Expert Guide: How To Choose Kitchen Cabinet Color Now

Choosing the right color for your kitchen cabinets can feel like a big job. It changes how your kitchen looks and feels. We will show you how to pick colors that work well for you. This guide helps you find the best look for your space.

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Making Sense of Cabinet Color Choices

Choosing kitchen cabinet color is a big step. It sets the mood for the whole room. Your cabinets take up a lot of space. Their color has a strong effect. It is like picking the main color for a painting. This color will shape your kitchen’s style. It will also affect how bright the room is. Getting it right makes your kitchen a happy place to be. It makes your kitchen look good for years to come.

Start with Your Kitchen’s Style

Think about the style you like. Is it modern and clean? Do you like a country feel? Maybe you like classic looks. The style helps guide your color choice.

• Modern: Often uses simple colors. White, gray, and black are popular. Clean lines fit well.
• Farmhouse/Country: White, cream, and light blues or greens work here. Wood finishes feel warm.
• Traditional: Can use richer wood tones. Painted cabinets in classic colors like white or navy blue fit too.
• Coastal: Light, airy colors are best. White, sandy beige, and blues are common.

Your style sets the first rule for colors. It helps narrow down choices.

Look at What Is Already There

Before you pick a color, look around your kitchen. What colors are already fixed?

• Flooring: Wood tones, tile colors, or stone colors.
• Countertops: Granite, quartz, laminate patterns, butcher block.
• Backsplash: Tile colors, patterns, or materials.
• Appliances: Stainless steel, black, white.
• Wall Color: Even though you might paint the walls later, see the current color.

These things have colors you cannot easily change. Your cabinet color must go with them. This is part of matching kitchen colors. It makes the room look put together. You want colors that live happily side by side.

Exploring Different Cabinet Colors

There are many colors you can pick for cabinets. Some are always in style. Others are kitchen cabinet color trends. Let us look at some popular kitchen cabinet colors.

White Cabinets

White is a top choice for many kitchens.

• Why people love white:

  • Makes rooms look bigger.
  • Makes rooms look brighter.
  • Goes with almost any other color.
  • Looks clean and fresh.
  • It is a classic look that lasts.

• Things to think about:

  • Shows dirt easily. Needs cleaning more often.
  • Too much white can feel cold. Add warm touches with wood or other colors.

White comes in many shades. Bright white, soft white, off-white, cream. Off-white and cream feel warmer. They are still bright but not stark.

Gray Cabinets

Gray is another popular neutral color.

• Why people love gray:

  • It is modern and stylish.
  • It is not as bright as white but still light.
  • Comes in many shades, from light silver to deep charcoal.
  • Pairs well with many accent colors.
  • Can feel calm and steady.

• Things to think about:

  • Some grays can look a bit flat. Mix textures or add pops of color.
  • Make sure the gray has the right tone (warm or cool) for your room.

Light gray feels open like white. Dark gray feels strong and modern. Gray is a good base for many kitchen color schemes.

Blue Cabinets

Blue cabinets have become very popular.

• Why people love blue:

  • Feels calm and relaxing.
  • Adds color without being too bold.
  • Navy blue feels classic and rich.
  • Lighter blues feel fresh and airy.
  • Goes well with white, gray, and wood tones.

• Things to think about:

  • A very bright blue might be too much for some people.
  • Make sure the shade of blue fits the kitchen’s light and style.

Navy blue is a leading color in kitchen cabinet color trends. It looks great with brass hardware. It makes a kitchen feel special.

Green Cabinets

Green is another trend gaining speed.

• Why people love green:

  • Connects to nature. Feels organic and fresh.
  • Adds a unique touch.
  • Shades like sage green or forest green are calming.
  • Works with wood and natural materials.

• Things to think about:

  • Make sure the green is not too bright or harsh.
  • Pick a shade that complements other kitchen colors.

Green cabinets can make a kitchen feel like a peaceful retreat. They are part of new kitchen cabinet color trends.

Black or Dark Colored Cabinets

Dark colors add drama and depth.

• Why people love dark colors:

  • Looks sophisticated and modern.
  • Hides dirt better than white.
  • Can make light colors and metals pop.
  • Feels cozy in some spaces.

• Things to think about:

  • Can make a small kitchen feel smaller.
  • Needs good lighting so the room is not too dark.
  • Shows fingerprints more than lighter colors.

Black, charcoal gray, and deep navy are examples. They work best in bright kitchens or larger spaces. This is a key point in the light vs dark kitchen cabinets talk.

Wood Finish Cabinets

Not all cabinets are painted. Wood finishes show the wood’s natural beauty.

• Types of wood finishes:

  • Light woods like maple or birch.
  • Medium woods like oak or cherry.
  • Dark woods like walnut or mahogany.
  • Stains can change the wood color. Light stains, dark stains, gray washes.

• Why people love wood finish:

  • Feels warm and natural.
  • Each piece is unique.
  • Can fit many styles, from rustic to modern.
  • Durable and timeless.

• Things to think about:

  • The wood grain shows. If you want a smooth look, paint is better.
  • Dark wood can make a room feel smaller.
  • Matching wood tones with other wood in the room is important.

These are kitchen cabinet finish colors. Stains and clear coats protect the wood. They also change its color and look.

Seeing the Effect of Light

Light changes how colors look. This is a big factor when choosing light vs dark kitchen cabinets.

Natural Light

How much sunlight does your kitchen get?

• Lots of sun: Colors will look brighter. A color might look washed out in strong sun. Darker colors can work well.
• Little sun: Lighter colors are often better. They help bounce light around. This makes the room feel less dim.

Think about windows and their size. The direction the window faces matters too (north, south, east, west).

Artificial Light

Kitchens have different lights. Ceiling lights, under-cabinet lights, pendants.

• Type of bulb: Different bulbs give off different light colors. Warm white bulbs have a yellow tone. Cool white bulbs have a blue tone. Daylight bulbs are closer to natural light.
• How light hits cabinets: Lights under cabinets change the look of the color below.

Look at color samples in the light your kitchen will actually have. Both day and night. This helps you see the true color.

Feeling the Color: Kitchen Cabinet Color Psychology

Colors make us feel things. This is kitchen cabinet color psychology.

• White: Clean, fresh, simple, open.
• Gray: Calm, steady, modern, neutral.
• Blue: Peaceful, relaxing, stable, cool.
• Green: Natural, fresh, healthy, calm.
• Yellow: Happy, bright, energetic, warm. (Less common for whole cabinets, but used as accents).
• Red: Exciting, bold, energetic, warm. (Often used sparingly).
• Black/Dark: Strong, modern, formal, dramatic.

Think about how you want to feel in your kitchen. Do you want it to be a calm place? A lively spot for parties? The color can help create that feeling.

Grasping Kitchen Color Schemes

Choosing cabinet color is part of a bigger plan. This plan is your kitchen color scheme. It includes cabinets, walls, counters, backsplash, and floor.

How Colors Work Together

Colors can work in different ways:

• Monochromatic: Using different shades of the same color. Example: light gray cabinets with dark gray counters. Feels calm and simple.
• Analogous: Using colors next to each other on the color wheel. Example: blue cabinets with green accents. Feels harmonious.
• Complementary: Using colors opposite each other on the color wheel. Example: blue cabinets with orange accents. Creates high contrast and energy. Often used for small pops of color.
• Triadic: Using three colors spaced evenly on the color wheel. Example: blue, red, yellow. Bold and vibrant.

You don’t need to be a color expert. Just think about if you want high contrast (like white cabinets with a dark island) or a softer look (like light gray cabinets with a slightly darker gray counter). This is coordinating kitchen design colors.

Using the 60-30-10 Rule

This is a simple rule for decorating.

• 60% Main Color: Your cabinets and walls might be this color.
• 30% Secondary Color: Countertops, backsplash, or floor.
• 10% Accent Color: Hardware, lighting, small decor items.

This rule helps keep colors balanced. Your cabinet color is a big part of the 60%.

Selecting the Right Cabinet Finish

The finish is how the color looks on the cabinet door. This is about kitchen cabinet finish colors.

Paint

Paint gives a smooth, even color.

• Look: Solid color. Hides the wood grain.
• Types: Matte, satin, semi-gloss, gloss.
  • Matte hides flaws but is harder to clean.
  • Semi-gloss and gloss are durable and easy to wipe. They can show flaws if the surface isn’t perfect. Satin is a good middle ground.
• Colors: Any color paint comes in. Wide choice.

Stain

Stain soaks into the wood. It changes the color but lets the wood grain show.

• Look: Natural wood look. Shows the grain and texture.
• Types: Light stains, dark stains, colored stains. A clear coat (like varnish) goes over the stain for protection.
• Colors: Colors are based on wood tones. Varies with the type of wood.

Other Finishes

• Laminate: A printed layer put on a base material. Can look like wood or solid colors. Durable and easy to clean. Often used in modern or budget kitchens.
• Thermofoil: Vinyl material heated and shaped over an MDF core. Creates smooth surfaces, often with rounded edges. Can look like paint or wood grain. Can be sensitive to heat.

The finish affects how the color looks and how durable the cabinet is. Cabinet paint colors offer the most color choices. Stain offers a natural look.

Your Cabinet Color Selection Guide

Here is a simple guide to help you choose. This is a cabinet color selection guide.

1. Find Your Style: How do you want the kitchen to look and feel? (Modern, classic, country, etc.)
2. Check Fixed Colors: Look at your floor, counters, backsplash. What colors are already there?
3. Consider Light: Is the kitchen sunny or dim? How does light hit the cabinets?
4. Think About Feeling: What mood do you want? (Calm, energetic, clean?) This uses kitchen cabinet color psychology.
5. Explore Color Options: Look at popular kitchen cabinet colors. Think about light vs dark kitchen cabinets. Will you use cabinet paint colors or kitchen cabinet finish colors?
6. Coordinate Colors: How will the cabinet color work with other colors in the room? Plan your kitchen color schemes and practice matching kitchen colors and coordinating kitchen design colors.
7. Get Samples: This is key! Get sample doors or large color swatches.
8. Look at Samples: Put the samples in your kitchen. See them next to counters and walls. Look at them in daylight and at night.
9. Think About Care: How easy is the color/finish to keep clean?
10. Make Your Choice: Pick the color that looks best in your space and makes you happy.

Light vs Dark Kitchen Cabinets: A Closer Look

This is a big decision point for many people. Let us compare light vs dark kitchen cabinets.

Feature	Light Cabinets (White, Light Gray, Cream)	Dark Cabinets (Navy, Black, Charcoal, Dark Wood)
Room Feel	Open, airy, bright, larger feeling, clean	Cozy, dramatic, modern, sophisticated, smaller feeling
Light	Reflects light, makes room brighter	Absorbs light, makes room darker
Shows Dirt	Shows spills, food drips, and dirt quickly	Shows dust, fingerprints, and scratches more easily
Style Fit	Versatile, fits many styles (modern, classic, etc.)	Often suits modern, contemporary, or formal styles
Coordination	Easy to match with most colors and materials	Makes light counters/backsplashes pop; needs good light
Maintenance	Need frequent wiping for spills	Need frequent dusting and wiping for marks

Choosing between light and dark depends on your kitchen’s size, how much light it gets, and the look you want. Light cabinets are popular for making spaces feel bigger. Dark cabinets add a strong design statement.

Popular Kitchen Cabinet Colors Today

What colors are people choosing right now? Kitchen cabinet color trends change, but some colors stay popular or are on the rise.

• Shades of White: Still number one. Bright white, off-white, and creamy whites. They offer a safe, clean look.
• Gray: Light and medium grays are strong. They are seen as a modern neutral.
• Navy Blue: A deep, rich blue that acts like a neutral. Often used on island cabinets or lower cabinets with white uppers.
• Sage Green/Forest Green: Greens are calming and bring nature inside. Lighter sage is soft, darker forest is bold.
• Two-Tone Kitchens: Using two different colors for cabinets. Often a darker color on the bottom or island and a lighter color on top. This adds interest and uses coordinating kitchen design colors.
• Natural Wood Tones: Medium wood tones are coming back. They add warmth. Mixed with painted cabinets for a modern look.

These popular kitchen cabinet colors show a move towards slightly more color, but neutrals like white and gray are still very common. People are getting more brave with colors like blue and green.

Deciphering Cabinet Paint Colors

If you choose painted cabinets, you have endless color options. Cabinet paint colors are different from wall paints.

Types of Cabinet Paint

• Acrylic Latex: Water-based paint. Dries fast. Easy to clean up with water. Durable once fully cured.
• Alkyd (Oil-based): Dries slower. Gives a hard, durable finish. Clean up needs mineral spirits. Can yellow over time.
• Special Cabinet Paint: Some paints are made just for cabinets. They are extra durable and flow smoothly to reduce brush marks.

Choosing the Right Sheen

Sheen is how shiny the paint is.

• Matte/Flat: No shine. Hides bumps. Harder to clean. Not common for cabinets.
• Satin: Low shine. More durable than matte. Easy to clean. A popular choice.
• Semi-Gloss: Noticeable shine. Very durable and easy to clean. Shows surface flaws.
• Gloss: High shine. Most durable and easiest to clean. Shows every flaw. Can look very modern or dramatic.

For most kitchens, satin or semi-gloss is a good balance of look and function. The color looks richer with a bit of sheen.

Coordinating Kitchen Design Colors

Making all the colors in your kitchen work together is key. This is coordinating kitchen design colors.

• Start with the Fixed Items: Your countertops and backsplash are major color players. Choose a cabinet color that complements them.
• Wall Color: Wall paint is easier to change than cabinets. Pick cabinet color first, then choose a wall color that works with the cabinets and other fixed items. White, light gray, or colors pulled from the backsplash are common wall choices.
• Hardware: Knobs and pulls add a small pop of color or finish. Black, brass, nickel, and chrome are popular. They should match the kitchen’s style and cabinet color. Dark hardware on light cabinets stands out. Light hardware on dark cabinets stands out.
• Appliances: Most are stainless steel, black, or white. Stainless steel goes with almost anything. Black or white appliances should be considered in the overall scheme.
• Flooring: The floor color is a large area. Ensure the cabinet color doesn’t clash with the floor tone. Warm wood floors pair well with many cabinet colors. Cool tile floors need colors that match their tone.

Think of your kitchen as a whole picture. Each color adds to the final look. Using kitchen color schemes helps plan this. Do you want a warm scheme with creams and wood? Or a cool scheme with grays and blues?

Practical Tips for Selecting Cabinet Color

• Get Big Samples: Small paint chips are not enough. Get sample doors or large color boards.
• Test in Your Kitchen: Put the samples up against your cabinets, counters, and backsplash.
• Look at Different Times: See the colors in the morning sun, afternoon light, and with your kitchen lights on at night. The color will look different.
• Consider the Next Room: Your kitchen might open to a living or dining room. Will the cabinet color look good with the colors in that room?
• Think Long Term: Cabinet painting or replacement is costly. Choose a color you will love for many years. While kitchen cabinet color trends are fun, a classic choice might be safer.
• Don’t Rush: Take your time. This is a major part of your kitchen’s look.

Choosing the right cabinet paint colors or kitchen cabinet finish colors takes thought. Using a cabinet color selection guide like this one helps break it down.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I mix and match cabinet colors?

Yes! Mixing colors is very popular now. You can use one color for upper cabinets and a different one for lower cabinets or the island. It adds interest and style. Just make sure the two colors look good together as part of your kitchen color schemes.

Q: Is white still a good color for kitchen cabinets?

Yes, white is a timeless choice. It makes kitchens feel bright and spacious. It is easy to match kitchen colors with white cabinets. While kitchen cabinet color trends include blues and greens, white remains a top choice.

Q: Do dark cabinets make a kitchen look small?

Dark cabinets can make a kitchen feel cozier or smaller, especially if the kitchen does not have much natural light. In a large, bright kitchen, dark cabinets can look stunning and modern without making it feel cramped. It is part of the light vs dark kitchen cabinets decision.

Q: How do I choose a cabinet color to match my granite countertop?

Look closely at your granite. Pick out one or two colors from the stone’s pattern. Choose a cabinet color that matches one of those colors. Or, pick a neutral color (like white, cream, or gray) that is in the granite. This is key for matching kitchen colors.

Q: What is the most durable cabinet finish?

Professional spray-painted finishes (like conversion varnish or 2k polyurethane) are very durable. Baked-on thermofoil is also tough. A high-quality stain with a strong topcoat is durable too. Simple brush-painted latex paint is less durable than a factory finish but easy to touch up. Consider durability when looking at kitchen cabinet finish colors.

Q: Should my cabinet color match my floor color?

They do not need to match exactly, but they should look good together. If you have warm wood floors, warm-toned cabinets often work well. If you have cool tile floors, cool-toned cabinets might be better. You do not want them to clash. This is about coordinating kitchen design colors.

Q: How does the color of the hardware affect the cabinets?

Hardware is like jewelry for your cabinets. It can create contrast or blend in. Black or brass hardware stands out on light cabinets. Silver or white hardware can stand out on dark cabinets or blend with light ones. It is a small detail that impacts the overall kitchen color scheme.

Q: Is it okay to paint old cabinets?

Yes, painting old cabinets is a common way to refresh a kitchen. The key is proper preparation. Cabinets need to be cleaned well, sanded, and primed before painting. Using a good quality paint made for cabinets gives the best result. This is how you get new cabinet paint colors on old cabinets.

Summing Up Your Color Choice

Picking a kitchen cabinet color is a big step. It is about more than just liking a color. It is about how the color works in your space. Think about your style, the light, and the other colors in the room. Look at kitchen cabinet color trends, but choose what feels right for you. Test colors in your kitchen’s light. By following this cabinet color selection guide, you can choose a color you will love for many years. Your kitchen will feel fresh and new.