Concealed hinges, also known as cup hinges or hidden hinges, are modern cabinet hardware that mount completely within the door and frame structure, remaining invisible when doors are closed. This design provides clean aesthetics and professional appearance in contemporary wardrobe construction.

Design Principle

Concealed hinges use a cup-shaped body that mortises into the door, connected to a mounting plate attached to the cabinet side. This configuration keeps all mechanical components hidden while providing smooth operation and adjustability.

Key Components

Hinge Cup

Cylindrical body that fits into a 35mm diameter hole drilled into the door back, containing the main pivot mechanism.

Mounting Plate

Base plate that attaches to the cabinet side wall, providing the anchor point for the hinge arm connection.

Hinge Arm

Connecting mechanism between cup and mounting plate that determines door overlay and opening angle.

Types by Door Overlay

Full Overlay

For doors that completely cover the cabinet frame edge, typically overlaying by 16-20mm.

Half Overlay

For doors sharing a central partition, overlaying approximately 8-10mm.

Inset

For doors that sit flush within the cabinet frame opening, requiring precise fitting.

Opening Angles

Standard (110°)

Most common configuration providing adequate access for general wardrobe applications.

Wide Angle (125°-170°)

Specialized hinges for corner applications or where maximum door opening is required.

Restricted Angle

Limited opening hinges for applications with space constraints or specific design requirements.

Adjustment Features

Three-Dimensional Adjustment

Modern concealed hinges offer adjustment in height, depth, and lateral position for precise door alignment.

Tool-Free Adjustment

Many contemporary models feature adjustment screws accessible from the front for easy fine-tuning.

Self-Closing Action

Spring-loaded mechanisms provide positive closing action without additional hardware.

Installation Advantages

Professional Appearance

Hidden hardware creates clean, uninterrupted door surfaces ideal for modern wardrobe designs.

Simplified Mounting

Standardized drilling patterns and mounting systems streamline professional installation.

Easy Replacement

Standard cup sizes and mounting patterns allow easy hardware replacement or upgrading.

Wardrobe Applications

Frameless Construction

Ideal for modern European-style wardrobes without face frames, maximizing interior space.

Handle-less Designs

Concealed hinges complement minimalist designs with push-to-open mechanisms.

Premium Installations

Professional appearance supports high-end wardrobe projects requiring exceptional finish quality.

Integration with Soft-Close

Most quality concealed hinges integrate soft-close technology, providing gentle closing action and preventing door slamming.

Brand Standards

Leading manufacturers like Blum and Hettich have established industry standards for concealed hinge quality and performance.

Installation Requirements

Precise Drilling

35mm cup holes must be accurately positioned and drilled to specified depth for proper hinge function.

Mounting Plate Alignment

Correct mounting plate position ensures proper door operation and adjustment range.

Quality Hardware

Professional-grade concealed hinges provide reliable long-term performance and consistent adjustment.

Maintenance

Concealed hinges require minimal maintenance beyond periodic cleaning and occasional lubrication of adjustment mechanisms.

Technical Resources

For comprehensive information about concealed hinge technology and specifications, consult the Cabinet hinge article on Wikipedia and manufacturer technical documentation.

Quality Considerations

Professional installation and quality hardware selection ensure reliable operation and maintain warranty coverage for wardrobe systems.

Concealed Hinges