Sophisticated, sumptuous, and urbane, black cabinets are sure to be a stunning addition to any room. Unexpected while still trendy, black cabinets can be utilized in just about any room to great effect. Especially with the influx of new paint trends in 2023, you might choose to pair those bold tones with a striking set of black kitchen cabinets. If you are looking for design ideas or professional installation, Out of the Woods Cabinetry has got your back.

Are Black Cabinets in Style?

Is black the new white? As bold as it sounds, many are using black cabinets as a trendy new neutral. In fact, black cabinets as a trend have been on the rise for the last five years. With the rich and dramatic tone they bring to any room, we foresee that black kitchen cabinets will continue to be in-style for years to come.

Is Black a Good Choice for Kitchen Cabinets?

Black cabinets infuse luxury and elegance into any room and offer a bold contrast. They serve a neutral design choice without being bland. This makes them highly versatile even as they work as a statement piece. That being said, be aware that because black absorbs light, large swaths of black can make a small space feel more cramped. Whether or not black is a good choice for your kitchen depends on the size and lighting of your space as well as your personal preference.

If you are considering painting your cabinets black, you must be very committed. Because they are such a bold choice, black kitchen cabinets may not be a point in your favor if you want to sell your home anytime soon. Some buyers may be thrilled about the choice, but it may scare others off. If you don’t have imminent plans to sell and you like the way they look, don’t be afraid to paint your cabinets black.

Are Black Kitchen Cabinets Difficult to Maintain?

Black cabinets are not always very maintenance-friendly, especially in the kitchen. While they show some things like sauce stains or scratches less readily, other messes like dust and flour show up clearly. For this reason, black cabinets must be cleaned regularly.

Design Ideas for Decorating with Black Cabinets

Black cabinets can be used to create many different atmospheres, from cozy and intimate to minimalistic and modern. Part of this comes down to which black you choose—perhaps a matte charcoal or a glossy jet—and the other contributor is how to choose to dress up the rest of the room.

Keep It Light

If you have a room that isn’t very busy with lots of light, black cabinets can really pop. High gloss black paints will reflect more light back into the room than a paint with a low sheen, combatting black’s natural tendency to absorb light. If you have a monochrome room, add a spot of color, perhaps a table or curtains. This will draw the eye.

You can also play with textiles. The neutrality of black cabinets will not compete with texture. If you have a warm, natural wood like oak, painting the cabinets black provides a lovely mix of cool and warm tones. You can also choose to combine your black cabinets with luxurious marble or granite countertops with characteristic texturing to up the elegance

Creating a Cozy Kitchen

While black cabinets are great for otherwise white kitchens, they also work in rooms that are naturally dark. If you prefer the mood lighting, lean in. Because the hue of black kitchen cabinets is rich and deep, pairing them with other deep tones is sure to give the room an opulent flair.

Switch It Up

Even if you choose to install black kitchen cabinets, they don’t have to look like everyone else’s. If you have framed cabinets, you can paint the faces black but leave the frames in white or silver to break up an otherwise all-black bank of cabinets. You can also make the frames black and leave the faces in a lighter shade.

To go one step further, you don’t have to paint all your cabinets black. Try a two-toned approach and paint some of your cabinets black while giving others a different shade, perhaps white or gray. This adds visual interest to the room, playing with the light.

A Finishing Touch

The hardware you install on your kitchen cabinets makes a difference to how the rest of the room feels. You could opt for chrome hardware and appliances for a design scheme reminiscent of an industrial kitchen. Another option is adding either silver or gold highlights.