Our Favorite Black Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors

I love dark spaces. To me, they can feel glamorous and moody. Black kitchen cabinets can make a space feel more formal and classy since the dark backdrop of the cabinetry accentuates the hardware—particularly my favorite finishes– brass, and polished nickel.

Whether black is the right choice is based more on the surrounding decor and the aesthetics of the rest of the home. If I’m ever choosing to do black in an area it’s because I looked around at the rest of the space and it made sense. Black has to fit. It needs to look cool and be a great twist.

What Is The Best Black Paint For Kitchen Cabinets?

My favorite shade of black paint is Onyx by Benjamin Moore.

Benjamin Moore describes Onyx as, “part of a collection of bold, saturated colors that brings spaces to life for those looking to illuminate their world with pure, extraordinary color”.

It is one of the softer of the black options out there. It’s a smooth, charcoal black—but certainly not grey. And it works wonders in the right space.

Top Black Cabinet Paint For 2023

While Onyx remains one of the best black paints for cabinetry and design, this year I’ve updated my favorites list with a variety of options that can read a little differently and therefore best reflect the mood and style of your own home. Remember, as with all other colors, black is never just a flat, pure color. It’s always holding other tones within it (red, brown, purple, blue) as well as reflecting and reacting to its surroundings. That’s why it’s so important to choose the best black paint for 2023 and your specific space. Always make sure to test the black paint you choose with existing lighting, cabinetry, hardware, and other features in the kitchen—or wherever you decide to implement one of these best black kitchen paints for 2023.

Best Black Cabinet Paint For 2023: Wrought Iron

This first new kitchen paint color for 2023 has a “soft, malleable character,” and because of that gentle nature, it’s the perfect black paint color for someone ready for a bit of moody personality without the shock of a pure black. Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore pairs beautifully with slightly warmer whites and the moderate, natural blues and greens that have also become popular paint colors in 2023. If used on kitchen or bathroom cabinetry, brass hardware, faucets, and mirror frames will really pop against this beloved black paint.

Best Black Cabinet Paint For 2023: Iron Ore

Sherwin-Williams describes this shade of black—Iron Ore—so well: a cool, deep, and mysterious charcoal that can lend an air of sophistication when used sparingly in well-lit spaces or on exteriors. And lest you think this or any other shades of my black paint for 2023 will look too stark in your own home, check out how @thriftingdecorandmore styles Iron Ore with pretty florals and plenty of natural textures and materials for a cozy, albeit moody, home vibe.

And though this isn’t on cabinetry, it does show how well these black shades would work in a kitchen when combined with butcherblock countertops, rattan-backed bar stools, brushed gold hardware, terracotta-style tile, and more.

Best Black Cabinet Paint For 2023: Flint

Flint by Benjamin Moore is a cooler charcoal that brings a decidedly updated take on neutrals to your home. It’s a touch lighter than the previous best black paint for 2023 picks but still stands to bring some drama to your kitchen. I actually also love the idea of putting Flint in a bathroom and completing the look with brushed nickel faucets and hardware, alongside a modern tile floor for a sleek and contemporary design.

Best Black Cabinet Paint For 2023: Kendall Charcoal

“With its rich, varied undertones, this dark neutral works beautifully with a wide spectrum of colors.” Benjamin Moore has described its shade Kendall Charcoal aptly there. If you look at the lighting options on the paint creator’s website for this particular black, you’ll see how differently it presents throughout the day and in different forms of manufactured lighting. This makes Kendall Charcoal an interesting paint color for the kitchen but can also present issues if you aren’t ready for its dynamic nature. As always, test your space with paint samples to make sure that this is the best kitchen paint color for you!

Is Black a Good Color For Kitchen Cabinets?

Black can be an amazing look for kitchen cabinets, but there are several drawbacks to consider. Black is not the most maintenance-friendly. It will show food stains like sauces or flour, unlike some other colors that can work to camouflage certain kitchen mishaps. It also shows fingerprint oil and dust the easiest of all the colors. Another consideration is that, if damaged, a chip or ding in the cabinet face will more easily reveal the material beneath black paint.

 It’s also important to know that black can dominate a room and kill natural light. So, if you don’t want the space to feel very dark, you’ll need to balance your black cabinets with light or white walls and flooring in order to create some harmony in the room.

 It’s safe to say black is not the right choice for every kitchen. But, when done right, it can be a gorgeous statement or a backdrop for other colors to pop from.

What Colors Go With Black Cabinets?

My favorite combination is black paint with a natural, clear-finished oak. The beauty of the earthy wood alongside a clean black cabinet creates a look unmatched, in my opinion. I can also really appreciate the classic black and white look in the right room.

Another benefit to black cabinetry is the way it accentuates the right hardware. I love an unlacquered, polished brass or polished nickel or chrome against a black backdrop.

Should I Paint My Cabinets Black?

Whether black is the right choice is often a matter of what else is happening in the space. If I’m trying to decide which cabinets should be black, my decision will be based on surrounding décor and design.Or if you have a space where you can truly embrace the absolute boldness of black paint, go for it! For instance, in my own home, I’ve painted my mudroom walls entirely black I love it. To me, it feels like a secret agent kind of room, and it just works.

General Paint Must-Knows

What Is Paint “Sheen” And How Does It Play Out In A Space?

The sheen of paint is how shiny or dull it is. There is an entire spectrum (see below) ranging from completely matte to glossy, and everything in between. I prefer a satin sheen because it’s the perfect balance of not too dull or too shiny. Shiny paint can appear plastic or fake, but something too matte won’t wear well over time against grease and oil.

Sheen Spectrum:

Matte

Dull

Eggshell

Satin

Semi-gloss

Gloss

High Gloss

What Should People Know Before Picking Their Paint Color?

You’ve got to consider what is happening with the rest of the room: flooring, walls, trim, hardware, lighting, and art will all play a part in how a room comes together. You have to ensure your paint color is cohesive with everything else as part of the overall game plan. You can’t just design a room and then drop in cabinets at the end—holistic design sense is key.

You can see more of my design projects—kitchens, bathrooms, built-ins, and furniture—on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.

Choosing the right black paint color for your kitchen is no small task, which is where our team of expert cabinetry craftsmen comes in. Whether you are based in Utah or anywhere across the nation, our team is ready to help you design the perfect kitchen for your home. Contact us today to start your dream kitchen!