Do you have gray kitchen walls and need to find cabinets that match better? If so, you've come to the right place. We've put together this guide to help you find the perfect cabinets for your kitchen.
These cabinet colors go well with gray walls:
- White
- Black
- Lighter or darker grays
- Natural wood tones
- Pink
- Blue
- Red
- Yellow
- Green
- Orange
So how do you pick the perfect color cabinet to go with your gray walls? And are there any safe options for any type of gray? Keep reading to learn all about working with gray kitchen walls.
How To Choose Kitchen Cabinets For Gray Walls
Gray is typically considered a neutral tone, however, it's one of the more tricky neutrals to coordinate in home decor because it tends to have varying undertones.
You will want to determine the undertones in the paint on your walls before you settle on a cabinet color. Some shades will work with almost any color gray, no matter the undertones.
White
White is probably the safest option when you're unsure of the undertones associated with your gray walls. It creates contrast against any gray color without the threat of clashing tones. Using white can also help to brighten up the area if you are dealing with an overpowering gray color.
Nuvo Cabinet Makeover Kit
This cabinet makeover kit is called "Titanium Infusion" and results in an ultra-white finish for cabinets.
Click here to check out this kit on Amazon.
Black
Black is another neutral tone, however, it tends to be more hit-or-miss than white. If your walls are already a very dark gray tone, black may create a more dark and dingy room. If you have medium or light gray walls, black can create a dramatic and beautiful contrast.
General Finishes Milk Paint
This black milk paint works great for cabinets and creates a thick, even coating for full coverage.
Click here to take a look at this paint on Amazon.
Lighter Or Darker Grays
If you have light gray walls, try using a darker gray shade for your cabinets. For light gray walls, check out a darker gray for your cabinets. This will create contrast between the walls and the cabinets to create some mild interest.
Prestige Paints Edgecomb Gray
This light gray shade from Prestige Paints will contrast nicely against dark gray walls.
Click here to see this paint on Amazon.
Natural Wood Tones
Natural wood tones are another neutral option that will work nicely against almost any shade of gray. If your walls are a light gray color, try using dark stained wood. If you have dark gray walls, light-colored wood will contrast and create interest in the space.
Unfinished Oak Cabinet Door
These cabinet doors can be painted or stained the color of your choosing.
Click here to check these out on Amazon.
Pink
Gray walls against pink cabinets will create contrast while adding a bright pop of color to the room. Pink can be used with light or dark gray shades to create a breathtaking room. Stick with light pinks or pastel tones to avoid going over the top.
Rust-Oleum Chalk Paint
This bluish pink paint is a great option if you want to avoid a color that may be "too pink." The bluish tint gives it a dusty, toned-down, grayish-pink color, which would complement gray walls very well.
Click here to check out this paint on Amazon.
Blue
Pale or dark blue tones will create a subtle pop of color against gray walls. A shade of blue with gray undertones would have a nice effect against any tone of gray. With dark gray walls, a dark blue may be preferable, creating an elegant look. For light gray walls, try using pale blues or pastel tones.
Rust-Oleum Chalk Paint
This Serenity Blue tone has a pale, grayish-blue color that will fit perfectly into a kitchen with gray walls. It can brighten up the space while still providing an additional touch of color to the area.
Click here to take a look at this paint on Amazon.
Red
Red can be used against gray to create a pop of color, but it is best suited to rooms with plenty of natural light. Use dark red with dark gray for a sophisticated look. Red is certainly a bold choice, and using bright red can be overpowering if you're not careful.
Retique It Chalk Paint
This Venetian Red color has a dark tone that will create an elegant look against gray walls.
Click here to check out this paint on Amazon.
Yellow
Yellow can introduce a bright, cheery pop of color into a gray room. This is a great option if your space lacks natural sunlight since the yellow color will help make the room seem less dreary. You can select a pastel yellow for a slight introduction of color, or a bright, eye-catching yellow to make a statement.
Chalky Chicks Chalk Paint
This Mustard Seed chalk paint is a great option for gray kitchens. It holds strong yellow hues, with a hint of gray to subdue the color.
Click here to see this paint on Amazon.
Green
Using green against gray walls will add some life and vibrance to the room. Pale greens work well with light gray, and darker greens are great for dark gray walls. Add some lush green plants to create a more lively space and add a fun and earthy feeling to the room.
Country Chic Chalk Paint
This Sage Green paint results in an earthy, grayish-green tone that will look great against gray walls. It will offer a delicate introduction of color to the area.
Click here to take a look at this paint on Amazon.
Orange
Orange is another shade that will add a pop of color to a gray room. Both bright and dark orange tones will work with varying shades of gray for an interesting and exciting look. This is a great way to brighten up your kitchen area.
Chalky Chicks Chalk Paint
This Pumpkin Pie color is a dark orange hue that will stand out against gray walls without completely overpowering the room. It's a stylish way to make a big statement.
Click here to check this paint out on Amazon.
Cream
Using cream-colored cabinets against gray walls is ideal if your gray walls have brown undertones. It also stands out against light-colored gray walls, creating slightly less contrast than white but still introducing a lasting impact to the room.
Cream is also an elegant addition to dark gray walls, resulting in a bold polarity.
Rust-Oleum Chalk Paint
This Chiffon Cream color has slight hints of gray undertones, making it the perfect option for a kitchen with gray walls. It's light enough to create contrast and gray enough to remain uniform with gray walls.
Click here to check out this paint on Amazon.
Should Your Walls Be Lighter Or Darker Than Your Cabinets?
It depends on the colors you're working with. Dark walls with darker cabinets can become overpowering and drab, and light walls with light cabinets can be bright and bland. It's important to find a happy middle ground where the colors and shades can coexist without clashing or becoming monotonous.
Should Your Cabinets Match Your Walls?
Your cabinets should complement the wall color, but matching the colors perfectly can result in a boring room with a lack of variation.
The key is to create some level of contrast between the walls and the cabinets. Even choosing a color that's a few shades darker or lighter than your wall color will help to create some variety and interest.
How To Match Walls To Cabinets?
The best way to find the perfect color for your cabinets is to make use of samples and swatches. Compare the color sample to the walls in your home to make sure they look right together. Identifying the undertones present in your wall paint is another great way to start selecting a cabinet color.
In Closing
Now that you know all the best cabinet colors to go with gray walls, you're ready to start testing samples and gathering swatches. Don't be afraid to experiment with bright colors and vibrant hues. Have fun redecorating, and enjoy your new kitchen.
If you've decided to stick with varying gray tones in your kitchen, read our article for great hardware coordination tips: What Color Hinges And Knobs For Gray Kitchen Cabinets?
If you're ready to start painting your cabinets, read our article for help getting the perfect finish: Painting Kitchen Cabinets – Here’s How To Get A Smooth Finish
FAQs
What color should my kitchen cabinets be if my walls are gray? ›
Since it is a neutral color, gray looks good when combined with warm undertones. Selecting cabinets should match the undertones of your walls. So go for cool cabinets if your gray walls have cool undertones. White, cream or brown tones are some nice options.
What color goes good with gray in a kitchen? ›In conclusion, choosing the right wall color for grey kitchen cabinets can greatly affect the overall look and feel of the kitchen. White, light gray, beige or taupe, blue, and green are all excellent options that complement gray cabinets well.
What color cabinets with gray counters? ›Dark wood cabinets coordinate well with grey countertops. This gray quartz countertop shows subtle flecks of black, white, and glass on a gray background – and pairs beautifully with the dark wood cabinets and wood flooring.
Should kitchen cabinets be same color as walls? ›The truth is that there is no right or wrong answer to this question. The color of your walls does not have to be identical to the color of your kitchen cabinets. If your walls are painted white, for example, you don't have to have pure white cabinets. However, the paint colors can be the same if you want them to be.
Do gray walls go with brown cabinets? ›Yes, brown cabinets look great with grey paint and the first fantastic technique to enhance the beauty of your kitchen is to paint the walls grey.
What cabinet color goes with agreeable gray? ›What Color Cabinets go with Agreeable Gray? Dark wood or painted cabinets will go really well with Agreeable Gray because they will contrast. White oak or white painted cabinets will look really nice because they will blend well with the paint color.
How do I make my grey kitchen look warm? ›To warm up cooler greys, add in plenty of wooden tones, this can be in the form of something as big as a kitchen island or as small as a shelf. Pick woods that have warmer more orangey tones if you want a more rustic look, and cooler tones for a more Scandi vibe.
What colour compliments grey the most? ›'The rule of thumb being match cool greys with other "chill" colours such as blue, pale greens and cool white. And match darker grey tones with warm tones such as burnt orange, mustard, and teal.' We asked interior stylists and design experts to share their tips on the best colours that go with grey.
How do you make a grey kitchen feel warm? ›Adding some plants to a grey kitchen, whether they are houseplants or herbs, can add some more personality warmth into the room. Using herbs as your greenery means you can grow your own food in a kitchen that looks beautiful – saving you money!
What color cabinets go best with gray granite? ›The best colors to pair with gray granite countertops are fully white or off-white cabinets, dark cabinets, or even two-toned cabinets. Gray granite countertops can help to bring out the beauty of your kitchen cabinets. The silver cloud, charcoal, and pewter tones in gray granite can make white cabinets pop.
What color cabinet goes with grey granite? ›
Cabinets: Many types and colors of cabinets look great with grey granite. We're particularly fond of a two-tone grey look, but whitewashed wood, pure white and even traditional wood tones can create a beautiful contrast.
Is grey still popular for kitchen cabinets? ›As far as aesthetics go, gray is a popular color choice for rooms because it's versatile. If your kitchen has a warmer tone, you can go with a warmer gray; if your kitchen favors cooler colors like blues, you can choose more of a slate gray with blue undertones.
Should cabinets be darker or lighter than walls? ›In conclusion, the decision between lighter and darker kitchen cabinets and walls depends on various factors. Lighter cabinets can make a small kitchen appear larger and more spacious while darker cabinets can add warmth and depth to a kitchen.
What color cabinets never go out of style? ›Selecting cabinets in colors that never go out of style ensures a timeless and enduring kitchen design. Classic white, neutral shades and natural wood tones offer versatile options that adapt to changing trends while maintaining appeal.
Should cabinets be lighter or darker than countertops? ›If it's a feeling of space, then the lighter of the two dominant colours should go on the vertical cabinet spaces, and the darker one on the horizontal countertop ones. If you want a more intense feel, flip that dynamic around.
What color should cabinets be? ›Some good neutral colors for kitchen cabinets include light gray, dark gray, or greige (a mix of gray and beige). These neutrals will help ground your space and give you freedom to incorporate more playful colors via accessories and appliances.
Can walls and cabinets be the same color? ›If you're keen to create a sleek, uniform look in your kitchen, then matching the shade of your cabinets to the walls could be one way to achieve your design goal. In a space where there are so many different surfaces and textures, minimizing the number of different shades can establish a clean, unified aesthetic.
Are grey cabinets dated? ›They have a timeless appearance: Since grey cabinetry fits many different designs, it'll never go out of style. When modern kitchens replace traditional ones, your grey cabinets will still match without looking vintage.
Is light grey a good color for kitchen cabinets? ›Use pale grey for unobtrusive modern cabinets
A shiny, pale grey makes the perfect shade for use in modern kitchen cabinet ideas - even when they're handle-free, sleek and chic they still feel muted, as witnessed here. In fact, they make the perfect backdrop to the majestic marble used on the island.