Introduction
Metal kitchen cabinets rose to prominence in the middle of the 20th century, reaching the height of popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. The sleek, retro aesthetic of metal cabinets aligned with mid-century modern design trends and their durability and affordability made them a fixture in many postwar homes.
While stainless steel was sometimes used, steel enameled with porcelain was the most common metal cabinetry material. Today, metal continues to be used for kitchen cabinets, though styles and materials have evolved over the years. Let’s look at the origins and evolution of metal kitchen cabinetry.
When Were Metal Kitchen Cabinets First Made?
The earliest metal kitchen cabinets emerged in the 1920s and 1930s as mass production made them more affordable. However, they did not gain widespread popularity until the 1950s and 1960s.
Several factors aligned to make metal kitchen cabinets a hit in the postwar era:
- Affordability – Metal cabinets were an inexpensive alternative to wood. As American families looked for budget-friendly kitchen upgrades, metal cabinets were attractive.
- Durability – Steel enameled with a porcelain coating was durable and easy to clean, ideal for busy kitchens. This made them popular with families and restaurants.
- Style – The slick, retro styling with curved edges and vibrant colors was perfect for the era’s midcentury modern aesthetic.
By the 1950s, metal kitchen cabinets were commonplace. Major manufacturers like Youngstown, Amerock, and Metal Trim offered affordable, mass produced metal cabinetry in a range of colors. Their popularity peaked in the 1950s and 1960s as American kitchens underwent major renovations and remodeling.
Decline and Resurgence
By the 1970s, metal kitchen cabinets fell out of favor as wood grains and warmer hues grew more popular. However, in recent years, a renewed interest in midcentury modern design has brought metal cabinets back into style.
Contemporary manufacturers like Rev-A-Shelf and Gardner Metalcraft offer metal cabinets alongside other materials like solid wood. Stainless steel has become a popular choice, as has metal styled like copper, bronze, or silver for an industrial feel.
While no longer as ubiquitous as in the postwar era, metal remains a kitchen cabinet option, modernized with fresh styling. Metal cabinetry is often used for accents, islands, or in tandem with wood cabinetry for eclectic, mixed-material kitchens.
Common Styles and Materials
Over the decades, the materials and aesthetics of metal kitchen cabinets have evolved:
- Porcelain enameled steel – The most common postwar material, steel coated in a baked-on porcelain enamel, often in retro pastel hues like pink, yellow, or turquoise.
- Stainless steel – Mostly commercial grade stainless steel. More expensive than enameled steel but offers a modern, industrial look.
- Aluminum – Affordable lightweight aluminum in silver or metallic finishes. Easier to mold than steel for curved faces.
- Copper/Bronze/Brass – Either solid metal or metal-effect laminates. Provides a glamorous look for high-end kitchens.
- Thermofoil – Metal-effect laminate thermally fused to composite wood. Provides metal aesthetic at lower cost.
- Custom colors/finishes – Some companies offer custom colors like glossy metallic hues. Unique finishes like hammered or pebbled metal are also available.
While once valued for affordability and durability, today’s metal cabinets place more emphasis on style. The material lends itself well to sleek contemporary, urban loft, or industrial kitchen designs.
Metal Kitchen Cabinets FAQ
Still have questions about metal kitchen cabinets? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Are metal cabinets cheaper than wood?
Metal used to be the budget-friendly option, but with more premium metals now used, that’s not always the case. Basic steel cabinets may be cheaper than solid wood, but stainless steel and copper can be more expensive.
How durable are metal cabinets compared to wood?
Porcelain enamel steel provides the most durability and scratch resistance. Stainless steel is also very durable. With proper care, metal cabinets generally hold up well to moisture and daily wear-and-tear.
Do metal cabinets make a kitchen look dated?
Not necessarily – while some associate metal cabinets with outdated retro styling, they can have a modern, industrial look with the right finish and design. Mixing metals with wood or painted cabinets creates an eclectic style.
Are metal cabinets hard to install?
Metal cabinet installation is similar to wood. But the heavier weight of materials like stainless steel makes professional installation ideal, as they have tools to adequately secure them to walls.
Are metal cabinets prone to condensation and moisture damage?
If prone to excessive moisture, ventilation and insulation can help. Most metal cabinets feature finishes that are rust and corrosion resistant. Stainless steel is one of the best options for kitchens with frequent humidity.
What’s the best way to clean metal cabinets?
Avoid harsh abrasives. Most metal finishes clean well with warm water, gentle detergent, and a soft cloth. Stubborn spots can be tackled with a mild cleaner formulated for the cabinet material.
Conclusion
While pioneered in the 1920s and 30s, metal kitchen cabinets became a fixture of postwar American kitchens during their 1950s and 1960s heyday. With mass production making sleek and durable steel enameled cabinets affordable, they flourished as families remodeled kitchens in the midcentury modern style.
Though wood cabinetry later regained popularity, metal never vanished from the kitchen scene. Today, metal finishes from cool stainless steel to warm copper provide high-end style. Metal cabinetry has evolved from retro charm to contemporary chic while still remaining a practical and durable option. With thoughtful selection of materials and finishes, metal cabinets can be at home in any modern kitchen.