Are your kitchen cabinets in need of a makeover? One of the most effective ways to give your kitchen a fresh new look is by painting the cabinets. But with so many color options available, how do you choose the right kitchen cabinet paint color for your space?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best kitchen cabinet paint colors and discuss the factors to consider when choosing a cabinet color.
With the right color scheme and a fresh coat of paint, you can completely transform the look of your cabinets and give your kitchen a whole new feel. So, let’s dive in and discover the best kitchen cabinet paint colors for your home!
What Is The Most Popular Color To Paint Kitchen Cabinets?
White . White is the dominant paint color for kitchen cabinets across the U.S, and with good reason!
Not only does white fit almost any kitchen style, white cabinet paint is the safest choice for anyone who wants simple and effective design. White cabinets have been a long-standing trend in kitchen design; why not try it in your kitchen?
White and its many variations are widely considered to be one of the top go-to cabinet paint colors when painting kitchen cabinets and it’s showing no signs of ever going out of style, but white is certainly not the only option. Check out some of our favorite paint colors that we know will bring out your cabinet’s full potential!
Alabaster (sw 7008)
Repose Gray (sw 7015)
Copen Blue (sw 0068)
Sea Salt (sw 6204)
Azure Tide (sw 9684 - Emerald Designer)
Pussywillow (sw 7643)
What Are The Top 3 Cabinet Colors?
One brand we love to recommend is Sherwin Williams, which offers a wide range of high-quality cabinet paint in a variety of paint colors. So when it comes to popular kitchen cabinet paint colors, three colors from Sherwin Williams stand out to us:
Alabaster, Repose Gray, and Sea Salt . Each of these paint colors has its own unique qualities that make them popular choices for kitchen cabinets.
Its important to note that the paint color that you choose for your kitchen cabinets will depend on your personal style, the existing decor in your kitchen, and your overall design goals. However, we highly recommend considering these three popular Sherwin Williams paint colors when choosing a paint color for your kitchen cabinets.
Not only are they versatile and stylish, but they also come from a trusted brand that offers high-quality kitchen cabinet paint that will last for years to come.
Alabaster (sw 7008)
Perks Of Alabaster/White Paint
1.) Alabaster is ideal for any kitchen style, from classic to contemporary. White is a color that will never go out of style and will give a clean and fresh look to your kitchen cabinetry.
2.) White cabinets in the kitchen can make for an ideal backdrop for other design elements. By choosing white, you can let your countertops, backsplash and hardware take center stage.
3.) Alabaster can also give you more flexibility when it comes to changing the look of your kitchen down the line. You can simply update other things in your kitchen without having to worry about clashing with your cabinet color.
Repose Gray (sw 7015)
Perks Of Repose Gray/Gray Paint
1.) A gray color, whether its a cool gray or a warm gray, can complement a wide range of design styles, from modern to traditional. This makes Repose Gray a versatile choice that can work well in a variety of kitchen settings.
2.) Repose Gray cabinets can hide dirt and stains better than white cabinets, making them a practical choice for a busy kitchen.
3.) Gray for kitchen cabinets is better at covering existing colors. This means that less prep work is needed when painting cabinets, saving you time and effort.
Sea Salt (sw 6204)
Perks Of Sea Salt/Green Paint
1.) Sea Salt is a unique and refreshing color choice for kitchen cabinets that can add a touch of nature to your kitchen. One of the main advantages of using green for kitchen cabinets is that it can stand out in a sea of more traditional neutral colors. Green cabinets can add personality and character to your kitchen.
2.) Green is a color that can come in a variety of shades and tones, from soft pastels to vibrant emeralds. This means that there is a shade of green that can work well in any kitchen, no matter what your design style may be.
3.) Sea Salt can highlight the natural beauty of wooden countertops and floors or the sleekness of modern stainless steel appliances. The combination of green and brown can mimic the colors of nature, bringing a sense of calm and serenity to your home.
What Color Should I Paint My Kitchen Cabinets?
The simple answer is that you should paint your kitchen cabinets white, light gray/dark gray , or go for navy blue kitchen cabinets, however, the real answer involves a little bit more deliberation.
Kitchen cabinet paint colors have massive potential for transforming not only the appearance of your kitchen but the atmosphere too.
Your cabinets are one of the most prominent features in your kitchen, and updating them with a fresh coat of cabinet paint can completely transform the entire kitchen.
But what color should you paint your kitchen cabinets? Well, the answer to that question is, it depends . We know that’s cliché to say but when selecting the right paint color for your kitchen cabinets, 3 basic factors have to be considered.
3 Basic Factors For Choosing A Cabinet Paint Color
1.) A Color Family
2.) Existing Decor
3.) Lighting
Choosing the perfect paint color for your kitchen cabinets may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By considering these three key factors, you can easily narrow down your options and choose a cabinet color that you’ll love for years to come. Let’s take a look at each factor in more detail.
Existing Decor
The existing décor in your kitchen is the first thing to consider when deciding on a paint color for your kitchen cabinetry. Whether you’re doing a kitchen update or a kitchen remodel, the cabinet paint color should work well with your existing decor.
Think about the colors and textures already in your kitchen. Consider the color of your countertops, backsplash, walls and flooring. Finding cabinet colors that complement the rest of the elements in your kitchen is key, especially when you don’t plan on updating or replacing any of them.
Color Family
1.) Firstly, to make choosing a paint color for your kitchen cabinets easier, it’s important to have a starting point. It’s best to start with a general color family-like whites, grays and beiges-to create an overall direction of which family of kitchen cabinet paint colors would look best.
From there you’ll have plenty of choices within that range to pick out the specific shade that fits your style.
2.) When you’ve settled on a general kitchen cabinet color family, it’s time to think about the wall paint color and countertops/backsplash. Keeping in mind the general color scheme will help with your decision-making once you factor in what paint colors are already present in your kitchen.
Ask yourself: do you need a cool color or warm color, does a color with red undertones work well or does a color with green undertones work best for your kitchen ect ect? Knowing this information beforehand will help make choosing the right cabinet colors much easier.
3.) Consider the overall look that you’re going for. Do you want a modern look or do you like a more traditional look?
Once you figure-out the style that you are going for, let it guide your decor choices. This will help ensure that each element in your design complements the color scheme you have chosen for the kitchen cabinet color.
Lighting
When choosing a paint color for your kitchen cabinets, it’s important to keep in mind how lighting can affect the way the cabinet color appears. Different types of lighting, such as natural light, LED or fluorescent lighting, can cause paint colors to look different depending on the time of day and the tint of the light source.
A paint color that looks great in a paint store or online might look completely different in your kitchen due to the lighting. For example, a warm-toned light can make white kitchen cabinets appear yellowish or reddish, while a cool-toned light can make the same white cabinets appear bluish. This is why it’s best practice to get a paint sample before committing to kitchen cabinet paint colors
Using paint samples will help you see how the color looks in your kitchen’s lighting conditions.
Common Questions & Answers
What Is A Good Neutral Color For Kitchen Cabinets?
When it comes to selecting the perfect kitchen cabinet paint colors, factors like wall color, backsplash, countertops and flooring must be taken into account in order to create a cohesive look. But, generally speaking, neutral paint colors such as whites, grays, greiges and blues are all neutral paint colors that will work great with any existing decor in your kitchen.
Although neutral colors like white, gray, greige and blue are the most popular choices for kitchen cabinets there are occasions when other more eye-catching neutrals can be used too, for those looking for something special or unique.
On this blog we love Sherwin Williams and we love them so much that we recommend their colors above all else. Here are some of our favorite go-to neutrals from their color wheel that look stunning for any kitchen cabinet style!
Alabaster
Fleur De Sel
Solstice (sw 9571 - Emerald Designer)
Clean Slate (sw 9621 - Emerald Designer)
Invite warmth into your kitchen with this cozy and inviting gray. It pairs beautifully with a warm white like Shell White for an elegant look that is sure to make any space more welcoming.
What Color Is Best For Low Maintenance Kitchen Cabinets?
When searching for kitchen cabinet colors that are easy to take care of, go for mid-tones or dark neutrals. These darker paint colors tend to conceal dirt and blemishes better than light colors. Grays, navy blues, and greiges all make great choices because they work well with a variety of kitchen decor styles.
Another important element to keep in mind for low maintenance cabinets is the type of paint finish. A high sheen finish, such as a gloss or semi-gloss, are the best options because they are easier to clean and the sheen helps repel dirt and grime.
High sheen finishes have sort of fallen out of favor in a lot of modern kitchens but picking a paint product with AT LEAST A SATIN/EGGSHELL FINISH will keep your cabinets cleaner over the lifespan of your cabinets and spare you from having to do constant upkeep.
Ultimately, the best cabinet color for low maintenance kitchen cabinets will depend on the specific needs and preferences of each unique person but choosing darker colors along with a higher sheen finish would be the perfect combination for low maintenance cabinets.
Should Kitchen Cabinets Be Painted Flat Or Satin?
The never-ending battle between flat and higher finishes for kitchen cabinets comes to an end right here. Never use flat paint on your kitchen cabinets! Flat paints come in handy for a lot of things, but kitchen cabinets are not one of them.
Higher finishes like semi-gloss, are more durable and resistant to damage, making them really the only choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens. We want our cabinet paint to last for a long time and using higher sheens is the best way to make sure that your cabinet paint can withstand the wears and tears that come with normal kitchen use.
What Color Cabinets Brighten A Kitchen?
White. If you’re looking to brighten up your kitchen with cabinet paint, shades of white are your best bet. White paint has the power to make any size kitchen look and feel much more open, due to its ability to reflect natural or artificial light.
Another advantage of white cabinet paint colors is that they work well with a variety of design styles, from traditional to modern. If you have a kitchen with an existing decor that can complement white kitchen cabinets then go for it.
White cabinets create a clean and crisp look and they can also serve as a blank canvas for other design elements in the kitchen, such as countertops, backsplash tiles, and the kitchen walls.
Should Upper Cabinets And Lower Cabinets Be The Same Color?
Two-tone kitchen cabinets have been gaining in popularity in recent years as a way to add a modern touch to your kitchen design. But when it comes to whether the upper and lower cabinets should be the same color, there is no definite right or wrong answer. It ultimately depends on the style of your kitchen and your personal preference.
Generally speaking, two-toned kitchen cabinets work best in instances like doing a remodel where there is a color scheme/design plan already in place, and the other design elements in the kitchen like the countertops, the kitchen walls, the backsplash and the floors were chosen to complement the kitchen cabinet colors.
Two-toned kitchens are 100% possible without doing a remodel but if you’re just looking to update your kitchen cabinets by themselves, you will just need to make sure that you choose paint color combos or textures that work in harmony with your existing kitchen decor.
If you have seen two-toned cabinet paint in kitchens on social media and are wondering if that will work for your home, the answer is probably yes! There are a bunch of two-toned cabinet paint color options that can be used in a kitchen that extend farther than just using two different paint colors. There are so many different ways to make this idea work.
For example, consider pairing up contrasting stain colors, or maybe a stain on the upper cabinets and a paint color on the bottom. Maybe use different finishes, a unique twist is to combine wood textures and painted cabinets, while another option is to paint all of your kitchen cabinets in one color but give your island a contrasting paint color.
There are tons of ways to accomplish a two-toned cabinet paint color style and the decision about whether to use the same paint color for upper and lower cabinets or to mix and match will be completely up to your creative ability!
Conclusion
Choosing the right paint color for your kitchen cabinets essentially comes down to 3 factors. Your current or future kitchen decor style, the color family that you would like to use and the lighting that you have in your kitchen. These 3 factors will help with your decision-making process and you will be able to pick a paint color that will match with your personal style and be the perfect fit to your kitchen for years to come.
