When it comes to cabinet painting, white is one of the most popular colors. However, on the opposite end of the spectrum, black isn’t far behind.
If you’re leaning toward a rich, dramatic effect in your kitchen, then dark colors are certainly a good choice. While there are plenty of pros to painting your cabinets black, there are also cons.
Here’s a look at both sides so you can make the right choice for your kitchen cabinets – and your life.
The Pros of Painting Cabinets Black
Adds Elegance
When you want a kitchen space that looks cool, yet is still cozy, black is a great color choice. It’s elegant, inky and will go a long way toward adding character to your kitchen. If your space is larger, it can also create a more intimate feel you can enjoy whether you’re home with your family or entertaining.
Provides Contrast
Black and other dark colors offer a beautiful hue to contrast against. Whether it’s with the classic black and white pairing, or adding a pop of color with your counters, backsplash, or floors, black enhances the contrasting color and makes the entire space feel more sophisticated.
For instance, gleaming white marble counters will look beautiful against black or dark colored cabinets. If you want to add more warmth to the space, add a medium tone wooden floor.
Infuses Luxury
Painting your cabinets a dark color adds a sense of luxury to your kitchen, particularly when paired with trendy brass or copper hardware, faucet and backsplash. The two surfaces, black or navy blue cabinets paired with metallic, can give the room a feeling of cool sophistication and understated luxury.
Creates Boundaries
When you have an open floor concept in your home, you need to anchor the space with some dark or bold color choices. You can do this by painting your cabinets black. It will create clear zones in your kitchen, giving your eye somewhere to rest. It will also define the space, all while standing out in a dramatic way.
The Cons of Painting Cabinets Black
Black can certainly add drama and a creative flair to your kitchen cabinet painting project. However, there are some downsides to such a dark color, too.
Absorbs Light
If you have a spacious kitchen, black cabinets can add drama to the space. However, if your kitchen is on the small side, black absorbs the color – rather than reflecting it, like white or a lighter color – making the space seem even more cramped.
If you have plenty of natural and overhead light, this might not be a problem. However, if your kitchen is not well-lit, then dark cabinets will overwhelm the space and make it seem smaller.
Collects Dust
Black cabinets tend to be higher in maintenance than medium tone cabinets or even light or white ones. The color often shows more dirt and smudges, so you might find yourself doing more cleaning and upkeep. This can be especially true if you have a full house and a lot of foot traffic in your kitchen.
Impacts Resale
If you’re not planning to sell your home anytime soon, then you have more flexibility and freedom when choosing colors for cabinet painting. However, if you’re painting your cabinets as a part of a home spruce-up to get it ready for sale, you might want to consider a more neutral hue. Some potential buyers will love black and others won’t. A color like white or cream, on the other hand, will appeal to the masses and won’t likely impact potential offers.
The color of your cabinets can affect your mood and the overall look of your kitchen. If you have your heart set on a dark shade, then go ahead and paint it black. Just keep the few drawbacks in mind so there aren’t any surprises.
Undecided About Painting Your Cabinets Black or a Dark Color?
If you are, there are four elements to consider to make your final choice:
- The overall design of your kitchen
- The size of the room
- The amount of natural light
- The mood you want to create
If black cabinets are a fit with these, then they can be a rich and beautiful choice for your kitchen.
However, some kitchens look better with lighter color cabinets. If you want more of a cottage or farmhouse style, or if your space is smaller without a lot of light, then avoid black cabinets and opt for a lighter color instead.
If you’re still not sure, connect with the team at N-Hance®. We have 11 standard colors to choose from, including Top Hat Black and Navy Stone. We can also color match any sample you provide if it’s not on our palette.
We also offer finishing techniques, like antiquing, to further personalize your newly painted cabinets. We’ll walk you through the process and even bring samples to your home, so you can make a choice you love.