What Color Kitchen Cabinets Go With Gray Walls?

Do you have gray kitchen walls and need to find cabinets that match better? If so, you've come to the right place. We've put together this guide to help you find the perfect cabinets for your kitchen.

These cabinet colors go well with gray walls:

  • White
  • Black
  • Lighter or darker grays
  • Natural wood tones
  • Pink
  • Blue
  • Red
  • Yellow
  • Green
  • Orange

So how do you pick the perfect color cabinet to go with your gray walls? And are there any safe options for any type of gray? Keep reading to learn all about working with gray kitchen walls.

Interior of a modern kitchen with a grey patterned backsplash, pull down faucet in a double sink with white countertop, What Color Kitchen Cabinets Go With Gray Walls?

 

How To Choose Kitchen Cabinets For Gray Walls

Gray is typically considered a neutral tone, however, it's one of the more tricky neutrals to coordinate in home decor because it tends to have varying undertones.

You will want to determine the undertones in the paint on your walls before you settle on a cabinet color. Some shades will work with almost any color gray, no matter the undertones.

White

White wooden kitchen cabinets, wooden countertop and bohemian kitchen utensils

White is probably the safest option when you're unsure of the undertones associated with your gray walls. It creates contrast against any gray color without the threat of clashing tones. Using white can also help to brighten up the area if you are dealing with an overpowering gray color.

Nuvo Cabinet Makeover Kit

This cabinet makeover kit is called "Titanium Infusion" and results in an ultra-white finish for cabinets.

Click here to check out this kit on Amazon.

Black

Black is another neutral tone, however, it tends to be more hit-or-miss than white. If your walls are already a very dark gray tone, black may create a more dark and dingy room. If you have medium or light gray walls, black can create a dramatic and beautiful contrast.

General Finishes Milk Paint

This black milk paint works great for cabinets and creates a thick, even coating for full coverage.

Click here to take a look at this paint on Amazon.

Lighter Or Darker Grays

If you have light gray walls, try using a darker gray shade for your cabinets. For light gray walls, check out a darker gray for your cabinets. This will create contrast between the walls and the cabinets to create some mild interest.

Prestige Paints Edgecomb Gray

This light gray shade from Prestige Paints will contrast nicely against dark gray walls.

Click here to see this paint on Amazon.

Natural Wood Tones

Natural wood tones are another neutral option that will work nicely against almost any shade of gray. If your walls are a light gray color, try using dark stained wood. If you have dark gray walls, light-colored wood will contrast and create interest in the space.

Unfinished Oak Cabinet Door

These cabinet doors can be painted or stained the color of your choosing.

Click here to check these out on Amazon.

Pink

Gray walls against pink cabinets will create contrast while adding a bright pop of color to the room. Pink can be used with light or dark gray shades to create a breathtaking room. Stick with light pinks or pastel tones to avoid going over the top.

Rust-Oleum Chalk Paint

This bluish pink paint is a great option if you want to avoid a color that may be "too pink." The bluish tint gives it a dusty, toned-down, grayish-pink color, which would complement gray walls very well.

Click here to check out this paint on Amazon.

Blue

Blue painted cabinets panels and matched with a tan painted color on the sink cabinets

Pale or dark blue tones will create a subtle pop of color against gray walls. A shade of blue with gray undertones would have a nice effect against any tone of gray. With dark gray walls, a dark blue may be preferable, creating an elegant look. For light gray walls, try using pale blues or pastel tones.

Rust-Oleum Chalk Paint

This Serenity Blue tone has a pale, grayish-blue color that will fit perfectly into a kitchen with gray walls. It can brighten up the space while still providing an additional touch of color to the area.

Click here to take a look at this paint on Amazon.

Red

Red painted cabinet cupboards and matched with a gray backsplash matched with tan cabinets on the kitchen sink

Red can be used against gray to create a pop of color, but it is best suited to rooms with plenty of natural light. Use dark red with dark gray for a sophisticated look. Red is certainly a bold choice, and using bright red can be overpowering if you're not careful.

Retique It Chalk Paint

This Venetian Red color has a dark tone that will create an elegant look against gray walls.

Click here to check out this paint on Amazon.

Yellow

A gray and yellow painted kitchen cabinets and cupboards with brick backsplash

Yellow can introduce a bright, cheery pop of color into a gray room. This is a great option if your space lacks natural sunlight since the yellow color will help make the room seem less dreary. You can select a pastel yellow for a slight introduction of color, or a bright, eye-catching yellow to make a statement.

Chalky Chicks Chalk Paint

This Mustard Seed chalk paint is a great option for gray kitchens. It holds strong yellow hues, with a hint of gray to subdue the color.

Click here to see this paint on Amazon.

Green

A breakfast bar with white Nordic stool chairs matched with green cabinets on a gray wall

Using green against gray walls will add some life and vibrance to the room. Pale greens work well with light gray, and darker greens are great for dark gray walls. Add some lush green plants to create a more lively space and add a fun and earthy feeling to the room.

Country Chic Chalk Paint

This Sage Green paint results in an earthy, grayish-green tone that will look great against gray walls. It will offer a delicate introduction of color to the area.

Click here to take a look at this paint on Amazon.

Orange

Yellow aluminum kitchen cabinets and cupboards

Orange is another shade that will add a pop of color to a gray room. Both bright and dark orange tones will work with varying shades of gray for an interesting and exciting look. This is a great way to brighten up your kitchen area.

Chalky Chicks Chalk Paint

This Pumpkin Pie color is a dark orange hue that will stand out against gray walls without completely overpowering the room. It's a stylish way to make a big statement.

Click here to check this paint out on Amazon.

Cream

A drywall brick backsplash with white kitchen cabinets inside a modern living room

Using cream-colored cabinets against gray walls is ideal if your gray walls have brown undertones. It also stands out against light-colored gray walls, creating slightly less contrast than white but still introducing a lasting impact to the room.

Cream is also an elegant addition to dark gray walls, resulting in a bold polarity.

Rust-Oleum Chalk Paint

This Chiffon Cream color has slight hints of gray undertones, making it the perfect option for a kitchen with gray walls. It's light enough to create contrast and gray enough to remain uniform with gray walls.

Click here to check out this paint on Amazon.

Should Your Walls Be Lighter Or Darker Than Your Cabinets?

It depends on the colors you're working with. Dark walls with darker cabinets can become overpowering and drab, and light walls with light cabinets can be bright and bland. It's important to find a happy middle ground where the colors and shades can coexist without clashing or becoming monotonous.

Should Your Cabinets Match Your Walls?

Your cabinets should complement the wall color, but matching the colors perfectly can result in a boring room with a lack of variation.

The key is to create some level of contrast between the walls and the cabinets. Even choosing a color that's a few shades darker or lighter than your wall color will help to create some variety and interest.

How To Match Walls To Cabinets?

The best way to find the perfect color for your cabinets is to make use of samples and swatches. Compare the color sample to the walls in your home to make sure they look right together. Identifying the undertones present in your wall paint is another great way to start selecting a cabinet color.

In Closing

Interior of a modern kitchen with a grey patterned backsplash, pull down faucet in a double sink with white countertop

Now that you know all the best cabinet colors to go with gray walls, you're ready to start testing samples and gathering swatches. Don't be afraid to experiment with bright colors and vibrant hues. Have fun redecorating, and enjoy your new kitchen.

If you've decided to stick with varying gray tones in your kitchen, read our article for great hardware coordination tips: What Color Hinges And Knobs For Gray Kitchen Cabinets?

If you're ready to start painting your cabinets, read our article for help getting the perfect finish: Painting Kitchen Cabinets – Here’s How To Get A Smooth Finish

2 Comments

  1. Great article! I’m currently painting my kitchen walls gray and I’m having trouble deciding on the right cabinets to go with it. This post helped me see that white cabinets can create a bright and airy feel, while dark cabinets can add depth and warmth. I think I’m leaning towards a medium-toned cabinet to balance out the light walls. Thanks for the inspiration!

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