Are you envisioning beautiful black kitchen cabinets in your home? I’ve done the hard work for you: make your color search easy by using one of the top black kitchen cabinet paint colors from this list!
Sure, the kitchen is the heart of the home—but it’s also a spot to make a statement!
White kitchen cabinets used to be the gold standard for anyone who wanted a chic kitchen. They are timeless and classic and clean. Okay, yes, I’m partial to white cabinetry since that’s the route I went in my own $1000 DIY kitchen makeover!
But.
Many designers say that black is the new white. And I won’t lie…I’m kind of into it. 😍
Why? Black is just as sleek, stylish, and fresh as white. And it adds bold sophistication that white can’t copy. It may not be the first color that comes to mind for cabinets (yet), but it is becoming a much more popular choice.
Painting your kitchen cabinets black is a simple way to attain a sleek, modern look that you’ll love. And when it’s executed well, there’s no other kitchen design quite as head-turning. This one simple design element can add drama to even the most mundane spaces.
On the flip side, when a kitchen doesn’t have a thoughtful design, black cabinets can easily make the room feel too heavy or dark.
The secret? Like practically anything home-related it’s all about selecting the right shade for YOUR home.
Before we dig in, if you are the type of person who never feels completely confident in choosing paint colors, then grab a free copy of “5 Massive Paint Picking Mistakes” to help you avoid the pitfalls! Click here or enter your email below. I’ll send the tips right away!⤵️
Tips For Choosing Great Black Kitchen Paint Colors
If you’ve been pondering a kitchen with black cabinets, I have some essential tips to help you get it right.
- Black cabinets can act as an anchor in a large or brightly lighted kitchen. Keep the rest of the space fairly light and neutral.
- Keep your kitchen airy and spacious by breaking up blocks of dark cabinets with floating or open shelves.
- Pops of color (ex: a brightly colored backsplash or bright accents) help create even more visual interest while keeping the eyes from being glued to the black cabinets.
- Adding wood elements (ex: butcherblock countertops, wood ceiling beams, or shelves) can help give a kitchen with black cabinets a rustic, modern farmhouse look.
- Consider adding some moody lighting pieces, such as pendant lights or chandeliers.
- Play around with patterns in the backsplash, flooring, or even adding wall tile (instead of painting).
- Incorporate warm tones to balance black’s cool-toned, heavy appearance.
- Add contrasting design elements such as marble, granite, or wood counters to help them highlight each other.
FAQs
Are black kitchen cabinets in style in 2023?
Absolutely! In fact, they’re more in style than ever before and create incredible design opportunities you just can’t achieve with white or wood cabinets.
What color backsplash should I use with black cabinets?
Your options are limitless, but some good ideas could include white, copper, stainless steel, or patterned tiles.
The advantage of using black is that it will pair well with many colors, but choosing the best color scheme involves balancing the boldness with other elements to give your kitchen that chic look without feeling too heavy.
What color appliances go with black kitchen cabinets?
Black appliances offer the most streamlined appearance. However, if you want some contrast with a sleek modern look, stainless steel appliances may be the safest bet.
How can I have black cabinets without making my kitchen too dark?
If you want to add bold drama but aren’t ready to commit to having all-black cabinets, try leaving your cabinets white and using black on your island as an accent color. If you love it, you can always go back and repaint the rest black!
Or another great option could be to have black lower cabinets and white (or light-colored) upper cabinets to keep the space open and airy.
What kitchen styles work with dark cabinets?
Nearly any style kitchen looks terrific with black kitchen cabinets. From modern to traditional and even rustic, black is neutral enough to work with it all.
Where to buy black kitchen cabinets?
You can often find them at major remodel stores, local design shops, and even online. Selections will vary, however, so you may have to shop at several locations to find exactly what you want. Ikea even sells black cabinet faces for their Sektion line now.
The easiest thing to do may be to purchase paintable cabinets and either paint them yourself or hire a contractor to do it for you.
Want the cliff notes for choosing the perfect color every time? Grab a FREE copy of my guide to help you avoid the paint color picking mistakes most people make!
Wall Paint Color Options with Black Kitchen Cabinets
What color should you paint on your walls when your kitchen cabinets are black? There are many options and factors to consider, including lighting, flooring, and other decor elements.
Choosing paint colors can be challenging, so I have a series of paint posts to provide essential information about individual colors. I want to help make selecting colors as stress-free as possible!
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the best color schemes for kitchens with black cabinets.
White Walls
White and black is a timeless, simple combination that never gets old.
This color scheme works in any kitchen, but it’s especially effective in small kitchens because white walls (or white upper cabinets) keep the tight space feeling spacious.
Some options for white walls might be:
Gray Walls
Gray and black are another classic combination, and light shades of gray help to balance the heaviness of black in a similar way that white does.
Whether creating a traditional or modern vibe, you can’t go wrong with black cabinets and gray walls.
If you want to pair black kitchen cabinets with gray walls, check out some of these popular options:
Other Wall Color Options with Black Kitchen Cabinets
If you want something with a little more color, you can choose just about anything you want! Brown, beige, greige, green, blue, and almost any other color will look great on the wall with black cabinets.
Overall, I just recommend you keep the shade on the lighter side to let your cabinets pop. You don’t want to unintentionally create a space that feels like a black hole rather than a cozy gathering place.
Check out these other wall color options that work well with black cabinets:
Colors to Avoid with Black Kitchen Cabinets
Well, I recommend avoiding black paint on the walls because, MOST of the time, it will be overkill and make the room stray too far toward the dark side.
Yes, there are specific kitchens that can pull it off in the most sophisticated and beautiful way, but they are the exception rather than the rule.
Also, avoid navy blue and other similarly dark colors for the same reason.
One of the reasons to paint your kitchen cabinets black is to make them stand out and create a high-impact visual impact. By painting the walls dark, too, you lessen the effect because that sharp contrast is important.
Best Hardware Colors for Black Cabinetry
Many think of hardware as an afterthought rather than what it truly is: cabinet jewelry. You want to match the hardware to the look you’re trying to achieve.
Black hardware blends into the cabinets, while silver is timeless. Gold warms the space, and brass is terrific for a vintage or rustic vibe.
For a modern look or a touch of elegance, go with bars. On the other hand, if you want a traditional or farmhouse kitchen, opt for knobs or pulls.
The Best Colors for Black Kitchen Cabinets
Here’s my list of 13 fantastic colors (along with design ideas) I recommend when people want black kitchen cabinets.
I’ve published color reviews for some of these shades and included links. Please click through the links to learn more!
And before you commit to any specific shade, SAMPLE! My favorite type of paint sample are these large, peel-and-stick, re-positionable and re-usable ones 👇
1. Benjamin Moore Black
Let’s start with a gorgeous contemporary example. Everything about this kitchen from Funcycled is modern and yet also timeless.
The beautiful white subway tile backsplash and light-colored quartz countertops pair well with the stainless steel appliances and sleek, long silver bar hardware to make this small kitchen look sophisticated and airy.
2. Behr Limousine Leather
Here, Miranda Schroeder uses textures, patterns, and colors well! That tile backsplash is stunning and steals the show from the textured ceiling.
The open shelving keeps the small space open, while wood counters add warmth to balance out the black-and-white color scheme.
3. Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
This striking kitchen from The Wicker House balances out the heaviness of the black cabinets with some white upper cabinets and brown granite countertops.
The wood accents add more warmth, while the black hardware ties everything together.
4. Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
I love this small but gorgeous kitchen from Hip & Humble Style! The overall white design and open shelving provide airiness, and wood accents offer rustic charm. As is, this would be a drool-worthy kitchen.
But the addition of Tricorn Black on the peninsula perfectly highlights bold color because the paint’s blue undertones soften the shade.
5. Behr Black Sable
Beginning in the Middle makes excellent use of black kitchen cabinets and gold hardware here to create an elegant look.
The wood kitchen island adds warmth and a good dose of charm to complete the design. And the combination of white marble (or white quartz) coupled with the dark cabinetry is a classic look.
6. Benjamin Moore Black Beauty
Large kitchens tend to be more dramatic and eye-catching than small kitchens. However, as Create – Enjoy shows us, people can have just as much fun creating drama in small kitchens.
The combination of black cupboards, wood counters, and gold hardware may draw me in every time, but that colorful rug makes me want to stay here.
7. Behr Black
Everything about this kitchen from Redhead Can Decorate says glamour and sophistication.
The bright natural light and white cabinets on the shadowy wall keep all the dark tones from overwhelming this space.
8. Sherwin Williams Iron Ore
I would use simple, classic, and beautiful to describe this small kitchen from Little House of Four.
Stainless steel appliances, white upper cabinets, white subway tile backsplash, and light greige wall paint complement the dark cabinets, making the room look chic and spacious.
9. Sherwin Williams Caviar
2 Cabinet Girls shows us a fun retro take on two-tone cabinets!
Dark doors and drawers create drama against a white cabinet base, and the glass tile backsplash ties it all together.
10. Behr Night Club
Love! It’s not every day that you get to see a kitchen with black cabinets look quite this bright and airy!
Place of My Taste creates a contemporary design with beautiful wood countertops, silver bar hardware, and that stunning pattern tile floor to anchor the entire white and black design.
11. Behr Cracked Pepper
Bigger Than the Three of Us chose a soft black for these kitchen cabinets, which works well with the hardwood floors and accents.
And I love using counter-to-ceiling subway tile backsplash to highlight the stainless steel hood!
12. Annie Sloan Graphite
Farm Fresh Vintage Finds took a traditional kitchen and gave it a fresh design with black kitchen cabinets.
Although many designers would use black or stainless appliances, I like how the white dishwasher draws the eye toward the wood blinds in the window.
13. Sherwin Williams Black Fox
Beautiful! The Butterfly Haus created a seamless design from top to bottom.
The bold black kitchen cabinets initially draw the eye, but the glass tile backsplash holds it.
I hope you found this list of black kitchen cabinet ideas and paint colors inspiring! If you’ve been considering a kitchen refresh, why not paint your cabinets black and add that special touch of chic drama?
Black is a powerful color that can certainly make a bold statement and have a major impact on the look of your kitchen. And it’s certainly versatile, working well for modern, transitional, farmhouse, as well as a traditional style.
Remember to sample these paint shades before committing to a color! My favorite samples are these large, peel-and-stick, re-usable and re-positionable ones ⤵
On the hunt for more simple home improvement ideas, and DIY home decorating inspiration? Be sure to check out these articles, too!
Pin these black kitchen cabinet ideas for later. And if you decide to use one of these colors in your own kitchen, leave a comment on the pin. That helps others decide if they’d like to try one of these shades in their own home!
Pssst…before you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really soon! And before you’re on your way, make sure you grab your free copy of the 5 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Picking Paint, so you can avoid the heartache (and hole in your wallet) when your paint choices don’t quite work out! Click here, and I’ll send your free copy right now!
Leave a Reply