Black kitchen cabinets are having their moment, and it’s easy to see why. They add an instant wow factor to any kitchen while still feeling timeless and sophisticated.
Black cabinets might not be the first choice that comes to mind – and yes, there are some challenges I’ll talk about later. But once you see a beautifully executed black kitchen, it’s hard to look away. There’s something magnetic about dark cabinetry that lighter, more traditional colors just can’t match.
As white kitchens start feeling a bit overdone, more people are exploring bolder options with more character. Black cabinets not only hide those inevitable cooking marks better than lighter colors but also create the perfect canvas for playing with metals, textures, and accents.
But here’s the thing – not all black paints are created equal. Pick the wrong one, and your kitchen might feel cramped and cave-like. But with the right black paint, you’ll design a dramatic and inviting space.
Ready to explore the black paint colors that can transform your kitchen into something extraordinary? Let’s get started!
- 1. Inkwell by Benjamin Moore
- 2. Onyx by Benjamin Moore
- 3. Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams
- 4. Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams
- 5. Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore
- 6. Flint by Benjamin Moore
- 7. Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore
- Is Black a Good Color for Kitchen Cabinets?
- What Colors Work Well with Black Cabinets?
1. Inkwell by Benjamin Moore
Inkwell is a deep black color with cool blue-gray undertones. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 4, it’s about as dark and rich as black paint gets.
What makes this color special is how it shifts in different lighting. In sunny spaces, you’ll notice subtle blue notes coming through (check out the photo below), giving the black more depth and personality. But pop into a room with less natural light, and Inkwell shows its true colors as a classic deep black (like in the photo above).
On kitchen cabinets, Inkwell really shines! Whether you go glossy or matte, it looks fantastic – though the glossy finish takes things up a notch, adding an extra touch of elegance that looks especially striking on cabinets.
It plays nicely with just about any neutral shade you throw at it. Pair it with warm beige tones, and you’ll get a gorgeous contrast between the cool black and cozy neutrals.
The best part? Inkwell is incredibly versatile. It fits right in whether you’re going for a sleek, modern look or something more traditional. You can use it for all kitchen cabinets to create a monochromatic effect or as an accent element.
2. Onyx by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore’s Onyx is a deep black with 5 on the LRV scale (out of 100). It’s just a touch lighter than pure black, which actually makes it much more practical for real-world use.
What sets Onyx apart is its true neutrality. While a lot of blacks lean either warm or cool, this one stays right in the middle – its RGB values are almost perfectly balanced (20.78% red, 20.39% green, 20.39% blue). This means it’ll work with pretty much any color scheme you’ve got going.
In kitchens, it brings a modern vibe without feeling harsh or severe. It comes alive in spaces with plenty of natural or good artificial lighting.
If you’re using Onyx, pair it with crisp whites like Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace for your ceilings and moldings, or go slightly warmer with something like Swiss Coffee.
Don’t be thrown off if it looks a bit gray in the can – once it dries, you’ll get that rich black you’re after. Keep in mind that lighting plays a huge role here – natural light can warm it up, especially if you’ve got wooden elements or warm colors in the mix.
Beyond cabinets, it works beautifully on kitchen islands, doors, bathroom fixtures, and accent panels.
3. Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams
Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams is what you might call a “friendly” black – think soft black or super-dark graphite. It’s got barely-there green undertones that add a hint of warmth and make it super easy to pair with other neutrals.
Here’s the thing about using Iron Ore on kitchen cabinets: lighting is key (as it always is). If your space is short on natural light, you must compensate with some serious artificial lighting to make it work.
Fun fact: you’ll be able to notice its green undertones in places with bright natural light, especially at higher altitudes. Under regular conditions, though, you’d hardly see them.
4. Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams
Tricorn Black is a pure black with no obvious undertones. It has one of the lowest LRV ratings (2.45) in Sherwin-Williams’ lineup, making it one of their deepest shades.
Sherwin Williams’ Color Marketing Director Jackie Jordan says, “It’s hands down the blackest black we’ve got – super rich, deep, and just perfectly black.”
Tricorn Black works wonders in kitchens, creating a sharp contrast against white surfaces. Since it’s free of any colored undertones, you can pair it with pretty much any backsplash, countertop, or wall color.
Before going all in with this paint, keep in mind how much natural light your space gets – the more windows and sunlight, the better this color will show off its depth. If your space runs on the darker side, you’ll want to bump up your artificial lighting to make it work.
What makes Tricorn Black such a smart pick for kitchen cabinets is how timeless and versatile it is – it’ll stay looking fresh even when you switch up other elements in your kitchen down the road.
5. Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore
What’s got designers reaching for Wrought Iron for kitchen cabinets? This Benjamin Moore bestseller is special because of its hidden gray, brown, and dark blue undertones that play differently as the light changes throughout the day.
Think of a fresh chalkboard – that’s Wrought Iron in a nutshell. This deep graphite black shines when used on lower cabinets in two-tone kitchens or kitchen islands.
One of its perks is that fingerprints and little scratches don’t jump out at you, thanks to its softer appearance. Yet, it still packs enough punch to create a beautiful contrast with lighter surfaces.
The beauty of Wrought Iron is how it unfolds throughout the day. Natural daylight brings out its warm brown notes, while evening lighting reveals subtle blue undertones – definitely something to think about when planning your lighting setup.
Its complex makeup means Wrought Iron works well with pretty much any color palette. Whether your space leans warm or cool, Wrought Iron will feel right at home.
6. Flint by Benjamin Moore
Flint’s been a go-to choice for kitchen cabinets for a while now, and for good reason. This deep blue-charcoal shade is a real chameleon – it can look dark gray during the day and then show off its blue side in the evening.
Benjamin Moore’s Flint comes alive when paired with light to medium-toned floors, especially hardwood with subtle orange undertones.
If you’re looking to update a gray interior, this color’s perfect – it bridges the gap nicely, fitting in like it was always meant to be there.
7. Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore
Kendall Charcoal is a rich gray-black shade with an LRV of 13 that looks absolutely stunning on kitchen cabinets.
In bright light, you’ll notice a slight green undertone that adds warmth, while in north-facing rooms, it reads as pure dark graphite.
This color works wonderfully in kitchens alongside warm whites and pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood, stone, and brass accents.
It lights up quite a bit in south-facing rooms flooded with natural light while keeping its rich depth. In shadowy areas, Kendall Charcoal can look nearly black.
Is Black a Good Color for Kitchen Cabinets?
Going with black kitchen cabinets is definitely a bold move that gives your kitchen a modern edge. It’s especially great if you’ve got a spacious kitchen with plenty of natural light. Black cabinets look particularly at home in loft-style spaces or modern classic designs.
Advantages:
- Black does a great job hiding everyday smudges and minor stains
- Creates gorgeous contrast against white walls and light countertops
- Helps define and organize your space visually
- Makes hardware and decorative details really pop
Disadvantages:
- Can make your space feel smaller
- Shows fingerprints on matte finishes
- Dust tends to be more visible than on lighter surfaces
How to Make Black Cabinets Work for Your Kitchen?
The key is getting your lighting right – focus on good task lighting to make up for the darker elements.
I’d suggest pairing black cabinets with large windows and light-colored walls to keep things balanced.
For fingerprints, opt for special fingerprint-resistant finishes and mix in some lighter elements to keep the space from feeling too heavy.
What Colors Work Well with Black Cabinets?
Black cabinets look fantastic with white elements – it’s a classic contrast that never fails. Warm wood tones help soften the bold black, while brass or copper accents add a touch of elegance. Various shades of gray are great for creating smooth transitions between colors.
There’s a reason these combinations work so well: black makes a strong statement and can dominate a space. To keep your kitchen from feeling too dark, balance it with lighter and warmer elements.
In modern kitchens, you’ll often see black cabinets paired with crisp white quartz countertops and honey-colored wooden floors.
For a well-balanced space, black cabinets look outstanding with beige walls and dark wooden floors. This combination creates a warm atmosphere while maintaining visual interest throughout the space.
