10 common furniture fittings

1. Confirmat Screws

A specific type of screw, often associated with ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture like IKEA. They are characterized by their large, deep threads and a blunt end. They are designed to pull particleboard and MDF components together tightly and are used with a pre-drilled pilot hole.

Common Use: Connecting cabinet sides to tops/bottoms, bed frames.

 

2. Cam Locks (Dowel Cam Locks)

This is the classic "connector" in flat-pack furniture. The system has two parts: a metal cam (or "receiver") that is embedded in one panel, and a dowel screw that is screwed into the adjoining panel. When the dowel is inserted into the cam and a screwdriver turns the cam, it locks the two pieces together.

Common Use: The primary connector for bookshelves, cabinets, and desks.

 

3. European Hinges (Concealed Cup Hinges)

These are the standards for modern cabinetry. They are mounted by drilling a large hole (usually 35mm) in the back of the door. They are fully adjustable in multiple directions (in/out, up/down, left/right) after installation, allowing for perfect door alignment.

Common Use: Kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, and any furniture with overlay doors.

 

4. Drawer Slides (Runners)

The hardware that allows drawers to open and close smoothly. They come in various types:

Side-mount: The most common type, installed on the sides of the drawer.

Undermount: Hidden underneath the drawer, offering a cleaner look.

Ball-bearing/Full-extension: Allow the drawer to be pulled completely out for full access.

Common Use: Any piece of furniture with drawers (dressers, desks, kitchens).

 

5. Tabletop Fasteners

These are specialized brackets used to attach a tabletop to its base or apron. They are crucial because wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity. These fasteners hold the top securely while allowing it to move laterally, preventing cracks or splits.

Common Use: Connecting wooden tabletops to desks, dining tables, and consoles.

 

6. Corner Braces (Angle Brackets)

Simple L-shaped metal brackets are used to reinforce 90-degree joints. They add strength and prevent the joint from racking (going out of square). They can be surface-mounted or recessed.

Common Use: Strengthening the corners of bookcases, frames, and cabinets.

 

7. Shelf Pins / Supports

Small, discreet pins that the shelf rests on. They are inserted into a series of pre-drilled holes in a cabinet's sides, allowing for adjustable shelf heights. They come in various styles, from simple plastic pins to metal ones with built-in clips for glass shelves.

Common Use: Adjustable shelves in bookcases, wardrobes, and entertainment centers.

 

8. Casters (Wheels)

Wheeled fixtures are attached to the bottom of furniture to make it mobile. They often have a stem or plate for mounting. Some feature a locking mechanism to prevent rolling and/or swiveling.

Common Use: Office chairs, mobile kitchen islands, shop carts, and beds.

 

9. Knobs and Pulls

The decorative hardware that provides a grip for opening doors and drawers. While functional, they are a major design element that defines the style of the furniture piece. They can be made from metal, wood, ceramic, glass, or plastic.

Common Use: Doors and drawers on dressers, cabinets, and desks.

 

10. Leveling Feet

Adjustable feet are screwed into the bottom of furniture legs or bases. They can be extended or retracted to compensate for uneven floors, ensuring the piece of furniture doesn't wobble.

Common Use: Washing machines, kitchen islands, sofas, and heavy cabinets.