Light vs. Dark Kitchen Cabinets: How to Decide for Your Home

When redesigning your kitchen, one of the challenges you may face is deciding between light or dark cabinet doors. Both have disadvantages and advantages and provide a different aesthetic. When weighing your options, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind before investing in new cabinet doors.

We're here to explain the benefits of both styles so you can decide which is right for you.

The Benefits of Dark Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Whether you're looking for painted or dark-stained cabinets, you're sure to find a dark, lush cabinet color that best complements your kitchen design. The most common colors for darker cabinet doors are black, dark brown, or dark-stained wood. If you feel bold and adventurous, consider dark navy or green for an added pop of color.

No matter which color catches your eye, here are some of the benefits of dark kitchen cabinet doors:

High-End Look

Dark cabinet doors add a hint of luxury to your space. There is something luxurious about the warm, dark-colored woods. When pairing dark brown cabinet doors with a white marble countertop or tile floor, you can add a layer of contrast to your space - creating an elegant atmosphere.

Creates a Cozy Kitchen

Dark kitchen cabinet doors are cozy, warm, and inviting. This is a great finish for anyone trying to create a welcoming space they can enjoy with friends and family. However, they can also make small kitchens feel smaller than they are - so you'll want to be mindful before moving forward.

Hides Dents, Scratches, and Stains Better

If you have kids or pets running around the house, dark cabinet doors may be the better choice. Darker kitchen cabinet colors are better at hiding imperfections and don't wear and tear as easily as white.

Benefits of Light Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Light kitchen cabinet doors are loved for their simplicity and used for the modern touch they can add to a space. The most common color used for light cabinet doors is white.

However, you can also test the waters with colors like cream, evergreen, or light brown. There are many gorgeous light-colored woods to choose from as well, including maple and white oak.

Here are some of the benefits you can look forward to:

Timeless and Modern

You can't deny the beauty of light cabinet doors. Their timeless, simple, and crisp designs will complement your space, adding a modern flair you can appreciate for a lifetime.

Can Easily Pair With Different Colors

Whether it's dark marble counters, light wood floors, or a colorful backsplash - you never need to worry about light cabinets clashing with other colors in the space. This means you can easily redecorate your kitchen over the years without having to replace the cabinet doors or repaint them.

Can Make a Space Feel Larger

While dark cabinet doors make a space feel cozy, light does the opposite. Light kitchen cabinet doors better reflect natural light, so you don't need to rely on artificial lighting to brighten the space. The natural light and light-colored cabinets will create an inviting and spacious kitchen.

How to Decorate With Dark Color Cabinets Doors

If you decide dark cabinet doors are right for your kitchen, there are a few things you'll want to consider to ensure the dark tones and hues complement your space effectively.

1. Play With Contrast

If you're looking for that luxurious look, don't be afraid to pair dark cabinets with lighter features in your kitchen. This will help open up the space and make it look more inviting. Think about light-colored backsplashes, white tile floors, and marble counters. Don't be afraid to have some fun and play with colors! The darker counters allow the little details you add to flourish.

2. Consider The Lighting

While dark cabinets can make a space feel cozy and intimate, they can also make small kitchens feel smaller than they actually are. When designing your kitchen, ensure you have enough natural light in the space.

3. Have Fun With The Design

Whether you're pairing dark brown cabinet doors with a colorful backsplash or keeping things simple with black cabinets and white counters - the possibilities are endless. With light cabinet doors, you can have fun with the details and features you choose to include in your space.

How to Decorate With Light Color Cabinet Doors

If you're drawn to the simplicity of light colors, we don't blame you! Light cabinet doors are a crowd favorite and a timeless classic you can rely on for years to come.

Here's how you can decorate them to complement your kitchen and style:

1. Play With Colors

Just because you choose light kitchen cabinet doors doesn't mean it needs to be white! You can play with light blues, greys, and even yellow. Each color provides a different look and feel to your space and can be used to brighten up your kitchen to make it more inviting.

2. Add Texture

Adding texture is a great way to add some personality to your kitchen. Whether you pair light brown kitchen cabinet doors with a playful backsplash design or go bold with a blue quartz countertop - the light cabinets are the perfect choice for inviting fun colors into your space in a modern way.

3. Go All White

There’s something truly beautiful about an all-white kitchen. If you’re obsessed with the fresh, clean, and simple look - this is a great option for you. Sticking to an all-white kitchen will help you create a modern, timeless aesthetic that you’ll appreciate for years to come.

Is it Better to Have Light or Dark Kitchen Cabinets?

At the end of the day, it's up to you what you think is best for your kitchen space. If you have a small kitchen and you're trying to get more out of the kitchen - you may choose to go with a light color. However, if you have a large kitchen with great natural lighting, you may decide that darker hues are the better choice.

When deciding between the two, consider which style has the most longevity and will continue to complement your unique taste and aesthetic for the next 20-30 years.

Upgrade Your Kitchen Cabinet Doors With CabinetDoors.com

If you're ready to replace your cabinet doors - we're here to help. We're one of the country's most experienced cabinet door manufacturers and are here to help you transition from dark to light cabinets or give you that upgrade you've been looking for.

Explore our selection of custom cabinet doors today to get started.