Best Paint Color for Kitchen Cabinets

Last Updated: October 2023

Woman painting kitchen cabinets

Our team of pros at Five Star Painting knows a thing or two about how a fresh set of paint in the right color can take any boring old space in your home to your new favorite place to be. This blog touches on one of a home's most highly visited areas: the kitchen cabinets. The cabinets are the largest, if not one, of a kitchen's largest, eye-catching sections. 

As mentioned, a new coat of paint on the kitchen cabinets can add a breath of fresh air to your kitchen. But what colors complement your unique décor and aesthetics? What is the right type of paint for you and your family? And can this process be simpler?

Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors

When choosing a color for your kitchen cabinets, a good place to start is by selecting a hue that accentuates your interior and creates a clean but welcoming atmosphere for your family and friends. Whether you're prepping holiday meals, sneaking in for a midnight snack, or just making breakfast, you want to feel comfortable in your kitchen.

Don't forget to consider the color and style of your kitchen appliances when selecting a kitchen cabinet color. Remember your aesthetics, are you going for a rustic/barn-style kitchen or a cute 50’s diner look and feel? Try envisioning the cabinet color next to the appliances and thinking of the full picture for a more unified result. 

Our Five Star Painting team of experts has curated a list of tones available in semi-gloss designed by Sherwin Williams that are a safe choice or a good jumping point to get the creative juices flowing:

Sherwin Williams Simple White SW7021 color swatch.
Simple White (SW 7021)
As classic as it can get, white kitchen cabinets will showcase the fixtures and appliances of the space

Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW7029 color swatch.
Agreeable Gray (SW 7029)
This warm and neutral hue complements nearly any kitchen. When applied to cabinets, it really draws out the allure of the existing backsplash and tile work.

Sherwin WIlliams Naval SW6244 color swatch.
Naval (SW 6244)
A deep and regal tone, this dignified blue looks stunning with white countertops and gold or brass fixtures and accents.

Sherwin Williams Dard Hunter Green SW0041 color swatch.
Dard Hunter Green (SW 0041)
Another bold offering, this rich color would also do well to be offset by white counter space and/or tiling and paired with silver lighting fixtures for a modern and cozy feel.

What Type of Paint Is Best for Kitchen Cabinets?

Kitchens are built for cooking, baking, frying, and late-night recipe inventing so it goes without saying that all surfaces, including cabinets, should be durable and easy to care for. In addition to bringing your cabinets to life with a fresh coat of paint consider what type of paint you should use to minimize the appearance of wear and tear.

  • Semi-Gloss: Another protective-type coating, semi-gloss is not quite as reflective as gloss sheen, but paired with a lighter hue, it can really brighten up a darker space.
  • Satin: A step down from semi-gloss in regards to sheen, satin finishes work well with warmer colors to add a sense of depth and provide a welcoming feel. Although not as scuff-resistant, satin may be a solid option for upper cabinets.
White and blue kitchen cabinets.

What Color to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

Still having some difficulty finding which color works for your kitchen cabinets? Not to worry, our pros have put together some helpful tips to guide you in the right direction. 

  • Color Wheel: Employ a color wheel to find out which colors complement the appliances, walls, and other color schemes already present in your kitchen!
  • Scuffs and Marks: A kitchen with brilliant white cabinets may dazzle, but may not be a practical choice for homes with kids and pets, as they will easily show smudges and stains. To save your cabinets and your back from constant scrubbing, a darker tone may be better to conceal minor scuffing.
  • Know the Space: Keep the size and available natural lighting in mind when selecting your cabinet paint color. Dark colors in a kitchen can make the space feel small—so dark colors may be best suited for a more expansive or more open layout.
Couple viewing color swatches with an expert.

New Hue, New You

Altering the color of your kitchen cabinets can be a low-cost step toward livening up your kitchen space. While you can paint cabinets yourself, it’s often more work and hassle than it’s worth! Rely on our expert painters for a perfect finish, every time. 

Five Star Painting Can Help Freshen Up Your Kitchen!

Call Five Star Painters or request an appointment online and see how fresh paint can enhance your kitchen space!