Retro metal kitchen cabinets are making a big comeback in home decor, offering a fun vintage vibe with a modern twist. From sleek stainless steel to colorful enameled metal, there are many stylish options to choose from when shopping for retro metal kitchen cabinets. Here is an in-depth look at where you can find and buy retro metal kitchen cabinets for your home.

Online Retailers Specializing in Retro Decor

One of the best places to find a wide selection of retro metal kitchen cabinets is online retailers that specialize in midcentury modern, vintage, and retro home decor. These sites curate products from various eras and styles to offer unique cabinet options you may not find at big box stores.

Some popular online stores to browse for retro metal kitchen cabinets include:

• Atomic Retro: With both vintage and reproduction retro cabinets, including metal options in chrome, turquoise, red, yellow, and more.
• Retro Renovation: A large selection of retro metal kitchen cabinets from various eras, styles, and colors.
• Vintagemodern: Stylish retro metal cabinets in a range of colors and customizable sizing.
• Midcentury Mobler: Unique Danish and other European retro metal kitchen cabinets.

The advantage of these specialty online stores is the wide range of retro cabinet styles and colors in one place. Be sure to check shipping costs and times when ordering online.

Vintage and Antiques Stores

Searching your local vintage, antique, and secondhand furniture stores can uncover great finds for retro metal kitchen cabinets. While selection is more limited than online, you can often inspect cabinets in person before purchasing.

The thrill of finding an authentic retro metal cabinet from the 50s, 60s, or 70s can make antique store shopping worthwhile. Prices vary greatly depending on condition, history, and style. Be prepared to clean or refinish well-loved vintage cabinets.

Some things to look for when vintage shopping for retro metal cabinets:

• Midcentury styles like atomic, diner, or boomerang.
• Popular retro colors like turquoise, bright yellow, orange, mint green.
• Materials like stainless steel, enamel-coated steel, and aluminum.
• Kitschy details like curved doors, decorative vents, or patterned finishes.

Major Retailers

Major home improvement stores like Home Depot, Lowes, and IKEA are expanding their selections of retro and vintage-style products in recent years. This includes offering some retro metal kitchen cabinet options on a budget.

While selection is limited compared to specialty retailers, major retailers carry convenient in-stock and affordable new cabinets with retro styling. Look for key descriptors like “midcentury,” “industrial,” “vintage,” or specific decades when searching major retailer sites and stores.

Be aware that quality can vary greatly, from thin metal finishes to sturdy steel. Carefully inspect materials, hardware, and finishes in person before purchasing budget-friendly cabinets.

Custom Cabinet Makers

For a truly bespoke set of retro metal kitchen cabinets, consider having them custom built by a cabinet maker. They can recreate specific retro styles in any preferred color and finish. Custom building allows choosing durable steel or aluminum materials and high-quality hardware.

Provide examples of your ideal retro metal cabinet designs to a cabinet maker. Expect to pay more for custom work, with the benefit of getting exactly the cabinets you want. This is ideal if you can’t find the perfect retro metal cabinets from other sources.

Painting Existing Cabinets

An affordable option is repainting your existing kitchen cabinets in fresh retro metal-inspired colors. Durable cabinet enamel spray paint allows you to easily transform the look of old laminate or wood cabinets.

Some popular retro metal cabinet colors to consider:

• Stainless steel look with brushed metal spray paint
• Turquoise, mint, or pale yellow with spray enamels
• Glossy reds and bright oranges for a retro diner aesthetic

Upgrade old cabinets with new retro-style hardware like tapered legs or eye-catching knobs. Add other accessories like wallpaper or matching retro appliances to complete the vintage look.

Key Considerations When Buying Retro Metal Cabinets

• Carefully measure your existing kitchen space and cabinet openings before purchasing any cabinets.
• Inspect the quality and durability of materials, hinges, drawers, and hardware. Cheap hardware can make doors sag over time.
• Hire professional installers experienced with metal cabinets, as they require very precise installation.
• Expect to pay more for authentic vintage or custom-built retro metal cabinets compared to budget retailer options.
• Make sure to buy all coordinating cabinets for a cohesive look at one time, as metal styles can vary across seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Retro Metal Kitchen Cabinets

What are the most popular retro metal cabinet styles and colors?

Some of the most popular retro metal cabinet styles include midcentury modern, diner, industrial, and art deco styling. Trendy retro cabinet colors include turquoise, bright yellow, orange, red, mint green, black, white, chrome, and brushed aluminum.

Where can I view retro metal cabinet options in person?

Some of the best places to view a wide range of retro metal cabinet options in person are vintage furniture stores, antique malls, home decor boutiques, and some specialty kitchen design showrooms.

What should I look for when inspecting used vintage metal cabinets?

Check vintage metal cabinets carefully for rust, dents, peeling finishes, and cabinet stability when opening doors and drawers. Examine the quality of hardware and condition of any glass cabinet inserts. Ensure all cabinet parts are intact.

Is it cheaper to refinish existing cabinets or buy new retro cabinets?

It is typically much cheaper to refinish your existing kitchen cabinets with metal-style spray paint than to purchase all new retro metal replacement cabinets. But results may not be as durable or authentic looking as new metal cabinets.

How much do custom built retro metal cabinets usually cost?

Custom built retro metal kitchen cabinets typically range from $150 – $500 per square foot. More complex designs, premium materials, and extensive customization increase costs. Expect to invest $10,000 or more for a full custom retro metal cabinet kitchen.

What maintenance is required for retro metal cabinets?

Metal cabinets require diligent cleaning of grease, water spots, and fingerprints to maintain their shine. Use specialty metal cleaners and polishes. Avoid harsh abrasives. Touch up any scratches or pinholes in the metal finish to prevent rust/oxidation.

Are retro metal cabinets hard to install?

Metal cabinets require very precise installation and perfectly level walls for a quality finish. The rigid materials magnify any imperfections. Make sure to hire experienced kitchen installers familiar with working with metal cabinets.

Are metal cabinets loud or noisy when opened or closed?

Lower quality metal cabinets can be quite noisy with flimsy, cheap hardware and thin metal. Look for solid steel construction with soft-close hardware to minimize metal cabinet noise. Sound dampening pads can also help reduce vibration noise.

What style of countertops pair best with retro metal cabinets?

Retro laminate, stainless steel, Carrara marble, butcher block, and colorful solid surface countertops like lime green pair well with fun retro metal cabinets. Avoid heavy stone that could overpower the metal.

Conclusion

Retro metal kitchen cabinets offer eye-catching vintage style for contemporary kitchens. From bright colors to sleek stainless finishes, metal cabinet options provide durability and timeless appeal. Take care to inspect quality when buying vintage, weigh custom costs versus budget finds, and hire experienced installers to get your dream retro metal cabinet kitchen. With the right cabinets and styling, you can craft a smile-inducing blast from the past kitchen.