We’ve all experienced it – it’s the middle of the night, someone closes a drawer and the loud bang echoes through the house, disrupting everyone’s peace, even waking people up. It’s one of those little annoyances that can really affect a household, especially if you have early risers or light sleepers.
While sturdy drawer slides with soft close mechanisms can help alleviate this problem, they’re often more expensive than their self-close counterparts. So, which one should you choose for your current setup?
What Are Soft-Close Drawer Slides?
Soft-close drawer slides are specifically designed to allow drawers to close slowly and silently, even if you try to slam them shut. The mechanism works by using a combination of dampers and springs to gently catch the drawer in the final moments of closing, gradually pulling it shut without any noise or harsh movement. It’s a smooth, controlled glide that prevents the jarring impact that typically accompanies shutting a drawer. No matter how hard you try to slam it, it won’t happen.
You might confuse these slides with the self-close drawer ones, however, they are completely different. Self-close slides mean that they will automatically pull the drawer once you nudge it to a certain point. These systems don’t always have a slow and smooth finish as soft-close slides, though some may come close.
The drawer is assisted by a spring or truck mechanism that completes the closure for you, but without a damping effect that reduces noise and impact. So, while self-close drawers are convenient in terms of efficiency, they don’t have the same level of quietness and control.
Benefits of Soft-Close and Self-Close Drawer Slides
When you think about the benefits of these types of drawer slides, it’s important to weigh both the practical advantages and the long-term perks. Soft-close drawer slides are undoubtedly the go-to choice if noise reduction is a priority. They protect against that unwanted slamming sound, which is a huge win for maintaining peace in the household.
Beyond the obvious noise reduction, these mechanisms help extend the life of your furniture. By eliminating the harsh impact of slamming drawers, you reduce the wear and tear on the door, joints and hardware over time. This can prevent loosening or damage to both the drawers and the cabinetry.
In contrast, self-close slides are all about efficiency. Once you push the drawer halfway in, the self-close mechanism takes over and pulls the drawer the rest of the way. This is convenient for people who tend to leave drawers partially open without meaning to, like kids or people who are rushing to do something. It’s not as gentle as the soft-close but it’s effective for making sure things are shut properly.
How to Choose the Right One
Choosing between these mechanisms really comes down to what you’re prioritising in your home. If you’re seeking the ultimate in peace and quiet, soft close is the clear winner. It’s ideal for homes where noise is a concern, especially in bedrooms, nurseries or sharing living spaces where loud bangings can disrupt others. They also provide that extra touch of quality and refinement that can elevate your space.
On the other hand, if you’re more focused on convenience and ensuring that drawers stay closed, self-close slides might be a better fit. They are great for high-traffic areas like kitchens are bathrooms, where people tend to rush and leave the drawers wide open. This feature can help keep things tidy without much effort on your part. And while they aren’t as quiet as the other options, they are quite the upgrade from traditional slides that don’t have any closing assistance.
How to Install
You’re probably thinking that this is all great, but it also means that you need to replace your old furniture with these drawers, but no. One of the great things about both of these mechanisms is that you don’t necessarily need brand-new furniture to enjoy their benefits.
Many homeowners think that it’s easy to install these slides onto existing drawers. The first step is to check the size and type of your current drawer slides. Most modern cabinets use side-mounted slides, but older furniture may have under-mounted slides. You should measure the lengths and width of your existing drawer slides to ensure the new ones will fit.
Once you’ve got the right size, you’ll need to remove the old slides from the drawer and the cabinet. After removing them you can install the new ones by attaching them to both the drawer and the cabinet sides. Make sure everything is aligned properly to ensure smooth operation. It can be a bit of a project but it’s manageable for most people. If you’re unsure of your skills to install them correctly you might want to consult a professional, just to make sure that everything is properly installed.
When it comes to choosing between drawer slides soft-close or self-close it’s all about what matters most to you. If your concern is the noise then go for the soft-close ones. If it’s convenience you’re looking for, then self-close provides a level of convenience that’s hard to beat. Remember to install them carefully and you can enjoy the benefits both of these offer.
