Choosing Hardware Colors for Seriously Stylish Black Cabinets
Black kitchen cabinets can look incredibly chic and elegant, adding a serious dose of drama and sophistication to any space. However, the right hardware is key to taking the look to the next level. While the jet black cabinets make a bold statement on their own, strategic pops of color in the hardware, handles, and knobs can elevate the style even further.
When selecting hardware pieces to pair with inky black cabinetry, take into account factors like the finish of the cabinets themselves, the overall style of the kitchen or room, the mounting orientation, and the shapes and sizes you gravitate towards. Approach choosing the colors almost like putting together a jewelry collection - you want cohesive pieces that work in harmony while still allowing each unique hue and material to shine.
The Importance of a Complementary Black Cabinet Finish
Before pondering hardware hues, it's essential to consider the actual finish of the black cabinetry, as that impacts the palette dramatically. For example, is the finish ultra matte - devoid of any sheen? Or does it have a subtle satin finish that reflects a bit of light? The latter lends itself better to metallic and brighter accents, while matte cabinetry can be stunning with deeper, moodier hardware colors.
Additionally, think about the overall kitchen design style you want to achieve. Black cabinets suit modern, transitional, farmhouse, and contemporary spaces beautifully. Lean into that aesthetic as you select coordinating hardware.
Matte Black Cabinets
Matte black cabinets make a bold, but not overly flashy statement. Pairing them with similarly understated hardware creates a luxe, cohesive look. We recommend considering:
- Aged bronze
- Textured black
- Smoked silver
- Oil-rubbed bronze
These moody metallic and blackened silver finishes contrast nicely while still complementing the matte finish.
Satin or Semi-Gloss Black Cabinets
For black cabinets with a hint of sheen, the hardware color options open up more. The subtle reflectivity lends itself well to:
- Polished chrome
- Brushed brass
- Antique nickel
- Copper
Don't be afraid to mix metal finishes, like pairing chrome with brass for an eclectic but curated look. The semi-gloss cabinet finish reflects the mixed metals beautifully.
Factors For Choosing Hardware Color
Mounting Orientation
Another consideration is the orientation of the hardware pieces - will they be mounted vertically as pulls on drawers and doors? Or horizontally as handles? The visual impact changes depending on mounting direction.
For example, wider horizontal handles make cabinets appear slimmer and taller. So if your black cabinets dominate the kitchen visually, extending them with long brushed nickel or chrome bars lightens the look.
On the other hand, vertical hardware draws attention with its upward and downward lines. For a bold, high-contrast statement, go for stands of vivid red or cobalt against the saturated black background.
Finishes & Shapes
Don't overlook the impact of hardware shape and detailed metal finish for black cabinets. For a more elegant, refined statement, slim angular pulls and knobs in a polished, reflective surface create interest. Or embrace the industrial edge of black cabinets with galvanized steel bars and vintage bin pulls in iron shapes.
Getting creative with shapes like arched pulls, circular rings, and curved handles contrasts with the strong lines of black casework too. Mix in materials like carved wood, marble, or leather for organic texture.
Stylist Hardware Color Suggestions
Now for the best part - examples of eye-catching hardware hues! Refer to the finishes and factors above to hone in options suitable to your black kitchen cabinets.
Metallic Accents
For a hint of glamour and shine, bright metallics like polished brass, champagne gold, nickel, and chrome catch the eye. Intersperse these with black hardware pieces for even more dimension.
Contrasting Hues
Bold contrasts underscore the dramatic nature of black cabinets, like using lacquered red or navy blue knobs as graphic punctuation points. For a softer statement, pale blue, green, or pink offer an uplifting spring-like quality.
Natural Metal Finishes
Warm up black cabinets by integrating wood tones and natural metal shades like oil-rubbed bronze and rustic iron hardware. The depth of color and artisanal quality brings an inviting, old world refinement.
Vibrant Colors
Make a playful splash by adorning prim black cabinets with pops of citron yellow, cherry red, cobalt, emerald, and sapphire blue. Mixing high-gloss lacquered colors with black is vibrant and fun.
Black kitchen cabinets make a serious style statement. Choosing hardware colors that work in creative tension with the dramatic cabinet color ensures your kitchen achieves that spectacular, put-together look.
Keep the finish, mounting direction, shapes, and overall aesthetic goals at the forefront when selecting coordinating metals and hues. The options are endless for showcasing your seriously styled black cabinets!