Neutral cabinet colors such as white, off-white, gray, and greige have been hugely popular for years. It’s easy to see why thanks to their versatility. But…have you considered going a little bolder by adding some color? Blue kitchen cabinets can be gorgeous and surprisingly neutral. Here are my favorite go-to blues for kitchen cabinets!
What descriptive words come to mind when you think of the color blue? I think of calm, steady, tranquil, reliable, and serene. Like the ocean, blue is timeless and peaceful.
If you’re looking for a new color to paint your cabinets, have you given any thought to choosing a blue paint color?
Neutral kitchen cabinets have been the gold standard for many years. But now, more and more people are deciding they are tired of living with neutrals on top of neutrals. They crave color!
Light blue kitchen cabinets…navy blue kitchen cabinets…blue gray kitchen cabinets. No matter what shade of blue you choose, the simple project of updating your cabinet color can help transform your kitchen into your new favorite space.
And, the bonus is that it’s much cheaper than buying new cabinets! 😉
Blue kitchen cabinets may not be ideal in every home, and they won’t appeal to everyone. However, when they work, they really work!
My Go-To Paint Colors For The Best Blue Kitchen Cabinets
I’ve rounded up my favorite shades of blue for cabinets into this one easy-reference post to show you just how incredible blue cabinets can look. Let’s jump in because once you see their transformative power, you’ll be ready to update your own cabinets with your favorite shade!
Check out my list of top blues for kitchen cabinets as well as some examples of kitchens that highlight various shades of blue.
1. Hale Navy From Benjamin Moore
Hale Navy is a rich, dark blue with an LRV of 6.3. It’s a very bold color with more saturation than most blues, which helps to lend a neutral quality to this color.
And it’s surprisingly complex thanks to its warm-cool balance and blend of gray-blue, green, and even purple undertones.
If you want to stand out from the masses, make a bold statement with navy cabinets!
Depending on the ambiance you want to achieve, you can pair Hale Navy with a huge variety of colors. For example, a crisp white trim (in Simply White) will provide an eye-catching nautical vibe while a creamy white (such as White Dove) will soften this shade.
Navy Blue Kitchen Cabinets Takeover
This large open kitchen from Kountry Kraft looks charming and appealing thanks to the Hale Navy cabinets!
The color almost seems to dance as it changes in the various degrees of natural light. Notice how dark it looks in the shadows and how much it brightens up where the light hits it.
The flecks of gray in the tile backsplash, warm wood floors, and brass fixtures give this room a playful, inviting vibe and prevent the cabinets from reading too dark or cool.
Navy is a classic color. While it won’t look this amazing in every single home, it will fit well in many different styles of homes from coastal to traditional and more.
2. Wythe Blue Kitchen Cabinets From Benjamin Moore
Ok, let’s step away from dark navy and explore the other end of the spectrum: a mid-toned blue-green. Wythe Blue projects that perfectly tranquil spa-like vibe anywhere you use it.
With an LRV of 48.69, this color sits right in the middle of the light to dark range. It has enough saturation to hold its own in a bright room, yet it won’t look too dark in a poorly-light room.
It has lovely green and gray undertones and leans toward the cool side (although it won’t feel cold). However, warm west or south-facing light can warm it up a bit.
NOTE: overall, this color can fluctuate a LOT from soft light blue to medium green-leaning teal, so check it in your home using Samplize before you buy it!
Wythe Blue Kitchen Cabinets And Island
This stunning kitchen from RD Henry & Co is just one of my favorite ways to see Wythe Blue in action! The bright natural light and warm coordinating colors soften the shade so it reads light blue.
3. Breath Of Fresh Air From Benjamin Moore
If you want a light blue that avoids green undertones, Breath of Fresh Air may be the perfect option. With an LRV of 70.55, it’s a classic light blue that stays far away from green (but embraces gray undertones) to help brighten up a dark kitchen!
Breath New Life Into A Small Kitchen
Make a tiny, dark kitchen feel bright and airy by using a light blue like Breath of Fresh Air. The light saturation and neutral gray undertones make this color versatile and lovely.
Expect this shade to change quite a bit in shifting lighting throughout the day as this beautiful kitchen from Juniper Home shows.
4. Windy Blue From Sherwin Williams
Searching for a mid-range dusty blue? Windy Blue is my go-to medium gray-blue. With its LRV of 48 and deep gray undertones, it’s neutral enough that it looks enchanting with both earthy colors and clean whites.
Eye-Catching Kitchen Island
Isn’t this kitchen island from Martha O’Hara Interiors stunning? It provides exactly the pop of color that this room needed while adding a soothing and tranquil element.
5. Oceanside From Sherwin Williams
Looking for something in the darker teal range? Check out Oceanside, the Sherwin Williams 2018 Color of the Year (and it’s still popular!). Its LRV of 8 means this shade will add a rich, bold splash to your kitchen.
Tranquil Centerpiece
All blues add a certain amount of tranquility to a room, but teals have that added green that’s very grounding. This Oceanside island in the “Plain Jane House” from Magnolia makes great use of adding a lovely pop of color that stays true to the vibe in this earthy kitchen.
Choosing The Best Option For Your Blue Kitchen Cabinets
Thanks to differing levels of undertones and varying degrees of lighting, blue paints have a knack for shifting pretty dramatically at times. Always calming in nature, these colors add a soothing vibe that many people crave.
Be careful to check your favorite blue paint choices for undertones so you can avoid unwanted surprises!
Painting Your Cabinets Yourself Is Easier Than You May Think
A kitchen remodel can go a long way toward transforming an outdated room into an updated paradise. Unfortunately, buying new cabinets and other materials can be cost-prohibitive.
Keep your costs down AND get the kitchen of your dreams by painting your kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them!
Lots of people feel nervous about painting their kitchen cabinets. But you’d be surprised at just how doable this job is!
Save yourself the hassle of learning on the job and take my DIY Cabinet Painting 101 class. It will show you how to do it step-by-step and give you tips so that you enjoy a professional finish at a fraction of the cost.
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