Find Your Dream Gray Cabinet Color for a Gorgeous Kitchen

Gray kitchen cabinets are having a major moment. Unlike stark white or potentially overwhelming dark colors, gray offers a sophisticated and versatile neutral that works with literally any kitchen design aesthetic. But with so many gray paint options to choose from, how do you find that perfect gray cabinet color to give your kitchen a gorgeous, cohesive look?

In this complete guide to gray kitchen cabinets, we'll walk you through all the key factors to consider when selecting gray paint for your kitchen remodeling project. Read on for pro tips, popular gray cabinet color ideas, and everything you need to confidently choose a dreamy gray shade tailored to your personal style.

Consider Existing Kitchen Style and Features

When embarking on a kitchen cabinet makeover, the first step is taking stock of your existing kitchen decor. The current style and any special features will influence what shades of gray will work best.

Match Color to Kitchen Style

Kitchen style encompasses the overall look and vibe of the space based on elements like cabinetry, counters, floors, and decorative accents. Is your kitchen modern and sleek with crisp, clean lines? Or does it have a cozy cottage feel with more traditional styling? Before choosing a gray, make sure it will complement (not compete with) the room's current aesthetic.

For example, contemporary gray kitchens tend to incorporate lots of cool, lighter grays like Benjamin Moore's Classic Gray or Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray. These sophisticated hues pair perfectly with glossy cabinetry, marble counters, and metal finishes.

Farmhouse-inspired kitchens, on the other hand, shine with warm, complex grays like Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter or Kilim Beige. These earthy paint colors work seamlessly with visible wood grain, butcher block countertops, and vintage tile backsplashes.

Coordinate With Existing Features

When selecting a gray kitchen cabinet color, it's also important to consider how it will look alongside existing kitchen features. For instance, grays with green undertones can help tie in granite countertops while grays with blue undertones complement white quartz.

Likewise, if your kitchen has a brick or stone backsplash, a warmer gray will blend better than a stark, clinical gray. So take note of elements you want the new cabinet color to coordinate with.

Factor in Lighting Conditions

The way gray paint absorbs and reflects light can dramatically impact its look. So before choosing a shade, pay attention to both the amount and type of light in your kitchen.

Amount of Natural vs. Artificial Light

Kitchens with plentiful natural sunlight can handle darker gray cabinet colors without feeling too somber or dreary. North-facing rooms with minimal sunlight, however, will benefit from lighter, brighter grays so the space doesn't seem dark and closed in.

Likewise, kitchens with warm artificial lighting call for warmer gray undertones (taupes, browns) which play up the light's natural color temperature. Kitchens illuminated primarily by cool white fluorescent or LED lights require cooler undertones (blues, greens) so cabinets don't appear dingy or tawny under the lights.

Bright vs. Dim Overall Lighting

The overall brightness or dimness of the kitchen should also inform your cabinet color selection. Bright, expansive kitchens can get away with dramatic, moodier dark gray cabinets. But small, enclosed kitchens will likely look more balanced with a soft light-reflecting gray.

Testing gray paint swatches at different times of day when lighting conditions change can ensure the color you choose looks great no matter what.

Understand How Undertones Work

When researching gray kitchen cabinet colors, you'll likely encounter the terms "warm gray" and "cool gray" quite a bit. This refers to undertones - the subtle hints of color that underlie what at first glance simply looks "gray." The undertones give the gray added depth and dimension. But if poorly matched to your kitchen decor, they can ruin the whole look.

Warm Grays

Warm grays have yellow, red, brown or taupe undertones. They tend to give off cozy, welcoming vibes. If your kitchen leans traditional or rustic, warm grays complement classic raised-panel cabinet doors, visible wood grains, and natural materials like stone backsplashes.

Cool Grays

Cool grays get their name from subtle blue, green, or purple undertones. They read more modern, elegant, or mysterious. Cool grays work beautifully in contemporary kitchens alongside sleek slab cabinetry, metal finishes, and glossy tile.

Greige = Best of Both Worlds

Can't decide between warm or cool? Split the difference with an on-trend "greige" gray, containing a perfect balance of both warm and cool undertones. Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray is a popular greige paint hue ideal for transitional kitchen styles.

Be Inspired By These Stunning Style-Specific Gray Kitchens

Still stumped on where to start looking for your dream gray? Check out these gorgeous gray kitchen ideas organized by popular decor styles. Gather inspiration from real-life rooms showcasing hand-picked shades tailored to specific aesthetics.

Sleek Modern Grays

Give crisp, contemporary cabinetry warmth with Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray, Windmill Air, or Dark Harbor.

Rustic Farmhouse Grays

Embrace farmhouse coziness with timeless Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray, Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray, or Farrow & Ball Skylight.

Elegant Traditional Grays

Sophisticate raised-panel cabinetry with elegant Benjamin Moore Metropolitan, Sherwin-Williams Cityscape, or Cushing Green.

Most Popular Gray Cabinet Paint Colors

Beyond the basic warm vs. cool decision, choosing an exact shade of gray from the thousands of options feels downright daunting. So we asked top professional designers for their can't-miss gray cabinet color recommendations.

By Paint Brand

Benjamin Moore's top gray cabinet paint colors include: - Coventry Gray HC-169 - Revere Pewter GC-110 - Stonington Gray HC-170

Sherwin-Williams best grays for cabinets are: - Repose Gray SW 7015 - Mindful Gray SW 7016 - Urbane Bronze SW 7048

By Shade

While darker moody blues and brighter whites reign supreme for walls, when it comes to cabinets, best-selling grays tend to sit in the middle. Light to Mid-Tone Grays - Benjamin Moore Oxford White - Sherwin-Williams Cityscape - Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52

Deeper, Moodier Grays - Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170 - Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258 - Farrow Ball Studio Green No. 95

Achieve Cabinet Perfection with Smart Paint Prep & Application

Choosing that perfect shade of dreamy gray paint is merely step one to gorgeous new cabinets. Proper paint sheen selection, cleaning, sanding and priming the cabinet boxes and doors will ensure your fresh gray color shines.

Pick the Right Sheen

Flat, matte finishes spotlight texture, while higher sheens look more sleek and uniform. Typical sheen choices for cabinets are:

• Eggshell: subtle sheen, easy touch-ups
• Satin: modest gloss, durable
• Semi-Gloss: shiny and wipeable - great for cleaning

Many designers recommend satin or semi-gloss sheens for cabinets to offer durability and a hint of reflectivity that keeps the color from looking dull overtime.

Master Prep, Sanding, & Priming

Properly prepping surfaces helps the new gray color adhere evenly across all cabinets for a cohesive, polished look. Carefully sand glossy areas to de-shine. Fill any cracks or holes with wood filler and sand smooth.

Finish prepping with 1-2 coats of quality bonding primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3. Then apply 2-3 thin, even coats of cabinet paint using a high density foam roller and angled brush (for grooves). Allow proper drying time between coats.

Tips to Nail the Perfect Gray Kitchen Cabinets

• Test gray paint swatches in your kitchen at different times/lighting
• Clean cabinets then scuff sand & prime before painting
• Use satin or semi-gloss finishes for durability
• Seal painted cabinets with water-based poly for extra protection

You're fully equipped to pick a show-topping gray paint shade for your next kitchen refresh, thanks to all the expert style tips and gray color advice. Soon you'll be whipping up feasts and memories amid the gorgeous gray cabinets of your dreams. We can't wait to see the beautiful "after" - be sure to tag us in your stunning reveal pics!