16 Amazing Color Schemes for Kitchens with Dark Cabinets

Whether you’re a new home buyer or remodeling an existing place, kitchen cabinets are undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of the overall design. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and cabinets usually take up the bulk of the space there. It’s important to get the cabinet color right! Read on to get amazing ideas with these color schemes for kitchens with dark cabinets.

Why Choose Dark Kitchen Cabinets?

Dark kitchen cabinets offer a timeless appeal and a sense of luxury. They can make a bold statement in your kitchen, providing a stunning contrast to lighter elements and adding depth to the space. Moreover, dark kitchen cabinets are less likely to show stains and wear, making them practical for busy kitchens. Whether you prefer a classic or modern look, there are numerous kitchen paint colors with dark cabinet ideas that can help you achieve your desired aesthetic.

Choosing the Perfect Dark Cabinets

Although white kitchens are typically the go-to in traditional home design, we urge you to consider going dark. The allure of dark kitchen cabinets is obvious—they’re dramatic, striking, and demand your attention immediately upon entering the room. What’s not to love? Available in hundreds of stains and colors, dark cabinets suit any kitchen style, from rustic to modern.

In addition to choosing the perfect shade of dark kitchen cabinets, you must also consider how to tie your other kitchen finishes into the design. From finding the perfect paint color to the best lighting, there are many decisions to make to ensure your dark cabinets are the star of the show. If you really want your dark cabinets to shine, the rest of the finishes in the kitchen must be complementary to their color and depth.

So how does one achieve the perfect dark kitchen? What are the best color schemes for kitchens with dark cabinets? Continue on as we answer these popular questions and showcase some of our favorite dark kitchen cabinet design ideas.

Get your FREE 3D kitchen design today!

Start Now

1. Rustic Transitional

EKD Design

There are lots of contrasting finishes going on in this transitional kitchen—hardwood floors, a natural stone accent wall, dark grey cabinets, and a waterfall marble island contribute to the unique rustic design. The warmth of the wood floor gives contrast to the otherwise neutral color palette. Plenty of natural light floods the room through three large windows. The result is stunning.

For similar dark grey cabinets, check out york driftwood cabinets!

2. Dark Shaker Contemporary

EKD Design

Kitchen colors don’t have to be complicated. This black, white and brass color scheme is simplified yet elegant. The black shaker cabinets in this sleek contemporary kitchen are dramatic and give a bold contrast to the bright white walls. We love the oversized brass bar pulls—they’re understated yet effective.

3. Mediterranean Getaway

Zillow

Dark cabinets don’t have to be black—if the midnight mood isn’t for you, consider a lighter shade of brown. This kitchen features a more neutral beige tone of cabinets with under-cabinet lighting for dramatic appeal. Accent colors include a deep brown range hood, black kitchen island, and deep grey marble countertops. For an added creative touch, this interior designer added glass door cabinets to display matching dishware.

Also Read: 11 Easy Ways To Modernize Brown Cabinets

4. Two Tone

Adding a dark colored cabinet with a light colored cabinet is the perfect way to add contrast and personality into your home. Doing a two tone look with your cabinetry is very popular. White and navy blue cabinets, white and grey cabinets, and white and espresso cabinets (pictured above) are three very popular two tone Kicthen ideas!

Check out: Get the Two Toned Cabinets Look | Creative Tips & Photos

5. Rich Chocolate

Lily Ann Cabinets - York Chocolate Brown

For a more traditional look, this kitchen features dark chocolate brown cabinets. A mosaic tile backsplash and white wall paint brighten up the room and contrast the deep brown hue of the cabinetry. A small island provides more workspace and shows off more of the gorgeous grey-brown countertops.

6. Sleek & Modern

With an open layout and oversized island, this expansive modern kitchen feels anything but stuffy. The dark grey cabinets don’t feel overbearing, but rather inviting and riveting. The light gray walls, a popular kitchen paint color for dark cabinets, provide subtle contrast and keep the room feeling bright and airy. A glossy subway tile backsplash ties the room together. We also love how the glass pendant lighting makes an artistic statement.

Also Read: 8 maple Kitchen Cabinet Design Ideas for a Sleek and Modern Look

7. Stainless Style

What appliance finish goes best with dark cabinets? Without question, stainless steel. Not only are stainless steel appliances timeless and accommodating to all cabinet colors, but they are also durable and withstand the daily wear and tear of a busy family kitchen. This black kitchen boasts all stainless steel finishes, with metal barstools and grey countertops to complete the look. Unique pendant lighting gives the room an artistic touch.

8. Mountain Escape

Dark kitchen cabinets are a popular choice for rustic, cabin-style homes. This dreamy mountain kitchen features sleek black shaker cabinets with large wood beams, a natural stone accent wall, and plenty of overhead lighting to keep the space bright. If the cabin style is what you aim for, incorporate lots of raw and earthy materials to ground the design and help it blend with the surrounding nature.

If you aren't ready to commit to an all black cabinet, dark brown cabinets such as espresso cabinets may be the way to go!

Also Read: Best Kitchen Cabinet Color Ideas with Long-Lasting Appeal

9. Minimal Dark Cabinets

Homes To Love

This modern kitchen in Melbourne, Australia is the picture of minimalism. The timber flooring blends the rooms in the home together to encourage the feeling of one large, incorporated layout. Simple black cabinets with minimal hardware keep the design uncomplicated and effortless. The large white island is the CenterPoint of the room, acting as the central hub for family and friends to gather around and socialize.

10. Classic Craftsman

In this oversized kitchen, all focus is on the warm cherry cabinets. Although cherry cabinets are considered a darker shade, their reddish hue gives them a brighter appearance. This kitchen designer paired them with cream-colored wall paint, warm brown granite countertops, and creative blown glass pendant lights. The result is a majestic, expertly crafted space fit for a king.

Cherry cabinets are a great dark cabinet choice for those who are looking to have dark cabinets with a brighter appearance! Cherry cabinets are also said to make a kitchen appear larger!

11. Elegant Espresso

Lily Ann Cabinets - Espresso Shaker

Who says small kitchens can’t be elegant? This petite L-shaped kitchen features sleek espresso cabinets and a large matching peninsula for a refined and cultivated design. With plenty of natural light and grey tile floors, this kitchen appears much larger than it really is. Many homeowners believe that the only solution to a small space is white cabinets, but this kitchen proves otherwise.

12. Dark & Calm

Often, simplicity is key in a dark kitchen. The focus should be on the cabinets and not much else. This homeowner made the simple, unornamented black cabinets the main focus of their kitchen. Clean, straight lines and organic finishes modernize the look and invite a feeling of calmness and serenity. Black cabinets don’t have to be stark and dramatic—they can also appear relaxed and tranquil.

13. Dramatic Navy

Remodelista

A commonly used shade of blue for kitchen cabinets, navy is moody and thrilling. Although it is most often used in contemporary homes, navy blue can be a gorgeous accent color for any kitchen style. This kitchen features an eclectic mix of old and new finishes for a design that is truly unique. It is certainly more shadowy than your average kitchen design—however, for that craving for dramatic darkness, this design is a perfect inspiration.

Looking for dark blue kitchen cabinets? Check out Lily Ann Cabinets navy blue kitchen cabinets a high-quality RTA cabinet line.

14. Beaming Blue

For something a little different, this homeowner opted for sapphire blue kitchen cabinets in their contemporary design. Combined with white countertops and white walls, the rich blue color gives off the feeling of a calming coastal getaway. To keep the kitchen from feeling too dim, large windows and lots of recessed lighting bring in some much needed brightness.

15. Moody Green and Gold

Moody green kitchen cabinets paired with gold pulls, wood hood, glass door and marble countertop

For a luxurious and opulent feel, consider pairing dark green cabinets with gold accents. This combination creates a rich and sophisticated look that can make your kitchen feel like a high-end retreat. Dark green cabinets bring a touch of nature indoors, while gold hardware and fixtures add a glamorous touch. Complement the cabinets with neutral or light-colored walls and countertops to balance the intensity of the green and gold.

16. Bold Craftsman Black With White

Black kitchen cabinets paired with gold hardware, tile backsplash and quartz countertop

Lily Ann Cabinets: Craftsman Black Shaker

A timeless and sophisticated option, black and white kitchens offer a striking contrast that highlights the elegance of dark cabinets. This classic combination can be modernized with the use of sleek black cabinets paired with white marble countertops and backsplashes. Adding touches of metallic hardware, such as chrome or brass, can further enhance the luxurious feel of the space. Black and white kitchens are versatile and can fit various design styles, from traditional to contemporary.

Take dark kitchen cabinets to the next level with our new Craftsman Black Shaker cabinets. The black looks great with any color and will add depth to your space. This new style is unlike anything on the market so shop at Lily Ann Cabinets today!

Checkout: Elevate Your Space with Exquisite Craftsman cabinets - Quality and Style Combined

Balancing Kitchen Colors With Dark Cabinets

When choosing color schemes for kitchens with dark cabinets, consider balancing dark tones with lighter elements. For instance, pairing dark kitchen cabinets with light countertops, backsplashes, and flooring can create a harmonious and visually appealing contrast. Additionally, incorporating metallic accents, such as brass or stainless steel, can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your kitchen.

When selecting paint colors for kitchens with dark cabinets, think about complementary colors that can enhance the overall look. Kitchen colors with dark cabinets like light and neutral tones like beige, cream, and soft gray can create a balanced contrast, making the kitchen appear more spacious and inviting. Additionally, using warm hues such as soft yellows or earthy tones as paint colors for kitchens with dark cabinets can add warmth and coziness to the space, making it a perfect gathering spot for family and friends.

Create Your Dream Kitchen With Lily Ann Cabinets

We offer a wide selection of premium cabinetry, hardware, shelving, and more to help you create a room that stands the test of time. Pick from our large array of kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, including white shaker cabinets that come with soft-close hinges. Our professional designers are on standby to work with you — we offer FREE samples and FREE design and quotes. Visit our FREE 3D design tool to get started today!

Lily Ann Cabinets will soon offer a black cabinet! Please sign up for our emails to hear when our black cabinet line launches!

This is a curated post designed to showcase the work of a number of talented designers. If you would like to have an image removed, please let us know!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. If my kitchen is small can I still include dark cabinets?

Yes! Even if your kitchen is small or has bad natural lighting, there are ways to make your space feel less cramped even if you do incorporate dark cabinetry. Dark cabinetry mixed with a white or light-colored backsplash, white walls, a light-colored countertop, and warm decor tones will do the trick perfectly. Hardwood floors or tiles when placed going in a certain direction can also give an illusion that the space is larger.

2. What are the best hardware choices for dark cabinets?

For a modern or minimalistic look, sleek bar pulls are the best choice for dark cabinet hardware. For more of a traditional look, knobs and decorative hardware is the way to go. Depending on the look you are going for, dark modern cabinets look best paired with warm-toned hardware such as gold or brass.

3. What countertops pair best with dark cabinets?

Since dark cabinets in a kitchen can be overpowering when it comes to other elements of the kitchen space, pairing dark cabinets with a light-colored countertop is the best option. So there isn't such a stark difference, go for a countertop that is mainly a light color such as beige, white, or light grey, that also has darker veining to pair with the darkness of the cabinets.

4. Where can I buy high-quality, inexpensive dark cabinets online?

Lily Ann Cabinets sells many different kinds of dark cabinets. They can come to RTA (Ready-To-Assemble), are made of high-quality materials, and are up to 50% off box store pricing. They often have sales on their cabinet lines on top of this as well. Check out the different cabinet lines that are offered here.