Let’s be honest for a second: black kitchen cabinets? They’re a total power move. I mean, sure, white kitchens are “classic” and all, but black cabinets, on the other hand, say I’ve got taste, and I’m not afraid to show it.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Won’t black make my kitchen look small?” Nope, not if you do it right. In fact, when styled well, black cabinets add serious drama, contrast, and elegance—without making your kitchen feel like a dungeon.
So, whether you’re full-on gut-renovating or just Pinterest-scrolling for ideas (no judgment, I do it all the time), here are 21 black kitchen cabinets that’ll make you want to paint everything noir.
1. Matte Black Minimalism
Ah, the sleek life.
Matte black cabinets are basically the little black dress of kitchen design. Clean, modern, and totally versatile.
- Perfect for modern and Scandinavian vibes
- Hides fingerprints better than glossy finishes
- Looks amazing paired with white countertops or light wood floors
Pro tip: Throw in brass hardware for a pop of glam without going overboard.
2. Glossy Black for the Bold
Want your kitchen to shine (literally)? Glossy black is where it’s at.
Yeah, it’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’ve got the lighting to back it up, it can totally transform your space into a modern showroom.
- Reflects light, making the kitchen feel bigger
- Pairs well with chrome or stainless steel appliances
- Just be warned: smudges show up faster than you can say “greasy fingers”
Still, if you’re all about that sleek, high-gloss aesthetic? Go for it.
3. Black Shaker Cabinets
Shaker-style cabinets are basically the “jeans and a tee” of kitchen design—classic, reliable, always in style.
But paint them black? Whole new game.
- Timeless design + dramatic color = Best thing ever
- Adds structure and symmetry to the space
- Easy to pair with marble, subway tile, or butcher block countertops
IMO, black shaker cabinets strike the perfect balance between traditional and edgy.
4. Two-Tone Black + Wood Combo
Ever feel like full black is just a little too intense? I get it. That’s where two-tone comes in.
Mix black uppers with wood lowers (or vice versa) to:
- Keep things grounded while adding visual interest
- Warm up the black without compromising on style
- Flex your designer instincts without doing a full remodel
It’s like the best of both worlds—without the commitment of going full goth.
5. Black Cabinets + Open Shelving
Want to show off your cute dishware and stay on-trend? Combine black lowers with open upper shelves.
This works especially well in small kitchens because:
- Open shelves = less visual bulk
- Black base cabinets anchor the space
- You can add pops of color or texture up top (hello, plants and ceramic mugs)
Just, like… keep your shelves tidy. Or be ready to fake it when guests come over.
6. Industrial Black Metal Cabinets
Steel yourself. (Sorry, had to.)
Metal black cabinets are a whole mood. If you’re into that industrial loft vibe, these are for you.
- Durable and scratch-resistant
- Pair beautifully with concrete, exposed brick, and Edison bulbs
- Give your kitchen some serious street cred
Bonus: you’ll feel like a professional chef every time you make toast.
7. Black Cabinets with Gold Accents
Black and gold? Yes please.
This combo screams “I live in a chic Paris apartment” even if you’re rocking a rental in the suburbs.
- Gold hardware or faucets pop beautifully against a black background
- Works especially well in kitchens with white marble or quartz countertops
- Adds a luxe vibe without breaking the bank
FYI, brushed gold is the move here—not that brassy 80s stuff.
8. Glass-Front Black Cabinets
Want a mix of closed storage and display? Go for glass-front black cabinets.
They break up the solid black and let you show off your glassware without the clutter.
- Adds dimension to your upper cabinetry
- Works well in transitional or traditional kitchens
- Softens the look of dark cabinets
Also? It’s a sneaky way to look organized without going full Marie Kondo.
9. Black Cabinets + White Countertops = Match Made in Heaven
Seriously, this combo never fails.
- Bright white counters lighten the space
- High contrast makes everything feel crisp and clean
- Works with quartz, granite, or even butcher block
Hot tip: Consider waterfall edges on your island for extra style points.
10. All-Black Everything
Feeling dramatic?
Go full monochrome with black cabinets, countertops, and backsplash. Yes, it’s intense. Yes, it looks amazing when done right.
- Keep your lighting game strong (pendants, under-cabinet LEDs, etc.)
- Mix in different textures to avoid the dreaded “black hole” look
- Go minimalist with your hardware to keep it sleek
This one’s not for everyone, but if you’re a maximalist in disguise? You’ll love it.
11. Farmhouse Meets Black
Black cabinets in a farmhouse kitchen? Surprisingly amazing.
Think black shaker cabinets, open shelves, and vintage brass pulls.
- Balances rustic charm with modern sophistication
- Pairs beautifully with white subway tile and apron-front sinks
- Gives farmhouse kitchens an edgy update
Real talk: Joanna Gaines would totally approve.
12. Black Base Cabinets Only
Want to test the waters before going all in?
Start with just the lowers in black. Keep the uppers white or light gray to:
- Open up the room
- Maintain a sense of brightness
- Add a subtle sense of contrast
It’s like dipping your toe in before doing a cannonball.
13. Black Cabinets in a Small Kitchen
Yes, you can do black in a tiny kitchen. You just need the right tricks.
- Use reflective surfaces to bounce light
- Keep walls and counters light to balance the darkness
- Add under-cabinet lighting for a cozy glow
Done right, black cabinets make a small kitchen feel luxurious—not claustrophobic.
14. Textured Black Cabinets (Yep, That’s a Thing)
Flat finishes are cool, but textured black cabinetry brings serious visual interest.
Think:
- Woodgrain laminates
- Ribbed or fluted cabinet faces
- Matte stone-like finishes
Perfect if you want to go black without going boring.
15. Black + Patterned Tile Backsplash
Want to add personality without going overboard?
Throw in a bold, patterned tile backsplash behind your black cabinets.
- Adds contrast and playfulness
- Lets you show off your style (Moroccan? Geometric? Floral?)
- Prevents the cabinets from feeling too heavy
It’s like eyeliner for your kitchen.
16. Black Cabinets + Statement Lighting
If you go dark with your cabinets, don’t forget to go bold with lighting too.
- Oversized pendant lights
- Brass or matte black fixtures
- LED strips under cabinets
Lighting = make or break. Don’t skimp here.
17. Handleless Black Cabinets
For the ultra-modern look, go handleless.
It’s a sleek, seamless vibe that screams high-end (even if your cabinets came from IKEA).
- Push-to-open or integrated pulls
- Clean lines, no visual clutter
- Great for small or narrow kitchens
Downside? You’ll smudge them more often. Upside? You’ll look cool doing it.
18. Black Cabinets with Natural Stone
Want to level up your black cabinets? Pair them with real stone—think soapstone, marble, or granite.
- Creates a moody, organic look
- Adds texture and depth
- Works beautifully in both rustic and modern spaces
Just, uh, prepare for the maintenance. Natural stone is high-maintenance, but like, so worth it.
19. Vintage Vibes with Black Cabinets
Surprise: black cabinets can totally go vintage.
Pair them with:
- Antique brass hardware
- Checkerboard floors
- Retro light fixtures
The result? A totally unique kitchen that feels curated, not cookie-cutter.
20. Black Cabinets in a Coastal Kitchen?!
Yes, you read that right.
Black cabinets can work even in a breezy, beachy space—if you pair them with:
- Whitewashed floors
- Rattan light fixtures
- Light blue or teal accents
Just avoid going full pirate ship and you’ll be golden.
21. Custom Painted Black Cabinets
Last but definitely not least: go custom.
Whether you’re repainting existing cabinets or getting them made from scratch, custom-painted black cabinets give you complete control.
- Choose your exact shade (charcoal? jet black? soft black?)
- Control the finish—matte, satin, gloss, whatever
- Add personal touches like distressed edges or contrast interiors
Pro tip: Soft black (with a hint of navy or green) is super trendy right now.
Conclusion
Are Black Kitchen Cabinets Worth It? Absolutely.
Sure, they’re a bold choice—but that’s kinda the point, right? If you’re over white kitchens and ready to give your space some personality, black kitchen cabinets bring the drama in all the best ways.
They’re sleek, stylish, surprisingly versatile, and let’s be real—they just look cool.
Whether you go full matte, mix in wood tones, or lean into glam gold finishes, there’s a black cabinet style out there for literally everyone. Even your mom.
So, what’s stopping you? Time to channel your inner design rebel and give black cabinets the love they deserve.
