The Coveted Look of Charcoal Kitchen Cabinets

Charcoal kitchen cabinets are taking over as one of the most popular contemporary cabinetry choices. With their dramatic dark gray color and minimalist style, it's easy to see why they have become a coveted look for modern kitchen designs.

From the basics of what they are to how to design a kitchen around them, you'll find ideas and inspiration for embracing this on-trend style.

Charcoal Kitchen Cabinet Basics

What Are Charcoal Kitchen Cabinets?

Charcoal kitchen cabinets refer to cabinetry finished in a dark gray color with a smooth matte look. The charcoal shade provides beautiful depth while the matte finish minimizes glare and fingerprints.

This type of cabinet combines dark dramatic color with clean understated lines. The overall look is contemporary, minimalist and brimming with subtle style.

Benefits of Charcoal Kitchen Cabinets

There are many reasons charcoal cabinets have become a coveted choice for modern kitchen designs:

• They create a gorgeous sleek and contemporary aesthetic.
• Make a bold statement and focal point in your kitchen design.
• Provide an eye-catching neutral backdrop that enhances other décor.
• Give the impression of a larger, airier space.
• Hide smudges and fingerprints better than lighter cabinets.
• The dark color contrasts beautifully with metals, marbles and natural wood textures.

Considerations for Charcoal Kitchen Cabinets

While stunning, charcoal cabinets do come with a few considerations:

• They show dirt, dust and crumbs much more than lighter cabinets.
• The dark color can make a small, closed-in kitchen feel even smaller.
• The contemporary minimalist look won't appeal to all homeowners.

Designing With Charcoal Kitchen Cabinets

Room Types

When working with charcoal cabinets, the room layout is an important factor. They look best in larger contemporary spaces with open floor plans. Avoid using them in small closed-in kitchens where the dark color can overwhelm.

Pairings

For counters, charcoal cabinets look incredible paired with light marbles, granite, concrete and wood. Crisp whites and different shades of gray make excellent backsplash and wall colors. Use black or white window treatments to complement the cabinets.

Complementary Colors

The dark contemporary charcoal cabinets provide a versatile neutral backdrop for pops of color throughout the rest of the kitchen. Some great complementary colors include:

• Different shades of gray
• Crisp whites and blacks
• Warm wood tones
• Metallic accents like brass and gold
• Bolder colors like navy blue, emerald green or sunny yellow

The Charcoal Cabinet Look

Textures

One of the hallmarks of charcoal cabinets is their smooth matte finish. The flat non-shiny texture nicely hides fingerprints and smudges so the cabinets keep looking freshly cleaned.

Finishes

Charcoal cabinets work beautifully with a range of finishes. From unfinished wood to add your own stain, to painted finishes in different sheens. Glazing over the charcoal base is another option to add interest.

Styles

To complement the contemporary vibe, opt for slab cabinet doors or a simple Shaker style. Handle-free cabinets keep the minimalist look. Add modern chrome or black hardware for contrast.

Materials

While wood cabinets stained charcoal look stunning, many homeowners opt for lower maintenance thermofoil or laminate. MDF and veneer offer a good middle ground for looks without the maintenance of solid wood.

With their rich charcoal color and contemporary minimalist style, it's no wonder these cabinets have become a coveted kitchen choice. They make a dramatic style statement and provide beautiful contrast to natural materials like wood and stone.

Just be mindful of proper kitchen layout and balance the deep color with sufficient lighting. With the right design, charcoal cabinets offer an effortlessly sleek and modern look.