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?
The Ultimate Guide to IKEA’s Dark Kitchen Fronts – LERHYTTAN, KUNGSBACKA, NICKEBO, and UPPLÖV Compared
21.05.2025
Dark kitchen cabinetry adds depth, elegance, and contrast to a space – whether your home is modern, rustic, or minimal. IKEA offers four dark kitchen fronts that look similar at first glance, but each has its own personality: LERHYTTAN black, KUNGSBACKA anthracite, NICKEBO anthracite, and UPPLÖV anthracite.
In this guide, you'll learn the exact differences in color, finish, gloss level, and style – so you can choose the right one for your kitchen. All images in this article were taken by Mauritz, and you can find full kitchen views of these IKEA fronts on our IKEA Kitchen overview page, where they are collected and visually documented.
Here's a side-by-side view of LERHYTTAN, KUNGSBACKA, NICKEBO, and UPPLÖV installed in IKEA's showroom. This photo clearly illustrates the difference in sheen, structure, and style – helping you see how they look in real cabinetry setups.
LERHYTTAN Black – Deep, Traditional, and Timeless
LERHYTTAN black is IKEA's only true black kitchen front. It uses the NCS color code S 9000-N, which is a full, neutral black. The surface is deep matte, with a gloss level of 5 – meaning it reflects almost no light.
Design-wise, LERHYTTAN features a traditional framed panel, making it perfect for shaker-style or classic kitchens. The black finish modernizes the traditional design, creating a striking contrast with white countertops or brass hardware.
Key points:
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True black color tone
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Very low gloss (matte)
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Framed, classic style
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Works well in rustic and elegant interiors
KUNGSBACKA Anthracite – Sleek, Sustainable, and Slightly Industrial
KUNGSBACKA is a modern kitchen front made from recycled PET plastic, making it an eco-friendly choice. It shares the color code S 8500-N, which is a dark anthracite grey – not pure black, but very close.
The surface is smooth and flat, with a gloss level of 10. It has a subtle sheen that gives it a clean, slightly industrial look. KUNGSBACKA is ideal if you want a minimalist front with a contemporary twist.
Key points:
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Dark anthracite grey (not true black)
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Smooth, modern surface
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Slight gloss
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Made from recycled materials
NICKEBO & VEDDINGE
NICKEBO Anthracite – Matte, Modern, and Minimalist
NICKEBO also uses the same anthracite color code S 8500-N, but with a slightly softer, more muted matte surface. Gloss level is also 10, but the feel is more subtle and less reflective than KUNGSBACKA.
NICKEBO & VOXTORP
This front is extremely simple: flat panel, no frames, and clean lines. It's perfect for minimal kitchens or those who want a quiet, dark background that doesn't overpower the space.
Key points:
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Same anthracite tone as KUNGSBACKA
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Smooth matte finish
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Flat and frameless
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Ideal for minimalist design
UPPLÖV Anthracite & Beige
UPPLÖV Anthracite – Elegant, Soft-Touch, and Refined
UPPLÖV anthracite is the most refined of the group. It shares the same S 8500-N color code and gloss level 10, but the surface has a soft-touch matte feel that makes it look and feel more premium.
The edges are slightly beveled for a more seamless profile. UPPLÖV is great if you want a calm, elegant, and modern look that feels expensive without a high price tag.
Key points:
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Soft-touch matte surface
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Elegant and modern
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Same anthracite color tone
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Premium feel, budget-friendly price
KUNGSBACKA
Color and Gloss Comparison
To summarize the key color and gloss differences:
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LERHYTTAN is the only front in true black (S 9000-N).
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KUNGSBACKA, NICKEBO, and UPPLÖV are all anthracite dark grey (S 8500-N), very close to black.
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Gloss level: All except LERHYTTAN have gloss 10 (matt but not ultra-matte). LERHYTTAN is more matte at gloss 5.
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The material and finish affect how the color appears – even with the same color code, they look and feel different.
LERHYTTAN
Which IKEA Dark Kitchen Front Should You Choose?
If you're aiming for maximum contrast and a truly black kitchen, go with LERHYTTAN. It gives you depth, richness, and a traditional touch.
If you're after a modern, eco-friendly option with a slight sheen, KUNGSBACKA is a great choice.
For those who love minimalism and soft matte surfaces, NICKEBO is ideal – subtle and clean.
And if you want the most elegant and refined finish IKEA offers in a dark front, UPPLÖV brings both visual calm and tactile luxury.
LERHYTTAN
No matter which one you choose, IKEA's range of dark kitchen fronts offers stylish, timeless options to anchor your space in modern Scandinavian design. With the right lighting, counters, and hardware, any of these can become the foundation of a beautiful and functional kitchen.
Curious to see how these dark IKEA kitchen fronts look in real interiors? Visit our IKEA Kitchen overview to browse photos and descriptions of full kitchen setups, including LERHYTTAN, NICKEBO, and more.
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