Metallic kitchen cabinets offer a sleek, modern look that can really transform the aesthetic of your kitchen. However, working with metal cabinets requires careful consideration to maximize their benefits and minimize any potential downsides. Here are some tips on how to make the most of a kitchen with metal cabinets.
Choosing the Right Metal for Your Cabinets
The most common metals used for kitchen cabinets are stainless steel, aluminum, and steel. Each has its own advantages:
- Stainless steel is durable, easy to clean, and has a bright, mirror-like finish. It’s prone to fingerprints but resists rust. Stainless steel works well in contemporary, industrial, or retro-style kitchens.
- Aluminum is lightweight yet strong. It has a matte, silvery finish that hides fingerprints and is easy to clean. Aluminum works well for modern or minimalist kitchen designs.
- Steel cabinets have a similar look to stainless but cost less. The finish is prone to scratching and needs resealing over time. Steel pairs nicely with vintage, cottage, or farmhouse decor.
Consider which finish best suits your kitchen’s overall style and color scheme. Also factor in budget, since stainless steel tends to be the most expensive.
Pair With Contrasting Countertops
Metallic cabinets really pop when combined with countertops in deep, contrasting colors. Options like black granite, blue marble or quartz, rich wood, or black soapstone help ground the shiny cabinetry. Neutral counters like white quartz can work too, keeping the focus on the metallic shine.
Avoid pairing similarly toned metals together like stainless steel cabinets with a nickel countertop. Too much of the same metallic finish creates a sterile, cold look. The contrast of different textures and colors makes the cabinets stand out.
Use Warm Accents and Textures
Since metal cabinetry has an inherently cold, sleek appearance, use warm elements throughout the kitchen to soften and balance the look. Add accent colors like red, orange, or yellow through small appliances, dishware, or decor.
Incorporate natural wood accents on the countertops, backsplash, shelving, or floors. Use textured upholstery on bar stools and window valances. Add ceramic, glass, or stone accents that have an organic, earthy look. Using a mix of these textures prevents the room from feeling too hard and sterile.
Install Under Cabinet Lighting
Proper lighting is key for showing off the glossy, reflective nature of metal cabinets. Under cabinet lighting positioned right above the countertop provides task lighting and creates a dramatic effect. The light bounces off the metallic finish, amplifying the shine.
Dimmable LED strip lighting gives the most even glow across cabinet surfaces. Wire the lights to a dimmer switch to control the ambiance. Use daylight white bulbs to maintain the clean, crisp look of the cabinets.
Use Glass Cabinet Doors
While solid metal cabinet doors have a very sleek, uniform appearance, glass-fronted upper cabinets help break up all the metal. The transparency provides lighter visual contrast. For a really striking look, install color-tinted glass doors.
Glass-front cabinets also allow you to display collectibles, antique dishes, or decorative bottles. Just be sure to dust regularly so items remain visible behind the glass.
Consider a Mirrored Backsplash
A mirrored backsplash complements the reflective surface of stainless, aluminum or steel cabinets. The mirror creates the illusion of more space, expands the kitchen visually, and amplifies the metal’s shine.
Keep the rest of the kitchen relatively simple if using a mirrored backsplash. Limit competing textures, patterns, or bright accent colors. The reflective qualities will be most dramatic against a neutral palette.
Use Metal Throughout the Kitchen
Don’t limit metal finishes to just the cabinets – integrate it throughout the kitchen for a cohesive look. Here are some ideas:
- Stainless steel appliances
- Brushed metal hardware like cabinet pulls and knobs
- A stainless steel sink
- Metal barstools or kitchen cart
- Modern metal pendant lights
- Metallic tile backsplash
Matching the metal finishes (brushed nickel with stainless steel for example) ties everything together elegantly.
Considerations Before Installing
While attractive, metal kitchen cabinets do come with some specific considerations:
- They dent more easily than wood, so use care when installing and use in low-traffic areas.
- The sound of closing drawers and doors may be louder than wood ones. Look for cabinets with sound-dampening features.
- Metal shows fingerprints, grease, and water spots more easily. Be diligent about cleaning and drying.
- Over time, the shine may dull in places unless properly maintained.
With the right design choices to complement their modern, sleek look, metal cabinets can make a dramatic style statement in your kitchen. Use warms accents, lighting, and glass to soften the reflective metallic finish. The result is a kitchen that looks professionally designed.
FAQs About Kitchens with Metal Cabinets
What sort of countertops go well with metal kitchen cabinets?
Dark, contrasting countertops like granite, marble, or soapstone complement metal cabinets best. Neutral white quartz can also offset the shine nicely. Avoid pairing metals of similar tones.
How do you prevent metal cabinets from showing fingerprints?
Use cabinets with brushed rather than high-gloss finishes to minimize showing prints. Clean frequently with stainless steel cleaner and microfiber cloths. Glass cabinet doors also hide smudges. Position cabinets away from high-traffic areas.
Can you install wallpaper inside metal kitchen cabinets?
Yes, wallpaper or adhesive film can add color and patterns inside metal cabinets. Use high quality adhesive and install precisely into corners to ensure it adheres properly and lasts. Easily change the look later by swapping out wallpaper.
What backsplash tiles look good with stainless steel cabinets?
Mirror, metal and glass tiles beautifully reflect light and complement stainless cabinets. Subway tile and stone like marble also pair well without competing with the stainless finish. Avoidnoisy patterns that could distract from the sleek look.
How do you clean grease or water spots off metal kitchen cabinets?
Gently wipe any grease spots using a degreasing product formulated for stainless steel and a microfiber cloth. For water spots, wipe with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol or ammonia-based cleaner. Avoid abrasive pads or paper towels that could scratch.
Can you hang pictures or artwork on metal kitchen cabinets?
It is possible, but requires using special magnet hangers, locking toggle bolts or other hardware specifically designed for hanging heavier items on metal surfaces. Avoid adhesive hooks which may damage the cabinet finish when removed.
Conclusion
Metal kitchen cabinets provide a clean, contemporary look unlike wood cabinetry. Stainless steel, aluminum and steel finishes reflect light beautifully, but require some special considerations when it comes to installation and decor. Focus on contrasting countertops and accent colors to warm up the space. Glass cabinet doors, under cabinet lighting and a mirrored backsplash help maximize the shine. With careful planning and design, a kitchen with metal cabinets can look amazing while still being highly functional. The key is finding the right supporting elements to balance out the inherent coldness and sterility of metal on its own.