Introduction
Black kitchen cabinets are having a major moment right now. After years of bright white and light gray ruling kitchen design, deep, dramatic black is making a bold comeback. Black kitchen cabinets create a moody, sophisticated look that feels invitingly cozy and elegant.
Going for black kitchen cabinets is a great way to create a striking, high-contrast look in your kitchen. Paired with light walls, floors, and countertops, black cabinets make a dramatic statement. The dark color brings warmth and intimacy to the space. Black also serves as a beautiful backdrop for accessories in metallic finishes like brass and gold.
From modern to traditional to farmhouse and more, black kitchen cabinets work with nearly any kitchen style. The color is classic yet trendy. Read on for ideas and inspiration for designing a beautiful black kitchen. We’ll cover ways to use all-black cabinets, mix black with other colors, black countertops to consider, and tips for decorating a black kitchen.
Reasons to Choose Black Kitchen Cabinets
Here are some of the best things about choosing black for your kitchen cabinets:
Dramatic and Bold
Black kitchen cabinets make a bold, dramatic statement. The dark color creates an elegant, upscale look and feel. Black cabinets instantly give your kitchen a sophisticated style.
Cozy and Warm
Contrary to popular belief, black is actually a warm, cozy color for a kitchen. The deep hue gives the space an enveloping, welcoming vibe. Black cabinets make cooking feel more intimate.
Classic and Timeless
Black is a timeless, classic color choice. While trends come and go, black remains eternally stylish. Black kitchen cabinets are a look you can enjoy for years to come.
High Contrast
Black and white is a top kitchen color scheme for good reason. High contrast looks striking and visually appealing. Black cabinets paired with light walls, floors, backsplashes and counters create a bold look.
Texture and Detail
The dark color of black cabinets allows texture and detail to stand out beautifully. Wood grain and distressing are shown off wonderfully with black.
Any Design Style
Modern, traditional, farmhouse and more – black kitchen cabinets work with nearly any kitchen design aesthetic. The versatile color suits a range of decor styles.
All-Black Kitchen Cabinets
Going for all-black kitchen cabinets makes a daring, dramatic statement. To pull off the head-to-toe black look, choose lighter, brighter colors for the walls, floors and countertops. Crisp white is the classic pairing. Here are some inspiring ideas for all-black kitchen cabinetry:
Black and White
A black and white kitchen is a timeless, versatile combo that always impresses. White walls, tiles, counters and backsplashes make the perfect contrasting partners for sleek black cabinets. Add pops of gold or brass accents for extra shine and warmth.
Black with Wood Floors
Wood floors look stunning with black kitchen cabinets. The natural light wood adds warmth and texture to balance out the dark cabinets. Light, driftwood-style wood floors work especially well.
Black Cabinets with Marble Counters
For serious drama, pair black kitchen cabinets with marble countertops. Choose white or gray marble for bold contrast. The natural gray veins and white background of marble make an elegant counter material with black cabinets.
Black with Exposed Brick
Exposed brick walls look fabulous paired with black kitchen cabinets. The two moody elements complement each other beautifully. For variation, paint the brick white for high-contrast.
Black Cabinets with White Subway Tile
Nothing beats classic white subway tiles paired with black kitchen cabinets. Alternating lines of black and white create a chic, retro vibe. Add some pops of gold hardware and accents for a touch of shine.
Mixing Black Cabinets with Wood Tones
While all-black kitchen cabinets make a bold statement, balancing black with warm wood tones creates a welcoming, homey aesthetic. Mixing black and wood cabinetry is an excellent idea for creating depth and visual interest. Here are some stylish ways to mix black and wood cabinets:
Black Lower Cabinets, Wood Upper Cabinets
Opt for moody black cabinets on bottom with warm, natural wood cabinets up top. This two-toned look creates nice separation of elements. The dark lower cabinets ground the space while the wood uppers keep things light and airy.
Wood Perimeter, Black Island
Make your kitchen island the dramatic focal point by choosing black for the island cabinets. Surround it with lighter wood perimeter cabinetry for pleasing contrast. The island will really pop in black against the wood cabinet background.
Wood Cabinets, Black Accents
Use black for cabinet accents by choosing black for the island, pantry or accent cabinets. Set off light wood cabinets with unexpected black elements. Black open shelving, door fronts or media cabinets make striking accents.
Vertical Divider Stripe
Add a bold vertical black stripe between banks of wood cabinets. The divider stripe creates cool separation and visual interest. Continue the stripe down to the base cabinets for a unified linear look.
Checkerboard Pattern
Alternating black and wood cabinets in a checkerboard pattern adds serious style. The contrasting squares are dimensional and graphic. It’s an edgy take on traditional black and white.
Best Black Countertop Options for Black Cabinets
Choosing the right countertop color is key to tying your black kitchen cabinets together. Contrast is best, so lighter countertop materials create visual separation from the dark cabinet color. Here are some great countertop ideas for black cabinets:
White Marble
Elegant white or gray marble is a classic choice for black kitchens. The white stone surface gleams against the dark cabinetry. With its light color and natural gray veining, marble beautifully complements black.
White Quartz
For a lower maintenance alternative to marble, white quartz counter tops pair perfectly with black cabinets. Crisp white with a subtle pattern or minimal grey veining looks brilliant against black. Durability and affordability make white quartz an excellent option.
Butcher Block
The natural light wood tone of butcher block makes a gorgeous contrasting counter surface for black cabinets. Butcher block’s warm wood grain provides texture and visual interest. Finish it light for maximum contrast.
Black Granite
For a monochromatic, bold look, black granite beautifully matches black cabinets. The two rich, dark elements create a moody, upscale look. Pair with metallic finishes for light and shine.
White Concrete
The matte texture of concrete makes an intriguing pairing with black kitchen cabinets. All-white concrete countertops create minimalist contrast to the cabinets. Integrated black aggregate in the concrete echoes the black cabinets.
Decorating a Black Kitchen – Ideas for Accessories
Use accessories wisely to enhance your black kitchen cabinets without overpowering them. Here are some décor ideas for accessorizing a black kitchen:
Pops of Gold, Brass or Copper
Warm metallic accents look fantastic against dark cabinetry. Add gold, brass or copper touches in lighting fixtures, hardware and accessories. Metallics like oil-rubbed bronze also complement black beautifully.
Hanging Plants
Suspended greenery instantly livens up a black kitchen. Simple air plants in hanging glass globes or terrariums are fresh and modern with black cabinets. Go for varieties with light green or yellow leaves for contrast.
Mirror Backsplash
Instead of tile, install a mirrored backsplash for magical effect with black cabinets. The mirrored surface will open up the space and reflect light beautifully. Integrate a few glass shelves for display space.
Bold Pendant Lights or Chandelier
Make a dramatic lighting statement with bold black pendant lights or a chandelier. Multiple black pendants in various heights create cool visual dimension over a kitchen island.
Black and White Photography
Monochromatic black and white photography makes an artsy accent for a black kitchen. Group black-framed prints on the wall for an intriguing gallery display. Choose contrasting images like florals.
Design Styles for Black Kitchen Cabinets
From traditional to contemporary and everything between, black kitchen cabinets suit a range of design aesthetics. Here are some on-trend kitchen styles that look fabulous with black cabinets:
Modern Black Kitchen
For a sleek, contemporary look go for flat-front matte black cabinets, a minimalist design, and an industrial edge. Think stainless steel, exposed ductwork or piping, and concrete.
Industrial Black Kitchen
Industrial style kitchens look striking with black cabinets. Create an edgy, urban loft look with metal finishes, cement floors, exposed brick walls and pendant lighting.
Traditional Black Kitchen
Black adds a touch of drama and glamour to traditional kitchens. Opt for shaker-style cabinet doors with brushed brass hardware. Marble counters, subway tile, and pendant lights polish off the posh look.
Farmhouse Black Kitchen
Black subtly updates a farmhouse kitchen. For a modern farmhouse style, pair traditional black cabinets with vintage accents, natural wood, ceramic tile, and large lanterns or barn lights.
Glam Black Kitchen
Glam and luxury come alive in a black kitchen. Curved cabinet doors, metallic finishes like chrome and gold, marble counters, and crystal lighting create a posh black kitchen.
Tips for Decorating with Black Kitchen Cabinets
Here are some top tips for beautifully decorating your kitchen with black cabinets:
- Stick to a light, neutral palette for walls, floors, counters and backsplashes. White and light gray are safe bets.
- Use black for big statement pieces like the island, range hood or built-in shelving. Avoid black on every surface.
- Incorporate contrasting textures like wood, marble, metal and glass to add depth.
- Add splashes of metallic like brass, gold and copper for warmth and sheen.
- Include natural elements like plants, flowers, fruit and wood for softness.
- Layer in artwork, textiles and accessories with white, gray and natural tones.
- Mix up cabinet finishes. Try matte black lowers with glossy uppers for dimension.
- Make sure to have plenty of lighting. Chandeliers, pendant lights and sconces keep things bright.
- Anchor the black cabinets with light, airy counters. Marble, concrete, butcher block and quartz are excellent choices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Kitchen Cabinets
What color should I paint the walls with black kitchen cabinets?
White, off-white, light gray, and soft neutral tones work best for walls paired with black cabinets. Avoid going too dark or bright on surrounding surfaces. Crisp white is the classic wall color for black cabinets.
What kind of flooring goes well with black kitchen cabinets?
Light, natural wood flooring looks beautiful with black cabinets. Materials like oak or maple with a whitewashed finish offer lightweight contrast. Concrete or stone in a light gray shade is also an ideal flooring choice.
What backsplash looks good with black cabinets?
White subway tile is a popular and classic backsplash pairing for black cabinets. The high contrast of white 3×6 tiles against the cabinetry has timeless appeal. Mirrored or metallic backsplashes also look striking with black cabinets.
What color hardware should I use with black cabinets?
Matte black or oil-rubbed bronze hardware coordinates seamlessly with black cabinets. For contrast, opt for brushed brass, chrome or gold hardware. Mixing metal finishes can look cool too.
Should I get glass cabinets with black cabinets?
Glass upper cabinets keep things light and airy against black lowers. Display your pretty stemware and dinnerware in glass uppers against the deep black cabinet base. Frosted or smoked glass mutes the transparency slightly.
Is black outdated for kitchen cabinets?
Black is a classic, timeless kitchen cabinet color that never truly goes out of style. The current trend towards cozy, moody interiors has brought black back into the spotlight. Black kitchen cabinets have a renewed popularity that feels fresh and current.
Conclusion
Black kitchen cabinets make a dramatic style statement. The trendy, yet timeless color instantly transforms your kitchen into a bold, sophisticated space. Layering black cabinets with contrasting light and natural elements creates visual interest and depth.
From sleek modern to cozy traditional, black kitchen cabinets suit a range of design aesthetics. Wood, concrete, marble, metal and glass all beautifully complement black cabinetry. Accessorize with brass accents and artwork for warmth and personality.
With proper contrast from light walls, floors and counters, black kitchen cabinets emit coziness and glamour. If you’re looking for a dash of drama and elegance that never goes out of style, black cabinets are a savvy, artistic choice. Use these ideas and tips to create your own beautiful black kitchen design.