Introduction
Red kitchen cabinets are a bold and dramatic choice that can really make your kitchen pop. Recently, red cabinets have become an increasingly popular option, offering a fun and vibrant style. When choosing red kitchen cabinets, two main finishes are available – glossy or matte. Both glossy and matte red cabinets have their advantages and work beautifully in the right kitchen. In this in-depth guide, we’ll look at the key differences, benefits, and style considerations for red glossy and matte kitchen cabinets to help you decide which is best for your space.
Overview of Red Glossy Kitchen Cabinets
Glossy red kitchen cabinets offer a shiny, reflective surface that can really amplify the vibrant color. The high-gloss finish reflects light beautifully, creating a bright and eye-catching look.
Benefits of Glossy Red Kitchen Cabinets
There are several benefits that make glossy red kitchen cabinets a great choice:
- Dramatic visual impact – The reflective surface makes the red color truly pop for maximum visual impact. Glossy cabinets create a bold, dramatic statement.
- Sleek, contemporary style – Glossy cabinets have a very sleek, modern look perfect for contemporary kitchen designs. The shine gives them an ultra-stylish edge.
- Easy to clean – Glossy cabinets are very easy to keep clean as they don’t have any little grooves or textures to collect dust and grease. You can simply wipe them clean.
- Durable finish – Modern glossy finishes are very hardy and durable. They hold up well to bumps and scratches.
So if you want to make a bold impact with super sleek red cabinets, a glossy finish is the way to go. The reflective surface gives them an eye-catching wow factor.
Style Tips for Glossy Red Cabinets
To use glossy red kitchen cabinets successfully:
- Go for full impact – Use glossy red for all cabinets for maximum effect. Mixing finishes can reduce the visual punch.
- Consider surrounding colors – Pair with neutrals like white, black, or gray for the cabinets to stand out. Avoid matching other reds.
- Choose complementary materials – Use sleek surfaces like glass or metal hardware to enhance the modern style.
- Use accessories sparingly – Keep counters and backsplashes simple to not compete with the cabinets.
- Lighting is key – Use plenty of lighting to show off the glossy shine.
Overview of Matte Red Kitchen Cabinets
Matte or flat red kitchen cabinets offer a soft, muted finish. While still rich in color, the matte surface absorbs light rather than reflects it for a more low key look.
Benefits of Matte Red Kitchen Cabinets
Matte red cabinets have their own allure:
- Soft, subtle style – The matte finish creates a more subtle red tone that blends in, rather than stands out boldly. This can be preferable in some designs.
- Warmer, more inviting look – Many people find matte finishes more warm and inviting than very shiny surfaces. Matte makes red feel a little more accessible.
- Hide fingerprints and dust – Matte cabinets don’t showcase smudges and dust specks like gloss, making cleaning less crucial.
- Traditional ambiance – Matte has a bit more of a traditional, classic look than very shiny modern gloss.
Overall, matte red cabinets offer a great red tone while maintaining a low-key, casual style.
Style Tips for Matte Red Cabinets
To decorate successfully with matte red cabinets:
- Use creams and browns – Matte red pairs beautifully with creams, whites, and wood tones for a Tuscan style.
- Natural textures – Use materials like stone, wood, or marble to complement the matte finish.
- Warm metals – Brushed bronze, oil-rubbed bronze, and aged brass hardware suits matte cabinets more than chrome.
- Mix finishes – Feel free to mix some glossy elements and matte red in one space.
- Soft lighting – While matte doesn’t require tons of light like gloss, ample lighting still shows it off well.
Key Differences Between Glossy and Matte Red Kitchen Cabinets
Now that we’ve covered the individual styles, let’s directly compare some of the key differences between glossy and matte red kitchen cabinets:
| Glossy | Matte |
|-|-|
|Reflective, shiny surface | Muted, soft surface|
|Creates a bold, dramatic look| More subtle, blended look|
|Ultra sleek and modern| Has a warmer, more traditional ambiance|
|Shows fingerprints and smudges| Hides small fingerprints and dust more|
|Lighting strongly shows off the finish|Doesn’t depend on lighting as much to make visual impact|
|Easy wipe-cleaning|Lower maintenance cleaning|
| Pairs well with sleek surfaces like glass and metal|Looks great with natural textures like wood and stone|
|Best for contemporary, trendy kitchens|Better for traditional or rustic kitchen designs|
In summary, glossy red kitchen cabinets make the boldest visual impact, while matte allows the rich red color to shine in a more subtle, inviting way.
Making Your Choice Between Glossy and Matte Red Kitchen Cabinets
Factors to Consider
When deciding between glossy and matte red kitchen cabinets for your home, take into account:
- Overall design and style – Contemporary and modern spaces suit bold glossy cabinets, while matte pairs better with traditional or farmhouse designs.
- Your color scheme – If you want the red to dramatically stand out, go glossy. For a more coordinated muted look, choose matte.
- Lighting – Rooms with ample natural and artificial lighting will show off glossy cabinets best. Matte works better in more dimly lit spaces.
- High traffic vs low use kitchens – Glossy requires a bit more careful cleaning. If your kitchen gets heavy day-to-day use, matte may handle wear-and-tear better.
Seeing Red Cabinet Finishes in Person
When possible, view red cabinet samples in person before making your choice. The exact finish, lighting, and pairing with other kitchen elements can all impact how glossy and matte reds appear in real life compared to photos. Seeing the finishes in different lighting will give you the best sense of each one.
Caring for Your Red Kitchen Cabinets
Cleaning Glossy Cabinets
Keep glossy red cabinets looking their best by:
- Wiping with a soft, damp microfiber cloth to remove light dust and fingerprints.
- Using a mild soap and water solution for deeper cleaning. Avoid harsh cleaners.
- Drying thoroughly with a soft towel after cleaning to prevent water spots.
- Polishing occasionally with a specialty glossy cabinet cleaner to maintain shine.
- Avoiding abrasive sponges, scrub pads, or paper towels that could scratch the surface.
Cleaning Matte Cabinets
Clean matte red cabinets gently using:
- A soft cloth dampened with warm water for day-to-day cleaning.
- A mild dish soap and water mix for tackling grease or food buildup.
- A dedicated matte cabinet cleaner to condition and protect the finish.
- Soft microfiber cloths or sponges only. Avoid abrasives.
- Be extra gentle on areas that commonly show wear like corners and knobs.
With some simple care, both glossy and matte red kitchen cabinets will maintain their beauty for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glossy and Matte Red Kitchen Cabinets
Many homeowners have additional questions when deciding between glossy and matte red kitchen cabinets. Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
Are glossy or matte cabinets more expensive?
The finish does not generally impact the cost significantly. Pricing is more dependent on door style, construction quality, and features. Expect any premium red cabinet selection to come at a higher price than standard options.
Can you change a matte cabinet to glossy?
It is possible to apply a glossy finish over matte cabinets using specialty lacquers. This will require stripping, sanding, spraying on lacquer coats, and sealing for best results. The process is labor intensive. Often it is more cost effective to install new glossy cabinetry.
Do fingerprints show on matte cabinets?
While a glossy finish clearly shows every fingerprint and smudge, matte is more forgiving. Light fingerprints will be less noticeable on a matte red finish. But oils and grease can still penetrate and stain if not cleaned off promptly.
Which finish is most durable and scratch resistant?
Modern advancements have made both glossy and matte cabinet finishes extremely durable. Gloss may still have a slight edge for resisting surface scratches. But both finishes stand up admirably to normal kitchen wear with proper care.
Can you mix glossy and matte cabinets together?
Absolutely! Combining glossy and matte finishes creates appealing visual contrast. Try using glossy for upper cabinets and matte for lowers, or vice versa. Or do perimeter cabinets in one finish and island in another.
Should I match my kitchen countertops to glossy or matte cabinets?
Coordinate countertops with the cabinet finish. For glossy cabinets, options like quartz or laminate work well. Matte cabinets look great paired with countertops like granite, butcher block, or concrete.
Achieving a Stunning Red Kitchen with Glossy or Matte Cabinets
Design Inspiration
Ready to deck out your kitchen with head-turning red cabinets? These beautiful kitchens demonstrate how glossy and matte red cabinetry can create a stunning space:
Bold Contemporary Matte Red – This modern kitchen combines matte red slab cabinets with glossy black accents for dramatic contrast. Crisp white countertops pop against the red.
Glossy Reds with Pale Neutrals – Glossy cherry red perimeter cabinets make the focal point in this airy kitchen. Pale walls, backsplash, and countertops allow the color to take center stage.
Rich Warm Matte Reds – Matte cabinetry in a deep oxblood red gives this traditional kitchen a refined, stately look. Gray veining in the countertops provides an elegant contrast.
Vibrant Glossy Red Statement Island – A vibrant cherry glossy red island anchors this transitional space while the perimeter cabinetry stays muted and understated.
Glossy Red with Retro Flair – For retro appeal, glossy cherry red lacquer cabinets pair wonderfully with Sputnik-style pendant lighting, chrome accents, and vinyl flooring.
When to Choose Red Kitchen Cabinets
Ready to take the plunge with red? Here are some great scenarios for red kitchen cabinets:
- You want a colorful, lively kitchen instead of safe neutrals
- Showcasing a bold, daring style is appealing
- You don’t mind being on-trend with a warmer, bolder red tone
- Your space gets ample natural light to show off the hue
- You entertain often and want an eye-catching space
- A vibrant kitchen suits your personality and lifestyle
- You want a style that celebrates life and feels uplifting
Conclusion
Glossy or matte, red kitchen cabinets make a bold and beautiful choice that packs a serious visual punch. Matte offers a more subtle take on red, while glossy amplifies it for maximum impact. Choosing the finish that works best comes down to your overall design vision for your unique kitchen space. Use the tips and insights provided to pick perfect red cabinets with confidence. Then get ready to enjoy this vibrant hue every time you cook, entertain, or relax in your stunning new red kitchen!