For the past few decades, it has been white and wood cabinets that have led the way in American homes. But the past few years have seen a rejection of this classic decor aesthetic. In its place, we have the rise of the black cabinet, which offers something that is new, fresh, and sophisticated. While this design choice is slightly more difficult to work with than highly adaptable white cabinets, homeowners that incorporate black kitchen cabinet designs into the renovation will find that there’s much to love about the aesthetic.
Looking for black kitchen cabinet inspiration? Then you’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll run through everything that homeowners need to know about black cabinets, including the pros and cons, popular black kitchen cabinet concepts, and how to decide whether it’s right for you. And remember: if you’re looking to add an extra dose of style and sophistication to your new kitchen, then be sure to check out the stunning range hoods, kitchen sinks, and other kitchen products we have available here at World CopperSmith.
The Benefits of Black Cabinets
If you’ve been paying attention to kitchen trends in the past few years, then you’ll have noticed a sharp increase in black cabinet coverage. It’s the go-to cabinet trend of the moment, with more and more Americans turning their backs on neutral cabinets in favor of a color that adds more to the space. Wondering what all the fuss is about when it comes to black cabinets? Just check out these advantages.
Lends Itself to Contrast
Contrast is key to excellent design. With the right hue, you’ll be giving your kitchen something to work with — black cabinets mixed with a white backsplash, for example, offer a visually appealing touch that adds to the kitchen’s sophistication levels. All-black kitchens can work well, but it’s harder to get right. When you have black cabinets, you’ll be giving your kitchen enough aesthetic intrigue without it becoming too overbearing. Additionally, since black pairs with so many colors, you’ll be giving yourself a license to play around and get the kitchen that you love.
Provides Anchoring
Your kitchen, as the heart of the home, should have high levels of comfort and coziness. All too often, homeowners believe that using black in their kitchen will make the space feel cramped and uninviting. This is not the case. Used correctly, black cabinets will make your kitchen feel more inviting and cozy, not less. That’s because darker colors tend to have a grounding effect that all-white kitchens do not; while white cabinets provide a clean aesthetic, they can also be pretty sterile and clinical. Mix your black cabinets with hints of copper, such as a copper farmhouse sink, and it’ll have the right level of warmth.
It’s Luxurious and Sophisticated
Finally, there’s the matter of the most obvious benefit to black cabinets: they’re oh-so stylish. This trend blew up for a reason, and that reason is that they can bring a level of luxury and sophistication to your remodeled kitchen. Used correctly, black will make the space feel intimate, add character, and ensure that your kitchen is very much one for the modern age.
The Downsides of Black Cabinets
So far, we’ve focused on all the goodness that black cabinets can bring to your kitchen. However, it would be wrong to say that black cabinets are perfect. As with all decor choices, there are some downsides to be aware of. This choice is considered riskier than others because, although you can’t really go wrong with white, using black in the kitchen — or indeed, any room — can bring some unwelcome side effects. On balance, we still think that it’s an excellent option, but it’s best to be aware of the downsides before you commit. Some of the downsides of black cabinets include:
Can Make the Kitchen Feel Smaller
If you’ve seen a black kitchen cabinet gallery recently, then you’ll have seen the best of the best that this furniture installation can offer. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll get the same effect in your kitchen.
Because black can absorb light, it’s important to err on the side of caution if you have a small kitchen. The overuse of black can make the kitchen look/feel smaller than it really is. You can usually get around this problem by increasing the amount of natural/artificial light in your kitchen, so keep this in mind when you’re designing your kitchen space.
Dust Shows More Easily
If you’re trying to minimize the amount of cleaning you need to do, then adding black cabinets might not be the best option. While it’s true that scuffs and marks won’t be as evident on your black cabinets as they would be on white cabinets, dust and other debris will likely be more evident. You might find that you need to dust your cabinets more frequently to keep them in spotless condition. This probably won’t be a dealbreaker if you’ve got your heart set on black cabinets, but it’s something that people that hate cleaning should keep in mind.
There’s a Love/Hate Relationship With Black
Black cabinets aren’t universally adored. While many of the leading kitchen interior design experts often go crazy for the aesthetic, some regular people think that black should be nowhere in the kitchen. Now, if you think that the opinions of strangers shouldn’t impact your decision, then you’d be mostly right. However, it is worth thinking about your ability to sell your home if you’re planning to put it on the market in the near future. You’ll typically get more interest from people if you have neutral colors in your kitchen.
However, if you have no plans to sell your home soon, then it won’t really matter.
Black Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
Ready to begin your journey towards installing black cabinets in your kitchen? You’ll need some ideas first. As we mentioned above, black cabinets can look amazing, but they do require more thought than other cabinets. After all, the capacity to create a kitchen that just isn’t quite right is higher when you’re using black compared with other colors.
But don’t let that stop you. There are plenty of awesome black kitchen cabinet ideas out there — as we said, this is one of the most popular kitchen decor trends at the moment. If you’re looking for a thoughtful way to incorporate black cabinets into your cooking space, then consider one of the following.
Contrast With White
Black can begin to feel claustrophobic if it’s used in small kitchens. One smart way to keep your kitchen balanced is to contrast it with white. An easy way to do this is to keep the black cabinets limited to the bottom half of your kitchen while using white for your cabinets in the upper part. This will help to give you the best of all worlds; you’ll get the advantages of using black, while also ensuring that your kitchen has an airy spaciousness to it.
All Black
Looking to go big with black? Then don’t just make your cabinets black; make all your fixtures black. This will work best — or perhaps only — in large kitchens. Note that when we say “all black,” we don’t mean everything in the kitchen is black. We only mean the fixtures. It’ll be best to keep the floors and walls white. With the right balance, you’ll have a sleek, modern, and sophisticated kitchen that ticks all the boxes. You can get a sense of how this will work in your property by using kitchen design software; there are plenty of free and paid options available that’ll show you just what the finished design will look like.
Just the Island
You don’t have to go “all in” with black cabinets. One smart way to give your kitchen touches of the color is via your island. If your kitchen island has cabinets, then paint them black. This will allow you to incorporate the trend into your cooking space in a low-risk way. This is especially true if you have chairs around your island, which will mean that the cabinets won’t be on full display. In other words, if you don’t love the aesthetic, then it won’t matter too much. But who knows — it could serve as inspiration to add more black to your kitchen.
Use Sparingly
Another way to add black to your kitchen without it taking center stage is to use it in a minimalist way. This approach involves adding black cabinets, but then filling out your kitchen with other colors and textures. For example, you may have white walls, a steel range hood, and plenty of sunlight coming into your kitchen. The black cabinets will still be there, but they won’t be as dominant, since the kitchen has plenty of other elements.
Work with Wood
Black cabinets can be cozy and charming, but that won’t automatically be the case. An overload of sleek black cabinets will look nice, but it won’t be charming! If you’re focused on making your kitchen the cozy heart of the home, then look at using black cabinets in conjunction with wood worktop surfaces and open shelves. This will provide a twist on the country farmhouse style aesthetic.
Lighter Shades
When we say ‘black cabinets,’ we don’t automatically mean jet-black cabinets. There are plenty of other shades of black that can work well in the kitchen. Olive black, for example, is softer than jet black and can give your kitchen the benefits of black cabinets without being overbearing.
Mix With Copper
Another way to increase the cozy factor of your kitchen when you’re using black cabinets is to add some warming colors and materials. For example, copper and brass will work especially well. At World CopperSmith, we offer black range hoods with a brass trim for an unforgettable look.
How to Decide Whether Black Kitchen Cabinets Are Right For You
Black works better in some kitchens than others. While there’ll always be space to have some black in your kitchen, having all-black kitchen cabinets might be a little too much, depending on the space. Before agreeing to install black kitchen cabinets, think of the following factors:
Kitchen Design
Is your kitchen going to be overloaded with items? Black works best in kitchens that are more minimalist.
Kitchen Size
Black is generally used in large kitchens. If you have a small space, then use black sparingly — it’ll make the room feel small otherwise.
Amount of Natural Light
Kitchens are best when they’re light and airy. If you’re going to add black cabinets, then be sure that the space receives plenty of natural light.
The Effect
What mood are you trying to create? This will influence not only whether you add black cabinets, but the quantity and finish.
The Bottom Line on Black Cabinets
It’s easy to see how black cabinets have become so popular in recent years. They provide something that other cabinet colors just can’t offer. While the trend isn’t suitable for all properties, it’s appropriate for more than you might think, to some extent. If you have a small kitchen, then black cabinets should be added sparingly to ensure that the space doesn’t feel enclosed. If you have a large kitchen, then you’ll have more freedom to go big.
This trend is still in ascendancy, and with so many excellent design options out there, there’s never been a better time to incorporate black cabinets into your remodeling project.
Get Your Perfect Kitchen With World CopperSmith
At World CopperSmith, we love helping homeowners create a kitchen that they love. If you’re looking to give your kitchen the wow factor, then be sure to check out the selection of range hoods, kitchen sinks, and dining tables we offer. Expertly crafted using the finest brass, copper, and steel materials, we’re confident that our top-quality products will help to put an outstanding finishing touch on your kitchen. To get started, simply visit the product page of your choosing, select your customization selections, and we’ll send you a 3D configuration and quote within 24 hours.
