A Designer's Guide to Lid Stays: Taking on Heavy Lifting in Furniture

For commercial furniture designers, functionality is just as important as aesthetics. 

When designing chests, benches, or storage units with lids or hatches, the user experience hinges (pun intended) on smooth, controlled movement and secure positioning. That’s where lid stays come in — essential furniture hinges that quite literally take on the heavy lifting.

While seemingly small, these lid supports make a big impact on user experience and safety.

Let’s take a closer look at lid stays, exploring their types, applications, and how they can transform your commercial furniture designs.

What Are Lid Stays?

Lid stays are mechanical devices that control the movement of a top, allowing it to remain open at various angles without slamming shut or falling unexpectedly. These stays are crucial for safety, particularly when dealing with heavier furniture lids. By controlling the motion and holding the lid in place, they prevent accidents and make the furniture more user-friendly.

Many different types of lid stays are available on the market, each designed to cater to various furniture needs. Some of the most popular types include:

• Piston Stays: These use a gas-filled cylinder to support and control the lid. They offer smooth and effortless opening and closing, even for heavy lids. Piston stays are common in applications where a consistent opening force is required, like kitchen cabinets, toy chests, and storage units.
• Sliding Stays: Sliding stays are popular for applications where the lid needs to be held open at various angles. They consist of a sliding mechanism that allows the lid to be positioned and locked in place. Sliding stays are commonly used in desks, coffee tables, and display cases.
• Folding Stays: Folding stays, or folding support hinges, support lids that fold down or up. They typically consist of a hinged mechanism that allows the lid to be folded and secured in place. Folding stays are commonly used in dining tables and Murphy beds.
  
  

Three Basic Applications of Lid Stays

The terms “lid stay,” “stay open hinges,” and “lid support hinges” can sometimes be confusing, as they refer to the hardware used not just for lids, but for other types of openings as well. Lid stays come in several designs, from simple chains to more elaborate piston systems. 

Let’s break down the three primary applications of lid stays to clarify their function:

1. Chest Lids: Lid stays prevent the lid from falling backward or slamming shut. This type of stay protects the furniture, hinges, and the wall behind it by holding the lid securely in place. Some chest lid stays can also lock the lid in an open position until manually released, ensuring safety and convenience. A soft-close feature is often included in these stays, gently easing the lid down — a crucial feature of child-friendly furniture.
2. Drop-Front Desks: Lid stays function as support arms that hold the desk flap in a horizontal position. These stays, sometimes called drop-front supports, are sturdy enough to support a laptop and withstand the pressure of someone leaning on the desk while writing. Some models come with additional features such as lift-assist or soft-down, making operation smoother and more comfortable for users.
3. Upward-Opening Doors: For furniture with upward-swinging doors, particularly those positioned overhead (such as kitchen or workshop cabinets), lid stays help hold the door open, allowing the user to work with both hands. This type of stay ensures that the door remains open at the desired angle, preventing slamming or accidental closure while the user searches for items.

Choosing the Right Lid Stay for Your Design

Several factors must be considered when selecting a lid stay for your furniture design to ensure a safe and stylish solution. The right lid stay can significantly change how the furniture functions, looks, and feels.

1. Weight and Size

The weight and size of the lid are the most important factors in determining which lid stay is suitable for your project. Heavier lids require heavy-duty lid support, such as piston stays, which can handle the extra load and ensure smooth operation. Sliding stays or folding stays may be sufficient for smaller, lighter lids.

Designers should also consider how often the lid will be opened and closed. In commercial environments, where durability is essential, selecting a lid stay that can withstand many thousands of cycles is crucial.

2. Desired Functionality

Different furniture pieces require different levels of control. For example, safety is a priority for a toy chest, and a piston stay with a soft-close feature would be ideal to prevent the lid from slamming. In contrast, an office storage bench might require a sliding stay that keeps the lid open at multiple angles, allowing easy access to the contents.

The soft-close mechanism is a popular feature for furniture that needs to prioritize user safety and comfort. By slowly controlling the closing of the lid, the furniture becomes more user-friendly, particularly in environments where children or older individuals may be using the piece.

3. Aesthetics

The hardware you choose should complement the overall look of the piece. Choose a manufacturer that provides multiple finish options, allowing lid stays to blend seamlessly with the furniture's design. 

Standard finishes include:

• Burnished brass
• English antique
• Bright brass
• Buffed solid brass
• Zinc phosphate
• Black oxide
• Nickel
• Textured black powder coat
• White powder coat
• Gloss black powder coat
  
  

The Role of Custom Lid Stay Solutions

In many cases, standard lid stays may not meet the unique requirements of a particular furniture design. Custom lid stay solutions ensure that the hardware fits the functional needs and complements the design aesthetics.

Commercial furniture designers often need hardware that can handle heavy-duty applications, such as large storage benches or cabinets used in high-traffic areas. In these cases, custom lid stay designs can support heavier loads, operate smoothly, and enhance durability.

Custom solutions also allow for more flexibility in design, ensuring that the lid stay integrates seamlessly into the furniture’s overall look. From selecting the right material to designing unique finishes, customization ensures that the furniture remains functional while adhering to the designer’s vision.

Enhancing Safety and Functionality with the Right Lid Stay

Choosing the right lid stay is more than a technical decision — it’s a choice that directly influences how users interact with your furniture. The right furniture hinges and hardware ensure a smooth, safe, and reliable experience, whether it’s a heavy storage chest in a busy commercial setting or a sleek drop-front desk in an office.

Weber Knapp: Tailor-Made Solutions for Your Motion Control Needs

Every project has unique demands. Our team is here to provide tailored solutions that meet your design’s technical and aesthetic needs. With our product engineering expertise, you can ensure your furniture performs flawlessly, stands the test of time, and leaves a lasting impression on users.

Ready to take your furniture designs to the next level? Contact us today to discover how custom lid stays can make all the difference.