Concealed Hinges for IKEA Platsa: Compatible Wardrobe Hinges

A compatible concealed hinge for the IKEA Platsa system requires a 35 mm cup diameter, a System 32 hole pattern for the mounting plate, and the correct overlay type for the respective carcase.

Introduction: Replacing and Upgrading Hinges on Modular Wardrobes

The modular Platsa system is designed for flexibility. When retrofitting existing doors with soft-close mechanisms, replacing defective fittings, or installing custom fronts onto the carcase, off-the-shelf options are often not enough. Fitters and experienced DIYers need precise technical specifications to select the correct concealed hinges / cabinet hinges.

Replacing a hinge requires an understanding of cabinet geometry. The hole positions in the carcase, the side panel thickness, and the way the door sits on the cabinet dictate the choice of fitting. This buying guide outlines the technical parameters that make a hinge compatible with the Platsa system, explaining in detail what to look for regarding dimensions and mechanics.

Key Buying Criteria for Compatible Fittings

When fitting wardrobes with new hinges, four fundamental technical parameters must be observed. A deviation of just a few millimetres will prevent the door from being adjusted properly or cause it to rub against the carcase.

1. Cup Diameter and Drilling Depth

The concealed hinge owes its name to the cylindrical metal cup embedded into the cabinet door. For standard cabinet doors (such as those used on Platsa), a cup diameter of exactly 35 mm is the industry standard. Smaller 26 mm variants are not used here. Consequently, you must look specifically for 35 mm concealed hinges. The drilling depth into the door is typically 11.5 mm to 12.5 mm.

2. System 32 and the Cruciform Mounting Plate

Attachment to the cabinet carcase is achieved using a mounting plate (usually a cruciform mounting plate). Carcases generally feature a row of holes drilled to the industrial System 32 standard. This means:

• The vertical distance between two drill holes is exactly 32 mm.
• The distance from the front row of holes to the front edge of the carcase is standard at 37 mm.

The mounting plate of the new hinge must support this hole spacing so it can be screwed directly into the carcase without drilling new holes.

3. The Overlay Type (Door Position Relative to the Carcase)

This is the most common mistake when choosing fittings. The overlay type defines how the door sits against the cabinet carcase when closed.

• Full overlay (also surface overlay): When the cabinet is closed, the door completely covers the front edge of the carcase side panel. Viewed from the front, the side panel is not visible (apart from a minimal gap). This is the standard configuration for most single cabinets. For this, you need full overlay concealed hinges.
• Half overlay (also twin overlay): Two doors share a single side panel (for example, in continuous runs of units without a double partition wall). Each door covers only half the front edge of the side panel.
• Inset (internal): The door does not sit over the side panel, but sits flush inside the side walls. The front edges of the carcase remain completely visible. For custom builds like this, inset concealed hinges are strictly required.

4. Damping: Soft-Close Mechanism

Integrated damping (soft-close) cushions the door over the final centimetres of its closing path, pulling it shut silently. The damper is usually concealed inside the hinge arm or the cup. Important: A soft-close hinge must not be combined with a push-to-open system (touch latches for handleless doors), as the mechanisms work against each other.

Types and Options Overview: Opening Angles

The opening angle determines how far the cabinet door can swing open. The choice depends heavily on the cabinet position in the room and its internal layout.

• 110-Degree Hinges: The absolute standard for regular cabinet doors. The door opens slightly wider than a right angle. 110-degree concealed / cabinet hinges are sufficient for almost all classic wardrobe configurations using shelves or hanging rails.
• 155-Degree to 165-Degree Hinges (Wide-Angle Hinges): These fittings allow the door to open wide, almost parallel to the adjacent cabinet. They are technically essential if internal drawers (pull-outs) are fitted inside the wardrobe. A wide-angle hinge is engineered so that the door swings completely clear of the internal carcase opening (zero protrusion). This ensures internal drawers can be pulled out without colliding with the door. Corresponding 165-degree concealed / cabinet hinges feature a more substantial build.
• Special Angles: Different angles exist for corner solutions or wardrobes beneath sloping ceilings.

Which Hinge for Which Application? (Decision Guide)

To simplify the selection process, here are practical recommendations for typical installation scenarios:

• Scenario A: Standard Door Replacement on a Single Carcase

You want to replace a standard door and ensure it closes quietly. Choose: Full overlay, 110° opening angle, integrated soft-close.

• Scenario B: Cabinet with Internal Drawers

You are retrofitting the wardrobe with pull-out drawers and the door obstructs them when open. Choose: Full overlay, 155° or 165° opening angle (wide-angle / zero protrusion).

• Scenario C: Custom Front Construction

You are building a custom timber front designed to sit flush between the carcase side panels. Choose: Inset, 110° opening angle.

• Scenario D: Joined Cabinets with a Shared Partition Wall

You have joined two carcases and the central wall acts as a mounting post for two doors. Choose: Half overlay, 110° opening angle.

Installation Advice for Hinge Replacement

Replacing or installing new concealed hinges can be carried out precisely using the right tools.

Required Tools

• Cross-head screwdriver (size PZ2)
• Folding rule / tape measure
• If drilling new doors: Power drill with a 35 mm Forstner bit

Installation Steps

1. Removal: Detach the old hinge. On modern fittings with clip-on mounting, simply press the release lever at the rear end of the hinge arm to disconnect the hinge from the mounting plate.
2. Replace Mounting Plate: Unscrew the old cruciform mounting plate from the hole line in the carcase (usually with Ø 5 mm Euro screws). Position the new plate into the same holes.
3. Insert Concealed Hinge: Insert the 35 mm cup of the new hinge into the door hole. Ensure the hinge arm sits at an exact 90-degree angle to the door edge. Secure the cup with two wood screws (typically 3.5 x 16 mm).
4. Clip On: Bring the door up to the carcase. Hook the front of the hinge arm into the mounting plate and press firmly at the back until it audibly clicks into place.
5. Adjustment (Door Aligning): 3D adjustment acts like fine-tuning suspension – millimetres make the difference for a perfect gap alignment.

• Depth adjustment: Loosening the rear screw on the arm allows you to increase or decrease the gap between the door and the carcase.
• Lateral adjustment: The front screw on the hinge arm tilts the door to the left or right, allowing you to align gap widths evenly.
• Height adjustment: Loosening the screws on the cruciform mounting plate allows the entire door to move ± 2 mm up or down.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do standard commercial hinges fit the IKEA Platsa system? Yes, provided the fundamental technical requirements are met. The cup diameter must be 35 mm and the mounting plate must be designed for 32 mm hole spacing.

How many hinges do I need per door? The quantity depends on the height and weight of the door.

• Up to 900 mm height / 4-6 kg: 2 hinges
• Up to 1600 mm height / 12-17 kg: 3 hinges
• Up to 2000 mm height / 17-22 kg: 4 hinges
• Over 2000 mm height: 5 hinges

Can I retrofit soft-close onto existing cabinets? Yes, there are two methods. Either replace the existing hinges entirely with concealed / cabinet hinges with damping (Soft Close), or use add-on damper modules if your current hinge manufacturer supplies them as accessories. A complete hinge replacement is often the more mechanically stable solution.

What is the difference between a roller runner and soft-close? These terms come from different categories. A roller runner refers to drawer slides, whereas soft-close describes a damping mechanism that can be integrated into both hinges and drawer runners.

Why does my door not close properly despite a new hinge? This is usually down to an incorrect overlay type (for example, purchasing a full overlay instead of a half overlay) or a lack of adjustment. Check the lateral and depth adjustment screws to see if the door is catching on the carcase. For soft-close hinges, the door also requires a gentle push to activate the damper cartridge.

Matching Products & Categories

To complete your project successfully, find suitable fittings and accessories directly in our specialist categories. Always check the required overlay type and opening angle before ordering.

• Find all standard variants and special angles under Concealed Hinges / Cabinet Hinges.
• For projects requiring quiet door operation, browse Concealed Hinges / Cabinet Hinges with Damping (Soft Close).
• Find additional hardware for customising your wardrobe interior in our Wardrobe Accessories section.