In many cases, yes. Darker cabinets tend to show fingerprints, dust, water spots, and smudges more easily than lighter finishes, especially if the surface has more sheen. That doesn’t mean dark cabinets are a bad choice — just that they usually need a bit more regular upkeep to keep looking their best.

A matte or satin finish can help a lot. It softens reflections and makes everyday marks less noticeable than a glossy surface would.

So if you love the look of dark cabinetry, it’s absolutely possible to make it work. It just helps to go into the decision knowing that the maintenance side is a little different.