Is glossy or matte better for kitchen cabinets?

Author: Dr. Carmela Breitenberg I  |  Last update: Monday, June 30, 2025

The larger the space, the more likely it is that a glossy finish will help reflect light and provide an overall brighter feel to the room. On the other hand, if your kitchen is on the smaller side, then matte paint can be a great choice to add some texture and depth to your cabinets.

Which sheen is best for kitchen cabinets?

Recommendation: For most kitchens, a semi-gloss finish is the best choice. It strikes the perfect balance between durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal. Satin finishes are also a good choice if you prefer less shine, while gloss finishes are great for a more modern, high-impact look.

Which finish is best for kitchen cabinets?

Semi-gloss is the best choice when painting kitchen cabinets. Because it has some sheen, semi-gloss paint will help reflect light and be more durable in the long run, which is important in a kitchen environment. Semi-gloss paint is often described as washable and has an increased resiliency to being scrubbed clean.

Which kitchen is best, matte or glossy?

Kitchens with more woodwork look better with matte finishes cabinets and drawers. One benefit of matte kitchens is that they are more resistant to scratches from heavy cooking, unlike gloss kitchens which have acrylic finishes that can be easily damaged.

Are kitchen cabinets supposed to be shiny?

To sum up, a gloss finish will give your kitchen an expensive, sophisticated, and modern look. A matte finish is more subtle, soft, and cozy, and works well if your kitchen has a more traditional look. So, consider the style of your kitchen when deciding between gloss and matte cabinetry.

Best Finish for Kitchen Cabinets Compared by Kitchen Infinity

Should kitchen cabinets be gloss or matte?

Gloss finishes can make a smaller space appear larger, while matt finishes are ideal for larger, well-lit kitchens. Maintenance: Are fingerprints and smudges an issue for you? Gloss finishes might require more frequent cleaning, while matt finishes are better at hiding wear and tear.

Are glossy cabinets out of style?

In 2025, high-gloss cabinets are setting the stage for sleek, modern kitchens. With their reflective surfaces and contemporary appeal, glossy finishes are a game-changer for homeowners seeking a modern vibe. Discover how Home Decorators Collection Cabinetry can help you achieve this cutting-edge look below.

What looks more professional matte or glossy?

Glossy prints are great for vibrant, detailed images, while matte prints offer a glare-free, natural look, ideal for formal settings and framing.

What are the disadvantages of Matt kitchen?

Matt kitchens: Cons

Because matt kitchens absorb light, they aren't always the best option for small or dark kitchens. For particularly small spaces, a high gloss finish is a good alternative, as the light reflection from these surfaces will bounce light around the room, brightening the space up.

Are matte kitchen cabinets in style?

Matte cabinet and quartz countertop finishes align with current design trends like contemporary, industrial, and minimalism. The muted, understated finish comes across as fresh and modern. Matte finishes feel updated and sleek compared to traditional glossy surfaces.

What finish do professional cabinet makers use?

In addition, cabinet painters choose paints with the optimal shine. High-gloss and semi-gloss paints work best on cabinets because they have a stronger finish when compared to other sheens. They are also easier to clean and maintain than a matte finish.

Should kitchen cabinets be gloss or satin?

While satin finishes tend to be fairly durable in high traffic areas, they're not as durable and versatile as semi-gloss against mildew and mold. Kitchen cabinets in high moisture environments can, therefore, do better with semi-gloss paints.

What is the longest lasting cabinet finish?

Melamine finishes are some of the most durable and versatile cabinet finishes out there! Cabinets with a melamine finish are made by heat-sealing thermally fused melamine resin (TFM) to a hard wood substrate such as pressed wood, medium-density fiberboard, or plywood.

What finish is best for interior kitchen cabinets?

Glossy paints — including semi-gloss, high-gloss, and satin — are typically better options for kitchen cabinets. Semi-gloss: As one of the most popular paint finishes for kitchen cabinets, semi-gloss has a medium shine that reflects light well, making the cabinets look brighter and more polished.

Is Matt or soft sheen better for kitchen?

Soft sheen paint is a perfect choice for high traffic areas such as hallways and kitchens.

What paint roller gives the smoothest finish on cabinets?

For those looking for paint rollers for a smooth finish, high-density foam rollers should be your first stop. While high-density foam rollers are great, they are not the only option. Lint-free short nap rollers are another excellent choice for achieving a smooth finish.

Should kitchen cupboards be gloss or matt?

In general, gloss kitchens can work well for smaller spaces since they reflect the light and add the illusion of extra space. However, if your space gets a lot of natural light, you might prefer a matt finish which will retain the solidity and depth of the same colour whatever the light (unlike gloss kitchens).

What kitchen cabinet never goes out of style?

Shaker-Style Cabinets

Known for their simple design and recessed-panel doors, Shaker cabinets have been in style for more than 100 years. Shaker cabinets are popular in farmhouse kitchens, but they also work with a variety of home decor styles.

What are the cons of matte finish?

Cons of Matte:
  • Harder to wash and less durable against scuffs.
  • Less moisture-resistant so avoid using it in the kitchen or bathroom.
  • Soaks up the light so it can make small rooms look smaller.

Why is matte better than glossy?

Glare: Matte photographs lessen glare and reflections, making prints more easily viewed from various perspectives. Glossy pictures, on the other hand, reflect light and are more prone to glare and reflections, making it challenging to see the picture well.

Which color is best matte or glossy?

Matte finishes are preferable in spaces with abundant natural light, minimising glare and reflections. For public settings, glossy finishes shine by enhancing colour richness and vibrancy. Glossy finishes are best on smooth, shiny paper. Textured paper used for matte finishes absorbs light and diminishes glare.

Do you need matte or glossy?

Glossy finishes amplify the vibrancy and sharpness of images, whereas matte finishes offer a subdued, more understated representation, making them suitable for portraying natural scenes and portraits.

What is a timeless look for kitchen cabinets?

Two-tone and contrasting cabinets are a timeless way to add visual interest to any kitchen. You can install wall cabinets in one color and an island in a contrasting hue or choose one color for the lower cabinets and another for the upper cabinets.

Are white kitchens out in 2024?

White kitchens remain an indispensable choice for renovations in 2024, combining versatility and timeless elegance. Our kitchen designers know how to maximize the potential of white kitchens to create spaces that suit all tastes, from classic to modern, trendy, and contemporary.

What gloss should cabinets be?

There are many types of paint to choose from, but the best paint for kitchen cabinets is semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Matte is not practical in kitchens and baths where you will need durable paint you can easily clean. No matter the types of paint you choose, prepping is an important step in the process.

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