Black stainless steel appliances have become an increasingly popular kitchen design trend in recent years. With their modern, reflective finish and resistance to smudges and fingerprints, it’s easy to see the appeal. But successfully incorporating black stainless steel into your kitchen requires a bit of forethought and coordination.
You’ll learn clever tips for pulling off this chic look in your own kitchen redo or upgrade.
Deciding If Black Stainless Is Right for You
Before committing to black stainless steel appliances, consider your kitchen’s overall design aesthetic. Black stainless has a distinctly modern, almost industrial look. It works best in contemporary spaces.
More traditional kitchens with ornate detailing and wood finishes may clash with the sleek, streamlined appearance of black stainless appliances. However, some traditional kitchens can pull off this edgy look well.
If you currently have all matching stainless steel appliances, switching one or two out for black can give your kitchen an updated look. Going for a uniform black stainless suite will make a bolder impact.
To Mix or Not to Mix?
Decide whether you want all uniform black stainless steel or are open to mixing metals and finishes. There’s no right or wrong approach–go with what reflects your personal taste.
Mixing stainless steel and black stainless appliances can add nice contrast. But choose finishes intentionally, not haphazardly. We’ll cover tips for mixed metals shortly.
Pairing with Your Cabinets
Make sure your cabinetry pairs nicely with black stainless appliances before taking the plunge. Black stainless steel can look sleek and modern against many cabinet colors and materials.
White, gray, navy, or even brightly colored cabinets make a bold statement when coupled with black stainless appliances. For a more neutral but elegant look, opt for wood cabinets in a warm brown or espresso tone.
Ease of Maintenance
Cleaning is another consideration with black stainless steel. The dark finish hides fingerprints and water spots better than brushed stainless. But oil, grease, and residue will show up, so occasional polishing is a must.
Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the finish. Regular cleaning with a stainless steel cleaner or mild soap and water is best for upkeep.
Mixing and Matching Appliance Finishes
Mixing metal finishes has become popular in contemporary kitchens. Here are some tips for pulling it off beautifully:
- Contrast finishes but stay within the same color family. For example, pair black stainless appliances with brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze fixtures.
- Use black stainless for the larger appliances like the refrigerator, range, and dishwasher. Choose complementary metals for smaller countertop appliances like the microwave, toaster, and coffeemaker.
- Anchor the room with one dominant finish. Black stainless appliances make a bold anchor against light cabinetry. You can then incorporate small accents of brushed bronze or chrome.
- Repeat finishes in multiple zones. Try black stainless appliances, black kitchen island, and black fixtures for a sharp, coordinated look.
When mixing metals, vary textures and sheens to add visual interest. Just be sure to maintain balance so the overall look doesn’t skew chaotic or jarring.
Coordinating Black Stainless Appliances with Your Cabinetry
Your cabinetry should complement, not compete with, your sleek black stainless appliances. Here are go-to cabinet colors for pairing:
Black Cabinets
An obvious choice that creates a bold, dramatic look. Use gloss black cabinets for maximum contemporary appeal. Opt for black wood finishes like ebony or wenge if you want a warmer, more natural vibe.
White Cabinets
White cabinetry pops against black stainless appliances for a striking, high-contrast look. White painted cabinets have an airy, beachy feel, while white lacquer cabinets are sleek and modern.
Gray Cabinets
For a more neutral but still stylish combo, consider medium to charcoal gray cabinets. Gray works nicely with black stainless for a contemporary pairing. Opt for matte finishes instead of shiny lacquer.
Wood Cabinets
Rich wood cabinetry can achieve balance with black stainless appliances. Opt for darker but warm-toned woods like walnut, mahogany, or espresso. Avoid very light or very orange-hued wood stains.
Also consider matching wood grain finishes on your appliances for a coordinated look. Black stainless appliances with a wood grain aesthetic can mimic wood cabinetry nicely.
Caring for Your Black Stainless Steel Appliances
While durable, black stainless steel shows smudges, fingerprints, and scratches more readily than stainless. Follow these care tips to maintain your appliances’ like-new look:
- Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean gently. Avoid abrasive scrubbing.
- Clean spills and stains quickly to prevent buildup.
- Apply stainless steel cleaner or polish monthly to protect the finish.
- Use painter’s tape when remodeling to prevent scratches.
- Rub delicate scratches with a black stainless steel polish to minimize their appearance.
With regular gentle cleaning and occasional polishing, your black stainless steel appliances can maintain their sleek, modern look for years.
Additional Benefits of Black Stainless Steel Appliances
Beyond stylish good looks, black stainless steel appliances offer other useful benefits:
Energy Efficient
Many black stainless appliances meet ENERGY STAR(r) requirements, using at least 15% less energy than standard models. This saves natural resources and money on utility bills.
Durable
The black stainless finish resists corrosion, scratches, and fingerprints better than brushed stainless. This enhances longevity despite heavy usage.
Versatile Placement
Black stainless appliances blend seamlessly into kitchens with different cabinet materials, colors, and layouts. Their versatile look allows flexible placement.
Modern Aesthetic
Black stainless steel provides a cutting-edge, contemporary look. Yet it offers a neutral backdrop that works with many styles from industrial to traditional.
Black stainless steel appliances can transform your kitchen’s aesthetic with their modern, sophisticated look. By thoughtfully coordinating finishes and cabinetry, you can masterfully mix black stainless into your kitchen design.
Aim for balance, not necessarily uniformity. The striking contrast of black stainless appliances against light cabinets makes a bold statement. Or opt to anchor them with rich wood cabinets for an elegant vibe.
Either way, black stainless steel offers durability, easy maintenance, and on-trend style. With the right complementary finishes, you can unlock the full potential of this sleek, contemporary look.
