EUROPEAN HINGE

The term “European hinge” encompasses the various concealed cabinet hinges available in the market today. However, the original European hinge was a cup hinge, named so because it was the most popular hinge used in European cabinetry. In European countries, including Germany, kitchen cabinets are considered personal property, even in rental apartments. Since cabinetry is designed to be removable, the early development of the cup hinge allowed for greater versatility in cabinet installation for varying kitchen dimensions. The Euro Hinge was ideal because it could be used on a frameless cabinet and enabled horizontal and vertical door-alignment corrections.

Although the European hinge was developed for European cabinetry, it has gained worldwide popularity, and the term is now commonly used as a substitute for “hidden hinge.” The primary advantage of the European hinge is that frameless cabinets have become increasingly popular, reducing the need for overlays and trim boards. Without the need for a supporting frame to hold the hinge and door stop, the European hinge allows for a cleaner aesthetic in cabinetry design.