Choosing the perfect paint color for cabinets can be tough because there are so many gorgeous colors out there that can be almost impossible to narrow down choices. I wanted to share with you some beautiful cabinet paint colors for kitchens and baths that are also some of the most dependable and versatile colors out there for cabinetry.
While these colors below are dependable colors, it’s still very important that you sample a color before you paint in the space so you can see how your lighting throughout the day impacts the color. The color may not be what you envision and that’s no fun, especially if you skipped sample testing and went straight to painting. We always give you free Sherwin Williams samples for this reason.
One of the first things I consider about when choosing a kitchen/bath cabinet paint color is to determine if we want the color to contrast, or blend into the space. In spaces with low ceilings or tight spaces, a cabinet color that blends and is either the exact wall color (or very close) is perfect, so the space appears larger and ceilings appear higher than they really are. In these type of low ceiling spaces, balanced whites with a neutral undertone (that are not too warm or too cool), will always make a space appear larger if used on both the wall and cabinetry.
Some of the most beautiful balanced neutral whites that I like to recommend for cabinetry are (keep in mind that the white paint color cards below look warmer online than in person).
In smaller kitchens, that are not open to the living room, I also like to stick with the same color on both the cabinets, wall color and select a backsplash in the same color (some contrast in tile would still work as long as it’s the same color) to make the space appear larger. Of course, neutral whites or very light (almost white) balanced grays can make a space appear larger vs. selecting a mid-tone or dark color.
If you want to lighten up a space like a bathroom and laundry room, which traditionally doesn’t have much natural light, Sherwin Williams High Reflective White will do the trick!
In spaces with high ceilings, I like to recommend a color for the cabinetry that contrasts the wall color, especially for media cabinetry in a living room because it makes a space appear cozier with spacial balance.
Dark moody colors are predicted by the paint companies to be one of the biggest trends in paint colors in 2019 and this is something that I have really been seeing the last year in new construction, especially when it comes to cabinetry colors. These dark rich colors on cabinetry in spaces with white walls are a stunning contrast and such a beautiful option.
Sherwin Williams Porpoise
Dark moody colors on cabinetry in the right spaces can make a beautiful statement and add a richness to a space instantly!
Here are some of my favorite moody colors that look incredible on cabinetry;
Sherwin Williams Needlepoint Navy
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze
Neutral Balanced Grays
Neutral colors, such as balanced grays are always a great choice for cabinetry and still one of the most popular choices with consumers according to the paint manufacturers. I like to stick with the lighter warm grays vs. mid-tones because just like whites, lighter shades of neutrals can also help to keep the whole space feeling light.
I like to recommend either Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray or Repose Gray more than any other color for cabinetry for my clients because these light warm grays are nearly perfect without a strong undertone. I don’t have to worry about different lighting situations and know that these two neutral grays will always look beautiful on cabinetry in any room of a home.
A word of warning though when it comes to choosing warm grays… It’s critical that you sample the color you’re considering in the space with the lighting. Light warm grays can instantly lean blue, green or even peachy depending on undertones in certain light. It’s best to play it safe!
Some of the most beautiful balanced neutral warm grays that I recommend
Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
Keep in mind as you choose cabinetry colors that you don’t want to have to re-paint each year, which too many layers of paint can add up to uneven finishes and durability problems. If you choose a timeless paint color, you can go longer without having to re-paint and change colors. As tempting as it is to choose a fun bold color for the moment like an electric blue, softer colors like a muted transitional blue are timeless and less trendy.
Just like whites and the lightest warm grays, lighter muted colors can do double-duty when it comes to cabinetry by helping to keep a space feeling light, while at the same time adding some beautiful contrast.
My favorite muted/softer colors that I like to recommend for cabinets are;
Sherwin Williams Sea Salt
Sherwin Williams Copen Blue
Black cabinetry in the wrong space can sometimes overwhelm and fight with other elements in a space like floor wood tones and other undertones. If you have what or black tile (like the space above), a true black can be breathtaking. However, other spaces with wood floors or wood tile floors, I like to play it safe and recommend an “almost black” for cabinetry just to ensure that everything in the space works together. You still get that great contrast but by simply choosing an almost black with a gray or brown undertone, you add that hint of warmth that beautifully blends and compliments wood tones.
Beautiful blacks for cabinetry that I recommend to my clients are;
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
It’s pretty easy these days to choose a cabinetry sheen because most of what’s trending with consumers is matte satin sheen. I very rarely see a new home these days that has a semi-gloss or high gloss. Once in awhile, I will see high gloss maybe on office cabinets or a bathroom vanity for a design impact but it’s very rare.
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