Common Questions about
Gray Kitchen Cabinets

What color walls go with gray kitchen cabinets?

The darkened nature of gray cabinets is best suited for a lighter, complementary color. Depending on the shade of gray you choose, you may want a white or a beige. Don’t be afraid to experiment and play around with vibrant colors like light greens or warm reds. Gray cabinets leave plenty of room for colorful surroundings.

How to paint kitchen cabinets gray?

If you are considering the DIY route for upgrading your kitchen, paint your current cabinets gray is a great way to update your kitchen at a low cost. The first step is assessing how much paint you will need. If you plan to paint the inside of your cabinets, you will likely need twice as much paint as if you were just to paint the exterior. The second step is to remove the old paint or finish from your cabinets. This can be done by applying a stripping product to your cabinets, letting it sit for the recommended time, and then using a scraper to carefully remove the paint or varnish without denting your cabinets. This step can get pretty messy, so be sure to wear some protective gloves, clean your cabinets out beforehand, and even lay down some plastic sheets to protect your floors and countertops.

Once all of the paint and varnish is removed, give your cabinets a thorough wipe down with a lightly damp cloth, let dry, and consider giving your cabinets a light sanding with medium-grit sandpaper. Clear away any wood dust with a dry cloth or vacuum and then apply several light coats of primer to the surface of the cabinets. Using a paint sprayer will yield a much smoother surface than a brush, however, similar results can be achieved with a brush if proper care is given.

Once you are satisfied with your primer, similarly apply your gray paint, using several light coats. Choosing quality paint is also important to ensure that your cabinets don’t have to be repainted in a few years. Lastly, seal your cabinets with a thin coat of shellac to leave a desirable finish.

What color backsplash goes with gray cabinets?

Choosing the right backsplash can be tricky. Thankfully, gray cabinets are a neutral color, making them very versatile. Much like choosing a paint color for your walls, white or beige is a great option for contrast, but don’t be afraid to experiment with more vibrant colors. Subway tiles or even brick laminate can create a unique look for kitchens that are lacking in personality. Gray cabinets are so versatile, that we recommend matching your backsplash to your countertops rather than the cabinets themselves.

Are gray kitchen cabinets a good idea?

The short answer is YES. Gray cabinets placed third most popular behind white and natural wood grain, occupying a total of 9% of the total market share for new cabinet buyers in 2018. Gray cabinets are at the top of the list when it comes to a versatile color for kitchen cabinets. Gray kitchen cabinets work well in almost any style of kitchen, from contemporary to country. Gray cabinets come in a variety of shades and shapes, which allows you to match them to your countertops, walls, or backsplashes easily if you have already chosen them.

Will gray cabinets go out of style?

No one can predict the future, but the likelihood of gray cabinets going out of style in the near future is very low. Gray cabinets bring way too much to the table to go out of style. Light gray cabinets are great for a kitchen with lots of natural light, while dark gray cabinets bring much more contrast to lighter surroundings, offering a bolder look. The best part is that no matter what color of gray cabinets you choose, you will almost always have a great looking kitchen. This is also true because gray cabinets have a very wide selection to choose from. Gray cabinets can be painted, stained, and in some very rare instances, completely natural. No matter what gray cabinets you choose for your kitchen, it’s nearly impossible to mess up with gray cabinets.