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How to Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinet Door Color

Posted by Melissa Hollobaugh on Jun 19th 2024

Are you tired of the sad beige look in your kitchen? Do you want to add a pop of color to the space without doing a full remodel? Maybe you want to trade the modern aesthetic for something more traditional or vintage. No matter the end goal, the color of your cabinet doors can completely transform the space.

Looking for kitchen cabinet door color ideas? We put together a step-by-step guide for finding the perfect color for kitchen cabinets. You can use this guide to assess your current kitchen design and find the ideal match for your vision for the space.

Here's what you need to do to find the perfect cabinet colors for kitchens:

Step One: Assessing Your Kitchen’s Style

Popular aesthetics and designs come and go, but the color you choose to paint your cabinet doors is sure to last at least another 20-30 years. When exploring the different color choices, consider the design and style of the space. Some popular aesthetics include:

  • Modern
  • Traditional
  • Contemporary
  • Minimal
  • Vintage
  • Rustic
  • Coastal
  • Cottage

When exploring different cabinet door colors, you'll want to decide if you're switching to a new aesthetic or simply revamping your current one. This way, you can choose the best kitchen cabinet door color for your desired look.

Assessing Your Kitchen’s Style

Step Two: Considering the Size and Layout

Did you know cabinet door colors can make a space feel smaller or bigger? While you may want to paint your cabinets black and go with a moody modern aesthetic, this isn't always the best choice for small kitchens with low ceilings. Instead, consider cream, beige, or a pastel. These colors can help make your space feel larger and more open.

If you have a large kitchen with natural light, you have more flexibility with the cabinet door colors. Bright and bold colors can make the space feel inviting and cozy. While lighter colors will make the space more welcoming and inviting.

Step Three: Evaluating Lighting Conditions

Next, you'll need to evaluate the lighting in the space. The lighting in your space can dictate the mood and feel. If you have big windows and a ton of natural light, consider choosing a gray or charcoal cabinet color. This will help you achieve an elegant, uplifting appeal. Consider a classic neutral shade like cream or taupe if you have warm lighting in the space.

Step Four: Complementing Existing Elements

The kitchen cabinet color also needs to complement the existing elements in the space. This includes light fixtures, paintings, artwork, and the rugs on the floor. If you have your heart set on a specific color, you may need to replace some of these elements to ensure you achieve a cohesive look in your kitchen.

Step Five: Understanding Color Psychology

Did you know every color provokes a different emotion? Understanding color psychology can help you expertly pick a color that aligns with the feeling you want your space to convey. Here are some of the emotions that popular colors represent:

  • Blue: Relaxation, tranquility & calmness
  • Red: Energy, passion & love
  • Black: Elegance, mystery & sophistication
  • White: Comfort, calmness & creativity
  • Green: Motivation, nature, & balance

When exploring different cabinet door colors, you can use color psychology to enhance your kitchen creatively. For example, if you want a calm and tranquil space, you may paint your cabinet doors a beige or warm white and pair it with a blue tile backsplash. Want to invite nature into your space? Forest green cabinet doors with a neutral backsplash are a great choice.

Step Six: Consider the Color of the Year

If you're in a creative rut and can't decide which kitchen cabinet door color ideas to choose, consider looking into the trending colors or color of the year.

The Sherwin-Williams color of the year is Upward, a stunning sky-blue color. It complements various aesthetics, including traditional, modern, or coastal kitchens. The elegant color provides a tranquil touch to the space and would look great in both small and large kitchens.

Step Seven: Testing and Sampling

Once you're set on a specific cabinet door color, you'll want to visit a local retailer for sampling swatches and paint samples. Most local retailers will provide free samples and swatches you can take to help you narrow down your choices. The swatches will also help you decide which color will complement your kitchen layout, lighting, and overall aesthetic.

Step Eight: Consulting with Professionals

Painting cabinet doors yourself can be tricky. If your budget allows, you may consider consulting with professionals to help paint your current cabinets. If you're investing in new cabinet doors, you may want to consider ordering them finished so you can easily install them yourself.

CabinetDoors.com offers all of our cabinet doors as finished or unfinished. If you order them finished, you can pick between one of our 12 different Sherwin-Williams colors. If you order unfinished, the doors will arrive prepped and ready to be painted.

DIY Tips and Tricks

Choosing the best paint color for cabinets is just half the battle. If you're DIYing the project, ensure you're prepared to tackle the task and have the necessary tools.

Here are some tips to help you prepare to paint your cabinet doors:

  • Always prep your cabinets before painting
  • Remove any hardware before painting
  • Have the supplies on hand
  • Apply primer to prevent chipping
  • Use wood filler to fill in any dents, chips, and scuffs

Lastly, use our How to Paint Cabinet Doors Guide to ensure a professional finish in your kitchen. This guide offers expert guidance to ensure a pristine finish.

Explore 12 Different Sherwin-Williams Cabinet Colors for Kitchens

Want to ensure your new cabinet doors have a professional look and feel? Lean on the help of our team. At CabinetDoors.com, we offer finished cabinet doors in 12 different Sherwin-Williams colors. All of our cabinet doors are painted by our team and ready to install when they arrive at your house.


Explore our selection of finished cabinet doors today to get started.

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