If you’re planning a kitchen remodel or refurbishment, then you’ve likely encountered the question: should I get dark or light kitchen cabinets?
Well, it is a pretty big choice – it sets the feel for the rest of the kitchen, and unless you plan on moving house every few years, those new cabinets are here to stay.
So, how do you decide between dark or light kitchen cabinets? This article will provide you with the pros and cons of each, allowing you to see what works best for you and your kitchen.
Light kitchen cabinets
Let’s begin with light kitchen cabinets – they’re timeless, modern looking, and a popular choice for many homeowners in the United States.
In fact, they could just be the most popular kitchen cabinets. But what makes them so popular?
Arguably, it’s the versatility of the light tones, matching well with other colors and remaining modern, timeless, and up-to-date.
What are the benefits of light kitchen cabinets?
Benefits of light kitchen cabinets include:
- They improve natural light
- Light kitchen cabinets work well with virtually all colors
- There’s a wide choice available
While there are other benefits, these are just some of the most common reasons why many homeowners love the lighter tone.
Are there any downsides?
There are very few downsides to light kitchen counters and countertops. But some potential cons may include:
- Light kitchen cabinets often highlight dirt and smudges
- They may fade over time
Are light kitchen cabinets hard to clean?
Light kitchen cabinets typically show stains and spills more easily than darker colors.
If you’re messy in the kitchen or you have a big family, then they’ll require regular upkeep and cleaning.
Alternatively, while you still need to clean darker cabinets, they are better suited to family settings.
Are they in style?
Yes! Light kitchen cabinets will always be in style – they are classic. No matter what brand you choose, whether Kraftmaid, JSI cabinetry, or even Ikea, lighter colors are here to stay for good.
Dark kitchen cabinets
Okay, now that we’ve discussed lighter cabinets, let’s move on to dark kitchen cabinets.
More and more homeowners have decided to go for dark cabinets in recent years. But why?
Darker kitchen cabinets are sleek, stylish, and somewhat bond-villain looking. But are they the best choice for you?
This depends on numerous factors, but hopefully, our round-up of the pros and cons will help you make the decision.
What are the benefits of dark kitchen cabinets?
Benefits of dark kitchen cabinets include:
- Less maintenance/does not show stains or spills as easily as lighter cabinets
- Fewer signs of wear over time
- They’re cozy
What about the cons?
So, what about the cons? Is it worth transforming your kitchen into a space where your favorite 007 agent would enjoy dishing up a salad?
Potential downsides of dark kitchen cabinets include:
- May attract fingerprints
- Do not encourage natural light
- Darker cabinets do not suit every space
The main downside of darker cabinets is their inability to reflect or generate natural light. Often, this can result in a darker kitchen space, which many homeowners are not a fan of.
Are dark cabinets hard to clean?
Dark cabinets are not necessarily hard to clean, but they will require regular cleaning to prevent the build-up of dust and other grime.
But compared to white cabinets that show dirt, grime, stains, and spills, the darker cabinets are the better option for all-around maintenance.
Are dark kitchen cabinets in style?
Yes! Dark kitchen cabinets are currently all the rage – they’re modern, sleek, and go great with stainless steel appliances.
But will they still be popular in ten or maybe twenty years? Most likely, yes. However, lighter cabinets are classical and will stand the test of time.
Can you mix light and dark kitchen cabinets?
Typically, we would not recommend mixing light and dark kitchen cabinets.
Mixing these together can cause a clash, but mixing light and dark colors (occasionally) can look great. It’s also a bold statement, and that in itself is a trend.
So, should you get light or dark kitchen cabinets?
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you’re after a more timeless design, then we’d recommend a lighter color. But if you’re looking for something more modern, bold, and that requires less maintenance, then a darker color cabinet is likely best for you.
Looking for brand new Designer cabinets for your home? Shop our full collection today.