What Color Cabinets Go With Black Countertops?

Cabinets and countertops serve practical functions, but they both have a significant impact on the style of your kitchen. So, you may be wondering what color your cabinets should be if you're working with darker countertops. Since the counters are your sole workspace in the kitchen, it's essential to understand their relationship with the cabinets. We have carefully researched what color cabinets will go best with black countertops.

Since black countertops are neutral, they will match with any color for your kitchen cabinets. But the cabinets can either agree or contrast with the temperature of black counters. This approach can highlight one fixture over the other.

However, some colors can also be more ideal for different interior designs. As such, the color for your kitchen cabinets can still be determined by personal preference:

  • Black or gray
  • White
  • Brown, tan, or natural wood
  • Blue
  • Green, yellow, or orange

Counters and cabinets take up most of the room in your kitchen, and they can be challenging to install or restyle. So, it's crucial to understand how to select the perfect colors for your own kitchen. Keep reading to learn if the cabinets should be lighter or darker, which colors hide dirt, and if your cabinets need to be gloss or satin.

Modern kitchen with black furniture and wooden floor, What Color Cabinets Go With Black Countertops?

Contents

Black or Gray

Panoramic black and wooden kitchen side

Adding more black with your kitchen cabinets doesn't always have to become overwhelming. You can use your walls, floors, and other décor like curtains and appliances to soften the impact of the counters. Your cabinets may also use a different black, which is still within two to three shades from the countertops. 

While using so much black may seem counterintuitive, it can often be useful for modern interior designs. Black is a cool neutral that appears to recede because it absorbs color. This creates a smooth, contemporary look that is perfect for the minimalist style of a modern scene.

Similarly, gray is also a neutral that would support that interior design. However, gray is not as cold, so it can be used to soften the boldness of the black countertops. Gray is often associated with metal. This can give the room a sleek, silvery appearance that fits modern styles.

What color cabinets show the least amount of dirt?

Brighter cabinets, including warm neutrals like brown and white, are certain to show their dirt and damage. Darker cabinets like gray and black are most likely to hide the natural wear and tear they accumulate over time. 

That's because they absorb rather than reflect, making it easy for the dirt to go unnoticed. This can be useful if you don't have the time to clean your cabinets frequently. However, it may also cause you to forget about cleaning them, which may not always have the best results.

Are black countertops hard to keep clean?

Aside from simply hiding the dirt, black countertops are just as vulnerable to wear and tear as any other paint job. What matters most is the type of material that your countertops are made of. 

For example, some materials like laminate might be easier to clean with simple water and soap. But the majority of counters made from stone should require sealing because natural materials tend to be porous. Even though they might be more durable, they can still soak in stains. 

Are black granite countertops in style?

Because neutrals are so flexible, they are almost always in style. This includes colder neutrals like black, which can still be used to create contrast. Since bold décor has been trending recently, strong accents and features like black granite continue to be popular choices. 

Also, black counters always have the practical ability to hide scuffs and grime. This can be especially important for granite counters, which are highly durable but porous. They are also known to crack if the countertops have not been installed correctly.

And because granite is sometimes an expensive choice, it would be difficult to reinstall. You can read the post "Granite Refinishing - How To Get Countertops To Shine Again?" for an idea of how much maintenance granite countertops may require.

White

Kitchen with black countertops

This is the most popular option for anything in the kitchen. That's because white is a warm neutral, which can brighten the room and still pair well with any color. This is especially useful in a kitchen, where more colorful themes are often used. 

Kitchens are typically smaller rooms and generally need a brighter style to feel more open and airy. Also, white is reflective enough to make any space appear larger. 

Pairing white kitchen cabinets with black countertops will create a bold contrast that highlights the counters. Sometimes, this can even make it easier to see when you're cooking on the countertops. 

Brown, Tan or Natural Wood

Kitchen with black marble countertops

Because most kitchen cabinets are made with wood, a natural wood style can be appealing. This look can be used to reinforce almost any interior design because wood finishes are highly flexible. They make a great pair with countertops that are made of stone because they share a natural look. 

Usually, wood will only severely conflict with modern scenes. Most natural wood has brown tones or undertones, so brown can be used as a smoother alternative to a true wooden look with streaks and knots. 

Brown is also a near neutral, making it a warm middle ground between cool gray cabinets and blinding white cabinets. Brown is available in various shades, such as cream and tan, which are brighter and feel more sandy than wooden. This can agree with countertops that are both black and made of stone, such as granite.

Blue

Painting your cabinets blue is safe to introduce more color into the room without directly contrasting a black countertop's temperature. That's because even brighter shades of blue will retain their cool temperature. 

So, even sky blue cabinets will not conflict with black counters. This can create a comfortable bridge between the black countertops and other décor in the kitchen. Blue is already a natural fit in the kitchen because it is often associated with water, uniquely used in bathrooms and kitchens.

Green, Yellow or Orange

Each of these colors is naturally warm and will create a clear contrast with the cold temperature of your black countertops. This way, the counters are still highlighted without feeling like the most noticeable feature in the room. 

Keep in mind that green, yellow, and orange are all very bold colors. They may not work for traditional interior designs. However, they are also very flowery, and that style is a cozy fit for the kitchen. They will imitate the natural colors of fruit and gardens.

Most kitchens welcome natural lighting to open up the space even more. Colorful cabinets could significantly reinforce that design. Green, yellow, and orange may also be used for Arts and Crafts, abstract, or 70's style designs.

Should cabinets be lighter or darker than countertops?

Like any interior design, this decision will mostly be determined by personal preference. For example, if you would like your black countertops to be highlighted, use lighter cabinets to create contrast.

However, if you decide to draw more attention to your cabinets, keep in mind that they occupy most of your kitchen space. So, using darker kitchen cabinets can sometimes become overwhelming. Also, bear in mind that dark cabinets can make the kitchen appear smaller than it is. 

Lastly, you should consider that most rooms are styled to become brighter from the floor to the ceiling. Having a darker floor with brighter ceilings will always create a clear foundation. This will allow any décor above to feel grounded.

This is important because your kitchen always has base cabinets that sit directly on the floor. You can read the post "Should Kitchen Countertops Match The Floor?" to learn how those features work together.

Should cabinets be gloss or satin?

The gloss or satin options refer to the finish layer for the cabinets and determine how shiny they will be. Glossy cabinets will be more shiny and durable, making the room feel a little larger and brighter. However, they are also a very loud option, and they are more likely to show dings or stains. 

Satin cabinets will have a more subdued look. They are the most flexible style, a handy compromise between shiny and flat matte cabinets. But satin cabinets aren't always as durable as glossy finishes. 

They are also generally considered tougher to paint. If you have to repaint satin cabinets that have been damaged, that can be more challenging. You should consider how busy your kitchen is because the more you use your kitchen, the more likely you are to damage your satin cabinets.

Summary

Because black is a flexible neutral, finding your starting point for the cabinets can be challenging. They have a strong relationship and can completely transform your kitchen. Now, you can make an informed decision about which colors your cabinets should be to create the look you want. Aside from your style, you will also understand how some colors, finishes, and materials can affect the durability and cleanliness of your countertops. 

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