6 Proven Tips for Pulling Off Gray Kitchen Cabinets Flawlessly (2024)

Timeless and versatile gray kitchen cabinets are the go-to choice for many interior designers and homeowners. Available in many different tones, gray can read either warm or cold, making it easy to pair with a variety of backsplash designs, countertop materials, and appliance finishes. Gray works with nearly all kitchen styles and cabinet designs, whether you have a farmhouse-inspired kitchen or a more contemporary cooking space. Use these color-choosing tips to incorporate gray kitchen cabinets into your home.

Choose Light or Dark Gray Kitchen Cabinets

The perfect hue for your gray kitchen cabinets depends on personal preference, but it also has a bit to do with your kitchen's characteristics. If the space is small or has limited natural light, dark gray cabinets could make it feel smaller and darker. Deep, saturated hues absorb light, whereas lighter shades amplify the brightness in the space. Opt for light gray kitchen cabinets in small spaces, and use dark gray shades to ground a larger room.

Select a Warm or Cool Gray Color

While gray might seem like a straightforward neutral, it's influenced by red, yellow, and blue undertones, making it appear cooler or warmer. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will be a steely shade; gray kitchen cabinets with a red undertone will have a putty tone, similar to taupe.

To better visualize how these shades work in your space, tape paint chips of several gray shades next to each other on your wall and examine them throughout the day. Notice the variation in color from one to the next and select the shade you like best. If you're installing cabinets that aren't customizable and choosing from a set palette, ask the retailer to let you borrow several finish samples or doors to test in your space.

Decide Between Painted or Stained Cabinets

When deciding on gray kitchen cabinets, you can go for painted cabinets, which are covered in an opaque gray hue, or stained cabinets, which have a translucent finish that allows some wood grain to show through. Just as with paint colors, there are many variations of pale and dark stains. Painted cabinets offer a crisp, even coloration and are easy to wipe down, while stained cabinets have a textured appearance that highlights the wood underneath. With the proper protective coating, they too can be easily cleaned.

Coordinate Gray Kitchen Cabinets with Countertops

Virtually any countertop color looks good with gray kitchen cabinets. You have many options for countertop materials because gray works as a neutral hue similar to white, brown, and tan. Select a splashy countertop color, such as aqua, or use slate or stainless steel for a monochromatic look. Natural stone, such as granite and marble, is also a popular complement to these cabinets because the stone often features gray veining or flecks.

Incorporate a Mix of Colors

To add more interest to your gray kitchen cabinets, try the two-tone look, which combines two colors in the same space. Because gray is a neutral shade, it pairs well with almost every color. Gray cabinets also work with any wood tone. For example, choose stained mahogany cabinets for the island, and a cement gray for the wall cabinets. One approach is to stick to similar shades and intensities, such as butter yellow with dove gray, for a cohesive look, or play with contrast, such as charcoal with ivory, which creates a dynamic space.

Add Complementary Hardware

Silver is the most common color of hardware used with gray kitchen cabinets, but many other metallic finishes also work well. Gold or brass drawer pulls are a bold choice if you have a warm gray, especially if paired with a matching faucet. Cooler gray tones or gray cabinets with a blueish hue look best with traditional stainless-steel hardware. Nearly-black, dark gray cabinets are stunning when dressed with a black-finish handle. Take a paint swatch to the store when picking out your hardware to make the decisions easier.

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