Kitchen Design
Are You Ready for a Dark and Sophisticated Kitchen?
Black kitchen cabinets have a rich, timeless look. Get ideas for your next cabs — and how to paint the ones you have
Black cabinets inject undeniable dynamism to a kitchen. Whether they're part of a larger remodel, a temporary fix for a rental or an interim alternative to a costly renovation, black cabinets never fail to offer high-impact results.
While the color may be intimidating at first, black is timeless. When done well it will always look current or appropriate in a kitchen, whether it's used all over or as an accent.
Black cabinets may require an extra measure of care and attention: Dust stands out on dark surfaces, as do water and soap stains, so frequent wiping down is essential — although frequent wiping in a kitchen is generally good practice, anyway.
Browse kitchen photos | How to Remodel Your Kitchen
While the color may be intimidating at first, black is timeless. When done well it will always look current or appropriate in a kitchen, whether it's used all over or as an accent.
Black cabinets may require an extra measure of care and attention: Dust stands out on dark surfaces, as do water and soap stains, so frequent wiping down is essential — although frequent wiping in a kitchen is generally good practice, anyway.
Browse kitchen photos | How to Remodel Your Kitchen
These sophisticated lower cabinets look great topped with a gray counter. Pops of yellow brighten the look.
Play with contrasts of black cabinets against white walls and countertops. Doing away with upper cabinets entirely will certainly help with brightness, both in terms of natural light and visual space.
Wallpaper in the kitchen will always make a splash, but paired with black cabinets, the dose of drama is exponentially higher. Black cabinets also create a great backdrop for unique hardware, as this gorgeous jewel box of a kitchen shows.
These rustic lower cabinets were treated with the look of a hand-rubbed furniture finish. The bronze accents dress it up, giving the space an Old-World aesthetic.
A contrasting island will always make a statement. A traditional kitchen with white cabinets suddenly becomes edgy and high-style with a black-based island. Black paint will mask scuffs in areas where feet come into contact with the wall — a great solution for areas with counter or bar stools!
Of course, the opposite treatment will make an impact as well: A lighter, brighter island will provide a dramatic contrast against dark cabinets. Make this the heart of the kitchen, where guests gather, where meals are taken, craft projects are completed. Top with extraordinary light fixtures, and you've just carved out a real gem for yourself!
One concern with black cabinets is that they might absorb too much light. This kitchen is proof that they don't have to. The semi-gloss provides just enough sheen to reflect light around the space, while the light countertops and light wood floors keep the overall feeling bright.
If your kitchen isn't doused in natural light, but you'd still like to explore the idea of black cabinets, bring in other light-reflecting materials. The white upper cabinets, stainless steel appliances and hardware and the texture created by the white grout and black backsplash tiles work beautifully with the black cabinets.
An open kitchen is a great place to try black cabinets, as they may look more like furniture and blend with the nearby living spaces.
How to repaint your kitchen cabinets
If you plan to take on a boring-to-black cabinet painting project, you’re in for a high-impact, affordable boost. Here’s how to do it:
Next: More Kitchen Color Ideas
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Obsessed with Gray in the Kitchen
Dark and Regal Kitchen Designs
Backsplashes for Wood Cabinets
If you plan to take on a boring-to-black cabinet painting project, you’re in for a high-impact, affordable boost. Here’s how to do it:
- Wipe down cabinets, drawers and face frames with warm water and cleanser to remove any surface stains and grease.
- Remove all hardware (handles, knobs and hinges). If you plan to reuse them, keep them labeled and together in a safe place.
- Fill any gouges or holes, especially if you’re replacing the old hardware. Place doors on drop cloth while you work on them.
- Sand. If your cabinetry isn’t particularly glossy, you won’t need to do much, but it’s always good to rough it up a bit, so the primer and paint will adhere to the surface. It will also help create a smooth base, which is critical if you plan to apply a glossy paint.
- Prime. Oil-based primers, though messier and stinkier, will provide the best protection and durability for high-traffic, high-use elements like kitchen cabinets. Let the primer dry overnight.
- Paint! Two coats of latex should do the trick. Semi-gloss will be easier to clean, high gloss will give you more drama. Satin is the lowest sheen you should go with in terms of durability and wipe-ability. Paint with short strokes, all in the same direction. Let dry thoroughly between coats.
- The wait: Experts recommend waiting three days before re-hanging doors to ensure that you won’t muck up your new paint job with fingerprints, or risk having the doors stick to the frames.
- Rehang/reinstall, and let the compliments roll in.
Next: More Kitchen Color Ideas
How to Set Up Your Kitchen
Obsessed with Gray in the Kitchen
Dark and Regal Kitchen Designs
Backsplashes for Wood Cabinets