Discover the key differences between glossy and matte kitchen cabinet finishes to find the perfect style for your home.
When designing your dream kitchen, it may feel like every decision is crucial. While it’s easy to focus on more obvious choices like cabinet color, the kitchen cabinet sheen finish—whether gloss, matte, or somewhere in between — significantly influences the overall look and performance of your space. Glossy cabinets, with their modern charm and remarkable versatility, can effortlessly elevate a variety of kitchen styles. In contrast, matte finishes offer a warm, understated elegance that complements both contemporary and traditional designs.
Let’s explore the key differences between these two finishes and discover how you can achieve your dream kitchen with Bertch.
Understanding Kitchen Cabinet Sheen Options at Bertch
Bertch offers a variety of cabinet sheen levels designed to enhance both performance and style. Each finish highlights cabinetry in a unique way, whether you want a bold, contemporary look or a warm, timeless design.
Stained Finishes
Stained cabinets are available in two finish options that highlight the natural beauty of the wood grain while adding depth and character:
Matte Sheen
- Appearance: Creates a soft, flat look with no reflective shine.
- Best For: Homeowners seeking a sophisticated, understated style that feels warm and inviting.
- Why Choose It: Great for traditional or transitional kitchens, while also hiding fingerprints and smudges.
Semi-Gloss Sheen
- Appearance: Adds medium luster, enhancing the visibility of the wood grain and the richness of color.
- Best For: Brightening kitchens with a sleek, modern touch.
- Why Choose It: Durable, easy to clean, and versatile enough for nearly any kitchen design.
Painted Finishes
Bertch painted cabinets are presented in a luxurious satin finish.
Satin Sheen
- Appearance: A luxurious, enamel-like finish that strikes a balance between matte and semi-gloss.
- Best For: Transitional or contemporary kitchens where you want subtle shine without the intensity of gloss.
- Why Choose It: Durable, elegant, and easy to maintain.
Acrylic Cabinet Finishes
For high-gloss or ultra-matte options, the Elan (frameless) product line offers:
High Gloss Acrylic
- Appearance: Mirror-like, ultra-reflective surface.
- Best For: Modern and contemporary kitchens, especially smaller spaces where reflective finishes can make the room feel larger.
- Why Choose It: Adds dramatic flair and light reflection.
Ultra Matte Acrylic
- Appearance: Extremely flat, velvety finish that absorbs light.
- Best For: Homeowners who want a bold yet sophisticated look.
- Why Choose It: Ideal for hiding fingerprints and smudges while creating a luxe, modern statement.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cabinet Sheen
When deciding what sheen for kitchen cabinets is best for your space, consider how your kitchen functions, how much light it receives, and the overall mood you want to create.
1. Kitchen Size & Lighting
- Gloss and semi-gloss finishes reflect light, making small kitchens feel bigger and brighter.
- Satin finishes provide balance, offering just enough sheen without overwhelming the room.
- Matte finishes absorb light and create a soft, cozy atmosphere—perfect for larger, open kitchens.
2. Maintenance & Cleaning
- Gloss and semi-gloss sheens are the easiest to clean, ideal for high-traffic kitchens or homes with kids.
- Satin finishes resist everyday messes fairly well while still being easy to wipe down.
- Matte finishes do a great job hiding fingerprints but may require deeper cleaning to remove buildup.
3. Durability
- Semi-gloss finishes provide excellent durability and resistance to moisture, making them a long-term choice.
- Satin finishes strike a good balance of style and toughness.
- Matte finishes hide wear and tear well but are generally less resistant to scratches.
4. Style & Aesthetics
- Glossy cabinets suit modern, minimalist, and high-contrast kitchens.
- Satin and semi-gloss work with transitional or traditional kitchens.
- Matte finishes bring warmth and understated sophistication to both classic and trendy designs.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Current Trends in Kitchen Cabinet Sheen
The best sheen for kitchen cabinets often depends on personal style, but design trends can also play a big role. Right now, homeowners and designers are leaning into finishes that balance function and fashion:
- Matte and ultra-matte finishes are on the rise, especially in open-concept homes. Their soft, velvety look pairs beautifully with natural wood tones, stone countertops, and modern hardware.
- High-gloss cabinets remain a favorite in contemporary kitchens, particularly in smaller spaces where reflective surfaces help the room feel larger and brighter.
- Satin sheens are increasingly popular for transitional kitchens, offering just the right mix of durability and subtle shine.
- Layered sheens—mixing a matte island with semi-gloss perimeter cabinets—create visual contrast while keeping the space functional and stylish.
Keeping an eye on these kitchen cabinet sheen trends ensures your design feels current while still reflecting your personal taste.
FAQs: Choosing the Best Sheen for Kitchen Cabinets
What sheen for kitchen cabinets is easiest to clean?
Semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes are the easiest to wipe down, making them ideal for high-use kitchens.
What is the best sheen for kitchen cabinets in a small kitchen?
Gloss and semi-gloss reflect light, helping smaller kitchens feel brighter and more open.
Do matte cabinets show fingerprints?
Matte and ultra-matte finishes actually hide fingerprints better than glossy finishes, though they may need deeper cleaning.
Which cabinet sheen is the most durable?
Semi-gloss is generally the most durable, resisting moisture and wear, while satin offers a strong middle ground.
How do I choose the right sheen for my kitchen cabinets?
Think about your lifestyle. For easy maintenance, choose gloss or semi-gloss. For warmth and subtlety, matte is a great choice. Satin is perfect if you want versatility.
Can I mix different cabinet sheens in the same kitchen?
Yes. Many designers combine a matte finish on an island with semi-gloss or satin perimeter cabinets to create contrast and visual interest.
Does cabinet sheen affect resale value?
It can. Neutral, versatile finishes like satin or semi-gloss are often the safest choice for broad appeal, while bold gloss or ultra-matte finishes may feel more personalized.
How to Test Kitchen Cabinet Sheens in Your Home
If you’re still unsure about what sheen for kitchen cabinets will work best in your home, the easiest way to decide is to test finishes in your actual space. Lighting, layout, and lifestyle all play a huge role in how a cabinet sheen looks and performs day to day.
- Order samples: Place samples against your wall color and countertops to see how they interact from your POV.
- Check lighting conditions: Look at your samples during the day, at night, and under artificial lighting. A kitchen cabinet sheen that looks perfect in natural light might feel too reflective under pendant fixtures.
- Think about traffic: High-use and high-traffic kitchens often benefit from satin or semi-gloss, while a showpiece kitchen might shine brightest with a bold gloss.
- Pair with hardware: The finish you choose should complement your cabinet pulls, faucets, and appliances for a cohesive look.
Choose the Best Sheen for Kitchen Cabinets With Bertch
Ultimately, the best sheen for kitchen cabinets depends on your lifestyle, design preferences, and the atmosphere you want to create. Whether you lean toward high-gloss modern drama, satin balance, or matte sophistication, Bertch offers cabinet sheen options that bring your vision to life. Visit one of our showrooms for personalized recommendations based on your unique needs and vision.
Our selection of finishes is designed to accommodate a wide range of tastes and kitchen styles, ensuring that your space is not only visually stunning but also timeless and inviting.
