Choosing between a matt or a gloss finish for your new kitchen is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. It’s a question I get asked all the time. Both look great, but they have some fundamental differences in how they look, how they feel, and how they perform in a busy home. There’s no single right answer, but there is a right answer for *you* and your lifestyle.

I’ve been in the kitchen industry for over 20 years, from retail to manufacturing, and now I supply kitchens directly to the public and trade. My goal is to give you the straight-talking, honest advice you need to make the best choice. Let's break down the pros and cons of matt and gloss finishes to help you decide.

The most immediate difference between matt and gloss is how they handle light. This has a huge impact on the overall feel of your kitchen.

Gloss kitchens have a shiny, reflective surface that bounces light around the room. This is a massive advantage if your kitchen is on the smaller side or doesn't get a lot of natural daylight. The reflections create a sense of space and brightness, making the room feel larger and more open. It’s a very modern, sleek, and clean look. Our Handleless Gloss and Slab Gloss ranges are perfect examples of this high-impact style.

Matt kitchens, on the other hand, absorb light rather than reflecting it. This creates a much softer, more understated, and contemporary finish. Because there's no glare, the colour of the doors appears more consistent from every angle. A matt finish can feel calmer and more muted, which a lot of people prefer. It's a sophisticated look that works brilliantly in our Handleless Matt and Slab Matt styles.

Looks are one thing, but a kitchen has to work for your life. This is where the practical differences between matt and gloss really come into play.

Let's be honest about fingerprints. This is the number one concern for most people. A high-gloss surface will show fingerprints and smudges more readily than a matt one, especially on darker colours. If you have young kids or just can't stand seeing marks, a matt finish is definitely the more forgiving option. That said, gloss doors are incredibly easy to clean.

When it comes to cleaning, the smooth, non-porous surface of a gloss door is a dream. A quick wipe with a soft, damp microfibre cloth is all it takes to remove marks and bring back that perfect shine. Matt finishes can be a little more stubborn with greasy marks, as the texture can hold onto them more. However, a good quality kitchen cleaner will sort it out.

In terms of durability, it’s all about the quality of the door itself, not just the finish. All our kitchens are built to last. Our gloss doors are made from high-density MDF with either a tough acrylic layer or a multi-layered lacquered finish. We never use cheap vinyl wrap, which is prone to peeling. Our matt doors are equally robust. Both are built on our 18mm rigid carcasses with 18mm solid backs, so you're getting a quality product whichever finish you choose.

Certain kitchen styles are naturally suited to one finish over the other.

Gloss is the go-to for a true, modern, minimalist look. It’s almost exclusively used for slab or handleless door styles, like our Porter Gloss or Remo Gloss ranges. The uninterrupted, reflective surface is what creates that sleek, contemporary aesthetic. You wouldn't typically find a traditional Shaker kitchen in a high-gloss finish.

Matt is far more versatile. It’s the signature finish for modern handleless and slab doors, like our Porter Matt and Remo Matt ranges, giving a sophisticated, architectural feel. But it also works beautifully with more traditional styles. While our classic Painted Shaker kitchens have a natural, low-sheen painted finish rather than a true 'matt', they share that same soft, non-reflective quality. So, if you want a timeless look, a matt or low-sheen finish is a great choice across both modern and classic designs.

There's no winner here, only what's right for your home and your priorities.

Choose a gloss kitchen if:

• You have a smaller or darker kitchen and want to maximise light and space.
• You love a sleek, modern, high-impact look.
• You want a surface that is exceptionally easy to wipe clean.
• You don't have young children or you're not too bothered by wiping away fingerprints.

Choose a matt kitchen if:

• You prefer a more understated, subtle, and contemporary style.
• You want a finish that is less likely to show fingerprints and smudges.
• You want a consistent, solid block of colour without reflections or glare.
• You want a versatile finish that works for both modern and classic designs.

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to see the finishes for yourself. You can visit our showroom in Oldham or order samples to see how they look in your own home, in your own light. I'm confident that whether you choose matt or gloss, you'll be getting a top-quality kitchen that's 30-50% cheaper than the big sheds like Howdens, with transparent pricing all year round.

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