Metal kitchen cabinets provide a sleek, modern look that can elevate the style of any kitchen. Unlike traditional wood cabinets, metal cabinets make a bold statement and bring an industrial edge to kitchen design. From stainless steel to black metal and brass, metal cabinets come in a range of finishes that allow you to customize your look. Installing metal cabinets is a great way to add elegance and sophistication to your cooking space.

Benefits of Choosing Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Metal kitchen cabinets offer many benefits beyond just stylish good looks:

Durability

Metal is incredibly durable, resistant to chips, scratches, and normal wear and tear. Metal cabinets will maintain their pristine appearance for years to come with just simple cleaning. The tough material ensures your investment will last.

Stylish and Modern

Metal cabinets provide a contemporary, cutting-edge look perfect for modern and urban kitchen designs. The sleek, smooth surfaces create a minimalist style. Both matte and glossy finishes are available to match your aesthetic preferences.

Easy to Clean

Metal won’t absorb spills and splatters like wood. Just wipe cabinets down with a soft cloth and mild cleaner as needed. No need to worry about liquids damaging or warping metal.

Customization Options

From stainless steel to copper and brushed nickel, metal cabinets are offered in a wide range of metal types and finishes. Pick a look that matches your faucets and appliances for a cohesive style.

Adds Brightness

The reflective surface of metal cabinets helps bounce light around the kitchen, making it feel more open and airy. The light reflects off the smooth metal, brightening up the whole cooking space.

Variety of Styles

While metal evokes modern design, the cabinets themselves come in classic shaker, inset, and slab styles. Find metal cabinets that align with your preferred kitchen layout.

Popular Metal Types for Kitchen Cabinets

Metal kitchen cabinets provide almost limitless style options. Let’s look at some of the most popular metal types used:

Stainless Steel

The most common metal used is stainless steel. It offers a bright, mirror-like look that pairs beautifully with stainless steel appliances. Brushed stainless offers a softer matte finish.

Black Metal

Black metal cabinets provide an edgy, daring look. They make a bold statement and add drama. The dark color makes them ideal for contemporary designs.

Copper

Warm copper cabinets lend kitchens a sophisticated, upscale aesthetic. As a softer metal, copper feels inviting and elegant rather than stark. The rosy tone flatters both traditional and modern designs.

Brass

Similar to copper, brass metal gives off warmth and elegance. But brass features golden, champagne-like undertones for an ultra-luxe look. Unlacquered brass will develop a lovely patina over time.

Nickel

Nickel has a naturally soft silvery-gray sheen when untreated. Brushed nickel offers beautiful texture. Nickel pairs well with other metals for mixed finishes.

Bronze

For an antique-inspired kitchen, bronze metal cabinets are perfect. The dark brownish color and subtle metallic shine feel rich and timeless. Bronze works with several styles.

Aluminum

Lightweight aluminum is budget-friendly option. Brushed aluminum gives a modern, industrial vibe. Or go for bold glossy aluminum in red, blue, and other colors.

Steel

Steel meets kitchen needs with extreme durability and strength. Often found in restaurant kitchens, it offers a utilitarian, professional look. Opt for galvanized steel for a vintage workshop aesthetic.

Metal Cabinet Styles and Designs

Metal kitchen cabinets are available in a variety of configurations to work with any kitchen layout:

Freestanding Pantry Cabinets

Tall and slim, pantry cabinets provide specialized storage for dry goods, small appliances, and more. Stainless steel pantry cabinets fit perfectly in modern kitchens.

Full Height Cabinets

Standard full height cabinets with shelves inside come in metal for a sleek built-in look with maximized storage. Group multiple cabinets together for a seamless appearance.

Base Cabinets

Lower metal cabinets installed under the counter offer enclosed storage for pots, pans, and extra kitchenware. Pair with a metal countertop for a cohesive contemporary style.

Upper Cabinets

Wall-mounted upper cabinets provide open and closed storage options above the counter. Metal uppers keep the visual lines clean and lightweight.

Island Cabinets

For a focal point, an entire metal kitchen island makes a stunning statement. Or mix materials and use metal on one side of the island cabinetry.

Hidden Hardware

High-end metal cabinets feature hidden hinges and drawer glides to maintain a smooth, minimal exterior look. The hardware is cleverly concealed within cabinet frames.

Mixing Metal with Other Materials

While all-metal kitchens look incredible, mixing metal and non-metal materials creates depth, contrast, and visual interest:

• Combine metal cabinets with natural wood countertops for beautiful balance between industrial and organic.
• Set sleek metal cabinets against exposed brick walls for an urban loft style.
• Choose metal uppers and stain-grade wood lowers for the best of both worlds.
• Set concrete, stone, or porcelain backsplashes and surfaces beside metal cabinetry for alluring contrast.
• Pair black metal cabinets with white quartz countertops and light wood floors for defined separation.

How to Incorporate Metal Cabinets Seamlessly

Installing metal kitchen cabinets? Here are tips to integrate them stylishly:

Complement Other Finishes

Match metal cabinet hardware and fixtures to other finishes like the sink faucet. Nickel cabinets, for example, pair perfectly with nickel pulls and handles.

LED Under Cabinet Lighting

LED lighting amplifies the sleek metallic look. Under cabinet lighting creates a ambient glow.

Industrial Pendant Lights

Hang simple pendant lights over a metal kitchen island. Choose matching metals or contrasting black, brass, nickel, or bronze.

Minimize Upper Cabinets

Limit upper cabinets to open shelving, floating shelves, or none at all. This keeps sight lines clean and maximizes the modern appeal.

Waterfall Edge Counters

A countertop with edges that overlap the cabinetry complements the streamlined look of metal cabinets. The extended edge lessens visible seams.

Hide Appliances

Keep appliances fully integrated behind cabinet doors instead of on the counter for a tidy, minimalist look.

Cool Metallic Backsplash

Try a backsplash in matching metal tones, stainless steel, or metallic glass or stone tiles. This embellishes the contemporary style.

Exposed Hardware

While hidden hardware has a streamlined effect, exposed metal hardware in matching or contrasting finishes can provide an edgy, industrial detail.

Metal Cabinet Finishes – How to Choose

The finish you select for metal kitchen cabinets will impact the overall aesthetic. Consider these tips when deciding on a finish:

Glossy vs Satin

Glossy reflective finishes better suit contemporary designs and add brightness. Soft satin or brushed finishes provide a more low-key, organic look.

Matte vs Polished

Polished metal has a shiny mirror surface, while matte or brushed metal is delicately textured. Matte finishes feel warmer and more approachable.

Cool Tone vs Warm Tone

Stainless steel and chrome have cool undertones, while brass, copper, and bronze metals exude warmth. Match finishes to the atmosphere you want.

Mix Finishes

Don’t be afraid to get creative and choose two complementing finishes. A popular approach is brushed brass hardware against glossy stainless cabinets.

Unsealed vs Sealed

Sealed metal is lacquered to prevent aging and fingerprints. Unsealed develops natural oxidation for an antiqued effect.

Match Sink and Faucet

For a cohesive overall look, select a sink and faucet finish that aligns with your metal cabinets.

Light vs Dark

Lighter metals like aluminum, stainless, chrome, and nickel open up smaller kitchens. Darker black, bronze, and antique metals make a bold statement.

Caring for Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Metal kitchen cabinets are designed to withstand everyday wear and tear. But proper care is still needed to keep them looking pristine:

Frequent Light Cleaning

Use a microfiber cloth to wipe cabinets down frequently. This prevents buildup and keeps metal shiny.

All-Purpose Cleaner

For grime, use a mild all-purpose cleaner without abrasives or bleach. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.

Gentle Scrubbing

For stubborn spots, use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the affected area. Don’t scour too aggressively.

Dry Thoroughly

After cleaning, immediately dry metal cabinets. Allowing water or cleaner to sit leads to streaks and spots.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Chlorine, oven cleaner, and acids can damage metal finishes. Never use these strong cleaners on delicate metal cabinetry.

Touch Up Paint

For minor scratches, marks, or tarnish, use specialty touch up paint to refresh the cabinet finish.

Protect From Heat

Position heat generating appliances like ovens away from metal cabinet sides. Excessive heat can warp and discolor cabinets over time.

With proper selection, installation, and care, metal kitchen cabinets offer unmatched style, durability, and luxury. The sleek contemporary look of metal elevates kitchen design and provides a focal point. For homeowners desiring a modern, cutting-edge kitchen space with visual elegance, metal cabinets are an excellent choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Many homeowners considering metal kitchen cabinets have common questions. Here are helpful answers to some frequently asked questions:

Are metal cabinets durable?

Yes, metal kitchen cabinets are extremely durable and last for many years. Reputable manufacturers use thick, high-grade steel and other metals that resist scratches, dents, warping and other damage. The tough finish protects the metal underneath. With care, metal cabinets maintain their like-new appearance.

Do metal cabinets dent easily?

Quality metal cabinets are highly resistant to dents, due to the rigid properties of metal. Minor dings may occur but are less likely than with wood cabinets. Avoid hitting cabinet surfaces with heavy objects to prevent dents.

Can metal cabinets rust?

Rust is generally not an issue with indoor kitchen cabinets. Manufacturers apply finishes that seal and protect the underlying metal. Stainless steel and aluminum already resist rust naturally. Clean any water spills quickly to prevent oxidation.

Are metal cabinets expensive?

Metal kitchen cabinets range from budget-friendly to high-end custom. Stainless steel is an affordable metal option. Overall, metal cabinetry costs similarly to premium wood designs, around $100-$300 per linear foot installed. Durability makes them a smart long-term investment.

Do metal cabinets make noise?

Metal cabinets typically don’t make excessive noise in the kitchen. Hinges, doors, and drawers should operate smoothly and quietly. Adding rubber bumpers inside cabinets can further reduce any metal-on-metal vibration noise.

Can metal cabinets be painted?

Yes, the finishes on metal cabinets can be painted over to change the color. But this is best left to professionals. Cabinets need thorough preparation and high-quality spray paint formulated for metal. Refinishing cabinets takes skill to achieve an even, durable result.

How heavy are metal cabinets?

Metal cabinets are lighter than solid wood designs. Base cabinet boxes weigh around 50-75 pounds. Upper cabinets may be 25-50 pounds. Heavy-duty mounting and supports are recommended, but the lightweight is an advantage of metal.

Can I install metal cabinets myself?

With skill and proper tools, DIY installation of metal cabinets is certainly possible. But due to their weight and need for precise measurements, most homeowners opt to hire professional installers for the best result. Trying to install metal cabinets alone risks damaging them.

Are fingerprint marks a problem?

With glossy finishes, fingerprints can show but are easily removed with frequent wiping. Some metal finishes are less prone to showing fingerprints. Matte and brushed finishes disguise fingerprints well. Sealed finishes also resist fingerprints.

Conclusion

Metal kitchen cabinets offer numerous advantages for today’s luxury kitchens. Available in a wide array of metal types and finishes, they allow creative choices for achieving any desired look – from sleek modern to industrial vintage. Durable metal construction ensures long-lasting beauty and functionality. For homeowners who appreciate sophisticated, contemporary style and quality craftsmanship, few cabinetry options can compare to high-end metal cabinets. With careful selection of the metal, finish, and style, metal cabinets will elevate a kitchen to new heights of elegance.