Best Colors for Kitchen Cabinets in 2025: Timeless, Trendy, and Transformative

Choosing the best colors for kitchen cabinets in 2025 is one of the most impactful design decisions a homeowner can make. Your cabinet color doesn’t just affect aesthetics, it influences mood, functionality, space perception, and even resale value. The right cabinet paint color brings harmony between flooring, walls, countertops, and kitchen cabinetry while expressing your personality and elevating your home’s overall interior design.

In this extended blog post, we’ll take a comprehensive look at trending paint colors, brand recommendations from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams, how to choose the right cabinet color for your home, real-life inspirations, and actionable design tips. Whether you’re refreshing existing cabinetry or planning a full remodel, this guide is your go-to resource for selecting cabinet paint that will stand the test of time.

Why Cabinet Color Is More Important Than Ever

Cabinet color is foundational to a kitchen’s overall appearance. Since cabinets usually dominate wall space, the chosen shade sets the entire tone for the kitchen. Whether you prefer subtle contrast or bold color, choosing the right cabinet color impacts not only aesthetics but also how large or bright your kitchen feels.

Modern kitchen cabinetry isn’t just about storage, it’s a visual statement. The paint color you choose can reflect light, define the style of the room, and create a focal point. For example, bright white kitchen cabinets evoke a clean, open feel while darker colors such as black or forest green add richness and depth. Many homeowners now lean toward warmer tones and natural wood finishes, looking for comfort and organic charm in their homes.

6 Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors for 2025

1 | Sage Green and Forest Green

Green has become a leading cabinet color in 2025, especially earthy tones like sage green and forest green. These nature-inspired shades create a soothing ambiance that resonates with the desire for wellness and balance at home.

Forest green is ideal for base cabinets or a kitchen island, bringing depth and elegance. Sage, being softer, works well on upper cabinets or full walls in smaller kitchens. These tones look stunning when combined with brass hardware, white oak flooring, white countertops, or a white backsplash.

For a cohesive look, consider pairing green cabinetry with warm white walls and natural wood shelves. If you’re hesitant to commit to green throughout, use it as an accent on your kitchen island while keeping other cabinets neutral.

2 | Warm Whites, Creams, and Neutrals

Creamy neutrals and warm whites remain among the best colors for kitchen cabinets in 2025. Unlike bright white, warm white provides softness and prevents your space from feeling too sterile. Options like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove or Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster are among the most recommended cabinet paint colors.

These tones are especially great for kitchens with limited natural light. They bounce light around the room, making it appear more spacious. Plus, they work well with nearly any countertop or flooring option, offering endless design flexibility.

Soft white cabinets blend beautifully with white oak floors, warm wall colors, and natural wood tones. They’re also timeless, making them a smart investment for homeowners looking for long-lasting appeal.

3 | Bold Navy, Pale Blue, and Moody Blues

Blue is another front-runner in 2025’s kitchen color palette. Cool tones like pale blue and deep navy continue to gain traction, especially for homeowners looking for balance between color and elegance. Pale blue is a subtle way to introduce color without overwhelming the space, while navy or moody blue cabinets offer richness and contrast.

Sherwin Williams’ Naval and Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy are two top shades favored for cabinetry. Blue cabinetry works well in two tone cabinets, often combined with white upper cabinets or soft beige tones to create contrast.

In homes with white walls, navy cabinets add drama and elegance. Pair these tones with brass hardware and white countertops for a sophisticated yet inviting modern kitchen.

4 | Black Cabinets and Charcoal Gray

Black cabinets continue to be a bold yet versatile option. Whether you choose a true black or a softer charcoal gray, these deep cabinet colors offer a sleek, contemporary feel. Black works beautifully in kitchens with plenty of natural light, where its intensity is balanced by bright surroundings.

Charcoal is a perfect alternative if you want the depth of black but with a bit more warmth. Use a semi gloss finish for a subtle sheen that reflects light and gives a smooth finish. These darker shades are ideal for base cabinets or statement kitchen islands, especially when paired with soft white upper cabinets or warm white walls.

To keep black from overpowering your space, balance it with lighter colors on the walls, ceiling, and countertops. A white backsplash or natural wood open shelves can help soften the look.

5 | Natural Wood Tones and Stained Cabinets

Natural wood is experiencing a resurgence in kitchen design. Wood cabinets in tones like white oak, walnut, and hickory add warmth and bring a rustic aesthetic that feels both grounded and timeless. These finishes also offer a low maintenance alternative to painted cabinetry.

Stained wood can either serve as a base cabinet color or be incorporated into shelving, hood vents, or kitchen islands. Combining stained wood cabinets with white cabinetry and subtle contrast in your color palette creates a layered, textured look that feels high-end and approachable.

Wood tones are especially popular in homes that blend modern and traditional styles, offering a bridge between classic craftsmanship and contemporary finishes.

6 | Urbane Bronze and Earth-Inspired Shades

Urbane Bronze, a trending color from Sherwin Williams, blends brown and gray tones into a deep, luxurious cabinet paint color. It’s ideal for homeowners seeking earthy tones that still feel sophisticated and modern.

These shades work well with natural wood countertops, concrete-look flooring, or leather accents. Use urbane bronze on lower cabinets or an accent wall to create a cozy yet stylish effect.

Color Combinations and Cabinet Layout Ideas

Color combinations play a vital role in modern kitchens. A well-executed two tone cabinet layout can make your kitchen feel curated and custom-designed. Here are a few winning combinations to consider:

• Sage green lower cabinets with white upper cabinets
• Navy blue base cabinets paired with soft white uppers and warm oak open shelving
• Black island surrounded by warm white perimeter cabinets
• Pale blue cabinetry paired with white oak and brass hardware

Two tone cabinets can also help define zones in open-concept kitchens, such as separating a kitchen island from the main prep area. When selecting paint colors, think about how different tones will interact with natural light and your overall kitchen layout.

How to Choose the Right Cabinet Paint Color for Your Kitchen

Choosing the right cabinet color involves balancing aesthetics, lighting, function, and style. Here’s how to find your perfect match:

1 | Evaluate Lighting

Lighting dramatically affects how cabinet paint looks. In bright, sun-filled kitchens, darker colors can look stunning. In dimmer spaces, opt for lighter colors like soft white or cream to enhance brightness. Always test peel and stick samples at different times of the day.

2 | Coordinate with Wall Color

Cabinet color should complement your wall color. For white walls, almost any tone will work, but cool tones like navy or green will pop. For colored walls, stick to a more neutral cabinet color for balance.

3 | Consider Your Flooring

Cabinetry should harmonize with your floors. White cabinets pair well with dark wood floors, while medium wood tones like white oak work with most cabinet paint colors.

4 | Think About Style

Your overall interior design style should influence your paint colors. A rustic aesthetic calls for natural wood or earthy tones. A modern kitchen can handle bold color or crisp white cabinets.

5. | Use Trusted Paint Brands

Opt for high-quality cabinet paint from Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams. Their formulas offer durable finishes that resist chipping and are easy to clean. Visit your local paint store to explore color decks or speak with experts.

Trending Finishes and Hardware Pairings

Paint color is just one part of the equation. The finish you choose matters too:

• Matte: Great for contemporary or industrial kitchens, hides fingerprints well.
• Semi gloss: Easy to clean and reflects light, commonly used for its versatility.
• Satin: A balanced choice with a soft sheen that works in almost any style.

Pair your cabinet color with hardware that enhances your look. For example:

• Brass hardware pairs well with warm tones and green or blue cabinetry
• Matte black handles are perfect for modern kitchens with white or dark cabinets
• Brushed nickel is a safe, timeless option that works with cool tones and bright white

Real-Life Cabinet Color Inspirations

Here are some beautiful and practical combinations that homeowners are loving in 2025:

• A white kitchen with dove white cabinets, soft gray walls, and semi gloss finish for a clean look
• Pale blue upper cabinets with navy blue base cabinets and a natural wood kitchen island for a nautical vibe
• White oak cabinetry with sage green accents and warm white walls for a balanced blend of natural and painted finishes
• Black cabinets with white backsplash and concrete flooring for a sleek, modern appeal
• Two tone cabinets with urbane bronze base cabinets and creamy upper cabinets to add warmth and depth

Use social platforms and online galleries to gather more cabinet color ideas. Kitchen Search features dozens of curated galleries to help you visualize different combinations.

Frequently Asked Best Kitchen Cabinet Colors Questions

What is the most timeless cabinet color?

White cabinets are considered timeless and work with any interior design style. Soft white or warm white offer a modern twist while maintaining classic appeal.

Are dark kitchen cabinets still in style?

Yes, dark kitchen cabinets are still trending. When paired with lighter walls and countertops, they add contrast and drama without overwhelming the space.

How do I pick the best color for my cabinets?

Start by considering your lighting, existing finishes, personal preferences, and desired style. Use peel and stick samples to test colors at home.

Should upper and lower cabinets be the same color?

Not necessarily. Two tone cabinets are popular for creating visual interest. Use darker tones for base cabinets and lighter shades for upper cabinets to keep the kitchen feeling bright.

What colors hide dirt best?

Mid-tone neutrals like mushroom, sage green, and taupe are excellent for hiding everyday wear. Matte finishes also help disguise smudges.

Final Thoughts and Where to Begin

Choosing the best colors for kitchen cabinets is an exciting opportunity to transform your space. Whether you lean toward earthy tones, warm whites, dramatic blacks, or timeless wood tones, your cabinet color should reflect your lifestyle, personality, and design goals.

At Kitchen Search, we’re here to guide you through every step, from choosing paint colors to coordinating finishes and hardware. Visit our showroom or browse our online cabinet color gallery to get inspired. Order peel and stick samples to test at home and schedule a design consultation with our expert team.

Your kitchen is one of the most used spaces in your home. With thoughtful planning, the right shade, and a durable finish, you can create a space that is both stunning and functional for years to come.

Your dream kitchen starts with the right cabinet color. Let’s create it together.