Painted vs. Natural Wood Cabinetry:
Which Is Right for Your Kitchen?

When planning a new kitchen, one of the first decisions is whether to choose painted or natural wood cabinets. Both finishes offer pros and cons, with considerations including durability, maintenance, style preferences, budget, and how the cabinetry will coordinate with appliances and flooring materials. Taking the time to evaluate aesthetics, upkeep, and how each finish complements your overall kitchen design will help you make an informed, lasting choice. A new kitchen is a significant investment—both in time and cost—so early research ensures that your decision is guided by both beauty and practicality. Custom cabinetry in either a natural timber finish or hand-painted colorway brings a distinct look to the space. However, a painted kitchen offers greater flexibility when it comes to updating the look down the road. Below, we compare wood vs painted kitchen cabinets and share why our hand-brushed finishes remain a hallmark of Plain English Design.

Aesthetic Appeal and Design Flexibility

Painted Cabinets

Hand-painted cupboards offer a smooth, characterful finish that can be touched up if scuffed or worn over time. With virtually endless color possibilities, painted cabinets work beautifully in modern, traditional, and transitional kitchen designs. We offer an extensive range of exclusive paint colors that distinguish a Plain English project from any other. Finish options also include varied sheens—from high-gloss to matte—allowing further personalization. Painted cabinetry invites creativity, such as adding a pop of color inside a larder or glazed cupboard, or pairing unexpected hues for contrast. Lighter paint colors can brighten smaller or darker spaces, while deep, moody tones create an intimate and atmospheric feel. The versatility of painted cabinetry makes it an appealing choice for kitchens where design expression is a priority.

Natural Wood Cabinets

Choosing natural timber cabinetry highlights the unique grain, knots, and tone variations inherent in the material. No two pieces of wood are exactly alike, and the natural finish brings a sense of warmth and organic beauty to the kitchen. That said, damage to a natural wood surface, such as a chip or scratch, is more difficult to disguise. This is why we often recommend painted finishes, which allow for easy maintenance and preserve the overall integrity of the kitchen over time.

Durability and Longevity

Painted Cabinets

Painted cupboards may show chips or surface wear in high-touch areas over time. Fortunately, one of the benefits of a hand-painted kitchen is the ability to refresh those areas with a simple touch-up using the original paint. At Plain English, we achieve a soft, silky sheen by painting every cupboard by hand—a look and feel that cannot be replicated with spray-painted or lacquered alternatives.

Natural Wood Cabinets

Natural wood cabinetry can naturally hide minor blemishes through its variation in grain and tone. While light scratches may blend in, deeper marks cannot be touched up as easily as with paint. Over time, these signs of wear may develop into a patina that adds character—or, depending on preference, may detract from the clean look originally intended. Sun exposure can also impact wood finishes, with some areas darkening or fading unevenly depending on their placement in the room.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Painted Cabinets

Painted cupboards are relatively easy to clean. A warm, soapy cloth will remove most grease, fingerprints, and food splatters. While smooth, painted finishes may show smudges more readily, they’re equally simple to wipe clean. Our durable hand-painted finish is well-suited to everyday use. Touch-ups are generally only needed after years of wear or in the case of accidental damage.

Natural Wood Cabinets

Natural wood cabinets can also be cleaned with a gentle cloth and mild soap, but unfinished timber may require periodic oiling to prevent drying or cracking. Oiling helps protect the wood and keeps it looking rich and well-maintained. Some homeowners choose a lacquered finish instead, which acts as a sealant to protect the wood from moisture. However, once scratched, lacquer can become compromised and may allow water to seep into the surface, potentially causing long-term damage.

Which Suits Your Kitchen Style and Lifestyle?

Painted cabinetry lends itself well to minimalist, colorful, or classic kitchen designs. Whether you’re drawn to a single, dramatic color or a more layered look with multiple hues or sheen variations, painted finishes offer unmatched flexibility. They also allow you to repaint the space five or ten years later if your style evolves. For homeowners planning to sell, painted cabinets can appeal to potential buyers by making future updates easier without a full renovation. Natural wood cabinetry, while ideal for farmhouse, Scandinavian, or organic-style kitchens, may require more consideration over time. Its evolving patina and lack of touch-up ability make it less forgiving in high-use households.

Final Considerations for Your Bespoke Kitchen

Talking through your aesthetic goals, lifestyle needs, and maintenance expectations with a designer will help determine which finish is right for you. Our showrooms offer an opportunity to experience both painted and natural wood cabinets firsthand. At Plain English, we combine time-honored craftsmanship with bespoke detailing to ensure your kitchen is as functional as it is beautiful—for the way you live today and for years to come.

Work With a Designer to Find the Right Finish

At Plain English, we provide more than just choice—we offer complete control over your cabinetry’s finish, color palette, proportions, and joinery details. Our design team will guide you through each step of the process, helping you choose a layout and aesthetic that supports your day-to-day routine and reflects your personal style. We invite you to book a design consultation to view our in-house color collections, discuss layout ideas, and begin designing a space tailored to your exact brief. We look forward to helping you build a kitchen that feels made for you.