Why Paint Grade Cabinets are Superior
I don’t know about you but I’m bored of white/simple kitchens and I’m seriously craving anything with character and warmth. This doesn’t mean I’m voting for dark oak cabinets to come back in style - I’m OK with that being a trend that we never see a resurgence of.
Instead, here are the 3 key reasons I’m loving paint-grade cabinets:
1) Affordability: Solid wood paint grade cabinets will hold up just as long as other wood cabinets. The cost difference in paint grade and custom wood cabinets is that custom wood cabinets require cuts of wood that have few imperfections (ex: minimal knots, straight grain patterns, consinstant color throughout) which typically found in a more expensive product like white oak. When opting for paint grade cabinets, imperfections will be hidden with the paint, therefore more affordable products can be used like pine, maple, poplar and birch. On average, cabinets are around 30-40% of your total kitchen renovation budget - so, opting for paint grade cabinets can save you thousands depending on your kitchen size.
2) Flexibility: The best part about paint grade cabinets is that you can custom select the paint color that best matches your style, existing furniture, etc. Additionally, there is the option of easily changing the style of your kitchen over time and as trends change by simply repainting your cabinets + swapping out hardware.
- For reference, I repainted my kitchen cabinets and paid $40 per linear foot. My kitchen has 60 linear feet of cabinets, so it cost me $2,400 - which still isn’t *cheap* but if I had wood cabinets and was looking to refinish/stain I would be looking at closer to $60+ per linear foot which would be closer to $3,600.
3) Ease of Upkeep: When you use the proper sheen for kitchen cabinets (semi-gloss or satin), painted cabinets are very easy to wipe down clean. Additionally, if you ever get scrapes in your paint grade cabinets, it is easier to touch up vs wood cabinets require sanding/stain matching which can be tricky especially after cabinets have aged (bleached from the sun in certain areas, etc)
Have I convinced you yet? I hope so...
Now for the best/hardest part, picking out a color! Here are some ideas to get you started. These colors are a round up of the most used dark cabinet colors designers are using for kitchen cabinets that are giving homes such great personality, depth and color that just cannot be achieved with a plain white kitchen or (in my opinion) a white oak kitchen.
- Naval is a rich blue that screams elegance. This color is ideal for a focal point such as an island or darker lower cabinetry paired with lighter uppers. Naval is perfect for a more traditional home and would look extremely rich paired with brass hardware.
2. Sherwin Williams - Pewter Green
- Pewter Green is perfect for those seeking a unique, earthy tone. This color works best in natural light, bringing a sense of depth to any space.
3. Sherwin Williams - Peppercorn
- Peppercorn is a warm, inviting shade of charcoal. It's versatile and could work great in both modern and traditional kitchens. I would recommend pairing with a lighter wood floor or lighter countertop to balance out the deep shade.
4. Farrow and Ball - Broccoli Brown
- I LOVE the designer Light and Dwell and one of the designers recently used this for kitchen cabinets and I have to admit, I was skeptical but WOW is it beautiful. Such a unique, warm tone that makes a kitchen feel instantly homey.
5. Sherwin Williams - Tricorn Black
- Love the look of a bold black cabinet? Tricorn Black is one of our favorites. Out of this + Green Black (below), this is more of a "true black" and really can make a statement.
6. Sherwin Williams - Green Black
- This color offers a unique twist on traditional black, with subtle green undertones. My living room is this color and I can't get enough of it. Depending on the light, the color looks like a super rich deep dark green and in low light reads closer to a traditional black.
7. Benjamin Moore - Topsoil
- A rich, earthy brown, Topsoil brings warmth and sophistication. It’s an excellent choice for a rustic or farmhouse-style kitchen, pairing well with natural wood and stone elements.
8. Sherwin Williams - Ripe Olive / Pewter Green
- Ripe Olive is a deeper, more intense version of Pewter Green, offering a lush, organic feel. It's ideal for creating an intimate, inviting ambiance in your kitchen.
9. Sherwin-Williams - Carnelian
- Red/brown is definitely trending in 2024 and this is a unique shade that straddles the line perfectly. This color offers a warm, inviting hue, perfect for those who want to add a touch of color without going too bright.
10. Benjamin Moore - Hale Navy
A slightly lighter alternative to Naval, Hale Navy offers flexibility and elegance. It pairs wonderfully with a range of decor styles and adds a nautical, serene vibe.
10. Behr - Cracked Pepper
A deep gray with blue undertones, Cracked Pepper is a modern, sophisticated choice. It’s ideal for a contemporary kitchen, bringing a sleek and polished look.
Pro Tip: Save money by being a color copycat!
Fell head over heels for a fancy paint color (ex: Farrow and Ball - Broccoli Brown)? Here's a secret: Take a sample to your nearest paint store and ask for a color match. While it isn't always an EXACT match, it can save you some money and still give you a very similar result!
Want other ideas for easily updating your kitchen?
Best white paint colors for kitchen cabinets
