The Truth About Cabinet Hinges: Soft-Close, Inset Hinges, and More Explained
When you think about designing a new kitchen, hinges probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind, but they should be on your radar. Cabinet hinges affect the way your kitchen feels, functions, and lasts. At Woodsman Kitchens & Floors, we believe that every detail matters, and that includes the hardware behind the scenes.
Let’s take a look at the most common hinge styles we use in our remodels and explain how to choose the right one for your home.
What Are Soft-Close Hinges?
Soft-close hinges are one of the most requested features for modern kitchens—and for good reason. These hinges use built-in hydraulics to gently and silently pull the cabinet door closed once it’s a few inches from shut.
Why homeowners love them:
They reduce noise (no more slamming doors!)
They extend the life of your cabinetry
They add a premium, polished feel to your kitchen
Soft-close hinges are ideal for families, open-concept homes, and anyone who appreciates a quieter, more refined kitchen experience.
What Are Inset Hinges?
Inset hinges are used on inset cabinetry, where the cabinet doors sit flush with the face frame rather than overlapping it. This type of hinge can be fully concealed or semi-exposed, depending on your design preferences.
Why choose inset hinges:
Offers a tailored, furniture-style look
Often used in high-end, traditional, or transitional kitchens
Perfect for pairing with beaded inset or flush inset door styles
Woodsman works with several inset cabinetry lines, including Shiloh, and our designers are experts at specifying the right hinges for this precise, elegant construction style.
Concealed Hinges vs. Exposed Hinges
In modern cabinetry, concealed (also called European-style) hinges are standard. They’re hidden inside the cabinet box and are not visible when the door is closed.
Exposed hinges, on the other hand, remain visible and can be used as a design feature in traditional, farmhouse, or craftsman-style kitchens.
Key differences:
Concealed: Clean, minimal, and adjustable
Exposed: Adds character, shows craftsmanship
Our team can help you determine which hinge style best matches the aesthetic of your kitchen.
Hinge Adjustability Matters
High-quality hinges, like the ones used in the cabinet lines we carry, are fully adjustable in six directions: up, down, left, right, in, and out. This allows for perfect alignment during installation and future adjustments as needed.
A sagging or uneven cabinet door doesn’t always mean something is broken, it may just need a quick hinge adjustment.
Common Hinge Types We Use
Here’s a quick overview of the hinge styles we most often recommend:
Soft-Close Concealed Hinges: For smooth, quiet operation in most kitchens
Inset Hinges: For cabinetry where the door sits flush with the frame
Face Frame Hinges: Often used in traditional cabinetry construction
European Hinges: Ideal for frameless cabinets like Eclipse
Decorative Hinges: Surface-mounted styles used for design flair
If you're unsure which style is right for your project, don’t worry—our designers can walk you through all your options during your free consultation.
What You’ll See in the Showroom
One of the best parts of visiting the Woodsman showroom is seeing these hinge styles in action. You can feel the difference between standard and soft-close hinges, test how doors open and shut, and compare cabinet styles side by side.
You might not think about hinges every day—but when your kitchen is installed, you’ll be glad you chose the right ones.
Visit Us to Learn More
If you're planning a kitchen remodel, don't overlook the details. The right hinge can make your cabinetry more beautiful, more functional, and longer lasting. At Woodsman, our team has been helping Jacksonville-area homeowners make smart remodeling decisions since 1983.
Visit our showroom or schedule your free design consultation to get started. We’ll walk you through every element, right down to the hinges.