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.
PROJECT DETAILS
Black Island Paint: Onyx by Benjamin Moore
White Cabinet Paint: Benjamin Moore in Simply White
Floors: Plain Sawn White Oak with an oil finish, in a herringbone pattern.
Counter Tops: Calacatta marble and 3 Inch Butcher Block with a food-safe seal coat.
Builder: The Fox Group
Cabinetry: Christopher Scott Cabinetry & Design
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.
PROJECT DETAILS
Black Island Paint: Onyx by Benjamin Moore
White Cabinet Paint: Benjamin Moore in Simply White
Floors: Plain Sawn White Oak with an oil finish, in a herringbone pattern.
Counter Tops: Calacatta marble and 3 Inch Butcher Block with a food-safe seal coat.
Builder: The Fox Group
Cabinetry: Christopher Scott Cabinetry & Design
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.
Black was chosen for this entertainment center to create a bold and unique look. Brass latches were used to create a visual interest—completely designing the doors around this element, with small stiles and rails. Vertical groove boards behind the bookcases and television give the entertainment center a little more texture and character.
What you can’t see very well in this design is the HVAC air returns that are hidden behind the floating base. The homeowners assumed that they’d have to have air return vents along the front of the cabinet, but by designing the middle of the built-in with a floating base, we were able to allow airflow to the HVAC system, while creating a cleaner look for the room.
PROJECT DETAILS
Black Island Paint: Onyx by Benjamin Moore
Hardware: Unlacquered brass latches
Cabinetry Design: Christopher Scott Cabinetry & Design
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.
Looking for help with your custom cabinetry and layout design? You can contact me here.
