You have just installed your beautiful handcrafted cabinetry, but that end cabinet keeps hitting your wall. If you let this continue, you might end up with scuffs on your cabinets or chips in your paint, which is probably not quite the look you are going for. Luckily, there are plenty of sleek options to make sure your cabinets and walls stay looking just as good as they did on installation day.
Whether you need a low-profile look, a high level of protection, or a quick fix, this list will walk you through your options. Read on to learn how to prevent your cabinet doors from hitting your walls.
Table of Contents
1. Install Internal Maximum Angle Hinges
The first and best option for stopping a cabinet door from hitting a wall is to install permanent hinges that only allow the cabinets to open to 90 degrees. These hinges are installed internally and are concealed when the cabinet is closed.
You can find these hinges at a low price, allowing you to re-hinge your entire kitchen or bathroom for around $15 to $35, depending on the number of cabinets you have. This is a relatively simple investment considering the longevity of the solution.
This option:
- Is attractive and concealed
- Affords the most reliable protection
- Will not need replacing
- Is more expensive and time-consuming
In the long run, these hinges will provide the most value for your time and money.
Attractive and Concealed
This is simply the best option for people who do not want to alter the look of their cabinetry and walls whatsoever. You can hide the amendments completely inside, so they are 100 percent concealed when the doors are closed.
When the doors are open, they are basically the same profile as a normal hinge, so you will not even be cutting down on space within your cabinets.
Reliable Protection
Internal hinges are the best solution for those who do not want any chance of their cabinets getting damaged or their walls getting nicks.
After installation, the doors of the cabinet simply cannot extend beyond 90 degrees, so they will never touch the wall. This is a safer and more trustworthy option than any external hardware.
Will Not Need Replacing
They are made out of durable nickel-coated steel and screwed into place, so you can rest assured that they will last through all the many cycles of opening and closing that they will endure.
Their durability means they will not need to be maintained or replaced often to ensure their efficacy.
More Expensive and Time-Consuming
Internal hinges are certainly the best option on this list for durability, function, and style, but they will come in at a bit higher cost. They also require some tools and skills in order to make sure the reinstallation of the doors is stable and level.
If you can work with these drawbacks, this option will last you decades and provide the best possible results. Read all the instructions on the installation guide to ensure a good outcome.
2. Install External Door Stops
Maybe you do not want to change the hinges on your cabinets because you are unsure if you can install them again correctly, or you just need a quick fix. Either way, an external solution may be right for you.
Doorstops are a cheap and easy way to stop your cabinet doors from hitting the wall. There are several great options depending on what your priorities are, be it style, function, or somewhere in between.
None of these options require adding anything to the actual doors of the cabinets, so you can make sure that all that beautiful varnishing does not get covered up. The priority here is good protection in the most concealed form possible.
You can purchase easy-to-install protection in various forms:
- Plastic bumpers for the wall
- Foam bumpers for the wall
- Corner bumpers
The different materials and locations listed here will appeal to different people for different reasons, depending on priorities.
Plastic Bumpers for the Wall
Placing soft plastic bumpers on your wall is a great option for those who wish to keep their cabinets clear of any alterations to their appearance, but do not want to go through the handy work of replacing all the cabinet hinges. It is as simple as figuring out where the cabinet will hit the wall and placing the sticker there.
There are a couple of options for where to install these stickers. You could place them:
- At multiple contact points
- At the top corner of the cabinet
- Where the doorknob hits the wall
Each of these locations offers slightly different levels of protection and function.
At Multiple Contact Points
The most protective location for bumpers on cabinets without door knobs is at multiple points along where the cabinet edge meets the wall. This will ensure that even if the cabinets are not completely level with the wall, they will not leave any marks.
Smaller bumpers would be ideal for this, as they will keep a low profile while affording good protection due to their redundancy. These bumpers come in a pack of 100 for $7, so you can be sure that you will not run out, even if you need to replace them.
This option is second only to replacing the internal hinges because it is:
- Easy to install
- Easy to replace
- Affordable
- Concealed
- Protective
If you do not possess the necessary tools or skill set to install new internal hinges, this is a fantastic option to consider at a fraction of the cost.
At the Top Corner of the Cabinet
If you are the most concerned about protecting the cohesive look of your cabinetry and do not want to sacrifice style, you could opt to hide the bumper at the top corner of the cabinet.
This will only work if the cabinet is extremely level to the wall, but will provide the most concealed look, as the bumper will be placed toward the ceiling and away from where the eyes wander.
Where the Doorknob Hits the Wall
If your cabinets have doorknobs, they will be the first point of contact with the wall. In this case, the previous two options will not work for you. Instead, find the location on your wall, and gently apply an adhesive soft plastic wall bumper.
Since door knobs can be quite large, you will want to look at larger bumpers that can ensure no parts of the knob are making contact with the wall. This will also cause less wear and tear on the cabinets as larger bumpers absorb shock better. While this bumper may be more prominent on your wall, it is the best option for those who are unable to install internal hinges.
Foam Bumpers for the Wall
If you cannot stand the tacky plastic of the door bumpers, you could opt for a foam version. You can adhere it directly to the wall, and if you have dark matte walls, it may just blend right in without catching any light and drawing the eye to it. This option may even be quieter than the firm plastic alternative.
Corner Bumpers
You may just be looking for a quick fix, whether you are renting or just busy. If you cannot go out and purchase a new product right now or are not ready for a bigger commitment, a simple piece of foam may be the solution for you.
Depending on the style and beveling of your cabinet edges, a small piece of foam tucked and secured with wood-safe adhesive on the outside of the hinge might work perfectly.
This would allow some cushion for the door to open but not be able to compress the foam far enough to open all the way to the wall. For this, you could use the same foam bumpers as mentioned above, or even a piece of foam you already have.
It is sometimes not feasible to apply permanent solutions in your home for the time being, and while this is not the most visually appealing option, it will briefly protect your walls and cabinets long enough for you to plan and invest in a better solution.
