Glossy vs. Matte Kitchen Cabinets: Which Finish Works Best?

Cabinet finishes play a greater role in kitchen design than most people realize. Beyond colour and layout, the choice between a gloss or matte finish directly shapes how a space looks and feels each day. This article explores their core differences to help you choose the right one for your next project.

Understanding the Fundamentals

Before choosing between glossy and matte finishes, it’s helpful to understand how each one is made and why they behave so differently—especially in the way they interact with light. These foundational differences are what ultimately shape their unique visual impact and performance in the kitchen.

Glossy Kitchen Cabinets

Glossy laminate finishes are created during the pressing stage, where decorative papers impregnated with melamine resin are layered between polished steel plates. The smooth, mirror-like surface is a direct result of the plate’s finish, which transfers its texture onto the laminate under heat and pressure. Because of this smooth surface, light is reflected directly rather than scattered. The result is a bright, high-shine appearance that gives the cabinets a crisp, clean look. This reflectivity produces sharp highlights and a polished aesthetic.

Formica^® Laminate in Gloss finish are designed for maximum smoothness and light reflection. They can even act as dry-erase surfaces throughout your kitchen or your home to write inspiring quotes and thoughtful memos.

Matte Kitchen Cabinets

Matte finishes are also defined during the pressing stage. Just like the gloss effect is achieved with polished plates, a matte look is created by using plates with a textured surface. This imparts a low-sheen, soft-touch effect to the laminate, resulting in a smooth surface with a subtle, non-gloss texture.

Matte surfaces scatter or diffuse light rather than bounce it back uniformly. This interaction with light creates a muted, understated effect—offering visual depth without reflective glare, ideal for a calm and contemporary kitchen feel.

Looking for inspiration? Explore all 21 matte colour options from FENIX^®—a premium Italian surface material available exclusively through the Formica Group .

Differences Between Glossy and Matte Kitchen Cabinets

While both finishes bring unique benefits, the choice often comes down to practical considerations and personal style. The comparison below breaks down key differences to help you decide which option could be the right fit.

Overall Look

Glossy kitchen cabinets—especially high gloss finish, which can achieve a mirror-like shine—can make the space feel bright and more expansive. This look has become a hallmark of modern, white kitchens and is often associated with luxury and high-end design.

In contrast, matte kitchen cabinets offer a more discreet, understated quality. They soften light, reduce harsh reflections, and bring a sense of warmth and calm. Matte finishes also have a pleasing tactile quality, adding sensory depth to their visual appeal.

Light

Gloss finishes reflect light directly, making them a strong choice for dimly lit kitchens or to accentuate bold lighting elements. However, their high reflectivity can cause glare in spaces with significant direct sunlight.

Matte finishes scatter light, producing a softer, more consistent appearance throughout the day. This makes them ideal for sunlit environments, where reducing glare is key to visual comfort.

Fingerprints & Scratches

Gloss cabinet surfaces reflect light in a way that can highlight fingerprints, smudges, and minor scratches—especially on darker colours. This makes them more demanding to keep pristine in high-traffic areas.

Matte finishes help mask surface-level marks like smudges and fine scratches by diffusing light. This makes them a practical choice for busy kitchens — especially with children, since fingerprints and little marks are less noticeable.

Maintenance

While glossy kitchen cabinets show more smudges and scratches, their ultra-smooth surface makes cleaning fast and easy. A quick wipe with a microfibre cloth usually restores their original shine with minimal effort.

Matte finishes may appear cleaner by hiding fingerprints and minor flaws, but their subtly textured surface can retain grease and require more thorough cleaning. Use mild, non-abrasive cleaners specifically formulated for matte laminates to avoid damage.

Common Colour Schemes

High gloss kitchen cabinets are most often found in light or neutral tones—especially white, cream, or light gray—to enhance reflectivity and amplify natural light. Bold colours can also be used to create striking, modern statements.

Matte finishes pair well with deeper tones like charcoal, navy, forest green, and natural woodgrains. These colours complement the soft, light-diffusing texture to create a refined and grounded aesthetic.

Cost

Are high gloss kitchen cabinets expensive? They do typically cost slightly more than matte ones due to the added materials and manufacturing processes required to achieve their mirror-like finish. 

However, it’s worth noting that FENIX^® ultramatte surfaces may also come at a slightly higher price point —because FENIX^® is a premium, technologically advanced material engineered for durability, soft-touch aesthetics, and resistance to everyday use.

Popular Applications

Glossy cabinets are ideal for smaller kitchens or modern spaces where the goal is to reflect light and create a crisp, upscale feel. They’re popular in luxury condos, minimalist homes, and open-concept layouts—and are often used in commercial interiors seeking a sleek, high-impact look.

Matte finishes are commonly found in transitional or Scandinavian-inspired kitchens, where warmth and texture take priority. They’re also ideal for naturally lit environments, where reducing glare can improve comfort and consistency throughout the day.  

So, Which Is the Best Finish for Kitchen Cabinet?

Whether you lean toward the sleek shine of glossy or the subtle sophistication of matte, the right cabinet finish can transform any kitchen both visually and functionally. Thoughtful design choices don’t just improve aesthetics—they elevate daily living, influence mood, and enhance the atmosphere for everyone who enters the space. Formica^® Laminate offer both finishes in a wide range of colours and textures, helping you bring your design vision to life—no matter your style.