When selecting new cabinets, the door style and color usually take center stage—but the finish sheen you choose plays an equally important role in the final look.
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Showplace offers two options: satin and matte finishes. While the difference may seem subtle, sheen affects not only the cabinet’s appearance but also its durability and maintenance. Let’s break down the key distinctions to help you decide which finish is right for your space.
What Is Sheen?
Sheen refers to the level of light reflectivity on a surface. The higher the sheen, the shinier the finish. On cabinets, sheen affects everything from the appearance of the color to the amount of upkeep the surface will require.
Satin Finish
- Appearance: Satin has a soft, velvety glow—not overly shiny, but not completely flat either. It reflects a small amount of light, which adds depth and richness to the cabinetry.
- Maintenance: Fingerprints, smudges, and everyday messes from a busy family are less visible than matte. A quick pass with a damp cloth usually does the trick.
- Best For: Busy households, families with kids, or anyone who wants cabinets that look beautiful and are easy to maintain.
Matte Finish
- Appearance: Matte finishes have little to no light reflection, giving cabinets a smooth, modern, and understated look. Colors often appear more uniform and muted in matte.
- Maintenance: Matte sheen doesn’t hide wear and tear as easily. A damp cloth will work to clean cabinet surfaces.
- Best For: Homeowners who love a contemporary or minimalist aesthetic, or those who want cabinetry that blends seamlessly into the background rather than standing out.
How to Decide Between Satin and Matte
Think about your lifestyle and design goals:
- If you want a balance of beauty and practicality, satin is the safer bet.
- If you’re aiming for a bold, modern statement and don’t mind a little extra maintenance, matte could be the perfect choice.
Ultimately, both finishes bring something unique to the table. Satin enhances warmth, while matte offers a stylish, refined calm. Whichever you choose, the right sheen will elevate your cabinetry and complete your design vision.
Have more questions?
If you ever have questions about our sheen options, your Showplace dealer is just a call away.
Specifications & Product Information Notice:
The specification, materials, and care information provided on this website are intended as a general reference only. Because Showplace cabinetry is custom-manufactured, final product characteristics will reflect the specific selections, modifications, accessories, and enhancements chosen by the homeowner in collaboration with their designer. As a result, the website content should not be interpreted as comprehensive or absolute for all projects.
Some Showplace-purchased products, including doors purchased from other manufacturers, vent hoods and blowers, internal hardware kits, etc., are manufactured by third-party suppliers. These components are subject to the supplier’s own specifications, limitations, and warranty terms. Care information can be requested through a Showplace dealer or cited on the original manufacturer’s website.
Showplace reserves the right to change or discontinue products, materials, or design specifications at any time without prior notice and without obligation to update or modify cabinetry produced previously.
Homeowners should not rely solely on website information when making purchase decisions. For precise, project-specific details including materials, construction methods, limitations, and care requirements, consult your authorized Showplace designer or dealer.