A full overlay cabinet hinge works by allowing a cabinet door to cover nearly the entire face frame or carcase of the cabinet when closed, presenting a clean, modern look.
Understanding Full Overlay Hinges
Full overlay hinges are a popular choice for cabinet doors, particularly in modern kitchen and bathroom designs. As referenced, they are designed to allow the door to cover almost the entire front of the cabinet. This means that when the doors are closed, very little of the cabinet structure itself is visible.
Installation Location
The function of a full overlay hinge is achieved through its specific installation points. This type of hinge is installed on the inside of the cabinet doors and on the inside of the cabinet frame. This mounting method is key to positioning the door over the cabinet opening and the surrounding face frame.
Resulting Appearance
When using full overlay hinges and the cabinet doors are closed, there is a specific visual outcome. With a full overlay hinge, there is a small gap between the cabinet doors when they are closed. This minimal spacing provides just enough clearance for the doors to open and close smoothly without binding, while still maintaining the desired look of covering the majority of the cabinet front.
Key Characteristics of Full Overlay Hinges
Based on their design and installation, here are the primary ways full overlay hinges function:
- Maximizing Door Coverage: The core purpose is to position the door so it significantly overlaps the cabinet opening and frame.
- Inside Mounting: Installation occurs on the interior surfaces of both the door and the cabinet frame.
- Minimal Gaps: They create a very small space between adjacent doors or between a door and the cabinet edge.
This design contrasts with other types of hinges, such as partial overlay (where the door covers only part of the frame) or inset hinges (where the door sits flush within the cabinet opening). Full overlay hinges are engineered to provide maximum coverage and a streamlined appearance.
