Hidden door hinges work by allowing a door to sit flush with a wall, making it almost invisible when closed. The hinges are installed in a way that they are not visible when the door is shut.
How Hidden Hinges Achieve a Seamless Look
Hidden door hinges, also known as concealed hinges or invisible hinges, work in a way that hides them from view when the door is closed. These hinges are designed to be completely or partially hidden within the door and frame, allowing the door to blend seamlessly with the surrounding wall or paneling. Here's how they typically function:
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Installation:
- These hinges are generally mortised into both the door and the door frame. This means that a recess is cut into both to accommodate the hinge mechanism.
- The hinge is typically installed on the outside of the door lining, enabling the door to close and sit flush with the wall.
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Hinge Mechanism:
- The hinge itself is constructed in a way that allows for a smooth pivot without any visible hardware on the door's face when it's closed.
- Many concealed hinges feature multiple axes of movement, which allow them to pivot and swing freely while remaining hidden.
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Flush Appearance:
- When the door is closed, the hinge is not visible, creating a seamless and clean look as if the door is part of the wall.
- As mentioned in the provided YouTube reference, the door "works by hanging on the outside of the lining...enabling [it] to close the door and it be all flush. And you wouldn't even know it's there."
Types of Hidden Door Hinges
There are different types of hidden door hinges available:
- SOSS Hinges: These are completely hidden hinges that are mortised into the edge of the door and the door frame.
- Pivot Hinges: These hinges allow the door to swing on a pivot, with the hinges largely concealed at the top and bottom of the door.
- Concealed Barrel Hinges: These are mortised into the door edge and frame and are only partly visible when the door is open.
Benefits of Using Hidden Hinges
The primary advantage of hidden hinges is the aesthetic benefit:
- Seamless Design: They provide a sleek, contemporary look, with no visible hardware to interrupt the clean lines of the wall and door.
- Minimalism: They are perfect for modern, minimalist designs where clutter-free surfaces are desired.
- Versatility: Hidden hinges can be used in different door types, from standard interior doors to cabinet doors and paneling.
- Enhanced Design: They allow for continuous and uninterrupted patterns or textures on the wall, as mentioned in the video reference.
Conclusion
Hidden door hinges enable a door to appear as part of a wall when closed. The mechanisms are concealed within the door and frame, which allows for a sleek and seamless finish. The hinges are generally installed in a way that the door hangs on the outside of the lining, enabling the door to be flush with the wall.
