Home appliances like refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines are essential in every household. When purchasing appliances, one important consideration is color. Appliance colors can impact the aesthetics of your kitchen or laundry room. The trending appliance colors can provide inspiration if you’re remodeling your home or simply replacing an old appliance.
Current Appliance Color Trends
In recent years, appliance colors have shifted away from basic white and black and towards bolder, more unique shades. Here are some of the most popular current appliance color trends:
- Matte black – Matte black finishes provide a modern, sophisticated look and have surged in popularity for appliances in recent years. Matte black works well in contemporary, industrial, or monochromatic kitchens.
- Navy blue – Navy blue offers a subtler take on black appliances. This rich shade adds a pop of color without being overpowering.
- Earth tones – Warm natural tones like almond, biscuit, and slate grey are popular for a cozy, rustic aesthetic.
- Metallics – Rose gold, copper, bronze, and other metallic finishes give appliances a glamorous, high-end style.
- Retro colors – Vintage pastel shades like light blue, soft pink, mint green, and pale yellow are back in style.
- Stainless steel – Stainless steel remains a popular option for its modern, versatile look. New brushed stainless finishes add warmth.
- Bold colors – Vibrant colors like cobalt blue, emerald green and fire engine red make appliances a focal point.
Of course, white and black appliances are still classic choices that fit well in nearly any kitchen. But homeowners looking to make a statement with their appliances have more options than ever before.
Most Popular Appliance Colors by Type
Color trends can vary depending on the type of appliance. Here is a look at some of the most popular current colors for common appliance types:
Refrigerators
- Stainless steel
- Black
- White
- Matte black
- Navy blue
Stainless steel, black, and white remain the top choices for refrigerators. Matte black and navy blue are also growing in popularity.
Ranges/Ovens
- Stainless steel
- Matte black
- Black
- White
- Glass
Stainless and black are favored for ranges and ovens, as they conceal fingerprints and cooking spatters. Matte black, white, and glass are also widely available.
Dishwashers
- Stainless steel
- White
- Black
- Panel-ready
Stainless steel, white, and black remain the most popular dishwasher colors. Panel-ready models allow customization to match cabinetry.
Washing Machines and Dryers
- White
- Stainless steel
- Black
- Champagne
White washers and dryers are preferred, as they appear clean and hides lint. Stainless, black, and champagne are also widely available.
Most Popular Appliance Colors by Finish
Beyond the color itself, the type of finish can impact an appliance’s look and popularity. Here are some of the most sought-after appliance finishes:
- Matte – Matte finishes have a soft, muted look. They help conceal fingerprints and provide a modern style.
- Glossy – Glossy finishes reflect light for a shiny, vivid appearance. They can show smudges.
- Brushed – Brushed metal like brushed stainless steel has a soft sheen from very fine polishing lines. It is smoother than matte.
- Smudge-proof – Some stainless steel and other coatings resist fingerprints and are easy to keep clean.
- CleanSteel – Samsung’s CleanSteel finish resists fingerprints and is durable.
- Tuscan Stainless – LG’s warm-toned Tuscan Stainless finish is more resistant to smudges than regular stainless steel.
- PrintShield – Whirlpool’s PrintShield stainless steel resists smudges and prints from hands, foods, grease, etc.
Choosing appliances with fingerprint-resistant finishes makes cleaning and maintenance easier.
Popular Appliance Colors by Kitchen Style
Your kitchen’s overall decor and style should factor into your appliance color selection. Here are some recommended appliance colors for popular kitchen design styles:
Contemporary
- Stainless steel
- Matte black
- Glossy black
The sleek, modern look of stainless steel or black appliances suits contemporary kitchens.
Transitional
- Stainless steel
- White
- Black
- Slate grey
Transitional kitchens can pull off both traditional and contemporary appliances like stainless, white, black, or slate.
Traditional
- White
- Panel-ready
- Stainless steel
- Earth tones like almond and biscuit
White, panel-ready, or stainless appliances blend well in traditional kitchens. Earth tones also provide a nice rustic touch.
Farmhouse
- White
- Stainless steel
- Black
- Light blue
Crisp white pairs perfectly with farmhouse decor. Stainless and black also work well, along with cheery pastel hues like light blue.
Industrial
- Stainless steel
- Matte black
- Glossy black
- Deep blue
Industrial kitchens call for stainless, matte or glossy black, or bold shades like navy. These colors enhance the sleek, masculine vibe.
Retro
- Pastels like mint green, baby blue, and soft pink
- Turquoise
- Red
- Sunflower yellow
Playful pastel tones are ideal for creating a retro diner or 1950s style kitchen. Pops of primary colors like red, yellow, and turquoise also work well.
Rustic
- Earth tones like almond, biscuit, and slate grey
- Stainless steel
- Black
- Deep green
Warm natural earth tones complement rustic decor. Stainless and black are also harmonious, as are deep shades like forest green.
Modern
- Stainless steel
- Matte white
- Glossy black
- Silver
Sleek modern kitchens look best with minimalist stainless, matte white, or super glossy black appliances. Shiny silver also suits the style.
Factors Influencing Appliance Color Choice
Along with your kitchen’s style, consider these other factors when selecting appliance colors:
- Cabinetry – Contrasting or coordinating with your cabinetry colors can make the appliances stand out or blend in.
- Countertops – Natural stone counters pair nicely with stainless or black, while solid surfaces can match white appliances.
- Flooring – Lighter appliances go well with dark floors or vice versa for good visual balance.
- Backsplash – Choose appliance colors that pop against neutral backsplashes or match colorful tile.
- Lighting – Cool tones like stainless and black contrast with warm lighting while white and pastels reflect light.
Take all elements of your kitchen into account for the most cohesive, harmonious look.
How Long Do Appliance Color Trends Last?
Kitchen appliance trends, including popular colors, tend to change every 5 to 10 years. For example, avocado green and harvest gold were all the rage in the 1960s and 70s. The 80s and 90s saw a rise of almond, bisque, and white. Stainless steel exploded in popularity in the 2000s.
More recently, black stainless, matte finishes, and two-tone trends have taken off. Unique colors and textures continue to grow. But staples like regular stainless steel, classic white, and basic black seem to persist through shifting trends.
More color options than ever are now available across brands. Homeowners no longer have to stick to “signature” brands known for color like Amana’s Bradford white or GE’s Hotpoint pink.
If you want your appliances to stay looking on-trend for years to come, stick to more basic or neutral colors. Remodeling trends swing widely, so colorful appliances may date your kitchen down the road. More unique colors work best for smaller countertop appliances you can easily swap out.
Pros and Cons of Popular Appliance Colors
Here is a look at the benefits and drawbacks of today’s most popular appliance color choices:
Stainless Steel
Pros:
- Modern, sleek aesthetic
- Matches most kitchen styles
- Easy to coordinate with other finishes
- Durable and stain-resistant
Cons:
- Shows fingerprints and water spots
- Noisy or echos sound
- Lacks warmth
White
Pros:
- Classic, clean look
- Brightens space
- Easy to match with cabinets
- Affordable option across brands
Cons:
- Shows dirt, stains, fingerprints
- Can appear dated if not contemporary style
- Requires frequent cleaning
Black
Pros:
- Bold, dramatic look
- Sleek and modern
- Conceals smudges and fingerprints
Cons:
- Shows dust
- Can make small kitchens feel dark
- Limited style match
Matte Black
Pros:
- On-trend finish
- Minimizes smudges and fingerprints
- Feels soft and velvety
Cons:
- Marks and scratches show clearly
- Lacks shine and depth
Smart Tips for Choosing Appliance Colors
Follow these tips for selecting the best appliance colors for your kitchen:
- View color samples in person – Colors can look different under showroom lighting.
- Coordinate big appliances for a unified look – Mix large and small appliances.
- Consider resale value – More neutral colors appeal to wider range of homebuyers.
- Check with designer – They can identify the best shades for your decor.
- Pull accent colors from counters, backsplash or cabinets – Ties your palette together.
- Opt for fingerprint-resistant finishes – Easier to keep appliances looking clean.
- Include style in budget – Prices vary for color, finish upgrades.
- Think about lighting – Warm and cool tones read differently.
- Have a vision – Choose colors that reflect your personality and lifestyle.
- Consider ease of cleaning – Some colors require more maintenance.
By carefully considering your goals, preferences, and kitchen elements, you can select the perfect appliance hues.
Conclusion
Kitchen appliance colors have expanded far beyond basic white and stainless steel. Current trends include matte black, two-tone, bold paint colors, and warm metals like rose gold and copper. Choosing appliance finishes like smudge-proof stainless can simplify maintenance.
While colorful appliances can be fun statement pieces, more classic and neutral hues tend to stand the test of time and appeal to more homebuyers. Consider your overall kitchen design, cabinetry, flooring, and backsplash when selecting appliance colors for a cohesive look. Coordinate with your kitchen designer and view color samples in person before finalizing your choices.
With so many appliance colors and finishes now available, you can easily show off your personal style while creating a functional kitchen you’ll love.
