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Bespoke Furniture

Soft Close Hinges: A “Must-Have” Option for Modern Bespoke Furniture

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A bespoke cupboard manufactured by DAY & KNIGHT fitted with soft close hinges.

Bespoke Furniture’s Unsung Hero’s – Soft Close Hinges

In the contemporary landscape of bespoke furniture design and interior decor, the emphasis on both aesthetic and functional excellence has never been more noticeable. Among the innovations that mark the evolution of furniture functionality, the soft close hinge stands out as an essential component for modern bespoke furniture. This article delves into the essence of soft close hinges, explaining their mechanism, benefits, and the importance of selecting quality brands for their reliability.

What is a Soft Close Hinge?

A soft close hinge is a type of hinge designed for cabinets and doors that allows for a slow and silent closure. Unlike traditional hinges, which may cause cupboard doors to slam shut with a loud noise, soft close hinges ensure a gentle and controlled closing motion. This not only enhances the user experience, but also contributes to the longevity of the furniture by minimising wear and tear on both the contents and the furniture itself. For drawers, soft close runners can be used to achieve the same effect.

How Does a Soft Close Hinge Work?

The technology behind a soft close hinge is both sophisticated and simple. It integrates a damping mechanism within the hinge that engages when the cupboard door is a few inches from closing. This mechanism consists of a series of hydraulic (or pneumatic) devices that gradually slow down the closing action before fully closing the door quietly. The exact mechanics can vary between different brands and designs, but the principle remains universally the same: to provide a smooth, controlled, and silent closure.

Benefits of a Soft Close Hinge

The invention of soft close hinges has revolutionised the functionality of modern furniture, providing numerous benefits that enhance user experience and furniture longevity.

Noise Reduction: One of the most immediate benefits of soft close hinges is the significant reduction in noise. This makes them particularly ideal for environments where silence is golden, such as luxury hotels, offices, bedrooms, and nurseries.

Safety: Traditional hinges pose a risk of fingers getting caught and pinched as doors or drawers slam shut. Soft close hinges eliminate this danger, making them an essential feature in family-friendly homes and child-centric spaces.

Durability: By preventing the forceful impact of doors and drawers, soft close hinges contribute to the extended lifespan of furniture. They reduce stress on joints and materials, ensuring that bespoke pieces retain their integrity and appearance over time.

Increased Property Value: Incorporating soft close hinges in bespoke furniture can bolster the appeal and value of a property to a certain degree. They are often seen as a mark of quality and thoughtfulness in design, features that prospective homebuyers, or tenants, might find appealing.

Why Choosing a Quality Hinge Brand Matters

While the market is flooded with many budget soft close hinges, opting for established and reputable brands is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, the longevity and reliability of a hinge largely depend on its manufacture quality. Premium brands invest in high-grade materials and rigorous testing processes to ensure their hinges can withstand frequent use and maintain their soft close functionality over the years.

Another reason to favour quality brands lies in the precision of operation. Hinges of inferior quality may not offer the same smooth and consistent performance, leading to uneven closing speeds or reduced silence over time. Furthermore, leading brands usually provide better warranty terms and customer support, ensuring that any issues are promptly and efficiently resolved.

At DAY & KNIGHT, you can be assured that we only provide high-quality, premium branded soft-close-hinges within the bespoke furniture we manufacture and install for our clients. If you’re interested in having bespoke fitted furniture designed for your home, give the DAY & KNIGHT team a call today and book your free “at home” design consultation.