Magnetic latches are something I hadn’t thought much about. That is, until we had an extension built and I was trying to work out a way to create a really discrete cupboard space within a wall.

Of course, the one thing that often gives away cupboards is their handles.

And handles don’t just act as a giveaway, they also get in the way. So, if you’re planning to use the space to store things or position furniture against, a handle could thwart your plans.

What is a magnetic latch?

A magnetic latch is a magnetic touch latch on one side of a cupboard door and a strike plate on the other side. When the cupboard is closed, compressing the magnetic latch against the strike plate, the latch closes, keeping the cupboard closed. By pressing the latch once more, it opens, disconnecting from the strike plate and allowing the cupboard door to swing open.

Magnetic latch use cases

1. Creating a discrete cupboard. If you have some unused space then you can use a magnetic latch to create a discrete cupboard. You can even buy paint for wood that matches exactly the colour of the emulsion, meaning that, with the magnetic latch acting as the fastening, the only giveaway is the gap between the door and the wall.
2. For glass doors and glass cabinets. Of course, glass doors and cabinets can’t be easily drilled to fix handles. Handles also interfere with the smooth lines and dramatic effects of the glass. That’s why a magnetic latch is so perfect. The actual latch screws directly to the inside of the cabinet and then a counterplate sits over the top corner of the opening, the opposite side to the hinge, creating a discrete and flat strike plate (where users can press to release the door without leaving fingerprints on the glass).
3. Where a cupboard with a traditional handle will interfere with your room plans. Typically, furniture would leave cupboard doors free to be accessed, but if you have a cupboard door where access is occasional (such as eaves storage), you may want the option to position furniture against them. With a magnetic latch and strike plate, there are no handles sticking out, which means that your furniture can be pushed right up against the wall as if there was no door there at all, making the most of your living space. For even easier fitting, we also offer stick-on strike plates.

Whatever kind of magnetic latch you need, you’ll find it at BPF Online. We have a helpful team of customer service advisors on hand to help with any questions to ensure you find the right product, so, if after reading this article, you find you still have questions, call us on 0844 7766800 or drop us a message on our website chat.