Kitchen & Dining
Budget-Friendly: Refresh Your Small Kitchen for Under $100
12 budget-friendly ways to refresh your small kitchen for under $100: new handles, peel-and-stick backsplash, paint, lighting, shelves, plants and decluttering.
These 10 Black Kitchen Cabinets Will Wow You
Black kitchen cabinets are bold, sophisticated and surprisingly versatile. These 10 black kitchen cabinets ideas show how to pair dark units with brass, marble, timber and good lighting so the room feels dramatic and elegant rather than gloomy, whatever the size of your kitchen.
What to pair with black cabinets
| Item | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Brass hardware | Warm, glamorous highlights |
| White marble | Crisp, luxurious contrast |
| Oak worktops | Natural warmth |
| White walls | Light and balance |
| Terracotta floors | Earthy, Mediterranean feel |
Cabinet styles
- Matt black shaker cabinets give a timeless look with modern edge.
- Handleless black units with push-to-open doors suit minimal kitchens.
- Fluted black doors add texture that catches the light.
- Two-tone kitchens with black lowers and white uppers keep small rooms bright.
Pairings and finishes
- Brushed brass handles soften black with warmth.
- White marble or quartz worktops create crisp contrast.
- Oak open shelves break up a run of dark cabinetry.
Light and balance
- Under-cabinet LED strips light worktops and show off the finish.
- A pale backsplash of zellige or white tiles reflects light.
- A large mirror or glazed door brings extra daylight into a dark kitchen.
Tip: Use a durable, wipeable finish and wipe fingerprints with a soft damp cloth rather than abrasive cleaners. Ask a qualified electrician to install under-cabinet lighting and choose LED fittings that stay cool, and keep good task lighting over the hob and prep areas, since dark kitchens need more light for safe chopping and cooking.
FAQ
Do black kitchen cabinets show dirt?
Matt black shows fingerprints and dust, so wipe often or choose a satin finish.
Will black cabinets make my kitchen look small?
Pair them with pale walls, good lighting and light worktops to keep the space open.
What colour worktop goes with black cabinets?
White marble, quartz, warm oak and concrete-effect surfaces all work well.
Keep reading
You may also like
Kitchen & Dining
Kitchen Cabinets with Glass Doors on Top: Functional and Stylish Design Ideas
Kitchen cabinets with glass doors on top: 15 functional and stylish design ideas, from stacked uppers and reeded glass to interior lighting…
Kitchen & Dining
21 Kitchen Lighting Ideas For Low Ceilings That Make Even Small Kitchens Feel Bright
21 kitchen lighting ideas for low ceilings that make small kitchens feel bright: slim flush mounts, recessed lights, under-cabinet LEDs, track lighting…