Introduction
Selecting paint colors that complement your granite countertops can be challenging. The variety of granite colors and patterns makes it difficult to choose paint colors that enhance, rather than compete with, the granite. However, with some basic color theory and decorating tips, you can easily match paint colors to granite.
Determine the Undertones of Your Granite
The first step is identifying the undertones present in your granite. Granite contains specks and veins of various colors that create an overall color impression. Look closely at the granite and take note of the different colors you see. Here are some of the most common granite undertones:
- Warm undertones like peach, yellow, gold
- Cool undertones like gray, blue, green
- Neutrals like white, black, brown
- Vibrant colors like red, purple, teal
Identifying the dominant undertones will help narrow down paint colors that complement the granite. Warm granite colors tend to look best with warm paint colors, while cool granite works well with cool paint hues.
Consider the Style of Your Kitchen or Bathroom
The room’s decor style will also influence the paint color. Here are paint color recommendations for common kitchen and bathroom design styles:
Contemporary
Contemporary rooms look great with bold, saturated paint colors like cobalt blue, emerald green or deep purple. White and black accents pop against these hues. Grayish neutrals also complement the modern look.
Transitional
For a transitional style that bridges traditional and contemporary, consider warm neutrals like tans, light taupes and soft whites. Greige (gray + beige) is also popular for a transitional palette.
Farmhouse
Deep, muted hues like navy blue, olive green and maroon suit the rustic farmhouse aesthetic. So do warmer neutrals like beige, brown and white. Soft sage greens or sky blues also fit farmhouse rooms.
Traditional
Stick to neutral paint colors for traditional rooms. Whites, beiges, taupes and grays create a timeless and elegant look. Pale blues and greens can also suit a classic style. Avoid bold colors.
Select Paint with Matching Undertones
Once you identify the undertones of your granite and room style, look for paint colors with similar undertones. The undertones don’t need to match exactly, but keeping them in the same color family results in a cohesive look. Here are examples of complementary undertones:
| Granite Undertone | Complementary Paint Undertone |
| Warm brown | Neutral beige |
| Cool gray | Pale blue |
| Vibrant purple | Deep magenta |
Paint chips or samples are the best way to compare undertones. View them next to the granite in both natural and artificial light to see how the colors interact.
Consider Sheen for Maximum Cohesion
Paint sheen also affects how colors coordinate. Matching the sheen of the granite and paint increases cohesion. Granite has a natural high-gloss sheen while paint sheens include:
- Flat – no sheen, matte finish
- Eggshell – soft velvety sheen
- Satin – smooth, subtle sheen
- Semi-Gloss – moderate glossy sheen
- Gloss – reflective, shiny finish
Eggshell or satin sheens work best for most rooms. Flat paint might look dull next to shiny granite. Gloss paint could also appear jarring. Selecting paint and granite finishes with similar sheen levels results in a cohesive look.
Use Granite Color as Accent
One approach is using your granite countertop color as an accent. Choose a neutral wall color and introduce the granite hue throughout the space. For example, pair creamy white walls with espresso brown granite. Then bring in espresso accessories like bar stools or decor. This creates a pulled-together look.
Contrast Granite and Paint
Sometimes playing up the contrast between granite and paint color highlights both effectively. For dramatic flair, pair vibrant teal walls with reddish-brown granite countertops. The colors energize each other. Just ensure adequate lighter areas to balance the dark, bold colors.
Create Color Flow
Using a color gradient, or slight variations of the same hue, provides smooth cohesion. Keep the colors within the same color family and slowly progress from light to dark. For example, use light greenish-gray walls with deeper greenish-gray granite. Then incorporate accessories in shades between the two. The colors will effortlessly flow throughout the space.
Coordinate with Backsplash
Don’t forget to factor the backsplash into your color scheme. The backsplash, countertops and cabinets all impact the kitchen or bathroom’s overall color palette. Make sure your paint color works with both the granite countertops and backsplash materials like tile or glass sheet. Continuing wall color onto the backsplash can create a streamlined look.
Be Consistent Throughout Home
Selecting paint colors to match granite countertops in one room provides decor continuity when used elsewhere. If you have granite counters in your kitchen, use that hue as inspiration for paint colors in connecting spaces like the entryway, living room or dining room. This tactic ensures a harmonious color flow throughout your home.
Test Paint Samples
Start by painting large swatches of your top paint colors directly on the wall. The large samples give you a better idea of how the granite and paint interact than tiny paint chips. View the samples throughout the day as lighting conditions change. This allows you to see how natural and artificial light impacts the colors.
Check Accessories and Materials
When selecting paint colors, also compare samples next to any existing tile, cabinetry, flooring and decor. Paint should coordinate with these materials too. Drape fabric swatches over paint samples to check for clashing colors. You want all elements in the space to work in harmony.
Consider Lighting
The room’s lighting impacts how paint and granite look. Incandescent bulbs cast warm yellowy light that enhances reds, oranges and browns. Cool fluorescent or LED lights intensify blues, greens and purples. Check paint samples under your actual lighting conditions to select the best hue.
Hire a Color Consultant
If you’re still struggling to match paint to your granite, consider hiring a professional color consultant. They can analyze your space and identify a suitable, aesthetically pleasing color scheme. While hiring a consultant costs money upfront, it saves time and frustration. Their expertise results in ideal paint choices to coordinate with your granite.
Conclusion
Matching paint colors to granite countertops comes down to understanding undertones and color harmonies. First, identify the dominant undertones in your granite. Then select paint colors that share those undertones. You can match the colors directly or go for contrast. Just ensure all finishes, materials, lighting and accessories coordinate. Following these tips will result in a cohesive, pulled-together look that highlights your beautiful granite surfaces and makes a design statement. With a bit of time and testing, you can easily achieve the perfect paint colors to complement your granite countertops.
