There’s something undeniably bold and sophisticated about black kitchen cabinets.
Whether you love the modern elegance of deep, jet-black cabinetry or prefer softer, charcoal-infused hues, black cabinets have a way of making a kitchen feel chic, high-end, and effortlessly stylish.
They work in modern, farmhouse, industrial, and even traditional kitchens, offering a striking contrast against countertops, backsplashes, and flooring.
But not all black paint colors are the same. Some have cool undertones that lean into blue or gray, while others carry a hint of warmth, making them feel more inviting.
The right shade can transform your space—giving it depth, drama, and a timeless appeal.
So, how do you choose the perfect black for your kitchen cabinets? That’s where this list comes in.
I’ve rounded up 15 of the best black paint colors—from classic, deep blacks to charcoal-infused hues—to help you find the perfect match for your space.
Why Choose Black Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets?
Black kitchen cabinets create a bold, sophisticated, and timeless look that works in a variety of kitchen styles, from modern to farmhouse to industrial.
Black serves as a neutral base, allowing other design elements—such as countertops, backsplashes, and lighting—to stand out.
Unlike lighter cabinets, black cabinets offer depth and contrast, making them ideal for statement-making kitchens.
Another advantage of black cabinets is their ability to hide smudges, stains, and wear better than lighter colors, making them a practical choice for high-traffic kitchens.
When paired with the right lighting and materials, black cabinets can feel inviting rather than overwhelming.
Whether you prefer a matte, satin, or glossy finish, black cabinetry can create an upscale and dramatic effect that elevates the entire kitchen space.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Black Paint Color for Kitchen Cabinets
- Undertones – Black paint colors are not all the same. Some have warm undertones (like brown or red) that add warmth, while others have cool undertones (blue or green) that give a sleek, modern feel. True neutral blacks exist as well, offering a balanced look.
- Finish – The finish of your black cabinets impacts the overall feel of your kitchen. Matte black has a soft, modern aesthetic but can show fingerprints, while satin and semi-gloss finishes add durability and reflect some light. High-gloss black cabinets offer a sleek, high-end look but may require more maintenance.
- Lighting – Black absorbs light, so consider your kitchen’s natural and artificial lighting. In kitchens with limited light, a softer black with subtle undertones or a satin/glossy finish can prevent the space from feeling too dark.
- Size of the Kitchen – In smaller kitchens, black cabinets can make the space feel closed in, but this can be balanced with light-colored walls, open shelving, or reflective materials like glass and metallic accents.
- Cabinet Style – The style of your cabinetry influences how black paint will look. For example, black shaker cabinets offer a classic appeal, while sleek, flat-panel cabinets create a more modern aesthetic.
What Color Goes Best With Black Kitchen Cabinets?
Black cabinets pair beautifully with a wide range of colors, depending on the overall look you want to achieve:
- Whites & Neutrals – Crisp whites and soft neutrals, such as off-white, beige, or greige, create a high-contrast and timeless look.
- Gray Tones – A mix of black and gray cabinetry or incorporating gray countertops creates a monochromatic, sophisticated space.
- Warm Earth Tones – Terracotta, muted browns, and warm wood tones help soften the boldness of black and add a cozy touch.
- Bold Colors – Deep greens, navy blues, or even rich burgundy shades add character and depth when used on walls or kitchen islands.
- Metallics – Brass, gold, and copper accents add warmth and a luxurious feel, while stainless steel complements black for a sleek, modern aesthetic.
What Color Hardware To Use For Black Kitchen Cabinets?
Hardware plays a crucial role in defining the style of black kitchen cabinets. Here are some popular options:
- Gold or Brass – Adds warmth, elegance, and a touch of luxury.
- Matte Black – Creates a sleek, seamless, and modern monochromatic look.
- Chrome or Polished Nickel – Reflective finishes brighten up black cabinetry and work well in contemporary and transitional kitchens.
- Oil-Rubbed Bronze – A great choice for farmhouse or rustic-style kitchens, adding vintage charm.
- Copper – Provides a warm, earthy contrast, especially in kitchens with warm wood accents.
The choice of hardware finish should complement your overall kitchen aesthetic and coordinate with lighting fixtures and appliances.
What Flooring Goes With Black Kitchen Cabinets?
The right flooring can enhance the beauty of black cabinets and balance the overall space:
- Light Hardwood – Oak, maple, or whitewashed wood floors add warmth and contrast, preventing the kitchen from feeling too dark.
- Medium to Dark Hardwood – Walnut or espresso-stained hardwoods create a moody, high-end aesthetic but require ample lighting to avoid a heavy look.
- White or Light Gray Tiles – Classic subway tiles or large-format light tiles create a bright contrast against black cabinets.
- Patterned or Black-and-White Floors – Bold patterns like herringbone, checkered, or Moroccan tiles add visual interest and personality.
- Concrete or Industrial Finishes – Polished concrete or gray stone floors pair well with black cabinets in modern or industrial kitchens.
Choosing flooring depends on your desired contrast level and whether you want a bold or balanced look.
How To Decorate With Black Kitchen Cabinets?
Black cabinets are a statement piece, so the decor should enhance rather than overwhelm them. Here are some decorating ideas:
- Light & Airy Walls – Soft whites, beiges, or warm grays keep the space from feeling too dark.
- Glass & Open Shelving – Adding open shelving in natural wood or glass-front cabinets lightens the look and provides space for decorative dishes and plants.
- Bold Backsplashes – White subway tiles, marble, or even dramatic patterned tiles add contrast and interest.
- Statement Lighting – Large pendant lights, brass or gold sconces, and under-cabinet lighting brighten up the space.
- Mixed Materials – Incorporating wood, marble, or metal elements adds texture and prevents the kitchen from feeling one-dimensional.
- Plants & Greenery – Fresh greenery softens the boldness of black cabinets and adds a touch of life to the space.
Top 15 Black Kitchen Cabinet Colors
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 15 best black paint colors for kitchen cabinets, including their undertones, why they work well, and how to use them in different kitchen styles.
1. Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
If you want a bold, statement-making black, Tricorn Black is one of the most popular and highly recommended choices. It is a pure, true black without any obvious undertones, making it incredibly versatile. This means it won’t shift towards brown, blue, or gray under different lighting, keeping that deep, rich black appearance at all times. Tricorn Black is an excellent option for modern, minimalist, and industrial-style kitchens, where crisp contrast is key. Pair it with white marble countertops, brass hardware, and sleek finishes for a sophisticated and timeless look.
2. Benjamin Moore Black
This paint is literally called Black, and it’s a deep, intense shade that feels dramatic yet elegant. While similar to Tricorn Black, it has a very slight cool undertone, which helps balance warm elements in a kitchen. If your kitchen gets a lot of natural light, this color maintains its depth without turning too harsh. It looks amazing with polished nickel or brushed gold hardware and pairs beautifully with cool white backsplashes and gray-toned countertops.
3. Sherwin Williams Caviar
If Tricorn Black feels too stark, Caviar is the softer alternative. While still deep and dark, it has a slightly warm undertone, making it feel more inviting in a kitchen space. This works especially well in transitional kitchens, where you want the depth of black but with a touch of warmth to keep it from feeling too modern or cold. Caviar pairs beautifully with warm-toned flooring, natural wood accents, and creamy off-white walls.
4. Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
For those hesitant to go full-on black, Wrought Iron is a fantastic “almost black” that leans into deep charcoal territory. This color has a slight blue-gray undertone, which helps it feel a little softer and more livable than jet black. If your kitchen doesn’t get a ton of natural light, Wrought Iron can be a great alternative to pure black, as it won’t feel too heavy. It works especially well in farmhouse, modern, or Scandinavian kitchens where black cabinets need to blend seamlessly with the rest of the design.
5. Sherwin Williams Iron Ore
Iron Ore is a deep, moody charcoal-black that feels luxurious without the intensity of a true black. It has a warm undertone, making it perfect for creating a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere in a kitchen. If you’re going for a modern farmhouse or transitional look, Iron Ore is an excellent choice because it pairs well with rustic wood tones, creamy whites, and gold or bronze hardware.
6. Benjamin Moore Onyx
Onyx is a rich, deep black but with a very subtle warmth, making it highly adaptable in different lighting conditions. Some blacks can feel too harsh, but Onyx provides the depth and drama without looking too flat. This color is a fantastic choice if you want black cabinets that still feel inviting, especially in kitchens with warm wood flooring, brass fixtures, and traditional design elements.
7. Farrow & Ball Railings
Railings isn’t just black—it has a deep blue-black quality that gives it a unique, inky richness. This makes it an excellent choice for luxurious, high-end kitchens where you want black cabinets with a bit more personality. The blue undertone adds a soft sophistication, making it work beautifully in classic, European-inspired kitchens or even coastal and moody modern kitchens. Pair it with white marble countertops and polished chrome or brass hardware for a truly elegant feel.
8. Sherwin Williams Black Magic
As the name suggests, Black Magic is a striking, bold black that instantly makes an impact. What sets it apart is its rich depth with a touch of warmth, making it perfect for both modern and classic kitchens. If you want black cabinets that don’t feel too cold or stark, Black Magic is a fantastic choice. It works especially well with warm wood flooring, gold accents, and off-white walls.
9. Benjamin Moore Soot
Soot is a deep, charcoal-based black that has a hint of blue undertone. This makes it a great option for modern and industrial kitchens, where you want a slightly softened black that still holds its depth. If your kitchen features stainless steel appliances and cool-toned backsplashes, Soot will complement them beautifully without looking too harsh.
10. Sherwin Williams Greenblack
This is a deep, dark black with subtle green undertones, making it perfect for earthy, moody kitchens. If your kitchen features wood accents, stone countertops, or warm lighting, Greenblack will enhance those natural elements while adding drama. This color works particularly well in modern rustic kitchens where you want black cabinetry to feel more organic.
11. Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal
This color leans more charcoal than true black, making it a great choice for those who want a softer alternative. It’s ideal for farmhouse kitchens, traditional kitchens, and even beachy interiors where a deep, moody cabinet color is needed without overwhelming the space.
12. Sherwin Williams Black Fox
Black Fox is a warm, brown-based black that is perfect for cozy, inviting kitchens. If you want the drama of black without the coolness, this is an excellent choice. It pairs especially well with cream-colored walls, gold fixtures, and rich wood floors.
13. Benjamin Moore French Beret
French Beret is a deep gray-black with a hint of blue, making it a versatile shade for both contemporary and classic kitchens. It provides the depth of black but in a more muted, sophisticated way, making it a great choice for homeowners who aren’t quite ready to commit to a full black kitchen.
14. Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze
A unique mix of deep black and bronze, Urbane Bronze is perfect for kitchens that need an earthy, cozy feel. If you love black cabinetry but also want warmth, this color will add depth while still feeling inviting. Pair it with wood accents, cream walls, and black metal fixtures for a stunning combination.
15. Benjamin Moore Deep Space
Deep Space is a black with a gray-blue undertone, making it ideal for modern and industrial-style kitchens. It works exceptionally well with matte black hardware, concrete countertops, and sleek cabinetry. If you want black kitchen cabinets that feel contemporary and cutting-edge, Deep Space is a fantastic option.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right black paint for kitchen cabinets depends on your kitchen’s lighting, surrounding colors, and desired mood. Tricorn Black, Black, and Onyx are perfect if you want true, deep black. If you prefer softer charcoals, Iron Ore, Wrought Iron, and Kendall Charcoal are fantastic. Railings and Soot are great for those who love blue-black tones, while Urbane Bronze and Black Fox add warmth.
