What Color Countertops Go With Dark Cabinets? (Find Out Now!)
If you have dark cabinetry in your kitchen, you should be cautious while selecting countertops. Because kitchen cabinets occupy 75% of the visual space in a room, they will be the dominating color for the majority of the time. As a result, you must choose your countertop color wisely.
The color you choose for your countertops depends on your taste. For dark cabinets, it’s best to go with a lighter-colored countertop so it doesn’t bog down the space. However, if you’re going for a cozier, more closed-in look, then dark countertops are great too. It all depends on your goals.
In this article, we will talk about the best color of countertops to go with your dark cabinets. That way, you can narrow down the colors you want to look at and it will make the process significantly less overwhelming.
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Do You Want To Make A Statement?
In general, your countertops should complement or contrast with your dark kitchen cabinets, contributing to the overall sense of the interior kitchen design. Dark cabinets can be paired with light, neutral, or dark countertops, depending on your kitchen design. There are no limitations!
So, what color countertop should you choose to complement those dark kitchen cabinets? Here, we’ll look at a variety of styles and color palettes for you to attempt!
What Color Goes Best With Dark Cabinets?
If your kitchen cabinets are dark wood, you’ll want to choose countertop colors that either complement or contrast with them.
Dark cabinetry with a white quartz countertop, for example, might appear very modern and high-contrast, whereas dark cabinetry with a darker granite countertop, depending on the color scheme and kitchen design, can feel traditional and even gothic.
Light Countertop Colors
For a modern or transitional kitchen look, black cabinetry is frequently coupled with white, cream, or light gray counters. In most cases, lighter colors complement dark cabinets perfectly.
When light counters, such as Classic White Quartzite, are coupled with dark cabinets, the dark and light dimensions of the black and white pieces truly give you that modern kitchen aesthetic.
Look for light countertops with details (veins, flecks, patterns) that complement the dark cabinets if you want to tie the cabinets and the counters together. Dark cherry cabinets, for example, with a white countertop with cherry-colored brown veining.
Countertop Colors For Your Dark Cabinets
Dark cabinetry may be matched with a neutral kitchen countertop type if the kitchen space is more conventional or if the goal is to create a pleasant, homey atmosphere. The following neutral and mid-range countertop colors are available in a variety of shades:
- Tan brown granite
- Medium gray
- Giallo ornamental granite
- Beige natural stone
- Neutral-based gold counters
- Various color fleck patterns
Pairing dark espresso-colored cabinets with gold countertops with a neutral-toned base hue is one of the most creative ways to mix dark cabinetry with neutral counters. Complete the design with black and gold accent colors around the space for a dream kitchen right out of a Versace brochure.
Medium browns and grays of natural stone like granite or marble, as well as quartz countertops designed with specks of various neutral earthy colors, look wonderful if you want something a little more modest. It’s really simple to find counters in these middle colors, so have fun!
Dark Countertop Colors
Dark countertops may not seem like the logical choice when you already have dark cabinetry. Dark wood with dark granite worktops, for example, might seem sumptuous and expensive, so don’t rule it out.
Here are some darker hues to think about:
- Natural stone in a dark hue
- Cool gray tones that can be used in a variety of ways
- Quartz, black with white specks
- Light veining in black marble
Dark cabinets and dark countertops can give off a gothic sense, which may or may not be the vibe you’re trying for, but this isn’t the case for most people. To counterbalance this, use lighter colors and textures in other areas of the kitchen, such as white walls, a light backsplash, a light ceiling, or wood flooring.
You may create a very unique contemporary kitchen by combining an all-dark scheme with the correct splashes of color and lighter colored flooring or wall elements. White cabinets are a thing of the past!
Which Countertops Complement Dark Cabinets Best?
Okay, so we’ve discussed the color scheme, but which countertop style/material complements dark kitchen cabinetry the best?
Countertops Made Of Granite
Granite countertops complement many different hues of dark wood cabinetry, particularly cherry and maple cabinets.
Granite colors that are frequently used in dark cabinet kitchen designs include:
- Oscuro Mist Satin Granite
- Ambrosia White Granite
- Tan Brown Granite
- Giallo Ornamental Granite
Granite contains inherent variances in colors, veins, and flakes because it is a naturally occurring stone. Various colors of black, grey, brown, cream, white, and gold can serve to accent cherry and maple cabinets beautifully, making for some intriguing kitchens.
Granite is also one of the most durable countertop materials, with a heat resistance of up to 1,200°F, making it ideal for use with hot pots!
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is an engineered stone, which means that stone fabricators create it artificially. Because quartz is made up of 93% minerals and 7% pigments and polymers, changing these elements allows you to create the exact countertop to match your dark-colored cabinetry.
If you can afford custom quartz counters, for example, you could request cherry wood flecks to match the cherry of your wood cabinets or flooring. This is a simple method to connect the overall color palette.
Marble Countertops
Marble is another natural mineral that occurs in a variety of colors, with white, light grey, and black being the most common. As a result, marble kitchen counters are frequently matched with black or dark gray painted cabinetry, evoking a sense of sleek, contemporary style.
Marble is also a highly opulent-looking and expensive surface material, albeit it is more susceptible to damage than harder surfaces such as granite. Take care!
Are Dark Kitchen Cabinets Out Of Style?
Dark brown espresso-colored cabinets, along with contrasting bright granite worktops and stainless steel appliances that reflect light into the space, are really in trend for the 2020s, with many designers foregoing the standard white kitchen in favor of dark brown espresso-colored cabinets.
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How Can I Brighten My Kitchen With Dark Cabinets?
Dark cabinets take up 75% of the visible area in your kitchen, so if you’re going for an all-dark look elsewhere, you’ll need to brighten it up in other ways.
Choose A Light-Colored Countertop
If you need to lighten up your room, choosing a light countertop color is the simplest solution. To brighten up your kitchen, go with light cream, gray, or pure white.
Install Illumination Beneath The Cabinets
LED under-cabinet lighting is inexpensive and simple to install, providing additional light sources in a dark environment. It also aids in visibility when slicing veggies, which is beneficial.
Use Counters That Are Gleaming And Reflective
Make sure the stone is bright and reflecting rather than dull and matte, regardless of the countertop color. This will make the room appear larger and brighter.
Install Huge Windows To Let In As Much Light As Possible
Install huge windows that let in as much light as possible if you have wall space. If your home’s design allows it, try adding a skylight.
Try A Light Backsplash
A light backsplash might help to break up the dark cabinetry in your kitchen without overpowering the overall design.
Get Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel equipment, such as refrigerators, microwaves, and ovens, can reflect light brilliantly throughout the space. They’re also quite long-lasting and sanitary, which is a benefit!
Use Mirrors To Make The Room Appear Larger
Hang a mirror in your kitchen if you’re not sure. Mirrors are the oldest way for making a room appear brighter.
Use Brighter Lamps
Make sure your lightbulbs are 80-100 watts or more if your kitchen is a touch dark. Any light source that is less than 80 watts is too dim.
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Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.
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