How do you choose a kitchen cabinet color?

Selecting the right paint isn’t just about choosing a color. After all, each color family is filled with literally endless options based on darkness, saturation, and undertones. Pay close attention to your kitchen’s natural lighting and how it affects color. We recommend testing swatches several times throughout the day — including at night under artificial lighting — and during various types of weather. You should also look at swatches next to the other surfaces within your kitchen. For example, there are many cases where a particular cabinet color will appear completely different when installed above varying backsplashes.

Should kitchen cabinets be lighter or darker than the walls?

It doesn’t matter. Either combination can be used to great effect, as long as the colors themselves go well together!

10 Kitchen Cabinet Color Ideas and Schemes

A full kitchen renovation may be outside of many people’s budgets. Yet you don’t need to buy brand new cabinetry to give your kitchen a much-needed upgrade.

Painted cabinets are a DIY-friendly way to freshen up your home’s interior without spending a fortune. Along with bringing new life to your kitchen design, paint can hide damage and imperfections seen in many older cabinets.

Of course, not all color palettes are created equal. Keep reading for the best kitchen cabinet color ideas to use in your home!

1. Black

Many amateur designers are terrified of black paint. But the world of interior decor is becoming more and more open to and appreciative of this dramatic color!

Modern kitchen with black cabinets, white countertops, large island, and stainless steel appliances; window view and open shelving — Source: @alphabuilding via Instagram

Modern kitchen with dark cabinets, white herringbone tile backsplash, marble island, wooden stools, and dining area with large windows

Black cabinetry contrasts beautifully against lighter walls, tile, and flooring. You can pair this kitchen cabinet color with both black and stainless steel appliances for a modern look.

For a softer take on this trend, skip the solid black paint in favor of an uber-dark wood stain. The little bit of wood grain that will peek through the color will add some much-needed warmth to your kitchen design.

2. Blue

In terms of interior design, blue is practically a neutral. This is a wonderful jumping-off point for anyone looking to add a bit of color to their kitchen cabinets.

Modern kitchen with blue cabinetry, white countertops, a gas stove, potted plant, and a bowl of oranges — Source: @hpr.look via Instagram

Modern kitchen with blue cabinets, gold handles, built-in oven, open shelves, and skylight featuring an island and natural decor — Source: @somethingbluehome via Instagram

Modern kitchen with blue cabinets, wooden countertop, black faucet, and sunlight streaming through a large window — Source: @theguesthousestudio via Instagram

Modern kitchen with navy cabinets, stainless steel appliances, white countertops, and pineapple-shaped pendant lights — Source: @ugly.duckling.renovation via Instagram

Modern kitchen with blue and white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a marble backsplash; island with stools and pendant lights

Modern kitchen with blue cabinets, white countertops, a sink, dish rack, and large window with city view in a minimalistic design

Blue looks particularly striking when paired with white kitchen subway tile and gold accents. Or with a wood countertop for a more organic aesthetic.

As with any color, selecting the exact right shade of blue is the secret to kitchen cabinets that look straight out of a design magazine or Instagram post! Experiment with different undertones and saturation levels to find the perfect shade for your home.

3. Bold Color

One of the best techniques for making bold kitchen cabinets really pop is to contrast them with another bright color elsewhere in the space.

Modern kitchen with orange cabinets, stone backsplash, black appliances, and a vase of tulips on the counter — Source: @68studio_ via Instagram

Bright kitchen with yellow cabinets, shelves of jars and spices, a skylight casting light, and a glass pendant light — Source: @theprintedpeanut via Instagram

Stylish home bar with blue cabinets, wine rack, fridge, and mosaic tile backsplash; light wood flooring and adjacent arched brick wall

Kitchen with vibrant pink cabinets, white countertops, and three silver pots on the stove, modern design with a sleek vent hood

Modern kitchen with purple cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a large window, and a dining area with white dishes on the table

Yellow kitchen with blue countertop, green backsplash, and yellow fridge; black faucet and two potted plants are on the counter

Modern kitchen with green and wood cabinets, a floral backsplash featuring yellow flowers, and stainless steel appliances

Modern kitchen with purple cabinets, open drawer with utensils, white countertop, plates, a cabbage, and a stainless steel sink

A modern kitchen with bright yellow cabinets, white countertops, a gas stove, and under-cabinet lighting

Modern kitchen with orange cabinets, brown tile backsplash, and a countertop with a sink and stovetop, shelves hold plants and jars

Modern kitchen with red and white cabinets, a stainless steel stove, hanging utensils, and a dining table with white chairs

Some kitchen designers employ vibrant backsplash tiles. Others invest in colorful appliances or light fixtures. If you’re feeling particularly brave, you can also use multiple kitchen cabinet colors.

We love seeing homeowners take creative risks when it comes to color ideas. But remember that you can create a bold palette using pastels and borderline neutrals, as well!

4. Dark

After years of light shades dominating the market, contemporary design has finally embraced the use of dark and moody colors in everyday decor. And one of our favorite places to see this trend is in the kitchen!

Modern kitchen with navy blue cabinets, white countertops, farmhouse sink, stainless steel appliances, and patterned grey rug

Modern kitchen with dark green cabinets, white countertops, pendant lights, and three stools at the island — Source: @romahomes via Instagram

Modern kitchen with maroon and white cabinets, dark countertops, a microwave, built-in oven, stovetop, and wood-patterned floor

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, built-in oven, microwave, potted plant, and champagne bottle on a white countertop

Modern kitchen with green cabinets, white subway tiles, marble countertops, and a marble-tiled floor featuring a stainless steel stove hood

The figurative beauty of these kitchen cabinet colors is that they all share the same general aesthetic. Yet you can easily customize the exact shade to suit your personal taste and existing decor.

If you’re having trouble finding the perfect cabinet color, consider playing with the saturation. Adding a bit of gray to your base color can be even more effective than adding black.

5. Gray

Despite the sheer popularity of gray in interior design, gray kitchen cabinets are a relatively rare sight.

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, wooden island, three stools, and pendant lights; subway tiles and stainless steel appliances; cozy and stylish — Source: @fourbrothersdc via Instagram

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a large window; wood floor, marble countertops, and patterned backsplash — Source: @home_onthecrescent via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, gray countertops, and three pendant lights featuring an island with two black chairs and a wall clock — Source: @lifewithjen_ via Instagram

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a gas stove, kettle, and toaster, white subway tile backsplash — Source: @riaathome via Instagram

Modern kitchen with sleek gray cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a glass door. A vase of flowers sits on the counter — Source: @thekinlochhome via Instagram

Modern kitchen with dark cabinets, a large island, transparent barstools, unique pendant lights, and a window with a nature view

Modern kitchen with sleek beige cabinets, integrated appliances, and bright overhead lighting on a glossy tiled floor

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, white subway tiles, wooden shelves, stainless steel appliances, and light wood flooring

Gray kitchen cabinets are inherently warm and romantic. You can amplify these characteristics even further with gold or brass door hardware.

One thing to keep in mind is gray’s tendency to lean cold — cool-toned lighting will exacerbate this. Incorporate natural wood and greenery in your kitchen design to counteract these undertones.

6. Light

Light cabinets can make a kitchen feel brighter and more spacious. Just remember that a white kitchen is far from the only option available.

Modern kitchen with light gray cabinets, glass-panel doors, black countertop, books, plants, and a wall sconce — Source: @namdangmitchell via Instagram

Modern kitchen with beige cabinets, wood countertops, stainless steel appliances, and tiled backsplash. Bright, clean, and spacious layout

Modern kitchen with light beige cabinets, wooden countertops, built-in black oven, stove, kettle, and small TV; marble backsplash

Modern kitchen with sleek cabinets, an island with bar stools, pendant lights, and built-in oven, decorative wall art and plants

Pastels are definitely having a moment in the world of interior design. Don’t let preconceptions fool you… these subdued colors are not just for nurseries and children’s rooms!

Another exciting trend is the use of off-whites bearing undertones like blue, green, pink, and yellow. While these shades appear neutral from afar, they bring a much-needed hint of color to the space as a whole.

7. Metallic

The average kitchen is no stranger to metallic finishes in the forms of appliances, lighting, and fixtures. So why not take that concept a step further with a set of metallic cabinet doors?

Modern kitchen with beige cabinets, black and white shelving, integrated ovens, and minimalist decor — Source: @idcputney via Instagram

Modern kitchen with wood cabinets, dark countertops, black faucet, knife block, and shelves holding jars and boxes — Source: @jos_rijs via Instagram

Modern kitchen with red and gray cabinets, a dishwasher, toaster, and electric kettle on a black countertop — Source: @maarjapriks via Instagram

Modern kitchen with sleek brown and beige cabinetry, dark countertops, built-in ovens, a high chair, and a vase with flowers on the counter — Source: @simontaylorfurniture via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a sleek pull-out pantry, featuring glass jars and bottles on stainless steel shelves

Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, island, and brick-vaulted ceiling; bright lighting and sleek design elements

This kitchen cabinet color idea performs best in a space decorated with industrial or minimalist elements. You’ll definitely want to opt for streamlined door pulls (or no cabinet hardware at all).

Since an entire kitchen outfitted with metallic cabinets can look a bit sterile, consider incorporating other finishes as well. Light wood paneling is one of our personal favorite companions for this trend.

8. Neutral

Often when we hear the term neutral the first things to come to mind are beige and gray. But neutral paint colors make up a rainbow all of their own.

A perfect example right now is muted sage green. This color is extremely popular in kitchen design almost exclusively because it goes with almost everything.

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, stainless steel appliances, patterned backsplash, and overhead lighting — Source: @buildersarchitecturalmillwork via Instagram

Modern kitchen with stainless steel fridge, grey cabinets, and a washing machine, with natural light from a nearby window illuminating the space — Source: @nikaas.ir via Instagram

Modern kitchen with beige cabinets, coffee machine, sink, water dispenser, and a wall sign saying "Good days start with coffee and you" — Source: @siddharthpanchalarchitects via Instagram

Modern kitchen with green cabinets, wooden island, hanging pots, and industrial accents; bar stool and wine bottle on island

Neutral kitchen cabinets are ideal for anyone who likes to change up their home decor with the seasons. You can easily add accents of any color without worrying about your cabinet doors clashing!

9. Two Tone

Two-toned cabinets are growing increasingly common in contemporary kitchen design.

Modern kitchen with white upper cabinets, blue lower cabinets, and a white range hood; wooden shelves and cutting boards add warmth — Source: @coelumconstruction via Instagram

Modern kitchen with black and white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and wooden flooring, a window above the sink provides light — Source: @hamlinhousechicago via Instagram

Minimalist kitchen with black and white cabinets, a stovetop, an oven, and a sink; four brown bowls adorn a shelf above the counter — Source: @idcputney via Instagram

Modern kitchen with green cabinets, white island, stainless steel appliances, and pendant lights — Source: @jaimieanandinteriors via Instagram

Cozy kitchen with rustic wood walls, white cabinets, open shelves with dishes, potted plants, and a decorative rug on a wooden floor — Source: @tiffyandflow via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white and black cabinets, stove, microwave, and wooden flooring. Counter features bowls, a bottle, and appliances

Modern kitchen with orange and white cabinets, a marble island with chairs, and hanging utensils above the stove

Modern kitchen with stainless steel fridge, gray cabinets, white subway tile backsplash, and gas stove under track lighting

Modern kitchen with black and white cabinetry, island with stools, pendant lights, stainless steel fridge, and wooden dining table

Modern kitchen with a black and white design, island with stools, pendant lights, stainless steel appliances, and wood flooring

Modern kitchen with blue lower cabinets, white upper cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a central island with a gold faucet

Modern kitchen with blue and white cabinets, wooden floor, pendant lights, and a dining table with gray chairs. Bright and airy space

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, white subway tile backsplash, built-in oven, stovetop, and a bowl of oranges on the counter

Modern kitchen with blue and white cabinets, marble backsplash, island with stools, pendant lights, and stainless steel appliances

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, black appliances, a gas stove, sink, and potted plant; under-cabinet lights illuminate the space

Modern kitchen with sleek cabinets, built-in oven, gas stovetop, and minimalist decor featuring gray and light wood tones dominating the design

If choosing one bright color for your kitchen cabinets sounds daunting, choosing two might feel like a waking nightmare. But it shouldn’t!

This technique not only lets you experiment with a broader color palette but can actually make a small kitchen feel larger. For this effect, be sure to use the lighter of the two kitchen cabinet colors on your upper cabinetry.

10. White

While interior design is all about expressing creativity via your living space, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to tried and true color ideas. In this case, we’re talking about white cabinetry.