Can you Put Dark Cabinets in a Small Kitchen?

Ask most people if you should put dark cabinets in a small kitchen, the answer you’ll get back is most likely to be, ‘No!’

After all, it’s common knowledge that a dark colour can dominate a space and make the room look smaller than it actually is. So, it seems sensible to assume that dark cabinets and a small kitchen aren’t a great mix.

On the other hand, it’s understood that a lighter colour scheme will create an airy feel and even the illusion of space.

But, hold your horses… things aren’t as clear cut as you might think they are.

Dark cabinets can work!

Okay, so -yes – in general, all of the above is true.

However, it would be a misconception to think that dark wall cabinets can never work in a small kitchen.

Dark kitchen ideas and dark cabinetry can be a genuine focal point. A sophisticated dark tone and a dark palette can be wonderfully effective. It provides a sleek style.

Not only on that – dark kitchens are certainly on trend right now.

So, can you put dark cabinets in a small kitchen?

Yes. Yes, you can!

Tempted to go Dark?

The good news is that dark kitchen cabinets can work in a smaller kitchen.

However, there is a caveat… and it’s an important one. When you choose dark colours, you always run the risk of overpowering a space – that much is true.

But this doesn’t mean that dark kitchen doors have be removed from the equation when planning a new kitchen look.

With dark kitchen ideas, the key is balance. This is the way to achieve an impressive style.

You have a few options but, ultimately, you need to find ways to balance the dark drawer fronts with other colours around the kitchen and with other elements of your kitchen design.

Complete opposites, such as black and white, can provide a striking contrast and look of style and elegance.

Dark cabinets – How to get the balance right

Maybe you should consider a move to the dark side… in your kitchen, that is.

But where do you start?

There are a few straightforward design principles that will ensure that you can keep the balance right.

Firstly, dark kitchen units will feel far less intrusive if they are used sparingly.

For example, it can be really effective if you use dark cabinets along the lower section of the kitchen. This can make the lower section a focal point. Typically, this arrangement provides the best balance

Now that you have opted for a dark shade of door,  you need to think about how this works with the rest of your kitchen.

The good news is that dark kitchen units work with a whole range of different colour schemes. The thing you want to avoid is making the room seem too dark. Natural light is very important too.

White walls or tiles are a great way to contrast with a dusky style of kitchen units as it combines both.

Use contrasting colours with dark units

Having established that the key to success with dark wall cabinets in a small kitchen is all about balance, let’s now look at some other kitchen ideas and fantastic ways of contrasting dark with light.

Paired with dark cabinets, lighter coloured countertops work brilliantly. Not only do they offer the necessary contrast, but the countertops will also reflect the light.

Another option would be to incorporate glass tiles.

This complements the light countertops and provides the perfect transition between dark and light in the kitchen, offering a great blend of the two.

Dark green is one colour that is particularly on trend at the moment. Darker colours, in general, have become a part of modern kitchen design. Interior designers really favour darker colours right now.

It’s a look that homeowners love and as there is now such a wide range of styles, materials and cost to choose from, you are sure to find something to suit your needs, taste, and budget.

At the moment, there are a number of excellent kitchen door products on the market, allowing you to create the perfect dark-inspired kitchen design – one that will turn heads and warm the heart in equal amounts.

Complement dark cabinets with open shelving

Another terrific way of achieving a perfect balance in the kitchen is to combine dark units with open shelving. This is a real design statement and also creates a sense of depth to the space.

Open shelving has become more popular in recent years and is bang on trend right now. The fact that it has the effect of opening up the space is a real bonus.

It has become the shelving solution that many homeowners now prefer. Shelf panels keep things enclosed and protected but there are things in the kitchen that you don’t always want to hide away.

Open shelving can be used to display ornaments, books, or any item that adds character and charm to the space.

Let the light in and accentuate the dark

You shouldn’t be afraid of placing dark kitchen units in a small kitchen. However, you should always be mindful that it is very much a balancing act getting it right. Of course, it never takes much to tip the scales one way or the other, so you need to make careful choices.

Thinking of contrasts is one way of doing things and another is with light. Essentially, if you are going to put dark units into a small space, you need to counteract that with plenty of light.

Darks can add to the dynamics of a space

This is because the colour of a dark unit will alter as the light in the room changes during the day. This adds a certain dynamic that isn’t possible with white. Even the darkest shade of all – black – can provide both cool and warm undertones.

Now onto the business of making a room appear larger – another key reason why many people opt for a white kitchen. Of course, white does have this effect.

But the truth is dark kitchen units can do exactly the same thing – albeit in a slightly different way. Darks don’t reflect more light. They actually reflect less. As the light is absorbed, the dark units will be less clearly marked. This gives the illusion of more space.

Kitchen ideas that incorporate dark tones

This can make a dark kitchen a wise choice. If you feel that your kitchen is likely to have to withstand spills and knocks, you might be glad you went to the dark side.

This is for the simple fact that dark surfaces can be a lot more forgiving than lighter ones. Dark units won’t instantly show up and scuffs and marks the way light units will.

It adds to a simplistic look

These days, less is more. No longer do you see kitchen worktops cluttered with large appliances and unnecessary apparatus that can be neatly stored away in your kitchen. Black kitchen doors and uncluttered worktops provide a truly stylish look.

Modern time and trends favour simplifying and streamlining the look of the kitchen- and using a darker shade and palette can certainly help you to achieve this.

Streamline the look of your kitchen with dark kitchen doors

Here at Kitchen Warehouse, we have seen many darker colour schemes work wonders in many homes up and down the UK, and across the world.

So, why don’t you take a browse through our extensive  we’re sure you will find a design that you like!

And the typical price might be a lot less than you think it would be!

Highlight bold colours with dark tones

If you have a bolder look in mind for your new kitchen design, you can certainly take your pick from the wide range of colour options currently made in the UK.

A lot is made of how dark units contrast brilliantly with bright whites, but darks work just as well with bold and vivid shades. Smart grey units can look absolutely stunning with accents of red or green.

Last but not least, if you want to create a look of luxury in the kitchen, it’s hard to match the effect created when you pair dark tones with metallic finishes, such as brass and copper.

Which Dark Shade Should You Choose?

So you want a darker colour scheme for the cabinets in your kitchen. Fantastic! But know you need to think about which shade will suit your home the best.

On one end of the scale, we have Jet Black Gloss Acrylic kitchen units while on the other you have models such as Dust Grey Roma Shaker units that still retain their dark colour but offer a lighter approach that can be great in smaller spaces.So before you dive into the world of dark kitchens consider what shade would best suit your design preferences.

Some people with larger kitchens can go for a jet back scheme for instance as that will not take anything away from how big their kitchen looks.

Other customers opt for a dark shade that is slightly lighter than this will still provide a richness and depth to the room without making the kitchen seem smaller than it actually is.

Grey: The perfect choice to smarten up a small kitchen

Some people might wonder whether grey, particularly darker shades, might be a bit too much for a smaller kitchen, but it can be a highly effective choice.

A darker shade of grey for the  can be striking and eye-catching, which combined with a paler shade of grey helps to create a light and airy feel.

All prices, sizes and styles are available.

Another alternative is to take a less is more approach. Occasionally, using a grey – regardless of how smart it looks – for lower and wall units can be a step too far and a little too overpowering. However, opting for the likes of simple shelving in grey can create a laid back, casual look.

Does dark grey work?

Dark grey  look great when they are viewed online, but it can be hard to visualise how they will look in situ, with the specifics of your kitchen taken into consideration.

Will they go with dark or light worktops? Should you consider a lighter floor to create a bright and airy room? There is so much to think about when choosing a modern design for your kitchen restyle.

Why wood works so well with grey

If you take a look at any pictures of kitchens that use a grey cabinet, you will notice that the vast majority of them are shown with wooden worktops. You may be wondering why this is exactly.

Well, the answer is simple – because the lighter shades of pine and walnut perfectly offset the darker nature of the cabinets. So, when you are looking for colours to work well with grey units, remember to consider lighter tones.

If you want to make your dark grey really stand out, then solid wood worktops  are a great way to achieve this.

Equally, glass cabinets or stainless steel appliances are other ways to accentuate black cabinetry in a modern kitchen space.

Get in touch for more on dark kitchen units

Reading through the website will enable you to sort through the styles you like. Orders are easy to place and you can get an instant quote as you add items to your basket – with no obligation to buy. Measure your existing kitchen carefully to ensure you choose the correct sizes and you can also select and info order sample door on many styles.

Would you like to know more about how our dark kitchen units can benefit your smaller kitchen? If so, our experts would be glad to help. Get in touch and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.