High-Gloss vs Matte IKEA Kitchen Cabinets - Which Finish Is Right for You?

Choosing the right cabinet finish is one of the most important steps when designing an IKEA kitchen. Should you go for high-gloss doors that reflect light and create a modern vibe, or matte finishes that feel calm, soft, and timeless?

This guide compares the most common IKEA cabinet finishes, using real-world examples. Each finish has unique advantages, and your choice will affect how the kitchen looks, feels, and functions over time.

What Is a High-Gloss Finish?

High-gloss cabinet fronts have a smooth, shiny surface that reflects light across the room. IKEA offers this type of finish in styles like RINGHULT and VOXTORP and others. 

Advantages of High-Gloss Cabinets:

• Reflects both natural and artificial light

• Makes small kitchens feel more spacious

• Easy to wipe clean

• Creates a bright, modern look

Disadvantages of High-Gloss Cabinets:

• Shows fingerprints and smudges more easily

• Glossy surfaces may highlight small scratches

• Can cause glare under strong lighting

What Is a Matte Finish?

Matte cabinet fronts have a soft, non-reflective surface that absorbs light. IKEA offers matte finishes in styles like UPPLÖV and VEDDINGE among many others, ranging from sleek and modern to classic and traditional.

Advantages of Matte Cabinets:

• Reduces reflections and glare

• Hides fingerprints and small marks better

• Adds a warm, natural atmosphere

• Works well in both modern and classic kitchens

Disadvantages of Matte Cabinets:

• Absorbs light, which can make dark colors feel heavier

• Slightly harder to clean if the surface is textured

• Grease stains may be more visible if not cleaned regularly

Examples of High-Gloss IKEA Kitchens

RINGHULT High-Gloss White

This is one of IKEA's most popular glossy kitchen options. The clean, flat front and highly reflective surface make it perfect for modern spaces. It reflects light beautifully and pairs well with wood, stone, or stainless steel details.

VOXTORP High-Gloss Dark Grey-Brown

VOXTORP high-gloss has integrated handles and a sleek, minimalist look. The glossy finish adds depth and elegance to modern kitchens. It works well with light countertops and open-plan designs.

Examples of Matte IKEA Kitchens

UPPLÖV Matte Anthracite or Dark Beige

UPPLÖV has a velvety matte surface with a rich, solid color. It gives the kitchen a grounded, contemporary feel. It works especially well in combination with warm materials like wood or brass.

VEDDINGE Matte White

VEDDINGE is a smooth, frameless front in a clean matte white. It feels soft and timeless, perfect for Scandinavian-style kitchens. The matte surface helps diffuse light evenly and creates a calm, neutral background.

Gloss Level and Visual Impact

Your choice of finish affects how the kitchen interacts with light, colors, and shadows.

• High-gloss finishes reflect light and create a sense of space. They work best in smaller kitchens or spaces with limited natural light.

• Matte finishes absorb light and give the room a softer, more natural feel. They suit open-plan kitchens and homes with plenty of daylight.

Both options can look fantastic. The key is to think about how the finish will behave in your home's specific lighting and layout.

Which Finish Should You Choose?

Here är a simplified comparison in plain text:

Choose high-gloss cabinets if:

• You want a modern, light-reflecting look

• Your kitchen is small or has limited daylight

• You prefer a surface that's easy to wipe clean

• You like sleek, contemporary design

Choose matte cabinets if:

• You want a softer, more muted look

• Your kitchen already gets good natural light

• You prefer a surface that hides fingerprints and small scratches

• You're going for a timeless or Scandinavian feel

Final Thoughts

Both high-gloss and matte IKEA kitchens offer beautiful, practical finishes for everyday life. The best choice depends on your home's lighting, your design style, and how much maintenance you're comfortable with.

At IKEA, you'll find a wide variety of cabinet styles in both gloss levels, from sleek RINGHULT to soft VEDDINGE and textured UPPLÖV. Mauritz has photographed over 140 IKEA kitchens in real showroom settings, showcasing the visual impact of both finishes in natural light and complete layouts.

Explore real kitchens, compare combinations, and let your lighting and lifestyle guide the final decision.