What Color Cabinets Go With Black Granite Countertops? 6 Swatches for You

Whether you’ve made the leap or just starting to consider it, black granite countertops are a smooth, elegant choice for your kitchen.

But does it restrict your options in cabinet colors?

You might be wondering if choosing black granite was too bold in the first place.

Well, let’s talk about it. I’ve been a part of more kitchen remodels than I can count.

And while my wife swears I must be colorblind because of my clothing choices, you can trust my experience in complimenting a black countertop.

What is Black Granite?

what is black granite

First, you need to know the basics. Especially if you still haven’t made your decision yet.

So what is black granite exactly?

All granite colors are intrusive igneous rock formed under the Earth’s surface from cooling molten rock at a slower pace than black volcanic rock (extrusive).

During the cooling process, other compacted minerals are what decide the color of the final granite rock.

To get black granite, the primary mineral needed is amphibole.

I’m going to assume you aren’t a geologist, so let me tell you a secret.

Black granite isn’t granite at all.

To be classified as authentic granite, at least 20% quartz must make up the igneous rock.

But quartz is the mineral responsible for white granite, making black an impossible color choice.

Truthfully, black “granite” is actually a rock called gabbro.

Regardless of what black granite countertop is and isn’t, they’re a smart and sleek choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their cooking space in modern kitchen design.

Are Black Countertops Trending?

are black countertops trending

What’s crucial about your kitchen countertops is that you love them. Any outside opinions shouldn’t matter.

But, to put your mind at ease, black countertops are trending, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

Besides their functionality of being easy to clean and resistant to spills, black granite countertops are the epitome of elegance.

They’re as luxurious and timeless today as they were in the roaring 20s.

What Color Cabinets With Black Granite Countertops?

So, hopefully, you’re confident in your choice of countertop. Now, let’s talk about those kitchen cabinets.

There are a lot of paths you could take, depending on the mood you want to set in your kitchen.

what color cabinets with black granite countertops

Of all the cabinet colors I’ve seen to pair with black countertops, the 6 most complimentary are:

  • white
  • blue
  • dark green
  • gray
  • neutral
  • black

In my experience, most homeowners want something unique but comfortably classic.

With that being said, the clear frontrunner is white kitchen cabinets.

Does Black Countertop Go With White Cabinets?

does black countertop go with white cabinets

White is the direct contrast to black; when these two get together, they make a space come to life.

These opposite colors in your kitchen work seamlessly together.

As I’ve mentioned, black has that classy elegance to it. And white is the definition of clean.

It’s nostalgic and traditional, with a touch of sophistication, and will have your guests floored at first sight.

Dark Green and Blue Kitchen Cabinets with Black Countertops

Choosing a dark green, blue, or combination to paint your kitchen cabinets is a modern look.

The colors can have a darkening effect on the kitchen, but the result is stunning if you have a lot of natural light available.

If not, there are ways to brighten up a kitchen with a black countertop. But we’ll get to that in a minute.

Gray and Neutral Kitchen Cabinets with Black Countertops

gray and neutral kitchen cabinets

I love gray kitchen cabinets!

It combines dark and light, becoming a bridge to blend even more colorings together.

No matter the shade of gray, it keeps that elegance in the kitchen visible.

Over the years, I’ve noticed many customers moving to gray cabinets, throwing out the old idea of it being a dreary color.

Now, gray is considered fashionable in a suitable space. Its popularity just continues to grow.

If you don’t like the idea of gray kitchen cabinets, you could pick an alternate neutral color.

Some neutral paints that look good with black countertops are light browns, beige, cream, and warm woodsy stains.

Again, I’d recommend adding some ample light to the room with these colors if you don’t have any windows to work with.

Black Kitchen Cabinets with Black Countertops

black kitchen cabinets

Black? Huh?

That’s right, I said black.

It’s undoubtedly a bold and unique look, but not as uncommon as you might think.

For the homeowner looking to add some depth and make the kitchen the home’s focal point, black on black is a minimalist’s dream.

Just some advice if this is your choice. Lighten up the room in other areas. Maybe a white backsplash or soft-colored flooring.

You don’t want to spend your time in a virtual black hole, do you?

Or, maybe you do.

How to Brighten a Kitchen With Black Countertops

how to brighten a kitchen with black countertops

I’ve got what you need if you’ve settled on a darker-colored cabinet or want to add some pop to the room.

These won’t even require much change or effort for you to pull off.

Lighting

Let there be light!

Light is the quickest and easiest fix if you think the black countertops are just dragging down the energy in your kitchen.

If you have recessed lighting, like most modern kitchens, consider replacing them with pendant lights.

These hanging auras of rays bring the light out of the ceiling and make them a part of the room.

Whether you take my advice on that or not, at the minimum, you should swap out the bulbs for a higher wattage.

The higher the wattage (or lumens), the brighter the output, usually.

Finally, don’t be timid about adding simple strip lighting under cabinet areas.

This can effectively lighten up the room and maintain the classy look you’ve achieved.

Color the Room With Detail

color the room with detail

Another way to brighten up your kitchen when you’ve gone with a darker scheme is to add elements of color around the room.

Get creative here.

Swap out those plain-looking utensil holders for something brighter and decorative.

Consider a lighter shade of backsplash or wall paint to balance the darker surfaces. Have you considered an accent wall in your kitchen?

Or, maybe it’s time to hang that piece of art you bought last year? I’m sure there are a million tiny parts of the room you can replace or liven up with a colorful alternative.

A Good Reflection is Your Friend

If the natural light in your kitchen is minimal, make the most of what you have.

Be selective in a way that bounces light around the room without adding more fixtures.

For instance, a well-placed mirror or glassy surface can do wonders for your darkened cooking area.

Also, think about metal appliances and decor.

Metallic surfaces are excellent at grabbing each ray of natural and artificial sunshine and casting it across the kitchen.

metallic surfaces

Wrapping Up

Don’t let a little black granite countertop scare you off from getting the kitchen you want. The right choice of cabinet colors will go a long way.

And while the classic black and white kitchen scheme is still sought after, you don’t have to limit yourself just because you like the black countertop.

Whatever you decide, make sure you love it. Not anyone else. I mean, you’re the one who will be in there every day.

Good luck with your remodel!

And if you need any help, don’t hesitate to call.