Choosing the right cabinetry is one of the most important decisions when renovating or building a new kitchen. Dark kitchen cabinets are currently having a major moment, offering a sophisticated, stylish look. Here are 7 great reasons to consider going for dark cabinets in your kitchen remodel.
They Provide a Striking, Dramatic Look
Dark kitchen cabinets make a bold, dramatic statement. Their rich, deep color immediately draws the eye and creates visual interest. Especially if you choose a color like black, dark blue, or deep green, dark cabinets really stand out and become the focal point of the kitchen. This striking look helps make the kitchen feel cozy and warm.
They’re Classic and Timeless
While white and light colored cabinets can feel trendy and dated after a few years, dark cabinets have an enduring, classic look. Deep wood tones like cherry or walnut, for example, are traditional cabinet styles that have stayed popular over decades. Choosing a rich, dark color like navy, chocolate or charcoal for painted cabinets also gives you a timeless look that won’t go out of style.
They Provide Contrast
Dark cabinets look especially attractive against light counters or backsplashes. The contrast between the rich cabinet color and pale surfaces creates visual depth and interest. Granite, quartz or marble countertops in a neutral white, gray or beige tone pair beautifully with dark cabinetry.
They Make a Small Kitchen Feel Cozier
Dark cabinets can help a small, cramped kitchen feel more intimate and cozy. The dark color makes the walls appear to recede so the space feels more enclosed. This cocooning effect helps prevent a small kitchen from feeling cold and stark.
They Hide Dirt and Wear
Since dark colors disguise dust and fingerprints, dark kitchen cabinets will look cleaner longer. You won’t need to wipe them down as frequently to keep up appearances. Dark wooden cabinets like cherry and walnut also hide small scratches and dings better than light woods like maple.
They Provide Flexibility with Decor
Dark cabinets offer flexibility when it comes to decorating the rest of the kitchen. Light walls, countertops and backsplashes create contrast against the cabinets while darker metal hardware and lighting fixtures nicely complement them. You can switch up accessories like rugs, curtains and art to get a whole new look.
They Give a Sense of Sophistication
Deep, rich cabinet colors come across as elegant and upscale. Kitchens with dark cabinets have an air of sophistication, perfect for formal spaces meant for entertaining. The dramatic, upscale vibe also pairs well with more luxurious materials like brass hardware or natural stone countertops.
Conclusion
With their eye-catching drama and timeless elegance, dark kitchen cabinets offer many advantages. From making a bold statement to hiding dirt better, they provide practical benefits too. Just be sure to choose rich colors and wood tones that pair well with your existing decor. With strategic contrast and the right finishes, dark cabinets can add beautiful visual flair while remaining highly functional. Carefully incorporated into your design, they will make your kitchen stand out in all the right ways.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Kitchen Cabinets
What colors go well with dark kitchen cabinets?
Lighter wall colors like white, light gray, or soft blue pair attractively with dark cabinets, as do pale neutrals like white, beige, or gray for countertops and backsplashes. Stainless steel appliances also complement dark cabinets nicely.
Do dark cabinets make a kitchen look smaller?
Dark cabinets can feel overpowering in a very small kitchen, but in most average-sized kitchens they make the space feel cozier rather than smaller. Strategies like light walls and counters prevent them from feeling too dark and closed in.
How do you decorate around dark kitchen cabinets?
Use plenty of task and accent lighting to brighten up dark cabinets. Contrast them with light backsplashes, countertops and floors. Metallic fixtures and hardware give a nice complementary gleam. Glass cabinet doors also help dark cabinets feel more open.
Should I get dark cabinets if I have a small kitchen?
You can successfully use dark cabinets even in a small kitchen by incorporating light surfaces and visual breaks. However, very dark cabinets like black may feel too imposing. A chocolate or charcoal color may work better than true black in a tiny space.
What kind of flooring goes with dark kitchen cabinets?
Light-colored floors like white or bleached wood, pale tile or laminate help keep a dark-cabinet kitchen feeling open and airy. However, medium tone and even dark floors like walnut or slate can also work well if you use enough light surfaces and decor.
Should I get dark cabinets if I have a dark kitchen?
If your kitchen lacks much natural light, very dark cabinets could make the space feel overly gloomy. Lighter finishes like espresso may work better than true black. Increase task lighting and incorporate reflective surfaces to brighten up the look.
Are dark cabinets hard to keep clean?
Dark cabinets do need more frequent dusting than light cabinets. But they actually show less fingerprints, water spots and food spills than their lighter counterparts. As long as you keep them dusted, dark cabinets’ dirt-disguising abilities make cleaning easier overall.
