Appliance colors have gone through many shifts and trends over the years. While white and black remain classic options, stainless steel rose to popularity in the 1990s and 2000s. More recently, buyers have been opting for more unique colors and finishes to add personality to their kitchens. So what are the most popular appliance colors today?
The History of Appliance Colors
In the early to mid 1900s, most major appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers came in basic white, black, or pale pastel shades. However, in the late 1960s and 70s, earth tones and avocado greens became trendy. The harvest gold and burnt orange appliances of this era remain iconic today.
By the 1980s and 90s, almond and bisque became the popular neutral tones for appliances. At the same time, black appliances started growing in popularity as an upscale, high-end option. Stainless steel finishes also emerged in the 90s, introducing a sleek, professional look.
The 2000s brought an explosion of stainless steel. This lustrous metallic finish quickly came to dominate the appliance market, seen as both modern and timeless. But while stainless remains a top seller, bold colors have recently made a comeback.
Current Leading Color Trends
According to industry surveys of both designers and consumers, today’s most sought-after kitchen appliance colors include:
- Stainless steel
- Matte black
- White
- Black stainless
- Slate gray
Let’s look at each of these popular hues and finishes in more detail:
Stainless Steel
Brushed stainless steel still dominates today’s appliance market. Offering a commercial, professional look, stainless steel works equally well in modern and traditional kitchens. It provides a neutral, versatile backdrop that coordinates well with a wide range of cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and decor styles.
Stainless appliances also boast a sleek, futuristic look while still appearing timeless. This makes stainless steel a sound long-term investment that won’t appear quickly dated. It is especially popular with resale value in mind.
Matte Black
Matte black finishes have surged in popularity in recent years. With a soft, subtle luster, matte black provides an upscale, sophisticated look. It works especially well alongside darker cabinetry and countertops, like black, espresso, or charcoal gray.
Matte black appliances have an understated elegance that feels custom, bespoke, and high-end. This luxurious color also fits right in with contemporary trends toward darker, moodier palettes. It aligns nicely with popular shades like navy blue, forest green, and walnut brown.
White
Classic white remains a perennial kitchen favorite. It offers a light, airy feel alongside light wood cabinetry and pale countertops. White appliances also keep small kitchens looking open and spacious.
With its clean, crisp look, white upholds a timeless aesthetic. It works with absolutely any color scheme, lending versatility and flexibility. White appliances maintain widespread popularity for both their brightness and neutrality.
Black Stainless
Black stainless steel has emerged in recent years as an elegant alternative to conventional stainless steel. With a darker, smokier hue, it provides a more dramatic, sophisticated look.
Many buyers prefer the deeper, warmer appearance of black stainless. It pairs beautifully with tones like espresso, charcoal, and gunmetal gray. Black stainless offers an appealing mid-point between black and traditional stainless finishes.
Slate Gray
For a softer alternative to stainless steel, slate gray has become a go-to option. With subtle blue undertones, slate gray provides an approachable but stylish neutral shade.
Slate gray appliances complement both cool and warm color schemes alike. They pair attractively with whites and beiges as well as navy blues and sage greens. Slate gray offers a timeless, flexible neutral while still adding a touch of color.
Most Popular Appliance Colors By Category
Color preferences can also vary based on appliance category. Here are some of today’s most popular hues for key appliance types:
Refrigerators
- Stainless steel
- White
- Black
- Slate gray
For refrigerators, stainless steel, white and black are top choices. Stainless offers flexibility while white provides a bright, clean look. Black makes a bold style statement. Slate gray offers a more unique but still neutral option.
Ranges
- Stainless steel
- Matte black
- White
- Slate gray
For ranges, stainless steel remains number one, conveying durability. Matte black provides an upscale appearance, while white looks fresh and bright. Slate gray is gaining ground for a more customizable look.
Dishwashers
- Stainless steel
- White
- Black
- Black stainless
On dishwashers, dependable stainless still leads, but black stainless is on the rise. White dishwashers blend seamlessly into light kitchens. And solid black makes a dramatic style statement.
Factors Influencing Appliance Color Trends
Several factors contribute to the most sought-after appliance colors and finishes:
- Current style trends – for example, black is popular right now due to dark, moody palettes.
- Material innovation – such as the creation of black stainless steel.
- Consumer preferences for different looks – from sleek and modern to vintage.
- Versatility for coordinating with various kitchen designs.
- Visual appeal – some colors like white enhance brightness.
Appliance colors that provide flexibility and complement multiple designs, like stainless steel, tend to have the broadest appeal and longevity.
Regional Differences
Appliance color preferences can also vary by region. For example:
- White remains in especially high demand in the South, associated with bright, welcoming kitchens.
- Matte black has significant popularity on the West Coast where contemporary design is king.
- Stainless steel still dominates in the Northeast for its sleek, modern aesthetic.
- The Midwest opts for more traditional colors like white alongside some stainless.
However, stainless steel, matte black, and white remain top choices across all regions due to their timeless, universal appeal.
| Region | Most Popular Colors |
|---|---|
| South | White, Stainless, Black |
| West Coast | Matte Black, Stainless, Gray |
| Northeast | Stainless, White, Gray |
| Midwest | White, Stainless, Black |
Conclusion
While personal taste and style vary enormously, a few key finishes lead today’s appliance trends. Stainless steel remains the most ubiquitous, offering timeless versatility. Matte black captures contemporary elegance. White upholds classic brightness. Black stainless and slate gray provide sophisticated neutrals. But the best appliance color ultimately depends on your own kitchen style and needs.
No matter your color choice, today’s advanced appliance finishes make it possible to achieve virtually any desired look. Keeping up with the latest innovations allows you to customize your kitchen with appliances that coordinate perfectly with your unique space.
