The rise of Matt Black appliances: Why this sleek trend is taking over modern kitchens

With many appliance brands expanding their black product range to include elegant matt finishes, Lisa Hibberd explores the latest launches and asks industry experts for their insight.

“The growing demand for Matt Black appliances reflects a wider shift in kitchen design towards depth, tactility and understated luxury," says Emma Cowley, senior brand manager at Rangemaster. “After years of high-shine finishes, homeowners are increasingly drawn to surfaces that feel more natural, refined and resilient. For designers, Matt Black range cookers offer a way to introduce drama and contrast without overwhelming the space – they act as a striking focal point that anchors the kitchen design while also co-ordinating with other Matt Black products such as sinks and taps. In practical terms, a Matt Black range cooker is easier to live with on a day-to-day basis in family kitchens. The finish is less reflective and hides fingerprints or streaks far better than glossy surfaces, delivering both aesthetic appeal and everyday performance.”

“Delivering a sense of understated luxury, matt textures have been rising in popularity over the past 5 years across a plethora of materials for the kitchen,” agrees Seza Weston, head of luxury channel at Novy. “High-end international furniture brands have showcased matt glass and lacquered door fronts, many worktops now come in leather-look matt finishes, while premium paint brands are increasingly developing flat matt options for painted wood kitchens. Appliance brands, both built-in and freestanding, have also been responding to this emerging trend. Many kitchens are designed to be blended with open-plan living and entertaining spaces as part of a ground-floor renovation. This has led to a trend toward camouflaging the kitchen’s more functional aspects and instead focusing on the room as a social space.”

Chris Gallagher, sales director at Franke, explains how Matt Black offers creative freedom for warmth, depth and contrast and is a strong anchor colour in a kitchen palette. “Stainless steel can feel a little cold and shiny for some people and Matt Black offers a more pared-back, tactile aesthetic that goes well with warm woods, luxury veined dark work surfaces and metallic accents. This was the thinking behind our premium Mythos Black Line collection which offers a fully design-integrated range of products across Matt Black sinks, taps and appliances and the ability to create rich, dark interiors with elegance. Since launch, it’s met with a very positive response from retailers and designers. Design-wise, there’s been a general shift towards darker interiors that feel more cocooning and grounding and Matt Black appliances read well in a scheme because they blend in elegantly. They are distinctive but subtle and deliver a more nuanced minimalism.”

According to Andy Cummings, country manager for BORA, designers should view Matt Black finishes not just as a colour choice but as a material statement. “The texture and finish impact how light interacts with the appliance and surrounding surfaces, so it’s important to consider lighting conditions, surrounding cabinetry and countertop materials to ensure visual cohesion. For functional integration, the BORA X Pure Rough offers a tactility and depth that enhances the sensory experience of the kitchen. Designers should factor in how this finish complements other matt or textured materials, particularly in open-plan settings where consistency and understated elegance are key. Additionally, fingerprints and smudges are far less visible on matt finishes such as BORA’s, making them both practical and visually low maintenance. This is a strong selling point when consulting with clients.”

Dan Young, cooking manager at Miele GB, suggests that balance and contrast are a key point for designers to consider when incorporating this subtle shade into a kitchen scheme. “Matt Black works beautifully when layered with tactile materials such as timber, stone and brushed metals, helping to create depth and warmth within the space. Designers should also consider the lighting – soft, diffused lighting enhances the velvety texture of matt finishes and prevents them from appearing too flat.”

Because Matt Black absorbs light, designers need to carefully balance the space, especially in smaller kitchens, says Richard Mackey, product manager at Smeg UK. “The use of additional light sources – both natural and artificial – alongside reflective surfaces or contrasting materials can prevent the room from feeling closed in or overly dark.” Smeg’s collection of Matt Black appliances include ovens, compacts, matching hobs, plus extractors, range cookers and co-ordinating small appliances for a cohesive look across the scheme.

Michael Forbes, lead product trainer at AEG, suggests that the trend for Matt Black to continue, and that a wider range of matt finishes could be on the horizon. “The appetite for matt finishes continues to grow, and we expect to see this trend extend beyond black into other shades that complement contemporary interiors. Matt finishes in more neutral colours are likely to become more relevant in the next few years. It offers the same fingerprint-resistant practicality as Matt Black but provides a clean, bright and airy feel, pairing well with modern, and open plan homes.”