Cabinet hinges come in many shapes and sizes, but European cabinet hinges remain the industry standard for modern cabinetry. Also known as concealed cabinet hinges, these hinges are hidden from view when the cabinet door is closed, delivering a clean, seamless appearance.
Whether you're upgrading kitchen cabinets, installing bathroom vanities, or building custom storage, understanding how European hinges work will help you choose the right option for long-term performance.
What Are European Cabinet Hinges?
European cabinet hinges are concealed hinges designed specifically for cabinet doors. When the door is closed, the hinge remains completely hidden inside the cabinet structure — which is why they are also called concealed cabinet hinges.
A typical European hinge includes:
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A 35mm “cup” that installs into the back of the cabinet door
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A mounting plate attached to the cabinet interior
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An adjustable arm that connects both components
Because of their three-way adjustability (side-to-side, up-and-down, and depth), European hinges make it easy to align cabinet doors perfectly.
Browse our full selection here:
👉 https://www.hingeoutlet.com/collections/european-hinges
Why European Cabinet Hinges Are Ideal for Frameless Cabinets
Most frameless cabinet hinges are European-style hinges.
Frameless cabinets (often called Euro-style cabinets) do not have a front face frame. Instead, the door mounts directly to the cabinet box. This allows:
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Cleaner modern appearance
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Easier installation
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More interior storage space
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Wider door openings
European hinges are specifically engineered to support frameless cabinet construction, making them the preferred hinge type for modern kitchens and commercial cabinetry.
If you're working with frameless construction, explore our options here:
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Advantages of Concealed Cabinet Hinges
1. Clean, Modern Appearance
Because concealed cabinet hinges are hidden when the door is closed, they provide a streamlined aesthetic that complements contemporary and transitional cabinetry designs.
2. Superior Adjustability
Wood naturally expands and contracts throughout the year. European cabinet hinges solve alignment issues with built-in adjustment screws that allow:
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Horizontal adjustment
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Vertical adjustment
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Depth adjustment
This makes them ideal for long-term durability and seasonal movement.
3. Soft-Close Options Available
Many modern European hinges include soft-close functionality. Soft-close hinges prevent slamming and reduce wear on cabinet doors.
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👉 https://www.hingeoutlet.com/collections/soft-close-cabinet-hinges
4. Durability for High-Traffic Use
High-quality European cabinet hinges are engineered to withstand thousands of open-and-close cycles, making them perfect for:
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Kitchen cabinetry
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Bathroom vanities
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Laundry rooms
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Office and commercial cabinetry
Understanding Overlay Types in European Cabinet Hinges
Before ordering, it’s important to understand door overlay.
Overlay refers to how much the cabinet door overlaps the cabinet opening.
Common options include:
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Full overlay
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Half overlay
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Partial overlay
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Inset
Choosing the correct overlay ensures proper door spacing and smooth operation.
Full-overlay European cabinet hinges allow the cabinet door to completely cover the cabinet box front.
Half-overlay hinges are commonly used when two doors share a center partition.
Types of European Cabinet Hinges
Compact Concealed Hinges (Face Frame Applications)
Compact hinges are ideal when installing concealed cabinet hinges on face frame cabinets. They mount differently than frameless cabinet hinges but still provide hidden performance.
Clip-On Frameless Cabinet Hinges
Clip-on designs allow easy removal of the cabinet door for installation or maintenance. These are common in frameless cabinet installations and are popular for kitchen remodels.
Soft-Close European Hinges
Soft-close concealed cabinet hinges use a built-in dampening mechanism that gently pulls the door closed during the final few inches of movement.
These are ideal for:
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Kitchen cabinets
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Homes with children
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Cabinets storing fragile dishware
How Many European Hinges Do You Need Per Door?
As a general guideline:
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Small cabinet doors (under 30") typically use 2 hinges
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Taller or heavier doors may require 3 or more
The weight and height of the door determine hinge quantity.
Installation Requirements
Most European cabinet hinges require:
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A 35mm diameter cup hole
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Proper hinge setback measurement
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Compatible mounting plates
For easier installation, consider using hinge drilling jigs and installation tools:
👉https://www.hingeoutlet.com/collections/hinge-installation-tools
Where to Buy High-Quality European Cabinet Hinges
At Hinge Outlet, we specialize in professional-grade cabinet hardware. Our selection includes:
Shop our complete collection here:
👉 https://www.hingeoutlet.com/collections/european-hinges
Our hinges are selected for durability, smooth operation, and long service life — making them ideal for both DIY homeowners and professional installers.