If you’re choosing new kitchen cabinets for your home, you’ve likely realized just how many finishes are available. But there are two especially popular ones: glossy cabinets vs matte.

Many homeowners struggle to choose between the two — they both look great and tie your kitchen together beautifully. So how do you decide which finish is right for you?

Well, to help you decide, this blog post will highlight the pros and cons of matte and glossy kitchen cabinets. Compare the two and decide which one is the right fit for you and your family.

What are glossy kitchen cabinets?

Glossy cabinets create a shiny surface — they look great when there’s plenty of natural light, and they often make your kitchen look bigger and brighter.

What are the pros?

Let’s begin with the pros — there are many reasons to choose glossy kitchen cabinets, such as:

They make the room look bigger and brighter

The glossy finish reflects natural light around your kitchen, making the room look and feel bigger. The added natural light is also an added bonus in itself — bringing the outside in.

Easy to clean

One big benefit of glossy cabinets is that they are easy to clean — a quick wipe-down will do the trick.

Wide choice of colors

There are many colors available with a gloss finish, whether you’re looking for something simple and modern or more abstract and out there.

Are there any cons?

So, what about the cons?

Prone to fingerprints

Although glossy cabinets are easy to clean, they are more prone to fingerprints and dirt. You’ll be cleaning them more often than other cabinets — you need to decide whether this is worth it for you. For instance, if you have a family with small children, this may be a dealbreaker for you.

May damage finish with heavy cleaning

If you’re not careful when cleaning, you may damage the glossy finish. Use proper cleaning products and avoid cleaning with force to prevent damage.

What are matte kitchen cabinets?

Now that we’ve talked about glossy cabinets, let’s talk about matte kitchen cabinets.

The matte kitchen cabinet design is sleek, modern, and dramatic — in a good way.

What are the pros?

But what are the benefits — why would you choose a matte kitchen cabinet design?

Hides fingerprints and other imperfections

Unlike glossy cabinets, matte cabinets hide fingerprints and other imperfections. These cabinets are a lot easier to maintain and keep clean — great for families.

Scratch-resistant and durable

Alongside easier cleaning, matte cabinets are scratch-resistant and extremely durable. Both matte and glossy cabinets last a long time — when taken care of — but matte cabinets have the upper hand.

Wide choice of colors

There is also a wide variety of colors available in a matte finish, all of which look great, whether black, gray, or something a little more adventurous such as blue or green.

Are there any cons?

But don’t be mistaken — there are a few potential downsides to take note of:

They don’t reflect light

Matte kitchen cabinets do not reflect light, unlike glossy cabinets. Whether you want the added light is a personal preference. But typically, most homeowners welcome the added light and the many benefits it offers (bigger looking space, etc.).

Not the best option for smaller kitchens 

When natural light reflects off of kitchen cabinets, it makes the room feel bigger. You don’t get that with matte kitchen cabinets, perhaps making them the inferior choice compared to their glossy counterpart.

Glossy cabinets vs matte — which one is right for you?

Choosing between matte or glossy kitchen cabinets can be quite the challenge. However, we can make the decision a little easier for you.

If you’re working with a smaller footprint, glossy cabinets are a great option, thanks to the reflectivity and added natural light. And if you have a large family, matte cabinets are likely the better option — they are more durable, scratch resistant, and easy to keep clean.

Either way, the choice is up to you. If you’re shopping for new kitchen cabinets and want to save big money on Designer brands, then view our full range today.

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