to choose the right hinges for your bespoke kitchen, our designer’s guide.

Choosing the right hinge for your new kitchen is a pivotal decision as it dictates not only how your cabinetry operates but also the overall aesthetic of the room. Traditionally there are two options when designing your bespoke kitchen- butt hinges or concealed hinges.

Butt hinge – the mark of traditional craftsmanship.

Often found in the kitchens of period properties across Kent, butt hinges are the gold-standard for in-frame cabinetry. Aesthetically they are timeless, traditional and beautifully visible on the outside of your door.

The ‘knuckle’ of the hinge can be seen from the front of the cabinet, adding a touch of metallic detail to your cabinets. They are traditionally used with an in-frame door, where the door sits flush within the cabinet frame. They have two parts – the hinge which is exposed and the plate which is recessed into the frames.

Butt hinges are incredibly robust and when fitted into solid wood, as they are by our skilled craftsmen in our bespoke workshop, they can last a lifetime. They are also capable of withstanding the weight of our substantial doors, which adds to the longevity of your bespoke kitchen.

Installing butt hinges is a highly skilled joinery technique with very little margin for error, so when you see this feature it is a clear marker of standard. As butt hinge cabinets don’t offer the soft-close feature that many modern kitchens come with, we can install discreet dampers to the carcass instead.

They can also be installed with a magnetic fastening to give that satisfying ‘click’ when shut.

Concealed hinges – modern minimalism.

Concealed hinges are hidden inside the cabinet door of your bespoke kitchen and are traditionally used in frameless kitchens. Aesthetically this offers a sleek, uninterrupted look throughout the cabinetry. This style is ideal for handleless kitchens or doors where the focus is on and also over time.

Another additional benefit is the integrated soft-close function which avoids doors banging when shut. While quality concealed hinges by brands such as Blum or Grass are an investment, they are much faster to install than mortised butt hinges meaning they are more economical and can leave budget for other elements of your bespoke kitchen if preferred.

The other advantage of having concealed hinges is that it saves a little more space inside the interior carcass because they remove the need for the frame work necessary to hang in-frame doors.

How to choose which is right for your kitchen

Choosing between a butt hinge and concealed hinge comes down to functionality and the look you are hoping to achieve in your kitchen. When helping you choose, our kitchen designer would consider:

● The age of your property- butt hinges are a fantastic addition to period property kitchens.

● Whether you prefer a sleek, minimalist look or a traditional style.

● If you would like the hinges to feature like the ‘jewellery’of your cabinetry- you have a choice on colour.

● If you are set on an in-frame kitchen, butt hinges are the gold standard to allow the maximum access to the cupboard behind.

● Investment value- if this is a consideration, butt hinges are perceived as a sign of superior joinery. They suggest the kitchen was handmade by a master craftsmann rather than assembled from a flat-pack.

Though small, hinges play a big part in the tactile, everyday feel of your new kitchen, so making the right choice is a big decision.

Whether you prefer the timelessness of a traditional butt hinge or the silent, effortless glide of a modern soft-close system, you can experience both at our specialist showroom in Bells Yew Green, Kent.

Visit us to browse our displays and speak with our lead designer about which fine details will define your dream kitchen.