Trends tend to sway people, and black kitchen cabinets are a raging trend right now. Unsurprisingly, many homeowners are considering incorporating black cabinets into their kitchen design. But the question is, are black kitchen cabinets a good idea?
Let’s explore how designers, contractors, and homeowners are experimenting with darker color palettes and whether black kitchen cabinets are worth the investment.
Are Black Kitchen Cabinets in Style?
We’re almost halfway into the year, so it’s time to call it. Yes, black kitchen cabinets are in style in 2025, featuring prominently among the most popular kitchen cabinet colors.
The dark and moody color choice has been populating kitchen remodels and new construction projects for a few years now, and it seems to only be gaining more traction.
Black Complements Stainless Steel, Brass, Wood, and Stone
Black is versatile, so this trend is featured in modern, industrial, and minimalist kitchens as well as traditional and classic setups. Black kitchen cabinets will fit right in with whatever style you prefer and add some elegance.
One reason is that it effortlessly pairs with other popular materials, such as stainless steel, brass, wood, and stone.
Pros of Black Kitchen Cabinets
1. Timeless Elegance
Black is a timeless and classic color that never goes out of style. It reflects elegance and sophistication and is a popular choice in high-end kitchens.
2. Versatility
Versatility is a tremendous deal, so let’s touch on it again. Black kitchen cabinets can be paired with any design style, whether modern, traditional, rustic, or eclectic.
It’s a neutral color, so it blends pleasantly with most colors and materials like:
- Stainless steel appliances.
- Marble or granite countertops.
- Wood flooring.
- White subway tile.
- Brass or copper accents.
- Stone or brick walls.
- Bold patterned rugs.
3. Conceals Dirt
Appearances matter, and most people who install white cabinets are cursed to spend considerable time cleaning them. White cabinets show every fingerprint, smudge, and splatter, making them high maintenance.
Black offers the same elegance and timelessness as white, with the added bonus of absorbing light, which makes it great for concealing dirt and grime.
This color is perfect for busy households or those with young children, as the cabinets won’t constantly need cleaning.
4. Bold Aesthetic
Making a bold statement is the best way to make your space stand out. Black kitchen cabinets are a bold statement and add a unique aesthetic to any kitchen.
Pairing black cabinets with bold, contrasting colors like white or bright blue can create a stunning visual impact. Even if you’re not looking for such a dramatic effect, black cabinets can still add depth and dimension, making your space look more luxurious and high-end.
Cons of Black Kitchen Cabinets
1. Inadequate Lighting
As we agreed earlier, black absorbs light while bright colors reflect it. Ideally, your kitchen lighting should be generous in terms of natural light or artificial lighting.
Black kitchen cabinets can make your kitchen look dull and dark if there’s a lack of natural light. Consider having large windows or artificial lights installed when using black cabinets.
2. Can Make Spaces Look Smaller
Another drawback of dark-colored kitchen cabinets is that they can make your kitchen space look smaller.
If you have a small kitchen, you may want to avoid using black cabinets because they make your space seem smaller and cramped. Instead, opt for lighter-colored cabinets to create an open and airy feel.
3. Maintenance
Black works elegantly only when it’s rich, dark, and sleek. It also fades faster than most colors. If you choose black for your cabinets, be ready to regularly maintain and touch up the color.
Consider using a gentle cleaner specifically designed for black cabinets.
4. Black Shows Dust and Scratches
You may love black cabinets because they’re easy to clean and don’t stain easily. But there’s a downside.
Black cabinets are notorious for showing dust particles and scratches, especially if you have shiny or glossy black cabinets. Any imperfections will be magnified in the reflection.
You may have to wipe black cabinets more frequently, but at least each wipe will be effective and satisfying.
5. Limited Resale Considerations
If you’re planning to sell your home soon, black cabinets may not be the best choice. Sure, black cabinets never go out of style, but they’re not the majority’s cup of tea.
There’s limited demand for black kitchen cabinets, so they qualify as bold and eccentric. You will attract a niche market by choosing black cabinets, but you may have to work harder and wait longer for the perfect buyer.
How to Make Black Cabinets Work in Your Kitchen
1. Lighting Is Key
Do you recall our discussion on how black kitchen cabinets can make your space seem smaller? It only happens when you use the wrong lighting.
Lighting fixes contrast and shadows, making your cabinets look less defined or adding depth to them.
- Track lights will help to keep things bright around your black cabinets.
- LED strips under your overhead cabinets or toe kicks provide a soft glow that offsets their darkness.
- Pendant lights work well over kitchen islands, but the shades should be brighter than the ones you choose for other rooms without black features.
2. Use Contrasting Elements
Take advantage of the contrast between your black kitchen cabinets and other elements in the room. Here are some ideas to play with:
- Color: Use a bold color for walls, countertops, or backsplash to create contrast against your black cabinet to make them stand out even more.
- Textures: Mix up two or three textures into your kitchen design, like natural stone and wood blended with metal accents, to add spatial dimension and interest.
- Patterns: Use patterned tiles for a backsplash or statement wall behind your black cabinets. The combination of bold patterns and dark colors creates a striking visual effect.
Use your countertops and floors as opportunities to incorporate patterns as well, such as with marble or granite countertops or a chevron-tiled floor.
3. Consider the Finish You Want
How do you decide between matte and gloss finish? It all boils down to personal preference and the overall look you want to achieve.
A matte finish can give off a more contemporary, sleek vibe, while a gloss finish adds elegance and shine.
Consider the maintenance involved with each finish. Matte finishes are better at concealing fingerprints and smudges, while gloss finishes may require more frequent cleaning.
If you’re bold enough, match varying finishes in your kitchen design. For example, pair matte black cabinets with glossy white countertops for a modern contrast.
4. Use It for Open Concepts
In recent years, open-plan kitchens have become increasingly popular. These layouts combine the kitchen, dining area, and living room into a huge, open space.
Using contrasting finishes can help define each area within the open concept. For example, use a glossy finish for the kitchen cabinets and a matte finish for the living room shelving. This not only adds visual interest but also clearly separates the different areas.
Another option is to use similar finishes in different shades or tones to create a cohesive look while still defining each area.
The Bottom Line
Black kitchen cabinets are a bold choice because you can easily go wrong. However, doing it right adds class and elegance to your space. Ultimately, it’s your choice, so have fun with it.
As you continue planning, here are some kitchen theme ideas for a renovation or remodel.