Choosing the right cabinet paint colors is one of the most impactful decisions you'll make for your kitchen or bathroom renovation. The best kitchen cabinet colors depend on your style, lighting, and overall design vision. This guide covers the top cabinet color ideas for 2026, from timeless whites to bold modern choices, with specific paint recommendations from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams.
🎨 Top Cabinet Colors for 2026
White Cabinet Paint Colors
White kitchen cabinets remain the most popular choice for good reason — they brighten spaces, feel clean, and have timeless appeal. But not all whites are created equal. Here are the best white paint colors for kitchen cabinets:
Warm Whites (Creamy Undertones)
Warm whites work beautifully with wood floors, warm-toned countertops, and traditional/transitional styles.
Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17)
The most popular cabinet white. Soft, creamy undertone that's neither too warm nor cool. Works in any light.
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008)
A warm, slightly creamy white that reads as a true white. Best-selling SW white.
Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117)
Clean white with barely-there warm undertone. Brighter than White Dove.
Cool Whites (Gray/Blue Undertones)
Cool whites pair well with cool-toned countertops, modern styles, and north-facing kitchens.
Sherwin-Williams Extra White (SW 7006)
A true, clean white with subtle cool undertone. Crisp and modern.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65)
The whitest white from BM. No yellow undertone. Perfect for modern kitchens.
Sherwin-Williams Pure White (SW 7005)
Clean white with the slightest softness. More versatile than stark white.
Gray Cabinet Paint Colors
Gray kitchen cabinets offer sophistication and work beautifully in both modern and traditional kitchens. Here are the best gray paint colors for cabinets:
Light to Medium Grays
Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray (SW 7029)
A perfect greige (gray + beige) that works with almost any decor. Warm and welcoming.
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (HC-172)
Warm gray with green undertones. Elegant and versatile.
Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray (SW 7016)
True gray without strong undertones. Modern and sophisticated.
Dark Grays
Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray (HC-168)
Rich medium-dark gray. Sophisticated without being too dramatic.
Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn (SW 7674)
Warm charcoal gray. Popular for lower cabinets in two-tone designs.
Green Cabinet Paint Colors
Green kitchen cabinets are a major trend for 2026. From soft sage to deep forest, green brings warmth and connection to nature. Sage cabinet colors are particularly popular.
Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage (HC-114)
Soft, muted sage green. Serene and calming. Works with brass or nickel hardware.
Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog (SW 9130)
2022 Color of the Year. Gray-green that's versatile and sophisticated.
Benjamin Moore Forest Green (2047-10)
Deep, dramatic forest green. Pairs beautifully with brass and marble.
Sherwin-Williams Acacia Haze (SW 9132)
Earthy green-gray. Warm and grounded. Great for transitional kitchens.
Blue Cabinet Paint Colors
Blue kitchen cabinets range from airy light blues to dramatic navy. Navy blue cabinets remain hugely popular for their timeless sophistication.
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (HC-154)
The perfect navy. Deep, rich, and sophisticated without being black.
Sherwin-Williams Naval (SW 6244)
SW's 2020 Color of the Year. Classic navy with slight warmth.
Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue (HC-156)
Beautiful medium blue-gray. Elegant and easy to work with.
Black Cabinet Paint Colors
Black kitchen cabinets make a bold, dramatic statement. They're particularly stunning in larger kitchens with good lighting. Here are the best black paint colors for cabinets:
Benjamin Moore Onyx (2133-10)
Rich, true black. Perfect for dramatic impact.
Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258)
True black without blue or brown undertones. Clean and sophisticated.
Benjamin Moore Black (2132-10)
Slightly softer than jet black. Very popular for cabinets.
Two-Tone Cabinet Color Combinations
Two-tone kitchen cabinets are a major trend for 2026. This approach uses different colors for upper and lower cabinets, or for a feature island. Here are popular combinations:
White + Navy
Timeless and nautical. White uppers, navy lowers or island.
White + Sage
Fresh and organic. White uppers, sage green lowers.
White + Black
High contrast and modern. Drama without overwhelming.
White + Wood
Warmth meets clean. White uppers, stained wood island.
Choosing the Right Cabinet Paint Finish
The best paint finish for cabinets balances appearance with durability:
| Finish | Sheen Level | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Gloss | 35-70% sheen | Most durable, easy to clean, best for busy kitchens | Shows imperfections more |
| Satin | 25-35% sheen | Good durability, softer look, hides imperfections | Slightly harder to clean |
| Eggshell | 10-25% sheen | Subtle sheen, elegant look | Less durable, not ideal for cabinets |
How to Choose the Right Cabinet Color
Consider these factors when selecting your cabinet paint color:
1. Your Countertops and Backsplash
- Look at the veining and undertones in stone countertops
- White cabinets work with almost any countertop
- Colorful cabinets need more neutral countertops
2. Kitchen Lighting
- North-facing: Avoid cool whites (they'll look gray); use warm tones
- South-facing: Any color works well with abundant natural light
- Minimal windows: Light colors help brighten the space
3. Kitchen Size
- Small kitchens: Light colors make spaces feel larger
- Large kitchens: Dark or bold colors work without overwhelming
- Any size: Two-tone with light uppers and dark lowers
4. Resale Value
- Highest appeal: White, light gray, greige
- Good appeal: Navy, sage green, black (if well-executed)
- Personal choice: Bold colors are harder to sell
Frequently Asked Questions
White remains the most popular, accounting for about 40% of choices. Popular whites include Benjamin Moore White Dove, Sherwin-Williams Alabaster, and Benjamin Moore Simply White. Gray is second at about 25%, followed by natural wood tones.
2026 trends include: warm whites and creamy tones, sage and olive greens, navy and deep blues, warm wood tones and natural stains, black for bold statements, and two-tone designs combining contrasting upper and lower colors.
White brightens spaces and has broad resale appeal. Gray offers a modern look and hides wear better. Consider your countertops, flooring, and lifestyle — gray shows less fingerprints in busy kitchens while white makes spaces feel larger.
Semi-gloss is most popular for its durability and easy cleaning. Satin offers a softer look with good durability. Avoid flat or matte finishes. For the smoothest professional finish, use cabinet-specific paints like Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane.
Ready to Transform Your Cabinets?
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