I really used to think that choosing a black kitchen cabinet was a one way ticket to living in a gloomy cave where you could never find your favorite coffee mug in the morning.
It seems like everyone is terrified of the dark because they think it will make their space feel tiny and cramped but actually the opposite is often true when you know what you are doing.
I have spent a lot of time looking at kitchens that successfully pull off this bold look without feeling like a haunted house and it really comes down to the way you play with light and texture.
With that being said I have gathered these specific ideas to show you that a dark kitchen can be just as warm and welcoming as any other room in your house.
1. Moody Navy Blue Backsplash With Matte Black Lower Cabinets
I know it sounds like a lot of dark colors to put together but actually the mix of navy and black creates a very expensive looking depth that you just do not get with lighter tones.
Since the navy blue tile has a bit of shine it reflects the light from your windows or your overhead fixtures and that prevents the corner from feeling like a black hole.
And you should definitely pair this with a crisp white countertop to act as a divider between the two deep colors because that thin line of white makes everything pop.
This look works best when you keep the upper part of the walls bare or use very thin white shelves to keep the air flowing.
Shop the look
- Matte black base cabinets from Home Depot
- Deep navy blue Zellige style wall tiles from Wayfair
- Bright white quartz countertops from Home Depot
- Polished chrome cabinet handles from Amazon
- White ceramic floating shelves from Target
- Chrome pull down kitchen faucet from Amazon
- Navy and white striped kitchen runner from Rugs USA
- Set of white porcelain canisters with airtight lids from Target
- Silver stainless steel electric kettle from Amazon
- White marble fruit bowl with a weighted base from Wayfair
- Navy blue and white cotton tea towels from Target
- Modern glass oil and vinegar cruets from Amazon
2. High Gloss Black Cabinets With Warm Terracotta Flooring
If you want a kitchen that feels like a Mediterranean villa but with a modern edge then you should look at high gloss black finishes paired with clay tones.
The shiny surface of the cabinets acts almost like a mirror so it bounces the light back into the room and actually makes the space feel larger than it is.
You should use a very light cream paint on the walls to bridge the gap between the dark cabinets and the earthy floor.
For instance you could add some copper pots and pans hanging on the wall to pull those warm tones up from the floor and into the middle of the room.
Shop the look
- High gloss black slab cabinet doors from Wayfair
- Authentic terracotta floor tiles from Home Depot
- Creamy off white wall paint from Benjamin Moore
- Hammered copper hanging pot rack from Amazon
- Copper cookware set with stainless interiors from Target
- Natural jute area rug for high traffic zones from Rugs USA
- Woven rattan bar stools with black legs from Wayfair
- Warm LED under cabinet lighting kit from Amazon
- Terracotta ceramic utensil crock from Target
- Set of amber glass soap dispensers with black pumps from Amazon
- Large round wooden serving board from Wayfair
- Woven seagrass tray for countertop organization from Target
3. Black Cabinets With Rainbow Terrazzo Countertops
This is for the person who wants black cabinets but also wants a space that feels happy and energetic rather than serious or moody.
Terrazzo is making a huge comeback and when you choose a slab with bits of pink and blue and gold it turns your kitchen into a piece of art.
I suggest using a simple white subway tile backsplash so you do not have too many patterns competing for attention.
Since the countertops have so much personality you can keep your hardware very simple with thin black or gold pulls.
And I’ve found that styling your kitchen countertops can help keep the focus on those beautiful stone flecks without the mess.
Shop the look
- Black shaker style cabinets from Home Depot
- Terrazzo look quartz or laminate slabs from Wayfair
- Matte gold slim finger pulls from Amazon
- Classic white subway backsplash tiles from Home Depot
- Gold gooseneck kitchen faucet from Target
- Colorful glass pendant lights from AllModern
- Pink and gold cotton kitchen towels from Amazon
- Modern black wooden counter stools from Wayfair
- White ceramic butter bell with gold trim from Target
- Set of colorful silicone cooking utensils from Amazon
- Terrazzo patterned ceramic spoon rest from Wayfair
- Minimalist white fruit basket with gold base from Target
4. Black Cabinets With Gold Leaf Inlay And Marble Slabs
When you want your kitchen to look like a five star hotel you should think about adding subtle metallic details directly to your black cabinetry.
You can find cabinets with thin gold or brass inlays that trace the lines of the doors and it adds so much light to the face of the dark wood.
I would pair this with a very heavy veined Calacatta marble on the counters and the backsplash because the gray and gold veins in the stone will talk to the gold on the cabinets.
If you are into this whole elevated but cozy look, then you will probably also love the inspiration from these luxury kitchen ideas.
Shop the look
- Black cabinets with metallic trim from Wayfair
- Calacatta marble look quartz slabs from Home Depot
- Oversized gold and glass globe pendants from Amazon
- Luxury gold kitchen faucet from Target
- Gold plated cabinet knobs with a hammered finish from Wayfair
- White marble utensil holder with a gold rim from Amazon
- Velvet upholstered bar stools with gold legs from Wayfair
- Large gold framed wall mirror for extra light from Target
- Set of two gold and acrylic salt and pepper mills from Amazon
- Marble and gold tiered dessert stand for the counter from Wayfair
- Champagne gold paper towel holder from Target
- Decorative white orchid in a gold pot from Amazon
5. Black Cabinets With Soft Lavender Walls And Silver Accents
Most people think they have to stick to white or gray walls with black cabinets but I actually think lavender is the secret weapon for a soft kitchen.
The purple undertones are cool enough to match the black but they bring a softness that makes the room feel cozy and inviting.
This is a great way to do a dark kitchen in a house that has a lot of traditional or vintage charm. And I would use polished silver or nickel hardware because it looks very clean against the purple and black palette.
Instead of a standard tile you could use a simple beadboard backsplash painted in that same lavender color to give the room some texture.
Shop the look
- Satin black kitchen cabinets from Home Depot
- Soft lavender or lilac interior paint from Sherwin Williams
- Polished nickel cabinet pulls from Amazon
- White beadboard wall paneling from Home Depot
- Silver stainless steel toaster and kettle set from Target
- Gray and purple washable kitchen rug from Rugs USA
- White farmhouse sink with a deep bowl from Wayfair
- Silver industrial style pendant lights from Amazon
- Glass kitchen canisters with silver lids from Target
- Lavender scented luxury dish soap set from Amazon
- Silver metal tiered fruit stand from Wayfair
- White ceramic pitcher with a lavender floral print from Target
6. Black Cabinets With Reclaimed Wood Island And Brick Walls
For a look that feels like a converted city loft you should mix your black cabinets with raw and red materials like brick and old wood.
I think having a large island made of chunky reclaimed wood is the perfect centerpiece because it gives you a big workspace that feels like a piece of furniture.
You should use dark bronze hardware that almost blends into the black cabinets for a very streamlined appearance.
Actually, you can even use black grout with a dark tile on the backsplash to keep that industrial vibe going throughout the whole space.
Shop the look
- Black matte cabinets from Home Depot
- Faux brick wall panels or thin brick veneers from Home Depot
- Reclaimed wood kitchen island with storage from Wayfair
- Oil rubbed bronze cabinet hardware from Amazon
- Black industrial metal bar stools with wood seats from Target
- Dark gray slate backsplash tiles from Wayfair
- Large wooden cutting boards in various sizes from Amazon
- Vintage style Edison bulb chandeliers from Amazon
- Black metal magnetic knife strip from Target
- Set of cast iron skillets for wall display from Amazon
- Industrial style black paper towel holder from Target
- Concrete look ceramic salt and pepper shakers from Wayfair
7. Black Cabinets With Emerald Green Tile And Brass Rails
Emerald green and black is a classic combination that always looks moody and expensive and perfect for a cozy kitchen.
I mean the deep green tile adds a layer of color that feels like nature but in a very polished way.
I would suggest using a light wood floor like white oak to keep the bottom of the room feeling airy.
And you should definitely add some plants to the windowsills to bring out the green in the tiles even more.
If you’re falling in love with this moody forest vibe but aren’t 100% sold on black cabinets yet, you can explore more of these green kitchen ideas to see how else you can use this color.
Shop the look
- Black wood grain cabinets from Home Depot
- Emerald green subway or square tiles from Wayfair
- Brass kitchen rail with hooks for hanging items from Amazon
- White oak engineered wood flooring from Home Depot
- Brass apothecary style wall sconces from Wayfair
- Set of brass measuring spoons and cups from Target
- Live potted herbs in brass pots from Home Depot
- Green and gold woven runner rug from Rugs USA
- Dark green ceramic utensil holder from Target
- Brass and glass terrarium for a countertop plant from Amazon
- Set of emerald green cloth napkins from Wayfair
- Gold finish mesh fruit basket from Target
8. Black Cabinets With Stainless Steel Counters And Neon Signs
If you like a more edgy or professional chef style kitchen then you should pair your black cabinets with commercial grade stainless steel.
The metal surfaces reflect a ton of light and they are practically indestructible which is great if you actually cook a lot.
To keep it from looking too much like a cold restaurant kitchen you can add a fun neon sign or some colorful art on the walls.
I really like the way black cabinets look with a simple flat front because it stays out of the way and lets the stainless steel be the star.
You can find stainless steel tables that work as islands if you do not want to commit to full custom counters.
Shop the look
- Flat panel black cabinets from Wayfair
- Stainless steel countertops or prep tables from Amazon
- Custom neon wall sign with a fun phrase from Amazon
- Professional style stainless steel faucet from Home Depot
- Red metal bar stools for a pop of color from Target
- Magnetic knife strip for the wall from Amazon
- Stainless steel shelving units for extra storage from Home Depot
- Gray concrete look floor tile from Wayfair
- Red silicone dish drying mat from Target
- Stainless steel magnetic spice tins from Amazon
- Professional grade black apron from Wayfair
- Modern red wall clock with a silent sweep from Target
9. Black Cabinets With Bold Floral Wallpaper And Black Hardware
You can make a black kitchen feel very feminine and artistic by using a large scale floral wallpaper on the top half of the walls.
And for this, I suggest a wallpaper with a dark background but very bright and colorful flowers like pink roses or yellow lilies.
The black cabinets will pick up the dark tones in the paper and make the whole room feel like a secret garden. Since the wallpaper is the main attraction you should use black hardware so it does not distract from the patterns.
I think a simple white farmhouse sink looks amazing in this setup because it provides a big block of brightness right in the middle of the dark cabinets.
Shop the look
- Black shaker cabinets from Home Depot
- Dark floral removable wallpaper from Wayfair
- Matte black cabinet knobs with a simple design from Amazon
- White porcelain farmhouse sink with a front apron from Wayfair
- Black bridge style kitchen faucet from Amazon
- Small crystal chandelier for a touch of glam from Target
- Pink linen napkins and tea towels from Amazon
- Black and white checkered floor rug from Rugs USA
- Decorative floral ceramic pitcher for the counter from Wayfair
- Set of pink ceramic mixing bowls from Target
- Black metal cake stand for display from Amazon
- Botanical art prints in simple black frames from Target
10. Black Cabinets With Checkerboard Floors And Red Accents
Nothing says classic style like a black and white checkerboard floor and it is the perfect partner for solid black cabinets.
You can add small pops of red like a red tea kettle or red knobs on your stove to give it that extra bit of personality.
I would keep the countertops a very simple polished black or white to let the floor do all the heavy lifting in terms of pattern.
Since the floor is so busy you should keep the rest of your décor quite minimal so the room does not feel cluttered. You know that this style has been around forever because it just works and it never feels like it is trying too hard.
Shop the look
- Black satin finish cabinets from Home Depot
- Black and white vinyl or ceramic floor tiles from Wayfair
- Bright red whistling tea kettle from Amazon
- White quartz countertops from Home Depot
- Black and silver bistro bar stools from Wayfair
- Red kitchen towels and oven mitts set from Target
- Simple white ceramic backsplash tiles from Home Depot
- Chrome fruit bowl with a modern wire design from Amazon
- Red ceramic spoon rest for the stove from Target
- Set of black and white striped canisters from Wayfair
- Retro style red wall timer from Amazon
- Glass salt and pepper shakers with red lids from Target
11. Black Cabinets With Light Blue Island And Coastal Accents
You might not think black cabinets belong in a beach house but if you pair them with a soft light blue island they actually look very nautical.
The black provides a sharp contrast to the pale blue and it makes the whole room feel more sophisticated than a typical coastal kitchen.
You can add some rattan pendant lights and some light wood bar stools to bring in those natural beachy textures.
I like using a white marble look counter on both the black and the blue sections to tie them together.
Shop the look
- Black base cabinets from Wayfair
- Light blue kitchen island with wood top from Wayfair
- Rattan basket pendant lights for a natural look from Amazon
- Light oak bar stools with woven seats from Target
- White marble look laminate counters from Home Depot
- Blue and white ceramic ginger jars for the island from Amazon
- Jute and sisal rug for a beachy feel from Rugs USA
- Coastal style silver faucet with a pull out sprayer from Wayfair
- Sea glass colored glass vases from Target
- White coral decorative sculpture for a shelf from Amazon
- Navy blue and white patterned dish towels from Target
- Set of four rattan drink coasters from Amazon
12. Black Cabinets With Yellow Glass Backsplash And Modern Art
Yellow is the brightest color you can put next to black and it creates a very high contrast and sunny vibe.
A back painted glass backsplash in a lemon yellow color will glow when you turn on your under cabinet lights and it makes the black cabinets feel much less imposing.
And you should keep the rest of the room very white and bright so the yellow and black can really stand out.
You can also hang some modern abstract art with yellow tones to pull the color across the room. This look is very energetic look and perfect for a morning person who wants a kitchen that feels like a shot of espresso.
Shop the look
- Modern matte black cabinets from Home Depot
- Yellow back painted glass panels or yellow tiles from Wayfair
- Abstract yellow and black wall art from Amazon
- Minimalist white counter stools from Target
- White solid surface countertops from Home Depot
- Black modern cylinder pendant lights from Amazon
- Yellow silicone cooking utensils set from Amazon
- White and yellow striped rug from Rugs USA
- Bright yellow ceramic fruit bowl from Target
- Set of white ceramic canisters with yellow lids from Wayfair
- Yellow and gray printed kitchen curtains from Amazon
- Modern black and yellow wall clock from Target
13. Black Cabinets With Slate Gray Walls And Monochromatic Textures
If you love a very moody and dark aesthetic then you can layer different shades of black and gray together for a very chic look.
You should use a slate gray paint on the walls that is just a few shades lighter than the black cabinets so the transition is very smooth.
To keep it from being boring you need to use a lot of different textures like a rough stone backsplash and a smooth matte cabinet finish.
I think black stainless steel appliances look incredible in this setup because they disappear into the cabinetry.
You can add some warmth with very dim and warm amber lighting which makes the whole space feel like a high end lounge.
Shop the look
- Matte black kitchen cabinets from Wayfair
- Slate gray interior wall paint from Benjamin Moore
- Black stainless steel refrigerator with a fingerprint resistant finish from Home Depot
- Charcoal stone tile backsplash from Wayfair
- Black matte kitchen faucet from Amazon
- Amber glass pendant lights with warm bulbs from Amazon
- Dark gray textured runner rug from Rugs USA
- Set of black basalt dinnerware from Target
- Gray felt storage baskets for open shelving from Amazon
- Matte black ceramic soap dispenser from Target
- Dark gray linen table runner from Wayfair
- Black slate cheese board for the counter from Amazon
14. Black Cabinets With Reeded Wood Accents And Soft Lighting
Texture is the easiest way to make black cabinets feel interesting and using reeded or fluted wood on your island or some of your upper doors is a great trick.
The vertical lines of the wood create shadows and highlights that break up the solid black surfaces and add a lot of visual height to the room.
I recommend using a very light wood like maple or birch for the reeded sections so you get a nice contrast against the black.
You should use soft globe lights that give off a diffused glow instead of harsh spotlights.
Shop the look
- Black flat front cabinets from Home Depot
- Reeded wood wall panels for an island wrap from Wayfair
- White frosted globe pendant lights from Amazon
- Light maple wood flooring from Home Depot
- Minimalist black cabinet pulls with a slim profile from Target
- White speckled quartz countertops from Wayfair
- Light wood knife block set with stainless steel knives from Amazon
- Cream colored woven rug from Rugs USA
- Set of three wooden nesting bowls from Target
- Minimalist white ceramic vase with a textured finish from Amazon
- Light wood salt and pepper grinders from Wayfair
- Creamy white linen tea towels from Target
15. Black Cabinets With Mirror Backsplash And Crystal Knobs
If your kitchen is very small and you are worried that black cabinets will make it feel tiny you should use mirrors to trick the eye.
A mirrored backsplash will reflect the entire room and make it feel twice as deep while the black cabinets provide a very solid and expensive looking frame.’
You can use antique mirrors with a bit of a pattern if you do not want to see every single splash of water.
I suggest using crystal or glass knobs on the black doors because they catch the light and look like little diamonds.
Shop the look
- Black glossy cabinets from Wayfair
- Antique mirror glass tiles for a backsplash from Home Depot
- Crystal glass cabinet knobs with a silver base from Amazon
- Polished chrome kitchen faucet from Target
- Silver bar stools with white faux leather cushions from Wayfair
- White marble rolling pin and board from Amazon
- Clear glass fruit bowl with a decorative rim from Target
- Small silver wall clock with a mirrored face from Amazon
- Set of glass and silver kitchen canisters from Target
- Silver metal tray for countertop décor from Wayfair
- Crystal dish soap dispenser from Amazon
- White silk flowers in a clear glass vase from Target
16. Black Cabinets With Plywood Edges And Scandinavian Style
Scandinavian design is all about being functional and bright but you can definitely use black if you keep the edges of the wood exposed.
Using black cabinets where the light colored plywood edges are visible gives the room a very cool and architectural look.
You should pair this with very light gray floors and lots of white space on the walls to keep the vibe airy. I really like using simple cut out holes instead of traditional handles to keep the lines very clean.
Shop the look
- Black film faced plywood cabinets from specialized retailers or Wayfair
- Light gray concrete floor finish from Home Depot
- White ceramic pendant lights with a matte finish from Amazon
- Simple wood counter stools with a natural finish from Target
- Black and white minimalist wall calendar from Amazon
- Set of wooden salad bowls with a smooth finish from Target
- Light gray felt floor runner rug from Rugs USA
- White magnetic spice jars for the side of the fridge from Amazon
- Minimalist black dish rack with a wood base from Wayfair
- Gray and white striped cotton napkins from Target
- Natural wood paper towel holder from Amazon
- Simple white ceramic utensil holder from Target
17. Black Cabinets With Copper Backsplash And Warm Wood Tops
Copper is one of the best metals to pair with black because it has such a deep and glowing orange tone.
You can use a large sheet of copper as your backsplash and over time it will develop a beautiful patina that adds a lot of character to the room.
I think this looks best when you use thick butcher block wood countertops because the wood and the copper together create a very fiery and warm energy.
You should also use black hardware so you do not have too many different metals competing with each other.
Shop the look
- Black shaker cabinets from Home Depot
- Copper sheet or copper tiles for a backsplash from Wayfair
- Walnut or oak butcher block countertops from Home Depot
- Matte black bridge style kitchen faucet from Amazon
- Copper colander and mixing bowls set from Target
- Black metal and wood shelving for open storage from Wayfair
- Orange and black patterned runner rug from Rugs USA
- Hammered copper mugs for countertop display from Amazon
- Copper and black salt and pepper mills from Wayfair
- Set of three copper kitchen canisters from Amazon
- Woven orange and brown kitchen towels from Target
- Large wooden serving bowl for the counter from Wayfair
Final Takeaway
Black kitchen cabinets do not have to turn your space into a cave and you can see from these ideas that they are actually very versatile.
When you pair them with warm walls and light counters and considered hardware and the right mix of wood and texture they feel chic and cozy and very livable.
