Do you want to pick the right finish for your cabinets? Modern shaker cabinets are the ultimate solution for the same. It is adaptable, trendy, and stylish, and your one-stop to pick it up if you plan to upgrade or renovate your kitchen. They go nicely with the clean lines and simple designs of modern and transitional rooms. However, the most significant factor in achieving a perfect look is the right finish.
In addition to affecting the cabinets appearance, coatings also affect their longevity and maintenance. From classic options such as antique white RTA cabinets to bold colors and natural wood finishes, this guide will help you pick the right finish for your modern shaker cabinets.
Why Does the Finish Matter?
The finish of your modern shaker cabinets serves a lot more than aesthetic purposes. It protects the wooden or composite material beneath them from wear, stains, and damage over time. The right finish also enhances warmth, brightness, and a sense of space. It is all about what’s desired a bright, airy look or a warm invitation to stay in the kitchen—so it’s an important selection.
Popular Finish Options for Modern Shaker Cabinets
There are several finishes available for modern shaker cabinets. Individually, it has benefits and visual charm of its own. Here are some of the popular finish options to consider:
1. Painted Finishes
Painted finishes are still a favorite for modern shaker cabinets. This finish provides a smooth, even look and is available in almost any color.
This way, it will look almost entirely traditional yet utterly chic with the classic white or antique white RTA cabinetry. White creates such an impression of openness in the kitchen, hence of cleanness. Its sense of brightness will only make the kitchen feel less oppressive.
- Bold Colors: Contrast and bold colors on both sides, like navy blue, deep green, or bright brown, add modernity to this traditional shaker.
- Neutral Greys: Grey is a very versatile option that complements different kitchen designs, from rustic to industrial.
- Pros: Easy to clean, versatile, and covers imperfections well.
- Cons: Susceptible to chipping after some time if not applied properly.
2. Stained Finishes
Stained finishes give your kitchen warmth and texture by letting the wood’s natural grain show through.
- Natural Wood Tones: Light oak, walnut, or maple stains complement wood’s organic beauty. This finish is appropriate for those seeking a warm, inviting feel.
- Dark Wood Finishes: Dark stains, such as espresso or mahogany, provide the wood with polish and notice quality. Dark stains work well in larger kitchens that require a grounded look.
- Pros: It highlights the wood grain and shows less wear than any other type of finish.
- Cons: They are only available in limited color choices and require refinishing occasionally.
3. Matte Finishes
Matte surfaces are modern and useful because of their delicate, subtle appearance. They don’t reflect much light and make your cabinets look classy and contemporary.
- Matte Black or Grey: Matte black or grey tones are best used in industrial and minimalist kitchen themes.
- Pastel Soft: A matte finish over soft pastel shades establishes a soft and cozy ambiance. Glossy finishes work best in farmhouse or cottage kitchens.
- Pros: The ability to hide finger marks and smudges is much higher than glossy finishes.
- Cons: Clean might be more challenging because its surface is not reflective.
4. Glossy Finishes
Glossy finishes reflect well, and the area will appear bright and lively. A small kitchen can look quite expansive and spacious.
- High-Gloss White: The high-gloss white finish gives the kitchen a sleek, ultra-modern look and is also great for reflection.
- Bold color with gloss. A bold color finish with gloss will add dramatic impact to the space, thus creating a striking focal point.
- Pros: Clean wipe down and open feeling
- Cons: Fingerprints, smudges
Color Choices for Modern Shaker Cabinets
Color is always an important consideration when choosing a finish. Here is a quick rundown of some of the popular choices and their effects for the sake of reference.
1. White and Antique White
The kitchen finishes are white, and an antique white RTA cabinet is evergreen. They will appear well with almost every color scheme and brighten the space. Antique white brings warmth and sophistication; thereby, it is an impeccable color for a slightly vintage-inspired or farmhouse-style kitchen.
2. Grey and Greige
Grey and greige, a mixture of grey and beige, are neutral colors that can be used in many ways. They complement bold colors and add a warm and sophisticated feel to your kitchen.
3. Bold Colors
Striking colors like black, navy, or forest green are known as statement colors. They are perfect for adding personality to your kitchen and, when paired with metallic hardware, create a modern and luxurious look.
4. Natural Wood
If you like the look of natural wood, then a stained finish to show off the wood’s grain is a good idea. It provides the room texture and warmness that forms a welcoming environment.
Consider Your Kitchen’s Lighting
Lighting will decide how the finish of your cabinets will look. This is how to choose the finish based on the lighting in your kitchen:
- Natural Light: If there is enough natural light, then matte black or even espresso would be fine, as natural light will soften the darker shades
- Artificial Light: Natural light may not be abundant in the kitchen, so artificial lighting can be used extensively. For such a space, lighter shades like white, grey, etc., can help reflect the light and not make the kitchen dark.
- Accent Lighting: Where you’ve got under-cabinet lighting or spotlights, you’ll want to add a gloss or semi-gloss finish, accentuating the reflection of this type of lighting for more depth and visual appeal.
Durability and Maintenance of Various Coatings
If you decide on a particular finish, consider how much maintenance you’re willing to devote and how durable each finish is.
- Painted Finishes: Scrub regularly and touch up quickly.
- Stain Finishes: They require regular oiling or refinishing to maintain the wood’s color.
- Matte Finishes: They are okay with fingerprints but show smudges if cleaned deeply.
- Gloss Finishes: They are so easy to clean yet display fingerprints, especially when dark colors are concerned.
All finishes work fine; choose one that meets your requirements for maintenance.
How to Match Your Countertops and Hardware to Your Finish
Countertops and hardware to accompany your cabinets can make or break the look. Here are some tips:
- White and Antique White Cabinets: Dark granite or quartz, gold or matte black hardware will provide a great contrast.
- Grey or Greige Cabinets: Light marble or white quartz will balance grey. Silver or chrome is great with grey.
- For Bold Colors: Choose neutral countertops to balance the intensity of the cabinets. Brass or gold hardware pairs well with navy or forest green.
- For Natural Wood Cabinets: Light or dark stone countertops work well, depending on the wood tone. Select the hardware that completes the wood grain, like black or oil-rubbed bronze.
Conclusion
This would be what the modern shaker cabinets in your kitchen needed most: a good design. Whether it’s antique white RTA cabinets, matte or glossy finishes, or natural wood stains, a finish always suits a style and preference. So consider lighting, durability, and maintenance levels to find the one suited for your home. Proper finishing of your cabinets can add beauty, functionality, and long-lasting aestheticism to the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are painted finishes sturdy enough for modern shaker cabinets?
A: Yes, painted finishes are durable and versatile. But sometimes, especially in busy kitchens, they could require touch-ups.
Q: Should I use a glossy finish on modern shaker cabinets for a small kitchen?
A: Glossy finish bounces light. In case of small kitchens, it makes the kitchen look wider and open.
Q: Which finish is easier to maintain, matte or glossy?
A: These glossy finishes are easier to clean, and the matte finish does the opposite by better-hiding fingerprints and smudges.
Q: Can I refill my stained wood cabinets if I ever wish to change the color?
A: Yes, stained wood cabinets can be sanded and refinished. However, for the best results, consult a professional.
Q: Which finish is ideal for a farmhouse-style kitchen?
A: Antique white or natural wood finishes are popular for farmhouse kitchens.