When it comes to home appliances, one of the key considerations is color. The appliance color you choose can have a big impact on your kitchen or laundry room’s overall aesthetic. While appliance colors and finishes come in and out of style, there are a few timeless options that remain popular year after year. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most classic and enduring appliance color choices.
Stainless Steel
One of the most popular and classic appliance finishes is stainless steel. Stainless steel appliances have a sleek, modern look that fits well in contemporary kitchens. The stainless steel finish is practical as well – it resists fingerprints and is easy to clean.
Stainless steel has been a fixture in kitchens since the 1960s and its popularity has never waned. In fact, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s 2019 Kitchen & Bath Market Report, stainless steel was included in over 75% of kitchen remodels that year.
Here are some key benefits that explain why stainless steel remains a timeless choice:
| Sleek, modern aesthetic | Easy to clean and maintain |
| Neutral color complements most decor | Durable and long-lasting |
While brushed stainless steel is the most common, there are other finishes like black stainless and matte stainless that provide a more unique, modern look. Stainless steel appliances have staying power – it’s hard to go wrong with this versatile metal finish.
White
A white appliance finish is another option that stands the test of time. White appliances have a clean, classic look that suits many kitchen design styles, from traditional to modern.
For decades, white was the most popular appliance color by far. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, in the early 2000s white accounted for over 80% of appliance sales. While stainless steel now claims the top spot, white remains a perennial favorite.
Here are some of the reasons why white appliance colors remain timeless:
| Clean, crisp aesthetic | Makes small kitchens look larger |
| Classic look, suits traditional style | Easy to match with any decor |
White appliances also provide flexibility to change your kitchen decor down the road – they will coordinate well with almost any color scheme. From bright retro-style appliances to subtle off-whites, there are many shades of white to choose from.
The one downside is that white appliances do require more cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking pristine. Overall though, white appliances are a safe bet that will provide a timeless look.
Black
Black kitchen appliances are having a major moment right now. But while black stainless steel is a modern trend, basic black appliances have actually been around for decades.
In the 1950s and 1960s, black was a popular appliance color along with turquoise and bright pastels. Black appliances then faded in popularity in favor of almond and white shades. But black has cycled back around and now provides a sophisticated, dramatic look.
Here are some of the reasons black appliance colors have enduring appeal:
| Striking, bold aesthetic | Matches modern or contemporary decor |
| Less visible fingerprints | Coordinates with a range of colors |
Black stainless steel offers the deepest, most luxe finish. But basic black appliances still hold appeal for a bold, head-turning look.
The one downside of black appliances is that they can show dust more readily and require vigilant cleaning. Overall though, black is a dramatic choice that maintains its edgy appeal over time.
Chrome
For a retro 1950s look, chrome appliances can’t be beat. Chrome has a nostalgic fun appeal that fits well in vintage-style kitchens.
But chrome finishes have actually remained available since the 1950s, when chrome and turquoise dominated appliance colors. So while chrome seems retro, it has maintained steady popularity over decades.
Some key benefits of chrome appliance finishes include:
| Nostalgic 1950s retro aesthetic | Distinctive, eye-catching look |
| Gleaming and reflective | Coordinates with vibrant retro colors |
Chrome has a quirky appeal that just doesn’t go out of fashion. For those who want a fun, charged-up look, chrome appliances deliver.
The reflective surface does show any marks or fingerprints readily. But the shiny appeal outweighs the need for frequent cleaning for most buyers. For a truly vintage 1950s style, chrome is hard to surpass.
Conclusion
When selecting appliance finishes, stainless steel, white, black, and chrome have remained go-to choices for decades. Their popularity endures because these classic colors suit a range of decor styles and kitchen types.
Stainless steel is sleek and modern. White is clean and fresh. Black makes a dramatic statement. And chrome evokes fun retro charm.
While trends come and go, these four appliance colors have staying power. They are considered classics for good reason – their versatile aesthetic maintains appeal year after year.
So when selecting a timeless look for your kitchen, you can confidently choose stainless steel, white, black or chrome. They will maintain their stylish good looks for years to come. Focus on your personal style preferences, knowing any of these finishes will provide long-lasting appeal.
