Gloss vs Matt Cabinets

Matt cabinets

A key feature you’ll often hear when people describe matt finish cabinets is that they don’t reflect light. 

While certain matt lacquers might offer a higher level of sheen, generally speaking, the reflective quality of matt cabinets is low. Because of this, some feel that matt finishes can appear dull, particularly in low-light spaces. 

However, a less reflective surface can be an advantage in certain settings. For example, matt cabinets can be a more natural-looking choice for long cabinet runs, where an extended, highly reflective gloss finish might be overwhelming to the eye.

Equally, the low sheen of matt cabinets also means they’re less likely to show up imperfections caused by scratches and greasy fingerprints, making them a helpful choice for family homes.

Finally, matt finishes are incredibly versatile. While gloss finishes are often associated with the smooth, detail-free cabinets common within city apartments and contemporary suburban houses, matt finishes complement cabinetry with a greater level of texture and carpentry, the key to many different styles of kitchen.

Gloss cabinets

If you want an upscale aesthetic, the super-smart and squeaky-clean look of gloss cabinets is for you. Their high shine isn’t just a spectacle of light. A gloss finish can also make colours appear richer, deeper or more vibrant, too.

Naturally, the highly reflective quality of gloss finishes makes them a great choice for smaller kitchen spaces, by opening them up and making them appear brighter. The same is true for kitchens situated below ground level, where there may be less natural light. 

In kitchens with ample natural light, gloss cabinets offer up a wonderful bonus feature. Their ability to mirror natural light throughout the day allows them to reflect back and fill your kitchen with different hues of sunlight.

The popularity of gloss cabinets is an important consideration for those thinking about the resale potential of their home, too. With their clean, timeless aesthetic and mass appeal, gloss cabinets are usually a sound investment for a sale further down the line.

Consider the style of your entire home

Taking cues from the overall style of your home and kitchen can help greatly in deciding which finish would work best for your cabinets.

For example, sleek, high-spec kitchens could get a boost from high gloss cabinets. If this is your style, you might consider completely smooth, handleless cabinet doors in a glossy finish, which are a popular choice for modern fit-outs.

However, if you like natural, neutral colours and earthy, textured styles, you may not want something as polished as a gloss finish to disrupt this theme in your home.

Equally, if your kitchen style has more of a rustic, cottage, or scullery feel to it, a matt finish may be more in keeping with the look.

Try to define the overall style of your space and whether your cabinet finish would blend in with this look.

Check how cabinets look against other surfaces

Generally speaking, when matching your cabinet to a worktop, you’ll want to try and complement its finish.

Marble countertops, for example, have a sheen of their own and a complex natural beauty that you don’t want to overpower with a high-gloss finish on cabinets beneath. Instead, a deep matt finish might provide a better, more understated backdrop to show off marble features.

Plain stone or wooden worktops, however, might benefit from glossier cabinets. These natural worktops - as well as feature walls such as exposed brickwork - absorb light, while glossy cabinets draw the eye by offering a reflective quality next to this matt surface.

Pairing your cabinets with flooring is less of a problem, as long as the colours aren’t a close match. Both matt and gloss finishes look great with wood and tiled flooring. Any cabinet choice you make here just needs to complement rather than compete for attention.