European Hinges

European hinges, also known as concealed hinges or cup hinges, are a cabinet hinge system that mounts completely within the door and carcass frame, remaining hidden when the door is closed while providing superior adjustability and functionality.

Design and Construction

European hinges consist of two main components: a cup that mounts in a 35mm hole drilled in the door, and a mounting plate that attaches to the cabinet frame. The hinge arm connects these components and provides the pivoting action.

32mm System

European hinges are part of the standardized 32mm cabinet system, where all hardware mounting points are based on 32mm increments. This standardization ensures compatibility across different manufacturers and simplifies installation.

Adjustment Features

These hinges offer three-dimensional adjustment capabilities: in-and-out, up-and-down, and left-and-right positioning. This adjustability allows for precise door alignment and easy corrections after installation.

Types and Applications

European hinges come in various configurations including full overlay (doors completely cover the frame), half overlay (partial coverage), and inset (door sits flush with frame). Each type serves different design requirements.

Installation Benefits

The concealed mounting provides clean aesthetics without visible hardware, while the standardized boring pattern simplifies installation. The hinges can typically support substantial door weights when properly installed.

Soft-Close Integration

Many European hinges can be fitted with soft-close mechanisms, either integrated into the hinge or as separate dampening accessories, providing gentle, quiet door closing action. Premium manufacturers like Blum and Hettich offer advanced integrated soft-close systems.

Technical Information

For detailed information about hinge mechanisms and cabinet hardware systems, comprehensive coverage is available in the Hinge article on Wikipedia.

Professional Installation

While European hinges offer excellent adjustability, proper installation requires precise boring and accurate mounting to achieve optimal performance and longevity.