Black and White Kitchen Cabinet Pairings For Contemporary Contrast [23 Photos]
by Holly Antoine
| Published 6/27/23 (Updated 6/29/23)
Pairing black and white kitchen cabinets together is a trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years. The combination of these two classic colors creates a sophisticated and modern look that can elevate any kitchen design. Black and white cabinets offer a timeless aesthetic that can be paired with a variety of different styles, from traditional to contemporary.
The contrast between the two colors creates a striking visual impact, with the black providing a bold and dramatic statement and the white offering a clean and crisp look. Additionally, black and white cabinets offer a versatile backdrop for other design elements, such as countertops, backsplashes, and hardware.
With the right balance of black and white elements, a kitchen with this color scheme can be both visually striking and highly functional. In this article, we will explore different ways to pair black and white kitchen cabinets together, including tips on balancing the two colors, incorporating accent colors, and choosing the right materials and finishes to achieve the desired look.
Whether you want to create a classic or contemporary kitchen, pairing black and white cabinets together can be a stylish and timeless choice that adds value and appeal to your home.
Photo Credit: Collective Studio – White diamond pendant lights illuminate an ivory marble countertop accenting a black kitchen island and finished with a sink with a matte black gooseneck faucet. Gorgeous backless woven gray stools sit at the island.
Photo Credit: Kate Marker Interiors – A white, pink, and red runner sits in front of black oak kitchen cabinets adorned with long brass pulls and marble countertop holding a sink beneath a matte black pull out faucet mounted in front of a window dressed in a white roman shade. A brass candle sconce fixed to white staggered wall tiles lights black plank upper cabinets.
Photo Credit: Bria Hammel – Backless stools sit at a black center island topped with a statuary marble countertop holding a sink with a matte black gooseneck faucet lit by two black gothic lanterns.
Photo Credit: Collective Studio – Black and white modern kitchen boasts light plank floors framing a white apothecary style island accented with a white wand gray marble countertop and matte black hardware. Behind the island, marble floating shelves are located on either side of a black cooking alcove boasting cookbook shelves flanking a white and gray marble slab backsplash.
Photo Credit: Kelsey Leigh Design – Glass front cabinets are stacked over white shaker cabinets contrasting black shaker base cabinets fitted with a microwave drawer located under a honed marble countertop. White and gold lanterns illuminate a black shaker island finished with a sink and a chrome gooseneck faucet.
Photo Credit: Lux Decor – Spacious kitchen features black nuevo chi stools at a black and white island with an induction cooktop under an island hood and white cabinets with long brass pulls.
Photo Credit: AKB Design – Stacked cookbook shelves are fitted to a black kitchen island topped with a marble countertop and matched with brown woven stools lit by white and black vintage lanterns hung from a beadboard ceiling.
Photo Credit: Jenn Feldman Designs – Welcoming black and white kitchen features a black island donning long thin brass pulls and a black and white marble countertop lit by vintage rippled glass pendants. Behind the island, a white range hood is fixed over a black and white marble floating shelf fixed over a black and white marble slab backsplash boasting a brass swing arm pot filler. Black cabinets finished with a black and white marble coutnertop flank a stainless steel dual range.
Photo Credit: Collective Studio – Modern black and ivory kitchen boasts a faded black runner placed between a black oak island topped with an ivory marble countertop lit by white diamond pendant lights and a stainless steel oven range. The stove sits between black cabinets donning an ivory marble countertop and beneath an ivory wood paneled range hood.
Photo Credit: Dana Wolter – Two Gabby Angela Counter Stools are placed at a white marble countertop accenting a black wooden center island lit by black lanterns hung on either side of an island sink with a polished nickel deck mount faucet. Windows are covered in gray striped roman shades and are positioned beside a white range hood mounted between white cabinets.
Photo Credit: Amy Storm – White and black kitchen features a brass geometric lantern hung over a black island topped with a marble countertop and framed by a dark stained wood floor. The island is contrasted with white perimeter cabinets, while white and black vintage sconces light black framed window positioned above a sink with a polished nickel gooseneck faucet.
Photo Credit: Lynn Morgan Design – Gorgeous white leather stools sit at a white quartz waterfall countertop accenting a white island lit by gray hanging shade lights. Black kitchen cabinets beautifully contrast the white island.
Photo Credit: Collective Studio – Black island stools with round gray cushions sit at a black center island complemented with a black leathered marble countertop holding a sink beneath black and white flush mount lights.
Photo Credit: Collective Studio – A black kitchen contrasts white perimeter cabinets and is topped with a black leathered marble countertop holding a sink with a polished nickel deck mount faucet beneath black and white flush mount lights.
Photo Credit: Amy Carman – Kitchen features black cabinetry adorned with brass pulls over a white quartz slab backsplash, and a white topped island with black drawers and brass pulls.
Photo Credit: Refined LLC – Ruffled linen pendants hang over a honed marble countertop accenting a white kitchen island matched with black and white French bistro stools.
Photo Credit: Bria Hammel Interiors – White kitchen is accented with a gorgeous black chippendale china cabinet finished with black trellis glass cabinet doors.
Photo Credit: Dana Wolter – Chic gold and black kitchen features floor-to-ceiling white cabinets donning brass hardware and fixed beside a row of windows covered in a black and white floral roman shade. A black island is contrasted with a white marble waterfall countertop lit by black and gold French lanterns.
Photo Credit: Kelsey Leigh Design – Gorgeous white and black kitchen is lit by white and gold lanterns hung over a black center island topped with a honed marble countertop completed with a sink and a chrome gooseneck faucet.
Photo Credit: Kimberely Harrison – Modern kitchen features black glass dome lanterns that illuminate a black center island with a matte black sink faucet, white kitchen cabinets and green cabinets with black shelves over white stick tiles.
Photo Credit: Dana Wolter – Gold and black French lanterns illuminate a black kitchen island contrasted with a white marble waterfall edge countertop finished with a sink and brass faucet kit. Gold and black stools sit at the island and complement this white, gold, and black kitchen. A white and black floral roman shade with black trim hangs from a row of windows located above and beside white cabinets and a white wood paneled refrigerator.
Photo Credit: AKB Design – White u-shaped kitchen is contrasted with a black island fitted with cookbook shelves and seating brown woven stools at a white and gray marble countertop lit by two black and white vintage lanterns hung from a beadboard ceiling.
Photo Credit: Beth Haley Design – Kitchen features black and white flat front cabinetry with stainless steel countertops.
Balance is Key
When combining black and white cabinetry, it’s important to maintain a balance between the two colors. Consider using white cabinets for upper cabinets and black for lower cabinets or vice versa to keep the space feeling balanced.
Photo Credit: Collective Studio – White diamond pendant lights illuminate an ivory marble countertop accenting a black kitchen island and finished with a sink with a matte black gooseneck faucet. Gorgeous backless woven gray stools sit at the island.
Photo Credit: Kate Marker Interiors – A white, pink, and red runner sits in front of black oak kitchen cabinets adorned with long brass pulls and marble countertop holding a sink beneath a matte black pull out faucet mounted in front of a window dressed in a white roman shade. A brass candle sconce fixed to white staggered wall tiles lights black plank upper cabinets.
Add Texture
To prevent the space from feeling flat, incorporate texture into the design. Consider using a textured backsplash or countertop to add interest and depth to the space.
Photo Credit: Bria Hammel – Backless stools sit at a black center island topped with a statuary marble countertop holding a sink with a matte black gooseneck faucet lit by two black gothic lanterns.
Photo Credit: Collective Studio – Black and white modern kitchen boasts light plank floors framing a white apothecary style island accented with a white wand gray marble countertop and matte black hardware. Behind the island, marble floating shelves are located on either side of a black cooking alcove boasting cookbook shelves flanking a white and gray marble slab backsplash.
Use Lighting to Your Advantage
Lighting can play a big role in a kitchen’s overall look and feel. Consider using under-cabinet lighting to highlight the different colors and create a cohesive look.
Photo Credit: Kelsey Leigh Design – Glass front cabinets are stacked over white shaker cabinets contrasting black shaker base cabinets fitted with a microwave drawer located under a honed marble countertop. White and gold lanterns illuminate a black shaker island finished with a sink and a chrome gooseneck faucet.
Consider the Hardware
The hardware you choose can make a big difference in the overall look of your kitchen. Consider using black hardware on white cabinets and white hardware on black cabinets to create a cohesive look.
Photo Credit: Lux Decor – Spacious kitchen features black nuevo chi stools at a black and white island with an induction cooktop under an island hood and white cabinets with long brass pulls.
Photo Credit: Lynn Morgan Design – Gorgeous white leather stools sit at a white quartz waterfall countertop accenting a white island lit by gray hanging shade lights. Black kitchen cabinets beautifully contrast the white island.
Play with Patterns
Don’t be afraid to incorporate patterns into your kitchen design. Consider using a black and white patterned tile for the backsplash or a black and white patterned rug to add interest.
Photo Credit: Amy Storm – White and black kitchen features a brass geometric lantern hung over a black island topped with a marble countertop and framed by a dark stained wood floor. The island is contrasted with white perimeter cabinets, while white and black vintage sconces light black framed window positioned above a sink with a polished nickel gooseneck faucet.
Photo Credit: Dana Wolter – Two Gabby Angela Counter Stools are placed at a white marble countertop accenting a black wooden center island lit by black lanterns hung on either side of an island sink with a polished nickel deck mount faucet. Windows are covered in gray striped roman shades and are positioned beside a white range hood mounted between white cabinets.
Photo Credit: Collective Studio – Modern black and ivory kitchen boasts a faded black runner placed between a black oak island topped with an ivory marble countertop lit by white diamond pendant lights and a stainless steel oven range. The stove sits between black cabinets donning an ivory marble countertop and beneath an ivory wood paneled range hood.
Photo Credit: Jenn Feldman Designs – Welcoming black and white kitchen features a black island donning long thin brass pulls and a black and white marble countertop lit by vintage rippled glass pendants. Behind the island, a white range hood is fixed over a black and white marble floating shelf fixed over a black and white marble slab backsplash boasting a brass swing arm pot filler. Black cabinets finished with a black and white marble coutnertop flank a stainless steel dual range.
Add Pops of Color
While black and white can make a bold statement on their own, adding pops of color can really bring the space to life. Consider using colorful accessories like a bright red kettle or colorful artwork to add interest.
Photo Credit: AKB Design – Stacked cookbook shelves are fitted to a black kitchen island topped with a marble countertop and matched with brown woven stools lit by white and black vintage lanterns hung from a beadboard ceiling.
Photo Credit: Collective Studio – Black island stools with round gray cushions sit at a black center island complemented with a black leathered marble countertop holding a sink beneath black and white flush mount lights.
Photo Credit: Collective Studio – A black kitchen contrasts white perimeter cabinets and is topped with a black leathered marble countertop holding a sink with a polished nickel deck mount faucet beneath black and white flush mount lights.
Photo Credit: Amy Carman – Kitchen features black cabinetry adorned with brass pulls over a white quartz slab backsplash, and a white topped island with black drawers and brass pulls.
Photo Credit: Refined LLC – Ruffled linen pendants hang over a honed marble countertop accenting a white kitchen island matched with black and white French bistro stools.
Photo Credit: Bria Hammel Interiors – White kitchen is accented with a gorgeous black chippendale china cabinet finished with black trellis glass cabinet doors.
Photo Credit: Dana Wolter – Chic gold and black kitchen features floor-to-ceiling white cabinets donning brass hardware and fixed beside a row of windows covered in a black and white floral roman shade. A black island is contrasted with a white marble waterfall countertop lit by black and gold French lanterns.
Photo Credit: Kelsey Leigh Design – Gorgeous white and black kitchen is lit by white and gold lanterns hung over a black center island topped with a honed marble countertop completed with a sink and a chrome gooseneck faucet.
Photo Credit: Kimberley Harrison – Modern kitchen features black glass dome lanterns that illuminate a black center island with a matte black sink faucet, white kitchen cabinets and green cabinets with black shelves over white stick tiles.
Photo Credit: Dana Wolter – Gold and black French lanterns illuminate a black kitchen island contrasted with a white marble waterfall edge countertop finished with a sink and brass faucet kit. Gold and black stools sit at the island and complement this white, gold, and black kitchen. A white and black floral roman shade with black trim hangs from a row of windows located above and beside white cabinets and a white wood paneled refrigerator.
Keep it Simple
When it comes to combining black and white cabinetry, sometimes less is more. Keep the design simple and streamlined to create a timeless look that will stand the test of time.
Photo Credit: AKB Design – White u-shaped kitchen is contrasted with a black island fitted with cookbook shelves and seating brown woven stools at a white and gray marble countertop lit by two black and white vintage lanterns hung from a beadboard ceiling.
Photo Credit: Beth Haley Design – Kitchen features black and white flat front cabinetry with stainless steel countertops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I combine black and white cabinetry in my kitchen?
You can combine black and white cabinetry in your kitchen by using black cabinets for the lower section and white cabinets for the upper section or vice versa. You could also use black and white cabinets on opposite walls.
What type of countertop works best with black and white cabinets?
A neutral-colored countertop such as granite or marble would work well with black and white cabinets. You could also choose a countertop with gray or beige tones to complement both colors.
Can I add wood cabinets to the mix of black and white cabinetry?
Yes, you can add wood cabinets to the mix of black and white cabinetry. Choose wood cabinets in a lighter stain to balance the dark tones of the black cabinets.
Should I use black or white hardware with black and white cabinets?
Either black or white hardware would work with black and white cabinets. You could also choose a metallic finish such as brushed nickel or chrome for a modern touch.
How do I make sure the black and white cabinets don’t clash?
To make sure the black and white cabinets don’t clash, choose a cohesive color scheme for the rest of the kitchen. Use accessories and accents in the same color family to tie everything together.
What type of flooring works best with black and white cabinetry?
Neutral-colored flooring such as wood or tile would work well with black and white cabinetry. You could also choose a neutral-toned floor to add visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Holly Antoine is a Home, Lifestyle and DIY content creator. After leaving behind an 11-year career in the dental field to pursue her passion for design and decor, she developed her own branded site, HollyGrace.ca, where she shares her love of home design, decor, DIYs and inspires others to get creative and build[...]
