Which Color is Best for Your Kitchen Cabinets? Black or Gray?

You’ve decided you’re going to have your cabinets refaced but you just can’t decide on the color. You know you want something a little out of the ordinary. You’re tired of oak, cherry, or other wood tones and white doesn’t seem right for your kitchen.

So, how about black or gray? If you’ve been thinking about these colors, you’re on trend. Black cabinets and gray kitchen cabinets are all the rage in today’s homes and one or both could work in your space. But how do you know which one is best?

Well, a lot depends on your space as well as your taste in kitchen décor. Both are extremely timeless and versatile and are apt to remain in style for quite some time, so deciding whether to choose either black cabinets or gray kitchen cabinets will just require a little extra thought and a bit of knowledge about which works best in what kind of kitchen.

The pros and cons of black cabinets

Black is dark. There’s no arguing that fact. But dark works well for some kitchens.

If it’s glamour or sophistication you seek, black is your answer. Black cabinets provide you with the ultimate in glamour and luxury, especially when paired with gold or other shiny elements. Homeowners looking for a truly sophisticated look sometimes even opt for a totally black palette, including countertops, backsplash, and even floors. Add glass or metallic pendant lights and some subtle splashes of color to complete the picture.

Black cabinets are also ideal for making your kitchen look cozier and more intimate. So, if your space is exceptionally large but you’d like it to not look so expansive, consider black cabinets, which will “bring in” the walls a bit. Remember, you don’t have to do all black. You can add a light-colored countertop to the mix to make your kitchen look a little less intense.

Of course, if you don’t have much time to clean or if you worry about dirt and grime, black cabinets might be the right choice for you as well. They certainly don’t show stains or grease like white or light gray cabinets. That means you won’t have to spend as much time maintaining them.

Like white cabinets, black cabinets can be paired with about any other color, except brown or dark blue. That means you can let your imagination soar as far as choosing other elements for your kitchen remodel project.

Pros and cons of gray kitchen cabinets

Though maybe not as versatile as black or white cabinets, gray kitchen cabinets can be used in about any space. You’ll just need to choose the correct shade.

If your space is small, going with a light gray hue is a smarter decision. A pale gray will reflect the light more than dark shades so your kitchen will look larger. This is especially important if your space is devoid of natural light and depends on artificial light for brightness. Conversely, dark gray will “ground” a larger room and make it look cozier, just as black would do.

Grays have a lot of undertones. You may have already noticed that. You’ll see bluish grays, reddish grays, and even grays with a yellow tint. Grays with a lot of red in them, for instance, look a bit like putty while bluish grays look more like steel. They’re quite different and which you choose will play a significant role in what you can pair with your cabinets. So, do not be hesitant to bring home some samples to evaluate out in your kitchen to see what you like best, and which gray kitchen cabinets might work well with the countertop or backsplash you have in mind.

Of course, if there are two shades of gray that you really like – a light one and a dark one – you can pair them by using one on the upper cabinets and the other on the lower cabinets. This way, you get both of your favorite gray kitchen cabinet colors! Some pair very nicely together but, again, put them side by side to see how they match before you make a final decision.

You can even pair gray kitchen cabinets with black cabinets if you’d like, or you can pair either one with white if you don’t want the kitchen to be entirely gray or black.

Still uncertain about what color is best for your kitchen cabinets. At KCR, we have hundreds of samples for you to peruse so you can choose the black or gray tones that are right for your space. We can also help you choose matching countertops as well. For more details on all our products and services, visit us at www.kitchencabinetrefacing.com.