Light vs Dark Kitchen Cabinets- Which is Best? (2024)

Light cabinets or dark cabinets- what a conundrum! No element in your kitchen has as much of an impact as the cabinets.

The cabinetry- and the color you choose for them- can affect everything from the atmosphere of the room to the resale value of your home. As such, it’s crucial to take your time to consider all of the cabinet colors available to you.

One of the first and most important decisions you’ll need to make is about whether you would prefer a light or a dark color for your kitchen cabinets. Read on below to help make your decision easier.

Light vs Dark Cabinets- Things to Consider

Before you begin looking at paint colors or cabinet samples, you will need to make a few important decisions about the overall look and feel of your kitchen.

First, think about the current design of your kitchen. This will narrow down your choices quite a bit as you will, naturally, want to choose a color that fits with your existing look.

For example, in traditional kitchens, classic colors like whites and browns look best, whereas bright and bold hues work well in modern spaces.

You should also think about the size of the room. In areas that are small or do not get a lot of natural light, dark cabinets can make the room feel smaller.

Light cabinets, alternatively, can help to open up a room and make it feel bigger.

Lastly, think about the desires of future buyers. No matter if you plan to sell your home soon or someday in the future, you should consider which colors will appeal to prospective buyers the most.

Advantages of Light Cabinets

Light vs Dark Kitchen Cabinets- Which is Best? (1)

Light shades and dark ones both have their benefits. Here are a few of the advantages of choosing light cabinets for your kitchen:

  • They can make your kitchen feel bigger, more spacious, and more inviting. If you have a smaller kitchen, light-colored cabinets can make all the difference.
  • They make kitchens feel brighter. Light colors reflect natural light, making it easy to work in your kitchen during the day without the use of artificial lights.
  • Light colors pair well with other colors, giving you more flexibility to play with the colors of your walls, countertops, back-splash, appliances, and accent pieces. Plus, they also make other colors look more vibrant, giving your favorite pieces the backdrop they need to stand out.
  • They have timeless appeal. White cabinets are still incredibly popular, but they are more than just a passing fad. Because of its clean style, light cabinetry is timeless.
  • They boost the resale value. Many prospective homeowners prefer the look of light cabinets, which means having them can actually increase the value of your house.

Advantages of Dark Cabinets

Light vs Dark Kitchen Cabinets- Which is Best? (2)

The benefits of installing darker cabinets are:

  • They work well in larger kitchens. When placed in a larger area, dark cabinets can warm up the room, especially when used to create contrast with light-colored counters or flooring.
  • They have a luxurious feel. Dark finishes can create a feeling of richness and formality to a room, giving them a more upscale feel.
  • Dark cabinets can also be edgy and modern. They can make an otherwise bland room look more vibrant and exciting.
  • They require less maintenance. Dark-colored cabinets don’t show scratches and stains as much as light-colored ones. This makes them stronger against regular wear and tear, which is especially crucial if you have pets or children.
  • Darker hues can open up a world of design options. Whereas lighter cabinets allow the other aspects of your kitchen to draw focus, dark cabinets put the spotlight on themselves. This gives you the chance to mix and match your other accessories in ways that you may not have thought possible before.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. While there is plenty to keep in mind, the most important thing is choosing a shade for yourcustom made kitchen cabinetsthat you can live with. For more help selecting the right cabinets for your space, contact us at iCabinetry.

Light vs Dark Kitchen Cabinets- Which is Best? (2024)

FAQs

Light vs Dark Kitchen Cabinets- Which is Best? ›

If your kitchen is on the small side or is not well-lit, darker colored cabinets could make the area feel cramped. A lighter cabinet color, on the other hand, will help a small kitchen feel more open and spacious. Think about the mood you want to create.

Is it better to have light or dark cabinets? ›

In areas that are small or do not get a lot of natural light, dark cabinets can make the room feel smaller. Light cabinets, alternatively, can help to open up a room and make it feel bigger.

What is the most timeless kitchen cabinet color? ›

Arguably, the most timeless kitchen cabinet color is white. Bright white cabinets suit a variety of beautiful kitchens, including modern, contemporary, and farmhouse styles. Brilliant whites work to give kitchens a light and airy feel, and off-white options, like the White Dove shade, provides warmth.

What color kitchen cabinets sells best? ›

Whites and neutrals are the way to go when you're getting your house ready to sell. Also, paint jobs that are sloppy or use inferior-quality materials can lower the resale value of your home.

What are the cons of dark 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.

What color kitchen cabinets never go out of style? ›

"White, black, browns, and grays have been historically integrated into both traditional and contemporary designs, proving that these colors are universally ageless."

What is the number one kitchen cabinet color? ›

Many design experts swear that Simply White by Benjamin Moore is their go-to paint color for kitchen cabinetry. And we don't disagree, as this warm white can cozy up even the most sterile, cold kitchen layouts.

What color kitchen decreases home value? ›

According to the study, yellow kitchens will lower price while light blue and soft gray blue kitchens will increase the price (by $1,809 on average). In fact, the study found that in general throughout the house distinct colors like yellow and red will decrease the price although not as much as a total lack of color.

What color kitchen adds the most value? ›

Crisp and clean, white remains a top color choice for cabinetry among 40% of home buyers. Visually appealing, white cabinets can brighten the entire kitchen. It also gives a contemporary look and exudes a welcoming vibe. This timeless color reflects light and thus, brings a more spacious feel.

What is the kitchen cabinet color for 2024? ›

Gone are the days when white cabinets dominated kitchens. In 2024, moody blues and greens are stealing the spotlight. Deep navy, forest green, and rich emerald are becoming go-to choices for those seeking a sophisticated and luxurious vibe in their culinary space.

Are dark cabinets outdated? ›

Dark cabinets have been used for centuries to create beautiful and timeless designs in not only single-family homes but also multifamily units. And dark brown cabinetry is making its way back into our lives!

Why choose dark kitchen cabinets? ›

Dark hues are a sturdy option for long-lasting cabinets because they are less prone to exhibit indications of wear and tear. Plus, dark cabinets can create a striking contrast with lighter elements in the kitchen, such as countertops or backsplashes, adding depth and visual interest to the space.

Are dark cabinets hard to keep clean? ›

The color often shows more dirt and smudges, so you might find yourself doing more cleaning and upkeep. This can be especially true if you have a full house and a lot of foot traffic in your kitchen.

What is a timeless look for kitchen cabinets? ›

Shaker-style cabinetry is a dependable classic

Kitchen cabinet trends come and go, but the real hallmarks of classic kitchen design always remain. Traditional shaker kitchen ideas, whether painted or left as unpainted kitchen cabinets, are always going to be a timeless choice for your cupboard doors.

What color cabinets will always be in style? ›

Blonde and mid-tone browns are classic choices that never go out of style. Bleached or super dark stains tend to wave with trends and can make a kitchen appear very dated when not in style. Avoid stains with a heavy undertone like red, orange, or grey as these will also wane with kitchen trends.

What is the most popular kitchen cabinet color for 2024? ›

The most popular kitchen cabinet colors for 2024 will be warm neutrals, jewel-toned blues, and moody darks. Two-toned cabinets will also continue to be a favorite choice among homeowners and designers because of their visual variation.

What is a classic color for kitchen cabinets? ›

White Cabinetry Colors

White kitchen cabinet colors offer a crisp, classic appearance. White kitchens have enduring style when paired with traditional elements such as subway tile and aged brass accents. To add interest, consider painting the island in a contrasting color.

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