A slightly crooked cabinet door can make your entire kitchen look off — but most alignment issues are quick fixes.

First, inspect your hinges. Tighten loose screws using a hand screwdriver (never a drill, which can strip them). If your cabinets have European-style soft-close hinges, you’ll notice multiple adjustment screws. One shifts the door up and down, another in and out. A quarter-turn at a time makes a big difference.

If a door still won’t align, check for cabinet box warping — common in homes that experience seasonal humidity changes. Minor adjustments to base leveling or adding small bumpers behind doors can help.

For persistent issues, replacing worn hinges might be the best route. High-quality soft-close hinges improve performance, reduce wear, and add a subtle sense of luxury.

Keeping your cabinet doors aligned doesn’t just improve appearance — it protects your hinges from stress, ensures smoother operation, and extends the life of your cabinetry.