Design trends have changed throughout the decades, and while light and airy kitchens are still popular, kitchens that include dark-colored cabinets are equally as trendy. In particular, interest in black kitchen cabinets has certainly grown over the last 10 years, with more and more homeowners opting for the dramatic look that these cabinets can provide.
Truly, the color of your cabinets affects the entire mood of your kitchen, so as you’re considering your remodel, think carefully about what you want to convey and about what colors match your vibe. Remember, cabinet choices aren’t only about layout and style. Color plays a huge role in the look of your new kitchen.
Though black cabinets can be made to match most design styles, consider these reasons to choose – or not to choose – them for your remodeling project.
Pros
Certainly, you can create a sophisticated and dramatic look with dark cabinets, black in particular. Pair them with gold knobs and drawer pulls, gold-colored lighting fixtures, quartz countertops with a gold vein running through it, and you’ve got a kitchen that pulls out all the stops in the drama category. Does this match the vibe of the rest of your house? If so, go for it!
Dark cabinets can also make your kitchen feel more intimate. If you think white or light cabinets make your room look too big or too bright, black could pull in that space and make your kitchen appear cozier than it really is.
Black is also way more interesting than traditional white or wood-toned cabinets. It’ll turn your kitchen into a showpiece and will certainly catch the eye of your visitors. So, if you’re looking to have fun with something different for a change, this might be a good option. Furthermore, like white, you can pair black cabinets with just about anything including a variety of metals.
If keeping your kitchen clean has always been a concern, choosing black cabinets means that dirt, grease, and smudges won’t be as obvious. If you don’t like to clean or don’t have much time to do it, this is a terrific advantage.
Cons
While black kitchen cabinets are trendy now, they might not be in the future. That means if you’re planning on selling your house maybe in 10 years or so, the installation of these dark cabinets may seriously affect the selling price of your home. So, consider your interest in selling and when you might do that before taking the plunge with black cabinets.
If your kitchen is small, dark cabinets are probably not a great idea. Any dark fixtures in the kitchen will make the room look smaller. Furthermore, if your room is devoid of natural light, dark cabinets will make the room even darker so you’ll need to compensate with some very bright artificial lighting. Remember, black doesn’t reflect light the way white does.
Is there a compromise?
If you really like black cabinets but are worried that your room will be too dark, consider adding other bright elements to the room. You can opt for light or white countertops, a vibrant tile backsplash, and a light-colored floor. Your remodeling expert can help you picture what this would look like and advise you as to the best options for the size and layout of your space.
Remember, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can still achieve a dramatic, sophisticated space with just a few black elements and you may find that dark cabinets, countertops, and flooring is just too much for the size or shape of your kitchen.
The pros at Mr. Cabinet Care can help you determine whether or not black kitchen cabinets will be right for the kitchen space in your home. We have unique tools like our “design online” option that will help you “see” your remodel options before you make a definite decision. This takes the guesswork out of your project and allows you to proceed with the confidence that you’ll love the result. To schedule an appointment with one of our kitchen remodeling experts, visit www.mrcabinetcare.com.
FAQs
Can Make a Space Feel Small or Oppressive. The greatest challenge to having black cabinets is that they absorb light and can make your kitchen feel smaller. This is particularly true in enclosed kitchens with little to no natural light.
How to decorate with black kitchen cabinets? ›
Pair neutral black cabinets with white for a minimalist feel, or with any color paint, wallpaper, or floor tile for a more personalized look. Black cabinets can work with any kitchen hardware finish, from silver to brass, bronze, copper, or black metal for a monochromatic effect.
What color compliments black cabinets? ›
White walls are a perfect backdrop for black cabinets. Matching your wall color to your cabinets is a simple way to make a major style statement.
Are black kitchen cabinets still in style? ›
Black kitchen cabinets are the right choice for many homeowners looking to achieve a classic, modern and high-impact look in a kitchen. Black cabinets bring drama to the kitchen, but without the drama. Both black and white kitchens are never going out of style.
What color cabinets never go out of style? ›
The 7 Best Kitchen Cabinetry Colours That Will Remain Timeless
- It's not a secret that kitchen renovations can be a huge investment. ...
- Natural Wood Cabinetry. ...
- Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore. ...
- Olive Grove by Sherwin Williams. ...
- Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball. ...
- White Dove by Benjamin Moore. ...
- Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore.
The Short Of It: Yes, Black Cabinets Can Visually “Shrink” a Space. Unlike lighter tones and colours, dark colours absorb light rather than reflect it throughout a space. This can cause a room to feel more cramped.
What countertops go best with black cabinets? ›
Several countertop materials can complement black kitchen cabinets. White or light-colored countertops, such as granite or quartz, can create a clean, modern look, while wood or butcher block countertops can add warmth and texture to the space.
Are black kitchen cabinets in style in 2024? ›
Black is timeless, and in 2024, it's making a bold statement in kitchens with matte finishes. Matte black cabinets exude modern sophistication and lend a sleek, minimalist aesthetic to any kitchen.
What appliances look best with black cabinets? ›
Pair Black Kitchen Cabinets with Stainless-Steel Appliances
Add warm surfaces and materials, such as the kitchen's butcherblock countertop and bamboo window treatments, to balance a black-and-white color scheme.
What color flooring goes with black cabinets? ›
In this case, opt for light coloured flooring. White is a failsafe option and can have a contemporary look when paired with black cabinets. Alternatively, ash grey provides a subtler contrast, while a pale wooden finish creates a welcoming feel.
One of the most on-trend hardware colors, brass hardware is on the radar of designers in 2023. Warm and eye-catching, brass hardware makes a counterpoint to the dark black cabinets, bringing warmth out of them. So, if you want to offset the black's darkening effect, brass hardware is the route to go.
Are black kitchen cabinets timeless? ›
“Black kitchen cabinets are a surprisingly welcome choice due to the way they effortlessly create a statement while maintaining an air of timelessness.
What is the downside of black cabinets? ›
One downside of black cabinets is that they will need cleaning often. Dirt and dust seem to be drawn to black surfaces as though they were magnets, so be prepared to have your dusters and cleaning cloths at the ready to keep your black cabinets clean.
What tile looks good with black cabinets? ›
Black kitchens can be complemented with a vast range of tiles including rustic natural stone and high-gloss porcelain, as well as glass, metallic and patterned designs.
Are black kitchen cabinets a mistake? ›
Generally speaking, all one has to do to make black-stained cupboards look outstanding is to accessorize them and pair them with colors as well as varying material textures. Because of their dark shades, black kitchen cabinets can make a poorly-lit space seem unusually dark and so, unattractive.
Are black cabinets hard to take care of? ›
Black cabinets are not always very maintenance-friendly, especially in the kitchen. While they show some things like sauce stains or scratches less readily, other messes like dust and flour show up clearly.
Do black cabinets scratch easy? ›
Dark cabinets can be great for warming up your space — especially in contrast with lighter walls and flooring. They show food and scratches less easily. If you have an active lifestyle with kids or pets, darker cabinets may be a good choice as they tend to stand up better to wear and tear than lighter cabinets.
Is black too dark for a kitchen? ›
With a properly lit kitchen, any dark cabinet color will work. In addition, mixing lighter materials like white countertops, backsplash or walls, light floors or stainless steel appliances will keep a black kitchen from becoming too dark.
Are black kitchens easy to keep clean? ›
Black is one of the few colours that doesn't fade over time. This makes it perfect for kitchens where there is a constant use of food preparation equipment. Black is also a great choice for kitchens that need to be cleaned regularly as it won't stain easily.
