Butterfly Hinges

Half and Full Butterfly Hinges

The main difference between half and full butterfly hinges is the shape of their leaves.

Half butterfly hinges have a decorative wing on one side and a straighter fixing plate on the other. They are useful for cupboards and cabinet doors where the frame or fixing surface has limited space.

Full butterfly hinges have decorative wings on both sides of the central pin. Their symmetrical appearance makes them a popular choice for furniture, cupboards and blanket boxes where the complete hinge remains visible.

Both designs are available in black beeswax and pewter. Check the individual product drawings to compare the dimensions and fixing positions.

Where Are Butterfly Hinges Used?

Butterfly hinges are commonly fitted to smaller items of interior joinery, particularly where the hinge forms part of the visible furniture design.

Typical applications include:

• Kitchen cupboards and cabinet doors
• Blanket boxes and wooden storage chests
• Traditional furniture and built-in cupboards
• Restoration projects requiring visible period-style hinges

They are not automatically suitable for full-sized or heavy doors. Always consider the weight and construction of the door alongside the hinge dimensions and fixing requirements.

Black Beeswax or Pewter Butterfly Hinges?

Our black butterfly hinges have a traditional beeswax finish that highlights the hand-forged surface. They work particularly well with natural timber, painted cupboards and other black ironmongery.

The pewter butterfly hinges have a silver-grey patina over mild steel. This finish provides a lighter alternative to black beeswax and can be matched with other pewter-finish fittings.

Both finishes are intended for indoor use and are not recommended for external applications. Black beeswax fittings may require occasional maintenance to preserve their finish. Refer to the individual product instructions for cleaning and care.

Choosing the Correct Size and Fixings

Before ordering, check that the hinge fits the available fixing surfaces on both the door and its frame.

The product pages include technical drawings showing the measurements of the half and full butterfly patterns. These are particularly useful when matching replacement hinges or working with existing cabinetry.

Each pair is supplied with matching wood screws. The suitability of the fixing will also depend on the timber, door construction and intended use.

Matching Butterfly Hinges with Traditional Hardware

Butterfly hinges can be matched with other hand-forged fittings to create a consistent appearance across cupboards and furniture.

For doors or joinery requiring a different hinge arrangement, consider our H and HL Hinges. Our wider Traditional Hinges collection includes further patterns for different applications.

Matching latches, pull handles and door bolts can be found in the Traditional Door Hardware collection.

Helpful Hinge Guides

For more information about traditional hinge types and coordinating ironmongery, see:

• Traditional Hand-Forged Ironmongery Range Explainer
• Traditional H and HL Hinges: A Complete Guide

These guides provide additional background on traditional fittings and alternative hinge styles.