Black kitchen cabinets might not be your first pick, but we are here to show you how they can turn your kitchen into a stylish masterpiece. When paired with the right colors and materials, black cabinets do not feel dark and foreboding but are a lavish and head-turning design alternative that you won’t regret.
While white kitchen cabinets are classic we’re ready for something a little more dramatic: black kitchen cabinets. Whether you’re color-opposed or simply trying to make do with preexisting dark cabinets, we rounded up some examples you’ll really enjoy. Trust us, you’ll want to paint it black after seeing these glam designer kitchens that embrace onyx, jet black, and licorice. Coupled with bright metals and pops of color, the darkest color on the spectrum can truly shine.
Keep reading to see how you can get in on this dark design craze.
Pick the Right Shade
If completed poorly, black kitchen cabinets can easily overpower a room. The key is choosing a tint of black that works with the space. Here, a soft tone was used to blend with the room’s refined feel, and when paired with a white island, the space doesn’t feel too dark.
Incorporate Into Any Style
Black cabinets aren’t typically the first thing that comes to mind when yearning for a farmhouse-style kitchen, but here they serve as an anchor to the white backsplash and countertops. Details, including the natural wood shelves and brass hardware, pair nicely with the dark cabinets and complete the contemporary look.
Mix and Match
Unique elements combine to make a bold statement in this contemporary kitchen. The blocky, wood-tone cabinets anchor the space and allow other elements to be a bit more funky, like the large black granite island and string pendant lights.
Open the Air
For entirely dark kitchens like this one, try keeping as open a floor plan as possible. Instead of feeling trapped and overwhelmed, an open floor plan will allow this shadowy space to feel modern and cool instead.
Add Contrast
Black cabinets allow the stunning white marble island and backsplash to really stand out in this glamorous kitchen. The marble is the perfect contrast to the black cabinetry because it features complementary colors in the veining.
Incorporate a Bold Backsplash
The key to having black kitchen cabinets is in how you blend them with the rest of the room. Here, a shiny tile backsplash wraps around the entire kitchen to add some glam to the dark cabinets and complement the bold pattern floor.
Bring on the Drama
Black is a simple way to add drama to even the most traditional spaces. These dark cabinets sport a distressed look, and a few have been lightened with custom leaded glass panels, pairing nicely with the antique notes seen throughout.
Clean it Up
You don’t have to try too hard to have a beautiful kitchen. Just keep it clean and classic, like this black-and-white beauty. Texture and stark contrast are the names of the game for this simple space.
Pair Dark Floors and Cabinets
For another dramatic look, install black flooring alongside dark cabinets. The pairing establishes the space as the heart of the home, sitting prominent and eye-catching in the center of everyday life.
Dress to Impress
Pair lighter wood floors and bright countertops with striking cabinets. Darker colors don’t necessarily make the space feel smaller and can often help open the room up, as illustrated by this kitchen’s distinctive cabinetry.
Go Sleek + Modern
Black cabinets along all the walls make this large kitchen appear even bigger. The marble backsplash and island paired with stunning pendant lights finish off the sleek, modern look.
Go Matte
One way to elevate your space is through the integration of matte finishes. Cabinets are often finished with a bit of a shine, but matte finishes make a different kind of statement. Pair these cabinets with additional matte stone detailing, or mix it up with shiny, coated stone countertops.
Complement Darks with Metallics
To add depth and a pop of sparkle within a darker kitchen, utilize dynamic metallic details. Whether through chair detailing, dishware on the counters or hanging light pendants, the incorporation of metallics will make your dark kitchen shine.
Reach for the Ceiling
Extend your cabinets all the way to the ceiling. They will create a new height and dimension for your space, especially if they sit in darker tones like the cabinetry pictured here. The combination of dark and light sleek lines in this kitchen also create an ultra-modern finish.
Go For an Industrial Vibe
Black and gray are the palette for this edgy kitchen, capitalizing on the mood set by modern hanging pendants and the marble backsplash. Dark cabinets ground the look, while the warm wood stools provide a beautiful contrast.
Make the Most of Your Pendant Lights
With a black backdrop, these pendant lights are crowning jewels in this kitchen design. Bring in gorgeous accents like these to really take your black kitchen design up a notch.
Select the Right Appliances
Rich black cabinets lined the walls of this galley kitchen, and black appliances were chosen to match the cabinetry perfectly. The black appliances create a seamless and streamlined look, bringing an upscale, luxe vibe to the space.
Try Just an Accent
Not ready to go all-in with black cabinets? Try this: a black kitchen island with a black countertop, contrasted by all-white surrounding cabinetry and countertops. This is a clever compromise to going all-black, while still incorporating an edgy accent.
Don’t Forget About Hardware
These black cabinets are adorned by lucite and gold hardware that ties in perfectly to the gold chandeliers located above the island. Selecting the right hardware is essential in your kitchen design, so don’t forget this critical design feature when redesigning your kitchen space.
Pair Colorful Touches
This kitchen pairs black and gold, bringing a feeling of glamour to the space. The black countertops and cabinets are brought to life by the colorful notes seen in the blush pink barstools.
Be Moody
If you’re looking for a way to bring a moody vibe to your kitchen space, look no further than black cabinetry. Here, dark cabinets bring a sleek, minimal look to the space and add a touch of drama for that wow factor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there any cons to black kitchen cabinets?
While they might not show them, black kitchen cabinets are very susceptible to getting scratches from fingerprints to wear and tear marks, and others. Apart from frequent cleaning, you might need to add paint coats now and then to protect your kitchen cabinets.
Are black kitchen cabinets trendy?
Black kitchen cabinets have become amazingly trendy in the last five years or so. You’ll now find these modern kitchen cabinets and all the elements that go with them in kitchens of all sizes and in various locales, from small urban spaces to large suburban homes
What are good colors to go with black kitchen cabinets?
Colors that go well with black kitchen cabinets are shades of green, blue, grays, white, and tans.
Are black cabinets high maintenance?
Black cabinets tend to be higher in maintenance than medium-tone cabinets or even light or white ones. 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 color floors go with black cabinets?
If you’re going with dark cabinets, you’ll want to install hardwood flooring that’s 1 to 2 shades lighter than the cabinetry. This will bring some light into the room without totally overwhelming the space. Typically, gray and white hardwood goes best with dark blue, green, and black cabinets.