When you think about how a door looks, hinges probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. But the right hinge can make a real difference to how an interior door feels, functions, and looks.
For joiners, carpenters, and fit-out specialists, it’s the details that clients notice most, and making the right choice of hinge is one of the easiest ways to add a touch of quality without extra work or time.
Here’s how to choose hinges that look as good as they perform.
Start with the Right Type
Not all hinges are created equal. For internal doors that are opened hundreds of times a week, concealed bearing hinges are a trade favourite. They give smoother movement and a solid, engineered feel that instantly differentiates a professional job - and they are completely maintenance-free.
Where access to the hinges is needed or you need to take the door off regularly for maintenance, lift-off hinges provide a clean, functional solution. For fire-rated internal doors, Phoenix hinges that are tested to fire safety standards and tested with the door being fitted will maintain performance without compromising on style. These hinges are tested and CE Marked, so compliance comes built in.
Choose a Finish That Complements the Design
Finish matters. It’s what ties the hardware together and helps the door look complete. Phoenix hinges are available in lots of finishes that work across traditional or more modern interiors:
- Brass plating provides a classic and warm-toned finish and can add a traditional, high-finish appearance to interior doors and cabinetry.
- Black: a perennial favourite and a bold, contemporary style that contrasts nicely with light surfaces, and complements industrial or modern interiors.
- Bright Polished, as its name implies, is highly reflective and smooth. It gives a sharp, premium look that is ideal for decorative or high-spec modern interiors.
- Bronze brings a rich, darker tone with depth and character. It is particularly popular in heritage or design-led settings.
- Chrome is a perennial, durable finish with a bright metallic appearance that shines.
- Nickel is a subtle, sophisticated finish with a slightly warmer tone than chrome, for an understated modern look.
- Satin Polished is a brushed, low-shine finish with the advantage of hiding fingerprints and minor marks while maintaining a refined, professional look.
- Steel Self Colour is an industrial-feel raw steel finish that gives a functional, modern appearance that can be painted, plated, or left natural for a utilitarian style.
- White: a neutral, clean finish that blends with painted or light-coloured doors for a unified, minimalist effect.
- Zinc: a protective, corrosion-resistant finish with a silvery tone, commonly used where durability and cost efficiency are key.
Matching the hinge finish to the rest of the ironmongery is a small detail, but it transforms the overall result.
Why Quality Hinges Look Better for Longer
Style and substance go hand in hand. A well-engineered hinge not only performs better, but it also stays looking good longer.
Phoenix hinges are built with consistent plating thickness, ensuring a smoother surface finish and longer-lasting colour. Cheap alternatives might look similar on day one, but the coating can dull, pit, or discolour quickly, especially on high-use doors.
When you’re fitting multiple doors on a project, the difference between a premium hinge and a lesser one becomes really obvious, really fast.
Installation IS What Finishes the Job
A stylish hinge can only look its best when it has been fitted correctly. To achieve a clean, professional finish, follow these tips for a good-looking installation:
- Make sure the hinge knuckles align perfectly for an even gap between the door and the frame - this will make the door swing easily and cleanly..
- Use the correct screws for the hinge and the door material, and avoid overtightening them because that can distort the hinge plate and ruin the look and the operation of the door.
- Wipe away residue or marks immediately after fitting for a flawless finish
- Check the hinge’s operation once fitted. A well-aligned hinge should open smoothly with no creaks or drag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What type of hinge is best for interior doors?
A: For most internal doors, butt hinges are ideal. They provide smooth, quiet movement and a solid feel, and are available in finishes such as satin chrome, polished brass, and satin stainless steel to match other door hardware.
Q2: Does the finish of the hinges really make a difference to how the door looks?
A: Yes. Matching finishes like chrome for modern interiors or polished brass for traditional designs help create a consistent, high-quality appearance across the entire door set.