What is the best color for kitchen cabinets?
What is the best color for kitchen cabinets?
Best colors for kitchen cabinets
Choosing the right kitchen cabinet color can dramatically transform the look and feel of your space. Whether you want a timeless classic or a bold, modern statement, there are a wide array of options to suit every style.
Whether you choose paint or stain, the best color for kitchen cabinets depends on your personal style and the colors and materials that are in your kitchen already. Here’s a comprehensive guide for selecting the perfect kitchen cabinet hue.
Timeless white
White remains the perennial favorite for kitchen cabinets, prized for its versatility and ability to make spaces feel bright and open. The best white paint color for kitchen cabinets depends on the warmth and undertone you’re going for.
Shades like crisp Snowbound, warm Alabaster, and soft Swiss Coffee are especially popular, each offering a slightly different take on this classic look.
Warm neutrals
Warm neutrals, such as creamy whites, soft beiges, and gentle taupes, are also on trend for kitchen cabinets, providing a cozy, inviting atmosphere that pairs well with both traditional and contemporary designs.
Sophisticated blues
Blue cabinets are surging in popularity, coming in as the second most sought-after choice after whites. Deep navy and moody marine blues create a rich, elegant vibe, while lighter powder blues offer a calming, airy feel.
Standout shades include Marine Blue, Vermont Slate, and Blue Nova, as well as softer options like Upward by Sherwin-Williams. Blue cabinets work beautifully with gold or brass hardware and white countertops for a fresh, modern look.
Earthy and calming greens
Green is a top contender for those seeking a nature-inspired kitchen. Forest green and sage green cabinets are especially trending, striking a balance between drama and tranquility. These shades add depth and sophistication, pairing well with natural wood accents, neutral walls, or metallic hardware.
Sage green, in particular, can make smaller kitchens feel more open and inviting, while forest green delivers a bold, moody statement.
Modern grays and charcoals
Gray remains a versatile staple for kitchen cabinets, with mid-tone grays and charcoal hues offering a modern, understated elegance. These colors complement a wide range of design styles and pair beautifully with stainless steel appliances, matte black hardware, or marble countertops.
Charcoal, a dark and moody alternative to black, is especially popular for those seeking a dramatic yet neutral backdrop.
Soft pastels
Pastel shades are making a comeback, offering a gentle, uplifting touch to kitchen spaces. Light hues like blush pink, butter yellow, and pale mint create a fresh, welcoming environment without overwhelming the senses. These colors help reflect brightness in smaller kitchens and make the space feel larger.
Cheerful yellows, such as butter or pale lemon, are also gaining traction. These shades infuse kitchens with warmth and positivity, making them ideal for family-oriented spaces. Yellow cabinets pair well with neutral walls and natural wood details for a sunny, inviting atmosphere.
Deep hues
For those who crave drama and luxury, dark and moody colors are set to dominate. Cabinets in deep blues, rich forest greens, and even dark reds or charcoals bring a sense of grandeur and timelessness to the kitchen. You can enhance dark shades with metallic hardware for added sophistication.
Jewel tones such as emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red are also on the rise, offering vibrant pops of color that can serve as stunning focal points. These bold shades work well as statement islands, accent cabinetry, or even throughout the entire kitchen for those seeking a truly distinctive look.
Two-tone cabinets
Two-tone cabinetry is a standout trend that combines contrasting or complementary colors to add depth and visual interest. Popular pairings include neutrals like mocha or green with natural wood finishes such as oak, walnut, or maple. This approach suits both modern and traditional kitchens.
White oak, in particular, remains a favorite for its understated charm and ability to blend seamlessly with an assortment of colors and textures. Pairing white oak cabinets with vibrant stone countertops or backsplashes can create a striking, contemporary look.
Natural wood
While certain wood colors go in and out of style, you can always let natural wood shine by staining or sealing it instead of painting over it. Dark stains can add a sophisticated touch to your kitchen cabinets, while light or ashy shades add a dreamy, light feel to your space.
Bright citrus colors
You can add a citrus zing to your kitchen with bright orange tones, lemon yellows, or lime greens. These tropical accents can cheer up any kitchen and pair well with a range of other hues, from white to neutral to shades of brown.
Retro and nostalgic colors
Retro-inspired cabinet colors from the 1950s to 1970s are making a comeback, with rich greens, deep burgundies, and warm hues alongside earthy shades and wood accents. This trend leans toward tone-on-tone or color-drenched designs, where a single color family ties the room together for a sophisticated, nostalgic vibe.
Tips for choosing the best kitchen cabinet color
Follow these tips to make sure you choose a cabinet color that blends seamlessly with your kitchen aesthetic:
Consider natural light: Lighter colors work well in kitchens with limited sunlight, while darker hues can add drama to well-lit spaces.
Balance bold choices: Pair vibrant or dark cabinets with neutral countertops and backsplashes to prevent the space from feeling overwhelming.
Mix and match: Don’t be afraid to combine colors or finishes for a unique, personalized look.
Think long-term: Opt for timeless shades if you want a look that will remain stylish for years to come.
Kitchen cabinet color costs
Depending on the color you want, you’ll either have to paint or stain your cabinets. Professional kitchen cabinet painting costs $30 to $70 per linear foot or $2,000 to $6,500 for an average-sized kitchen. If you’re confident in your DIY skills, the material costs are $200 to $600.
If you’re opting for a more natural wood tone or finish, staining could be the best route for you. Staining kitchen cabinets costs $4 to $15 per square foot or $1,500 to $4,500 on average, depending on local labor costs and whether you’re going lighter or darker.
If you want to paint your cabinets but don’t know where to start or which type of paint is best, check out our guide on the best paint for kitchen cabinets!
FAQs about kitchen cabinet colors
How long does cabinet painting take?
The exact duration depends on the kitchen size and the experience of the professional you hire. Painters that specialize in cabinets can often complete the job faster, typically in around 3 to 5 days. House painters with less experience painting cabinets may take longer.
Can you paint any kind of cabinet?
Not every cabinet is a good candidate for painting. If your home has low-quality cabinets or ones that need extensive repairs, you may be better off replacing them. A professional assessment can help you determine the best way forward.
How many coats of paint do kitchen cabinets need?
If you want a smooth, durable finish, you’ll need multiple thin coats of paint. The exact number varies, but aim for at least 2 coats of primer and 2 coats of paint. A professional painter can advise you on the optimal number of coats for the type of paint you choose.
Kitchen cabinets often require some sanding before painting.
Getting estimates from kitchen cabinet painters
When getting estimates from kitchen cabinet painters near you, follow these suggestions:
Get quotes from at least three cabinet painters to compare their rates and services.
Ensure each quote provides a detailed breakdown of costs for labor, materials, and any extra charges.
Confirm the contractor is properly licensed and insured.
Check reviews on sites like HomeGuide and Google, and talk to past clients.
Ask the painter about their prep process, including cleaning, sanding, and priming.
Discuss the type of paint they’ll use and how many coats they’ll apply.
Questions to ask a kitchen cabinet painter
Before hiring a cabinet painter for your kitchen, ask these important questions:
Are you licensed and insured for cabinet painting or staining?
How many years of experience do you have in kitchen cabinet refinishing?
Can you share photos or a portfolio of past cabinet projects?
What paint or stain products do you use, and are they made for kitchen cabinets?
Do your products meet KCMA standards for durability and stain resistance?
What is your full process for prepping and finishing the cabinets?
Will you remove doors and drawers to finish them off-site, or work on-site?
How do you protect counters, floors, and appliances during the job?
How many coats do you apply, and do you use sealers or topcoats?
How long will the project take, and how many days will the kitchen be unusable?
What is the curing time before I can use the cabinets, and are there any special care instructions during this period?
Do you offer a warranty or guarantee on your workmanship and the finish?
Can you provide a detailed written estimate including labor, materials, and any extra fees?
How will you keep me informed on the project's progress?
Do you offer carpentry or finishing services if trim or molding work is needed?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.