I built a makeup vanity with a lift top using Blum hinges. The lift top was made from 3/4” x 20” x 20” MDF, and it would close with a resounding slam.
I first ordered a soft close mechanism from Amazon, but it did absolutely nothing to slow down the closing speed. It was returned to Amazon.
I then ordered a Sugastone mechanism from Rockler. There was no specification listed for the minimum depth of the box. I had to cut a relief in the bottom of the box to make it work. That looks bush league to me.
I also found the installation instructions highly confusing. This same mechanism is used for several different applications and it was never clear to me which set of instructions applied to my situation.
The mechanism stops the slam, but I think it closes too fast for a child’s toy chest. I think it could still give the child a crack on the head.
The still photo shows where I had to cut the relief.
The video shows how quickly it closes.
Time spent: About 2 hours reading and re-reading the instructions. About one hour to cut the relief. About one hour to add the trim for the relief. About 15 minutes to install the mechanism.
In retrospect, a drawer would have been easier. Indeed, you might think about a couple of drawers for the toy chest (as long as it would not tip over when the drawer was pulled open).
NOTE: I just watched the video of the Rockler torsion hinges. For a toy chest, probably a better choice than the soft close that I used. If I had to do over again, I would either make a deeper box or I would use a drawer. The lift top is good for instantly seeing an array of objects that are neatly arranged. I plan on adding some inserts for lipstick and nail polishes. The vanity is butt against the corner and has an inwardly opening door. I was (and still am) of the opinion that one day that inwardly opening door would crash into a drawer left slightly open.
At a later date, I removed the swinging door and replaced it with a barn door. That would have resolved my worries if I thought of it in time.
