Kitchen Design Ideas for Black Cabinet Doors

We all strive to create a kitchen that stands out, but finding the right way to do that isn’t always easy. However, when you choose black kitchen cabinet doors, you are sure to make an impression. The boldness of dark kitchen cabinet doors is guaranteed to grasp the attention of anyone who lays eyes on your kitchen. Still, with great power comes great responsibility. Explore some of the best black kitchen cabinet ideas to make the most of this unique color and really make these doors stand out.

Black Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

Black-painted kitchen cabinets seem to be a constantly trending kitchen cabinet color. It makes sense—one look at a kitchen with black cabinet doors will show you why this is such an elegant choice. Once you decide on black kitchen cabinets, you might also be surprised at how much potential you have for creating a charming space.

Choose the Right Shade of Black 

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Yes, black is unlike any other color and doesn’t have many different shades, but you still have options. Shades of black look different depending on the lighting. When choosing your cabinet color, consider whether you want the black to have undertones of other colors like blue, have a lighter shine, or be truly dark.

It’s always a good idea to compare different color options before deciding. When you buy from CabinetDoors.com, you can save time and stress by choosing our Painted Tricorn Black SW6258 Cabinet Door for a particularly dark shade. However, if you want to explore the different shades for yourself, we can send you pre-primed custom doors to prepare you to paint your own doors easily.

Contrast with Some White Cabinets

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The two-toned kitchen cabinet look is taking over many modern kitchens, adding the perfect amount of contrast to a space. One of the best combinations for a two-toned look is black and white. Black and white kitchen cabinets offer a unique look that will stand out to your guests and make your kitchen unforgettable. You can opt to have black cabinets underneath the counter and white cabinets above or vice versa. Another option is to contrast the island with the rest of the cabinets.

Contrast with the Countertops

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Contrast is a powerful tool in the world of interior design. If the contrast between black and white cabinets seems like too much of a commitment for you, then choose to contrast your countertops for a more modest approach. Black cabinets with white countertops are one combination that is sure to impress. You certainly cannot go wrong choosing a light marble countertop to contrast the dark cabinet doors.

Include Some Pops of Color

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When you opt for black kitchen cabinets, you place more responsibility on other kitchen areas. Black is a powerful color, and this overpowering nature is part of what makes it so great. However, it helps to have other elements to complement the black and add some variety. You can do this by painting the backsplash in colors like orange, pink, or blue or adding bright colors to the island. You can also consider adding decorative pieces of different colors to grab the eye elsewhere.

Incorporate Earthy Elements

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Adding natural, earthy materials and design elements helps break up the monotony of black kitchen cabinets. Black cabinets with butcher block counters are an excellent example, as the natural wood countertops make the black cabinet doors stand out even more. The earthy elements you add don’t have to be too overwhelming, either. Adding some décor elements like plants on the shelves or wooden utensils on the walls are excellent ways to add to the look of the whole kitchen.

Commit to the Darkness

Source: Picture by Jason Kisner; Design by Steven Miller, Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved

With so much talk of contrast, it’s important to point out that contrast isn’t the only way to go. In fact, you can lean into the bold, dark look by adding more dark elements to the kitchen for a monochromatic appearance. Consider painting the walls behind the cabinets a dark gray to add just a little variety while also leaning into the dark kitchen. To dive in even further, opt for matching countertops in black to carry on the dark kitchen theme.

Choose a Simple Cabinet Door Style

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Black cabinet doors are a bold choice, and they don’t work with just any cabinet door style. When you opt for modern black kitchen cabinets, your best bet is to go for a minimal style that allows the dark color to hold your attention. The ever-popular Shaker cabinet door fits the bill perfectly, featuring a simple inset center panel with a frame around it. However, edge-banded slab cabinet doors are another excellent choice for an even more minimalistic look that fits a contemporary style, with sleek edges and a flat-panel construction.

Establish the Perfect Lighting

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No matter how you design your kitchen with black cabinets, lighting makes all the difference. If you have a kitchen with many windows, natural light is wonderful for adding an open and modern feel to the black kitchen cabinets. On the other hand, if you want a warmer, more rustic look, black cabinets work great with soft lighting, too.

Black cabinets with more subtle lighting are perfect for creating a cozy mood, while natural light makes the space more inviting. Whichever kitchen environment you prefer, make sure you check your paint shade in the lighting, as different lighting can affect the tone of your black paint.

Select the Right Finish

Source: Picture by Jason Kisner; Design by Steven Miller, Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved

After you find the right shade of black and develop a picture of the design elements you want in your kitchen, you need to determine the right finish to complement it. You can decide whether you prefer a shiny black finish or a matte black look.

If you have steel appliances or shiny hardware, then matte black might be the better option for creating a nice touch of contrast. On the other hand, a glossy cabinet door finish can complement wood elements or leather kitchen furniture

Add Some Complementary Hardware

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Your kitchen cabinet hardware is a crucial part of your kitchen and can truly accent the space if you choose the right type of hardware. You can complement black cabinets and take your kitchen to the next level by choosing either brass, gold, or silver hardware. The black and brass look is ideal for more traditional styles, while black and silver will also provide a classy but more contemporary appearance. Meanwhile, the black and gold hardware look will make your home feel warmer and more luxurious.

Craft Your Modern Black Kitchen Cabinets

Now that you have combed through some of the most exciting black kitchen cabinet ideas, the choice is all yours. No matter what you decide, modern black kitchen cabinets are sure to make a statement. Of course, CabinetDoors.com is here to support you throughout the process. Every cabinet door we craft is custom-made to order at manufacturer rates giving you easy access to only the highest quality cabinet doors.

Explore our complete selection of cabinet doors and drawer fronts to craft a kitchen that stands out. With dozens of cabinet door styles and wood species, the potential is endless. Contact us today to learn more about your cabinet door options.