The Best Grey Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors 2025
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Let’s talk about the best grey kitchen cabinet paint colors and why picking the right shade matters. If you’re in the middle of the “what color should I paint my cabinets” debate and white feels too stark, consider this your sign: grey kitchen cabinets are timeless, light, and completely at home in any style. We recently painted ours and the transformation was next-level!
Our Not White Cabinets Kitchen choice was intentional.
I wanted that bright, airy feeling without the all-white upkeep. We chose a soft gray and instantly got “light and fresh” and “warm and livable.”
I’ve got all the grey details for you plus how Mindful Grey kitchen cabinets act like a total chameleon (more on that in a second).
Let’s checkout the the most popular shades and how to pick your perfect match.
Why Choose Grey for Your Kitchen Cabinets?
Short answer: Grey cabinets are timeless. They balance modern lines with classic appeal, and they’re an easy “yes” for a Not White Cabinets Kitchen that still feels light and open.
Whether you’re working with a brand-new kitchen or giving older cabinets a facelift, grey creates a neutral backdrop that plays well with both warm wood tones and cool accents.
It’s also fantastic with white quartz, brass knobs, or matte black pulls.
This color family has staying power, and for good reason.
If you don’t want white but still want light, grey kitchen cabinets are the sweet spot.
What Color Gray Is Best for Kitchen Cabinets?
Undertones matter (a lot!).
Cool grays can lean blue; warm grays lean greige.
The goal is to pick a shade that looks intentional in your lighting, day and night.
Our kitchen used to be dark and dated.
Painting the cabinets a slightly warm gray completely changed the space to a brighter, softer, and still cozy.
We chose Mindful Gray, and here’s why I call it a chameleon.
During the day, with tons of natural light, it reads like Blue Gray Kitchen Cabinets.
At night or as the sun shifts, under warm lights, it shifts toward greige.
That’s the magic of Mindful Grey kitchen cabinets: effortless, adaptable, and always in style.
If you love a little warmth, you might also like the look of Putty Grey kitchen cabinets (earthy, calm, and a beautiful alternative to pure white.)
Popular Gray Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets
Here are tried-and-true shades (and how they behave with real-life lighting).
Remember: Grey Blue Kitchen Cabinets Paint Colors can shift a lot depending on windows, bulbs, and floor tones. Always sample first (as shown in both my images above).
- Mindful Gray (SW) – The MVP. A flexible mid-tone that swings from soft blue-gray by day to cozy greige by night.
- Repose Gray (SW) – A serene, lighter gray that’s gorgeous on a kitchen island with white uppers.
- Dorian Gray (SW) – Moodier mid-depth gray. Great when you want contrast without going “dark.”
- Agreeable Gray (SW) – Warm, welcoming greige. Pairs beautifully with brass or champagne bronze hardware.
- Gray Owl (BM) – Light, airy gray that can read cooler/blue in bright daylight.
- Chelsea Gray (BM) – Rich and dramatic. Best with lots of natural light and crisp white walls.
- “Putty” greiges – If you want warmth without beige, Putty Grey kitchen cabinets deliver that soft, earthy feel.
Every home is different.
Before committing, order peel-and-stick samples and watch them for two days.
You’ll see exactly how your “Blue Gray Kitchen Cabinets” shift in morning sun vs. evening lamp light.
Repose Gray
Heather from Our Forever Home used Sherwin Williams Repose Gray and the champagne bronze lighting is perfection. Soft, calm, and beautiful.
Here’s a Repose Gray island paired with white cabinets—one of my favorite ways to dip into grey without committing the whole kitchen.
Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
Mindful Grey kitchen cabinets are my go-to recommendation when you want light, timeless, and zero regret.
It’s soft by day, warmer at night. Never flat, never cold.
If your home gets strong natural light, it can lean into that dreamy grey blue lane.
If your bulbs are warm or your floors lean tan, it leans cozier. Chameleon status = earned.
Read the full review: Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray.
Dorian Gray
Michelle from Ellery Designs painted her cabinets Dorian Gray and it’s that just-right depth—noticeable but not heavy.
Also, her soffit treatment?
So smart.
Follow Michelle for more clever ideas.
Agreeable Gray
Shauna from The House of Silver Lining used Agreeable Gray on built-ins and it’s stunning—soft, warm, and brightening.
If you love champagne bronze or brushed brass hardware, this one sings.
If you haven’t seen a full home tour of her house, you are missing out!
How to Choose the Right Gray for Your Kitchen
- Match your fixed finishes. Floors, countertops, and backsplash come first. A slightly warm gray complements oak or warmer quartz. Cooler grays pair with crisp whites and blue/black accents.
- Test with your lighting. Daylight can make Grey Blue Kitchen Cabinets Paint Colors look cooler; warm bulbs push them toward greige.
- Sample smart. Use peel-and-stick on multiple cabinets. Check morning, afternoon, and evening.
- Consider depth. If your kitchen is small, choose a lighter mid-tone like Mindful Gray. For larger, bright spaces, you can go moodier (hello, Dorian).
Are Grey Kitchen Cabinets Too Trendy?
Grey isn’t a fad.
Every year for the last two decades, you will see a million different articles on the “top and trending” kitchen cabinet color and while some trends last longer than others, white and gray cabinets will always be timeless.
It’s a classic neutral that flexes with style changes.
Keep walls white for a fresh, airy look—or add texture with wood and woven accents for warmth.
Either way, grey kitchen cabinets have proven they’re here to stay.
DIY Tips for Painting Kitchen Cabinets Grey
Want that “did you buy new cabinets, finish?
Prep and products make all the difference.
Start here:
- Prep like a pro: Clean, degloss, fill, sand, then prime. (I know. It’s a lot. It’s worth it.)
- Choose quality paint: We love BM Advance and SW Emerald for durability.
- Spray if you can: A sprayer gives the most even finish. Here’s our pick: Best DIY Paint Sprayer.
- Study up: Don’t wing it, use our guide: How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets like a pro.
Paint quality matters almost as much as prep. If you’re comparing formulas, peek at our post on the best cabinet paint by Benjamin Moore.
Grey Kitchen Cabinet Inspiration and Ideas
Need ideas you can steal (with love)?
Start with our project: Grey Kitchen Cabinets with White Countertops.
It’s a great example of “not white but still light.”
Or try a two-tone look: Blue Gray Kitchen Cabinets or a grey blue island paired with white uppers.
It’s classic and flexible.
Swap hardware or rugs later without repainting everything!
Here’s how we used a grey island in a split-level kitchen remodel:
FAQ: Quick Answers
- What color should I paint my cabinets if I don’t want white? Go grey. Choose a soft mid-tone like Mindful Gray for a light look without the starkness of white.
- Are grey blue kitchen cabinets paint colors hard to pair? Not at all—use warm metals (brass/champagne bronze) and natural wood for balance.
- Is putty gray the same as greige? “Putty” reads like a warm greige—great if your floors or counters are on the warmer side.
Bottom line: If you want a Not White Cabinets Kitchen that still feels bright and fresh, Grey Kitchen Cabinets (especially Mindful Grey kitchen cabinets) are a forever favorite. Timeless, forgiving, and incredibly livable.
Peel and stick samples from Samplize can let you easily see colors in your own space, which can help make the decision easier.
Our Favorite
More Kitchen Cabinet Posts
I have lots of posts from our own kitchen renovation to help you get the perfect finish on your kitchen cabinets! Check out these resources to simplify your project & answer your burning questions.
- Grey kitchen cabinets with white quartz countertops (before and after)
- Best kitchen cabinet paint
- How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Professionally
- Best DIY Paint Sprayer for Your Kitchen Remodel
- How many coats of paint should you do when painting kitchen cabinets
- Best grey kitchen cabinet paint colors
- How Much Does It Cost To Paint Kitchen Cabinets
- Updating A Kitchen Without Removing Cabinets
- How to choose kitchen cabinet hardware to match decor
- Mindful Gray Paint Cabinet Review
- How High To Hang Kitchen Cabinets
Meet Jessica
What started as a hobby, Jessica’s blog now has millions of people visit yearly and while many of the projects and posts look and sound perfect, life hasn’t always been easy. Read Jessica’s story and how overcoming death, divorce and dementia was one of her biggest life lessons to date.
