Looking for classic kitchen cabinet paint colors that will never go out of style? You’ve come to the right place!
With kitchen remodels at an all time high, finding a classic kitchen cabinet paint color is even more important.
Painting cabinets is both time consuming if you are DIY painting and expensive if you hire a professional.
So choosing a classic color is your safest bet, so you love and can live with the color for many years to come.
What is a Classic Paint Color?
How I like to define classic colors is they are timeless even living through centuries.
Many classic paint colors for kitchen cabinets are often historic too being used again and again because they are easy to live with and decorate around.
To help you start narrowing paint color options, let’s think about kitchen cabinet paint colors in major color “buckets”.
Classic kitchen cabinet paint color Groups:
- White
- Blue
- Green
- Black
Doesn’t simplifying the colors into 4 buckets make it easier to digest?
I’m leaving out brown because many people, if they want a shade of brown, will choose a stained wood instead.
If you want to see the latest stain trends and trend paint colors for cabinets:
2021 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Color Trends
OR
2021 Cabinet Color Trends: Goodbye Gray!
There is a GREAT dark brown that I think is new and interesting called Peppercorn, by Sherwin Williams.
Paint Color Value
Cabinet paint colors will run the spectrum in value…light to dark.
Mixing white into any color (hue) will lighten the value.
Tan would be a lighter value of a brown and gray would be a lighter value of black.
Here is an image of what paint value actually is to help you see what I mean:

The dark and moody paint colors are the darkest value and the light and airy paint colors are the lightest value.
Knowing how much light a paint is going to reflect or absorb is important when choosing paint colors in general.
If you need help choosing paint colors in general, you may find this post helpful:
How-to Pick a Paint Color: Step by Step Guide
Now pay attention to the cabinet paint colors I DIDN’T mention specifically.
Here is a list of colors that would be non-classic kitchen cabinet paint colors:
- Reds
- Oranges
- Yellows
- Purples
While these colors can make a major statement in a kitchen, they are definitely trendier and harder to live with for more than a few years.

Hey, you came to this post for the classics right?
I’m keeping you honed in on those ideas and help you stay away from colors that look fun now, but you may regret later.
20 CLASSIC CABINET PAINT COLORS
Best cabinet paint colors for kitchens and baths – instant download paint color palette.
Colors include whites, neutrals, greens, blues, and grays from light to dark for kitchens and baths.
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White Cabinet Paint Colors
White is tried and true plus a safe bet. We are going to do a deeper dive on white versus colors because there is SO much variety.
Any color can be used to tint white and why sometimes white paints can be so hard to choose.
Here is an example of what I mean of how white can change depending on what color is added.

All of these paint colors are considered “white”, so always place your paint chip against something truly white to see if there is an undertone of another color.
If you want to know my favorite picks for whites and neutrals:
Best White and Neutral Paint Colors: Walls, Cabinets and Trim
Because this isn’t my forever home or at least I don’t think it is!
During my recent kitchen remodel, I chose to paint my kitchen cabinets white for resale value.
Most people are fine or prefer a white kitchen, so it won’t stop a buyer.
Here are some easy to use white paint options by undertone.
Cool Whites
Cooler whites will have undertones of gray or blue.


- Benjamin Moore, Distant Gray OC-68
- Benjamin Moore, Decorator’s White OC-149
- Valspar, Summer Gray 7006-17
You can see the little bit of the gray in all of these colors making them feel more cool in tone.
Warm/Off-Whites
Warmer whites will have undertones of yellow or brown.


Here is a picture of my kitchen with a warmer paint color and you can see how the undertone of a white can make such a big difference.

It’s definitely a warmer look, so make sure you are clear if you want a cooler or warmer look before choosing a paint color for you kitchen cabinet.
Classic Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors
Now let’s talk about the best options in the other color buckets: blue, green, brown and black.
Doing your cabinets in a color versus white creates so much visual impact and can be so beautiful.
It’s also a classic that will never go out of style.
Blue Cabinet Paint Colors
Let’s start with pretty blues because seriously in fashion and home blue NEVER goes out of style.
It’s more do you want a light look or a darker look.
Making sure the blue has a little gray is important to keep the color timeless.
Plus an undertone of gray makes the blue feel softer and less of a baby nursery blue.
Here are a couple of options you will love!
Valspar, Lighthouse Shadows 4008-3B

Benjamin Moore, Gentleman’s Gray 2062-20

Whether it’s a classic navy or a pale soft blue you can live with either color for a long time.
Think about it…all colors go with blue like all colors in nature go with a blue sky!
Green Cabinet Paint Colors
Now let’s go to the cousin of blue and look at greens.
Greens with an undertone of gray are also a good option or even a hint of blue.
Anything that has an undertone of yellow will be quicker to go out of fashion,
Sherwin Williams, Billiard Green 0016

Sherwin Williams, Rainwashed 6211

Can’t decide between shades of blue or green?
Why not find something that has both.
Here’s the hottest color of 2021 which is a pretty blue green!
Benjamin Moore, Aegean Teal 2136-40

Black Cabinet Paint Colors
Last, but of course not least is good old black!
Black has come into fashion again, in modern farmhouse and industrial kitchen designs.
Check out: Farmhouse Lighting Finds!
Using a softer black that has some gray to soften it makes it feel cozier.
Plus black cabinets look so beautiful mixed with stained wood and white walls for a more dramatic feel that is still classic.
Benjamin Moore, French Beret 1610

If you are looking for a really DARK and deep black, my favorite is:
Valspar, Dark Kettle Black 4011-2
Phew! That was a lot of paint colors to consider right?
I hope you found this post helpful, as you choose that perfect color for your kitchen cabinets.
PLEASE always buy samples and test them on 8 x 10 foam boards.
Do 3 versions of each option you are considering and place them in various parts of your kitchen to make sure it looks good in all lights and angles.
NO-SAND Method to Painting Kitchen Cabinets
This no-sand kitchen cabinet painting tutorial is for ANY type of cabinets that were previously stained, coated with polyurethane OR painted.
The Best Cabinet Paint You Need to Know About
The one cabinet paint I recommend for both kitchens and baths because it is durable and requires NO top coat!
How-to Paint Cabinets and Get a Smooth Finish
For the beginner! Tried and true tips for getting the smoothest finish possible, when painting cabinets.
Hand Painting or Spraying Cabinets: What is Better?
You kitchen cabinet color is THE central color, so make sure you love and can live with color for years.
Please consider following me on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more inspiration and helpful advice.
Until next time…
PORCH DAYDREAMER
Tracey
FAQs
What is the most popular color for kitchen cabinets in 2022? ›
Well, it should be no surprise… the classic white cabinet will still be the #1 cabinet color for kitchens in 2022 and beyond. White is crisp and clean, will brighten any kitchen, and will most likely never go out of style.
What's the most popular kitchen cabinet color? ›For several decades, in fact, white has been the leading cabinet color in kitchen cabinet trends. As the most popular shade for cabinetry then, it's a good option for many styles of kitchens. It certainly fits well with a simple, straightforward design choice that won't go out of style.
What are timeless cabinet colors? ›The two most timeless colors of all, are white, and black. No one can deny the appeal of bright white cabinets streaming across a kitchen, they lighten the entire room and give it an airy, refreshing ambience. Likewise, black cabinets are equally timeless.
Are white cabinets going out of style 2022? ›First, let's talk about white kitchen cabinets … these aren't going anywhere in 2022. A white kitchen is classic and never goes 'out of style'. It may not always be the current trend, but white kitchen cabinets are always beautiful. We'll also continue to see the two-tone cabinet color trend in 2022.
Should kitchen cabinets be darker or lighter than walls? ›Light shade cabinets are a better choice in smaller spaces or kitchens, especially when there is less natural light. Lighter colours like white and off-white cabinets make the kitchen look and feel bigger. On the contrary, a large space that has ample sunlight can be a good bet for dark-coloured kitchen cabinets.
What is the most popular kitchen cabinet style for 2022? ›'Handleless kitchen cabinets are one of the biggest trends for 2022 for more pared-back, streamlined look. It's all about simplicity and a focus on cabinetry details,' explains Busola Evans, Kitchen and Bathroom Supplement Editor.
What cabinet colors are in style? ›Cool-toned cabinets are dominating the trends this year and white, gray, two-toned, blue, and even green cabinets are on the rise.
What is a timeless kitchen design? ›What is Timeless Kitchen Design? A timeless kitchen is one that will meet your standards and last for years to come while maintaining function and design. The main timeless features in a kitchen to look at are flooring, countertops, cabinets, hardware, backsplash, and layout.
What is the most popular appliance color for 2022? ›No matter the era, white never goes out of style. White is one of many top color choices of the year for 2022 kitchen appliances. White ice appliances are introducing a new way to reflect cleanliness in the kitchen while also adding a touch of class.
What color of kitchen cabinets never goes out of style? ›Blackband recommends sticking with white or, if you don't like white, a neutral color, such as tan, beige or ivory. Go with a subtle pattern and low veining for a longer-lasting look.
What is the best timeless color for kitchen cabinets? ›
White Kitchen Cabinets
White is the most timeless cabinet color of all, with popularity dating back over half a century. It's hard to beat the crisp, clean beauty of bright white cabinets. They lighten the entire room and lend a refreshing, airy feel.
Slate, soapstone, and honed granite are timeless materials for countertop and backsplash, for houses of almost any period. This marble look-alike surface material from Okite is a compound of natural quartz and resin, which complements this period-style kitchen.
Is GREY going out of style 2022? ›Yes, while gray has seen an uninterrupted reign over recent paint trends, its reign may conclude in 2022. However, this shift is perhaps only expected in the interiors world, as Anthony Barzilay Freund, the editorial director at 1stDibs, explains.
Are granite countertops out of style 2022? ›Granite countertops are a kitchen trend to avoid in 2022. They were the standard in the 90s and 2000s but now they just make a kitchen look dated. The new trending countertop is quartzite, a beautiful (and pricy) favorite that took kitchen design by storm.
What is the trend for backsplash in 2022? ›Clean and straight lines and neutral color schemes which are the backbones of a modern style for kitchen backsplashes stand out in 2022 trends. You can use classic subway tiles in a stacked layout to give a more modernized vibe. Geometrical tiles like hexagons or triangles are also perfect to create a modern appeal!
What color will make my kitchen look bigger? ›Go with Light Colors
Light colors are more reflective than dark colors and they will make your kitchen appear bigger as well as more open and airy. Light blues, greens, or pale yellows are other great colors to make your space look larger than life.
Should Countertops Be Lighter Or Darker Than Cabinets? Although there isn't technically a set-in-stone answer, lighter countertops with darker cabinets seem to be the best design choice. Generally, white or light-colored counters give a kitchen/space a modern feel.
What is best Sheen for kitchen cabinets? ›There are many types of paint to choose from, but the best paint for kitchen cabinets is semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Matte is not practical in kitchens and baths where you will need durable paint you can easily clean.
What is the most popular countertop for 2022? ›The most popular and trending countertop for 2022 is a marble countertop. Closely trailing behind is concrete countertops and butcher block countertops. What countertop edge is in style 2022? Waterfall edge countertops have been on the come-up for years now.
Are Shaker cabinets going out of style 2022? ›From 2021 to 2022, Shaker-style kitchen cabinets jumped 8 points, with 64 percent of home remodelers now opting for this mainstay of transitional home decor style. The second-most popular style, flat-panel cabinets, trails way behind with 17 percent.
Are white and GREY kitchens going out of style? ›
While the all-white kitchen will probably never go out of style, there are lots of new design trends for 2022 that will make you equally happy. Think: natural elements with some pops of color as well as a visit to the dark side with colors you might never expect.
What countertop edge is in Style 2022? ›Round Corners Are Becoming Popular
This year, it seems that the countertop edges that are rounded will be the edge of choice. If you decide that you want to have a rounded countertop edge, here are some choices that will work well: Round. Full bullnose.
They are timeless and do not go out of style. It refers to any kitchen space with two varying tints, and the combination takes on many forms. It could be a kitchen island with a different color from the custom cabinets. You could paint the cabinets on top with a contrasting shade from the ones at the bottom.
Is farmhouse style out for 2022? ›Modern Farmhouse
There will be far less shiplap in 2022. While Chip and Joanna Gaines are far from over, their signature modern farmhouse look isn't something many interior designers will be living, laughing, or loving in 2022.
'Handleless kitchen cabinets are one of the biggest trends for 2022 for more pared-back, streamlined look. It's all about simplicity and a focus on cabinetry details,' explains Busola Evans, Kitchen and Bathroom Supplement Editor.
What cabinet colors are in style? ›Cool-toned cabinets are dominating the trends this year and white, gray, two-toned, blue, and even green cabinets are on the rise.
Are gray kitchens out of style? ›They have a timeless appearance: Since grey cabinetry fits many different designs, it'll never go out of style. When modern kitchens replace traditional ones, your grey cabinets will still match without looking vintage.