Half Overlay vs. Full Overlay Hinges: Which One Do You Need?

When designing or manufacturing modern cabinetry, selecting the right hardware is more than a detail—it’s a critical technical decision. The choice between Full Overlay y Half Overlay hinges determines not only the aesthetic “look” of the furniture but also its functional clearance and installation requirements.

In this guide, we’ll break down the mechanical differences, application scenarios, and how to choose the right one for your next project.

What is Hinge “Overlay”?

In the world of furniture hardware, “overlay” refers to the amount of the cabinet frame or side panel that the door covers when closed. Understanding this is the first step to achieving a seamless, high-end finish.

Full Overlay Hinges (Straight Arm)

Full overlay hinges are designed for doors that completely cover the edge of the cabinet side panel. There is typically only a tiny gap (1-2mm) between doors for clearance.

• Visual Effect: A continuous “wall of doors” look, common in modern, minimalist, and European-style kitchens.
• Hinge Design: The hinge arm is straight, allowing the door to sit flush over the entire thickness of the side panel.
• Best For: Individual cabinets or the end of a cabinet row.

Half Overlay Hinges (Cranked/Bent Arm)

Half overlay hinges are used when two doors share a single middle partition (side panel). Each door covers exactly half of the partition’s width.

• Visual Effect: Visible gaps between doors where the partition is exposed.
• Hinge Design: The hinge arm has a slight bend (crank), which offsets the door position to allow room for the adjacent door to swing freely.
• Best For: Cost-effective “shared-wall” cabinet units and bedroom wardrobes.

Key Differences at a Glance

How to Choose the Right Hinge?

To make the right choice, ask yourself these three questions during the design phase:

1. Is it a shared partition? If two doors meet on one 18mm board, you almost certainly need Half Overlay hinges to prevent the doors from hitting each other.
2. What is the desired gap? For a high-end, “hidden frame” look, Full Overlay is the industry standard.
3. What is the board thickness? Ensure your hinge’s “crank” height matches your board thickness (Standard is usually for 16mm-18mm boards).

Why Quality Matters

Regardless of the overlay type, the longevity of the cabinet depends on the hinge’s steel quality and the precision of its hydraulic damping (soft-close mechanism). A poor-quality hinge will sag over time, causing doors to misalign—a major pain point for furniture brands and end-users alike.

About Huiso Hardware

Ferretería Huiso is a professional manufacturer specializing in furniture hinges and drawer slides, offering customized wholesale solutions for global furniture brands. With a strong focus on quality, precision, and innovation, Huiso Hardware supports modern furniture manufacturers with reliable components designed for performance, durability, and flexibility.

From standard applications to custom requirements, Huiso Hardware helps partners create smarter and more competitive furniture solutions for evolving markets. Whether you need high-cycle tested full overlay hinges or specialized soft-close drawer slides, we provide the engineering excellence your brand deserves.