Choosing the Right Type of Hinge for Every Project

It can be tempting, but compromising on hinges will negatively impact both the function and aesthetics of your doors. They may not be the most glamorous aspect of your home, but hinges are the unsung heroes of the hardware world. Often overlooked yet crucial to the smooth operation of countless doors, cabinets, and gates, hinges silently swing doors, hold cabinets shut, and allow panels to fold gracefully.

But with so many different types of hinges available, choosing the ideal one for your project can be daunting. This guide will shed light on four of the best types of door hinges, highlighting their characteristics and revealing their ideal applications.

1. Butt hinges

A time-tested solution for your interior and exterior doors, the classic butt hinge offers versatility and strength in a range of sizes and materials. 

But what is a butt hinge exactly? This workhorse among door hinges features two hinge leaves, one attached to the door and the other to the fixed frame. An Interlinking knuckles with a central hinge pin binds these halves, allowing the door to swing open and closed. Their simple design makes them affordable and adaptable, suitable for doors, cabinets, chests, and more. 

Types of butt hinges

While all our hinges are crafted from beautiful, solid brass, they come in various styles to suit your specific needs:

Butt hinge

This workhorse hinge features two identical hinge leaves that join at a central knuckle.  A perfect choice for most interior doors and windows.

Washered butt hinge

This traditional hinge features double washers within the knuckle, increasing the weight capacity and longevity of the hinge.

Concealed bearing butt hinge

Offering smooth operation without compromising aesthetics, these hinges hide the bearings within the knuckle.  Some options even have decorative caps to conceal the screws and elevate your door design with finials (decorative ends on the knuckles).

Unwashered Projection hinge

Designed for doors that need to swing 180 degrees and sit parallel with an adjacent wall, these hinges have a larger leaf width to enable the door to clear thicker architraves and plinth blocks.

Parliament hinge

A decorative variation of the projection hinge, the parliament hinge offers a more ornate look, but with a slightly reduced weight carrying capacity due to the height of the knuckle.

2. Concealed hinges

For a discreet and seamless finish, look no further than concealed hinges. This clever design hides the hinges entirely within the door and frame, leaving only a clean, uninterrupted surface.  

Available in various types, for example fire rated, asymmetric and versions which can accommodate  cladding on the face of the door and adjacent wall, concealed hinges are perfect for cabinetry, furniture doors, jib doors and applications where aesthetics reign supreme. However, installation can be more complex compared to other hinges.

3. Pivot hinges

Pivot hinges differ from traditional hinges: with traditional hinges, the door is held using a number of hinges down one vertical edge, whereas with pivot hinges the door is held with a floor pivot at the bottom of the door and a pin at the top of the door. Pivots can be positioned near to the back edge of the door or at any point up to the centre and a number of versions are available, some with the ability to pivot through 360 degrees subject to the door detail. Different types of pivot hinge are available for cabinet doors, right up to very large and heavy doors.

They provide a clean, minimalist look and can be installed floor-to-ceiling for dramatic entrances; however, may not offer the same level of security as traditional hinged doors.

4. Cabinet hinges

And finally, cabinet hinges. Cabinet hinges are a broad category encompassing various hinge types specifically designed for cabinet doors.

Cabinet hinges come in a variety of sizes and weight capacities. Selecting the right hinge depends on the cabinet door size, weight, and desired aesthetics.

Remember, the right type of door hinge is more than just a functional necessity — it's the finishing touch that elevates your project and unlocks the perfect swing.

Because each of our hinges is available in a range of our signature finishes, you can ensure a perfect match with cabinet pulls, knobs, and other hardware. This meticulous attention to detail is a game-changer for interior designers who value a truly cohesive and stunning final product. With our comprehensive selection, you can bring your design vision to life, down to the very last hinge.

Whether you’re an architect, designer, or contractor, Joseph Giles can advise on the perfect door hinges for your project. Discover our full range of British-made hardware here or drop us a message for more information.