Are you tired of the old look of your kitchen cabinets, but are unsure which color to choose? There are many colors to choose from when painting your kitchen cabinets. Here are some of the popular cabinet color options that you can choose:
However, choosing the right color may feel too overwhelming since cabinets are the centerpiece of your kitchen and set the tone for the entire room.
You must also consider some other factors while choosing and this post is going to assist you in how to do that. So, continue reading to learn what color should I paint my kitchen cabinets.
What Color Should I Paint My Kitchen Cabinets?
The above-highlighted colors are the best options that you can choose between for your kitchen cabinets. But the most challenging part is the way to decide which color option will suit your kitchen’s style and needs. This is because when you are selecting, you must consider certain factors such as:
- If you have a backsplash in your kitchen along with the cabinets and counters,
- What kind of color tone does your backsplash have? Is it warm or cool-toned?
- Do you have a relatively large or small kitchen?
- Do you have an open-space kitchen or does your kitchen have a separate space of its own?
- Considering your kitchen’s overall style (especially if you have an old-style home that was built around the early to mid-2000s).
- Are you also considering changing the backsplash and countertops of your kitchen (if you have one)?
Some love to stay with the current trend. But you must remember that no matter what color is trending right now, it might not go right with your kitchen’s style and setup.
In that case, you should follow the below guideline to find your ideal color match:
- The first priority should be considering the color contrast or tone of the backsplash (only if your kitchen has it).
But why?
This is because the kitchen cabinets and the backsplash stay on the same vertical (sightline) positioning. That means they are obviously more visually connected. - Next, you need to consider the countertops because they are positioned horizontally. So, they are also visually connected, and the color needs to complement each other.
For Warm-Toned Backsplash:
Now check if your backsplash mostly has neutral warm shades like red, orange, yellow, or gray.
If so, make sure to choose colors that go better with warm backsplash, such as
- Warm whites or gray,
- Plain off-white or other popular shades of cream/off-white
- light,
- Vibrant yellow, orange, or beige
- Light or neutral shades of Greige and Taupe
If you would like darker options, go with colors like Brown, Blue, or darker shades of Greige and Taupe.
For Cool-Toned Backsplash:
Similarly, check if your backsplash has a cooler tone or shade like green, blue, purple, or violet with other undertone shades. If so, you can go with colors, such as
- Grays with Green, purple, or Blue (the shade should be light in range or undertone),
- Choose colors with a less neutral tone such as classic Navy-Blue shade, Medium Blue, or medium to darker shade of Green.
For Backsplash with Warm and Cool Combo Tone:
If your backsplash has a combination of warm and cool tones, choose shades like
- Warm Grays,
- Bright but slightly cool shades of White,
- Warm White, or
- Warm Greige and Taupe.
For Kitchens that Don’t Have Backsplash:
If you don’t have a Backsplash, consider the countertops in the position of the backsplash in earlier explained scenarios to decide which color will suit best for your kitchen cabinets.
Cabinet Color Suggestions for Small Kitchens:
- If you prefer lighter shades, go with colors such as yellow, light blue, sage green, white, gray, beige, natural shades of wood, and pastels. These colors will help to create the illusion of a larger space.
- If you are more into bolder looks, you can go for darker shades of black, navy, green, and red. They will give a more dramatic look to your kitchen.
- If you wish to use contrast or combo for your kitchen cabinets, choose bright white with shades like navy blue, the shade of leather, olive green, cream, and wooden accents.
Cabinet Color Suggestions for Larger or Open Kitchens:
If you have an open or bigger kitchen, darker shades of green can give your kitchen a superior and sophisticated look. You can also try options such as
- Metallic or soft black,
- Deep green,
- Pale blue or other bolder shades to transform the space.
If You Can’t Coordinate the Colors:
If you still can’t choose a color that will well coordinate with the surfaces around your kitchen cabinets as well as the countertops, try the following tricks:
- Try your best to pick a shade that can go with the color of the backsplash and countertops, or you will need to re-paint the countertops and backsplash too.
- Choose a shade that suits well with the backsplash, even if that does not complement the color or shade of your countertops.
- Choose a color that matches the backsplash for your kitchen’s upper cabinets. Then select a darker shade that matches with the countertops for your lower kitchen cabinets. But don’t try this combo without testing the sample because not all kitchens can carry this combo well.
What Color Should I Paint My Kitchen Cabinets – FAQs
How do I choose the best color for my kitchen cabinets?
You should choose a color or shade that can complement the hard surfaces in your kitchen like the countertops, backsplash, and flooring.
The size of your kitchen is also an important parameter to consider. It is because a lighter shade in your kitchen cabinets will give a more open, airy approach, while darker shades will make your smaller kitchen look more congested.
On the contrary, darker or bolder colors work better in larger spaces and give a more dramatic look.
Which color is the most timeless for kitchen cabinets?
White is considered the most timeless kitchen cabinet color. However, other colors such as natural wood cabinetry, black, navy blue, and cool off-white are also considered timeless and can withstand changing trends.
Should I make my kitchen walls brighter or darker than the cabinets?
You can do either one of them because it completely depends on your personal preferences.
Which cabinet colors can make my kitchen look bigger?
Any light and bright color will make your kitchen look larger. You can choose any shades of light Blues, Green, or pale Yellows for your smaller kitchen.
Sources:
https://plainfancycabinetry.com/blog/most-popular-kitchen-cabinet-colors
https://porchdaydreamer.com/cabinet-color-trends
https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2024/02/15/kitchen-cabinet-paint-color-recommendations
https://thepaintpeople.com/paint-colours/kitchen-cabinet-colors
https://www.marthastewart.com/8355106/best-kitchen-cabinet-paint-colors
https://www.thekitchn.com/best-kitchen-cabinet-colors-23586610
https://www.choicecabinet.com/blog/the-beginner-friendly-guide-to-kitchen-cabinet-colors