Gloss or Matt? Choosing the Right Finish for Kitchen Cabinets

When choosing kitchen cabinets, there is a decision as important as the pattern: will the surface be gloss or matt? The same colour looks completely different in gloss and in matt. This choice directly affects how spacious the kitchen looks, how much time you spend cleaning and how it looks over the years.

Gloss (high-gloss) surfaces

Gloss surfaces reflect light, making a room look brighter and bigger. They are the choice for those who want a modern, dynamic and bold look.

• Pros: Opens up small, dim kitchens, makes colours look vivid and its smooth surface wipes clean easily.
• Cons: Fingerprints, water spots and fine scratches are more noticeable. On handleless designs, the frequently touched edges of doors need wiping more often.

Matt and Soft Touch surfaces

Matt surfaces diffuse light, giving a calm, sophisticated look that is easy on the eye. Soft Touch surfaces go one step further, offering a velvety feel and showing almost no fingerprints. For details, see: The secret of Soft Touch surfaces

• Pros: Hides fingerprints and small marks, is ideal for busy family kitchens and looks timeless and calm.
• Cons: Because it does not reflect light, dark matt colours can make very small, dark kitchens feel more enclosed.

Which one should you choose?

• Small kitchen with little light: Light-coloured gloss surfaces, or light matt tones such as white or cream.
• Busy family homes with children: Fingerprint-resistant matt Soft Touch surfaces mean less upkeep.
• Open-plan kitchen and living area: Matt surfaces blend the kitchen with living-room furniture and make it feel more like part of the living space.
• A modern, bold look: High-gloss surfaces such as gloss black or white.

Use both together

Using gloss and matt in the same kitchen gives a balanced result. Gloss on wall units carries light upwards, while matt on the frequently touched base units hides marks. Highlighting the island or a single wall in a different finish also adds depth.

Suggestions: Gloss Black HG and Gloss Moonstone for gloss; Black, Timeless Grey and Ice Grey Soft Touch for matt.

Explore the Soft Touch and Colour Series

Frequently asked questions

Does a gloss surface scratch easily?

Gloss surfaces are not weaker than matt ones, but because they reflect light, fine scratches are more visible. Using a soft cloth and avoiding abrasive cleaners greatly reduces this risk.

How do you clean a matt surface?

A slightly damp microfibre cloth, with a pH-neutral detergent if needed, is all it takes. For more, see our care guide.

To see gloss and matt surfaces side by side, request samples.