Black kitchen cabinets are having a major moment right now. After years of white and gray dominating kitchen design, black is back in a big way. Black kitchen cabinets can create a dramatic, sophisticated look in your kitchen. From modern to traditional, there are many different ways to incorporate black cabinets into your kitchen design. Here are some inspiring ideas for using black kitchen cabinets to create a stunning kitchen.

Why Choose Black Kitchen Cabinets?

Black kitchen cabinets offer many advantages:

Timeless and Classic

Black is a timeless color choice that always looks elegant. Black kitchen cabinets have been popular for decades and the trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Unlike some color trends that come and go, black remains a classic.

Sets a Dramatic Tone

Few colors make as much of a dramatic statement as black. Black kitchen cabinets create an eye-catching focal point and immediately give your kitchen a bold, contemporary vibe.

Versatile

While black cabinets make a bold statement, they are also extremely versatile. Black kitchen cabinets pair well with a wide range of materials and colors, making them easy to coordinate with your existing kitchen elements.

Slimming

Black is a slimming color that can make a small kitchen feel larger. The dark color minimizes visual clutter and makes the kitchen feel more streamlined.

Easy to Clean

Black cabinets are a great choice for busy kitchens because they don’t show fingerprints, grease or dust as easily as lighter colors. They wipe clean easily.

Sets Off Metals and Stones

Black provides the perfect backdrop to make metals and natural stones pop. Brass hardware, gold accents and marble counters will really stand out against black.

Black Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

From modern to traditional, here are some stylish ways to use black kitchen cabinets:

Contemporary Black Cabinets

For a sleek, contemporary look, opt for all black cabinets. Pair with glossy counters, open shelving, gold or brass accents and modern styled hardware for a dramatic modern kitchen.

Black adds drama to this contemporary kitchen. Source

Keep things clean-lined and avoid ornate detailing on the cabinets themselves. Let the black be the star.

Traditional Black Kitchen Cabinets

Black need not be limited to modern kitchens. Black cabinets also pair beautifully with traditional kitchen elements like glass cabinet fronts, solid wood countertops and porcelain knobs.

Black cabinets get a traditional twist with glass fronts. Source

For a traditional feel, look for black cabinets with arched tops, glass fronts, and crown molding details. Warmer wood tones on the counter and floor will keep it feeling classic.

Black Perimeter Cabinets with Lighter Island

One way to break up all-black cabinets is by using a lighter color on the island. Opting for white or neutral island cabinets paired with black perimeter cabinets offers the best of both worlds.

A light island prevents this kitchen from feeling too dark and heavy. Source

The black perimeter cabinets make a bold statement and anchor the space, while the lighter island balances out the look.

Black Lower Cabinets with White Upper Cabinets

Another eye-catching option is to pair black lower cabinets with crisp white uppers. Use black on lower cabinets to ground the space and hide potential cooking stains and splatters. Bright white upper cabinets keep things airy and light.

The contrast between upper and lower cabinets makes a stylish statement. Source

This two-tone look works especially well in traditional and modern kitchens.

Bold Black Kitchen Island

For a less committing way to try black cabinets, start with painting just the kitchen island black. A black kitchen island will anchor your existing cabinets and give your kitchen a focal point.

Painting just the island black injects some drama without going all in. Source

Opt for a classic butcher block or marble countertop on the island to offset the dark color.

Black Countertops

Black countertops are another way to incorporate black into your kitchen if you’re not ready to commit to full black cabinets. Pairs beautifully with brass fixtures, gold accents and pops of white.

Sleek black countertops make a statement against light cabinets. Source

Black marble or granite countertops will contrast nicely against light cabinets for added drama.

Matte Black Hardware

An easy way to add a touch of black is by installing matte black hardware on light or wood cabinets. Matte black knobs and pulls make a nice contrast against lighter cabinets.

Matte black hardware pops against natural wood cabinets. Source

Opt for hammered black pulls or iron matte black handles to get this stylish but subtle look.

Design Considerations for Black Kitchen Cabinets

If you’re ready to take the plunge with black kitchen cabinets, keep these design tips in mind:

Contrast is Key

Black cabinets make a statement, so you want the rest of the kitchen to balance out the look. Use light counters, floors and backsplashes to prevent an oppressive, cave-like feeling. Stainless steel, white marble, light woods and mirror or glass backsplashes all complement black cabinets nicely.

Lighten Things Up

Allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen space and use accent lighting. Black can absorb light, so you want to compensate with ample windows, skylights or French doors to keep things feeling bright and airy.

Watch Out for Smudges

The downside of black cabinets is that grease and fingerprints show up more easily. Use microfiber cloths and cleaners designed for black kitchen cabinets to help minimize smudges and fingerprints.

Consider a Glossy Finish

While matte black is very on-trend, a glossy finish may be easier to keep looking clean and shiny. Opt for glossy black painted cabinets or lacquered cabinets to get that piano-like shine.

Embrace Eclectic Style

While they look amazing sleek and contemporary, black cabinets also pair well with vintage, industrial and eclectic kitchens. Don’t be afraid to mix black cabinets with different metals, wood tones, textures and pops of color.

Add Warm Metals and Wood Tones

Warm metallic like brass and gold complement black cabinets, as do natural wood finishes. Copper or bronze hardware and wood cutting boards will break up all that black.

FAQ About Black Kitchen Cabinets

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using black cabinets:

Are black cabinets hard to maintain?

Black cabinets don’t inherently require much more maintenance than lighter colors. Using microfiber cloths, regular dusting, and cleaners made for black kitchen cabinets can minimize smudging and fingerprints. Opt for a glossy finish for easier wiping.

Do black cabinets make a kitchen look smaller?

Black cabinets can actually make a small kitchen feel larger by creating a streamlined, uncluttered look. Just be sure to use light counters and backsplash materials to prevent a closed-in feeling. Allowing plenty of natural light can also prevent black cabinets from feeling too imposing.

What paint color goes well with black cabinets?

Black cabinets pair beautifully with crisp white paint colors. Stark white will contrast nicely with the cabinets. For a soft look, try a warm white like Swiss Coffee OC-45. Pale grays like Grey Owl OC-52 are serene backdrops for black cabinets.

What kitchen colors go with black cabinets?

While black cabinets pair best with light neutrals like white and gray for contrast, you can also use pops of colors like yellow, green and even orange for a fun retro vibe. Black and white checkerboard flooring or blue mosaic tile backsplashes also complement black cabinets.

Can you have all black kitchen cabinets?

Yes, an all-black kitchen can look amazing. The secret is ensuring plenty of contrast, like light counters and backsplash materials. Incorporate visual interest through hardware and textural materials like subway tile. Use sheen and glossy cabinets to add depth. Most importantly, allow ample natural light.

Conclusion

Black kitchen cabinets make a gorgeous, dramatic statement in both modern and traditional kitchens. From sleek, all-black contemporary kitchens to cozy traditional kitchens with black accents, black cabinets provide a timeless, versatile choice that injects sophistication into any kitchen. paired with light counters and finishes, black cabinets will make your kitchen feel luxe and elegant. Embrace the power and drama of going to the dark side with black kitchen cabinets.

Black Kitchen Cabinet Design Ideas: Conclusion

Black kitchen cabinets offer a timeless, dramatic look that instantly elevates any kitchen. From sleek, modern designs to cozy traditional styles, black kitchen cabinets make a sophisticated statement and bring elegance to any space. With the right balance of contrasting elements like white counters and natural wood accents, black cabinets provide versatility and flair. Though a bold choice, black kitchen cabinets offer a versatile, artistic way to anchor your kitchen in striking sophistication and timeless elegance. Embrace the rich drama and beauty of black kitchen cabinets for a look that will stay classic forever.