Upgrading your kitchen can be an exciting project, but also a major investment. If your kitchen is still sporting those outdated, 90s-style metal cabinets, a full remodel may not be in the budget right now. The good news is, there are several easy and affordable ways to make metal kitchen cabinets look modern and stylish again!
Clean and Degrease the Cabinets
The first step to freshening up metal kitchen cabinets is to thoroughly clean and degrease them. Over time, grease and grime can build up on the surfaces, making everything look dingy and dated. Here’s how to get your cabinets squeaky clean:
Supplies Needed
- Dish soap or degreasing cleaner
- Warm water
- Clean cloths or sponges
- Toothbrush or other small scrub brush
Instructions
- Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a bucket or spray bottle. You can also use a specialized degreasing cleaner designed for kitchens.
- Dip your cloth or sponge in the soap mixture and wring out excess water.
- Start scrubbing the cabinet frames, doors and handles to remove any grease and grime buildup. Use the toothbrush or small scrub brush to get into crevices and corners.
- Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.
Thoroughly degreasing the surfaces will reveal the cabinets’ true color and sheen underneath years of greasy film. It’s an important first step before updating the look.
Sand and Repaint the Cabinets
If your metal cabinets are looking worn or scratched up, sanding and repainting them is a budget-friendly way to refresh their appearance.
Supplies Needed
- Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
- Tack cloth
- Painter’s tape
- Primer paint
- Cabinet paint in desired color
- Foam brushes and paint tray
- Protective clothes, gloves and mask
Instructions
- Remove cabinet doors and drawers to make them easier to paint. Remove all hardware as well.
- Lightly sand the surfaces with 120 grit sandpaper to scuff them up and remove any rust spots. Wipe clean with a tack cloth.
- Use painter’s tape to mask off areas you don’t want painted, like glass panels or countertops.
- Apply 1-2 coats of primer paint, letting dry fully between coats.
- Finish with 2-3 coats of cabinet paint in a modern color like white, light gray or navy.
- Reinstall doors, drawers and hardware once fully dry.
Painting worn metal cabinets can give them a fresh, updated look on a budget. Be sure to use high-quality primer and cabinet paint for a long-lasting finish.
Add New Modern Hardware
Replacing old hardware with new modern handles and knobs is an easy upgrade that can instantly give your metal kitchen cabinets a fresh look. Some affordable options include:
- Sleek bar pulls in matte black, brass or chrome
- Tubular handles in oil-rubbed bronze or nickel
- Flat or angular knobs in black, white or metal
- Hidden spring-loaded latches for a seamless look
Look for hardware finishes and styles that match your kitchen’s overall aesthetic – modern, traditional, industrial, etc. For extra visual interest, mix and match a few complementary finishes.
Install New Cabinet Lighting
Task lighting is key for making any kitchen look bright and modern. Consider adding:
- Under-cabinet LED strips or puck lights to illuminate countertops
- Low-voltage cabinet interior lighting to showcase organized contents
- Sleek pendant lights or track lighting above kitchen islands
LED lights use very little energy and last ages. For metal cabinets, stick with neutral white or soft warm light to create a clean, contemporary look.
Add Glass Doors or Panels
Installing new glass cabinet doors is a sleek update for old metal cabinets. Glass instantly creates an airier, lighter look. Options include:
- Frosted or etched glass for a soft, diffused effect
- Clear glass to showcase decorative dishware
- Smoked or tinted glass for drama and mystique
- Multi-pane doors with thin vertical or horizontal muntins
If your budget doesn’t allow full glass doors, just swapping out a few solid panels for tempered glass can make a statement. Mix with opaque doors to balance the look.
Replace Countertops
Nothing freshens up old metal cabinets like new countertops in a modern material. Popular options include:
- Quartz for its durability, seamless look and pattern options
- Marble or soapstone for natural veining and patina over time
- Laminate for budget-friendly durability and endless colors
- Stainless steel for a cool, industrial vibe
Deeply clean your existing countertops first to buy yourself some time to save up for an eventual replacement. Even inexpensive new laminate can make dated countertops look instantly refreshed.
Add Open Shelving
Open shelves are trending in kitchens for their airy, minimalist look. For metal cabinets, open shelving creates beautiful juxtaposition with the industrial cabinetry. Consider:
- Floating wall shelves above a sink or prep area
- Shelves mounted to the walls between uppers and lowers
- Extra-thick butcher block shelves for an organic touch
Style open shelves with a mix of decorative and functional kitchenware. Just be sure to dust them frequently!
Embrace the Metal Look
For a truly modern, industrial look, you can also highlight and enhance the existing metal finishes of your kitchen cabinets, rather than hiding them. Consider:
- Adding metal mosaic tile backsplashes
- Hanging copper pots and pans for decoration
- Incorporating metal and iron accents in your decor
- Painting the walls a bold color to contrast the metal
Leaning into the original metal material can create an edgy, eclectic look when done thoughtfully. The key is choosing complementary accents.
When to Call a Professional
While minor updates like new hardware and lighting can refresh metal cabinets’ look on a budget, some upgrades are best left to the pros:
- Spray painting requires proper prep and specialized equipment to get an even, durable finish.
- Glass cabinet inserts should be professionally measured and installed for safety.
- New countertops will look seamless when precisely measured, cut and installed.
Don’t be afraid to call in a contractor for upgrades that are beyond your DIY comfort level. The investment will pay off in their quality craftsmanship.
Conclusion
With some creativity and elbow grease, it’s possible to transform outdated metal kitchen cabinets into a modern showpiece without undergoing a full remodel. Strategic updates like new hardware, paint, lighting and accents can refresh the look instantly. For major changes like new doors, shelving or countertops, don’t be afraid to call in a professional for the best results. With the right combination of DIY projects and contracted upgrades, you can give your metal cabinets an affordable, modern makeover.