Craving Ultra-Dark Cabinets? 8 Inky Gray Paint Colors We Love
If you're longing to make a dramatic statement in your kitchen, look no further than ultra-dark cabinetry. Few design choices deliver the same stylish impact as rich, moody gray cabinets. But with so many deep charcoal and inky black paint options to choose from, it can be tricky to select the perfect hue.
Not to worry - we've rounded up eight of our favorite dark gray cabinet paint colors to give your kitchen a luxe, upscale look. From light, approachable grays to bold, almost-black statement shades, you're sure to find your perfect match ahead.
Dark Gray Cabinet Color Benefits
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of color selection, let's explore why dark gray cabinets have become so popular in contemporary kitchens:
- Creates a stunning focal point - Gray cabinetry pulls focus, becoming the unmissable star of your kitchen design.
- Looks richer and more upscale than lighter grays - Dark, moody shades feel elegant and expensive.
- Options for every style from modern to traditional - While some lighter grays skew modern, deep charcoals work across aesthetics.
- Pairs well with other kitchen colors and materials - From brass hardware to marble counters, dark grays complement without overpowering.
Choosing the Right Dark Gray Cabinet Color
Shade and Undertone Considerations
With darker kitchen cabinets, small nuances in shade and undertone become even more impactful. When selecting your dream color, consider:
- Warm grays (greige) vs. cool grays - Greiges with tan or brown hints tend to feel more welcoming, while icy, blue-based grays read more modern.
- Lightness/darkness - The deepest, inkiest shades make the boldest statement. But lighter charcoals still provide drama with a touch more versatility.
Factors That Impact Appearance
No two kitchens are alike. To choose a dark gray that looks its best, evaluate:
- Lighting - Well-lit rooms show off darker shades beautifully, while shadows can be unforgiving.
- Flooring and materials - Coordinate wood tones and colors for a harmonious look.
- Sheen and finish - Deeper matte shades feel pleasantly modern and low-maintenance compared to gloss.
Application Tips for Best Results
Achieving flawless, long-lasting results with dark gray cabinet paint involves diligent prep:
- Proper cleaning and sanding
- Priming for enhanced adhesion
- Quality durable paint for richer pigments
- Touch-ups over time as needed
8 Inky Gray Cabinet Paint Colors We Love
1. Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
With warm, brownish-gray undertones, Chelsea Gray reads as a gorgeous soft charcoal. Its versatile neutral shade layers beautifully with brass hardware and both light and dark backsplashes.
In brighter kitchens, it appears lighter and more gray, while poorly lit rooms bring out its rich brown depths. An elegant choice!
2. Sherwin-Williams Online Gray
For a true, icy gray with zero undertones, Online Gray is a fashion-forward option. Its cool, almost blue-tinged undertone keeps things feeling fresh and modern.
To prevent it from reading too industrial, pair with warm metals, organic textures, and plenty of lighting. The result? A sleek, contemporary kitchen space.
3. Behr Brown Metal
4. Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain
5. Benjamin Moore Gray 21
6. Behr Bit of Brown
7. Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn
8. Behr Caviar
Ready to dramatically transform your cooking space? We hope our deep dive into luxurious dark gray cabinet shades has inspired you to take the moody plunge.
By thoughtfully considering undertones, sheens, lighting and materials, your brave color choice is sure to pay off in spades. Happy designing!