When choosing a color for a small kitchen, there are a few key factors to consider. The color should make the space feel open and airy, it should complement the existing decor and styles you want to incorporate, and it should be easy to keep clean. With the right color choice, you can make a small kitchen feel bright, inviting, and visually expanded. In this article, we’ll discuss the best color options for small kitchens and provide tips on choosing the right shades.
Opt for Light, Neutral Tones
Light, neutral colors like white, beige, gray and soft yellow are great choices for small kitchens. These lighter shades will help reflect light around the room, making it feel more open and spacious. Darker colors tend to make small rooms feel closed in and cramped. Stick to soft, airy neutrals when painting a tiny kitchen. White is a popular option because it creates a clean, bright look. If pure white feels too stark, try an off-white with a subtle warm undertone. Light gray is another nice choice that reads as neutral but has a bit more visual interest than plain white.
Use Accent Colors Strategically
While lighter neutrals should make up the main color scheme, you can incorporate pops of brighter, bolder colors as accents. The key is to use them sparingly so they provide a punch of color without overwhelming the space. Some good accent color choices include sunny yellow, sky blue, grassy green and vibrant orange. Use these colors in small doses on kitchen accessories, barstools, patterned window treatments or artwork. Keep the main walls and cabinetry neutral, and add color through moveable decor items that are easy to swap out.
Consider “Expanding” Colors
Certain shades are known to visually expand a small space, making it feel larger and more open. Soft blue and green are two go-to options here. These cool, calming colors naturally conjure images of the sky and grassy fields – expansive, airy scenes. Painting a small kitchen in a color called “airy blue” or “sea glass” can trick the eye into perceiving more space. Green has a similar effect, making some think of open meadows. Sage green is an excellent small kitchen color. If you want something more vivid, consider a lime or chartreuse green.
Don’t Forget the Ceiling and Trim
When painting a small kitchen, pay attention to the ceiling and trim in addition to the walls. Painting the ceiling white or matching it to a light wall color can make the room feel taller and less boxed in. As for the trim, you have a few options. Painting it the same color as the walls helps the space feel cohesive and blended. Or you can use the trim as an opportunity to add contrast and define edges with a darker shade. Just don’t go too dark or it may close things in. An off-white wall with bright white trim is a classic combo.
Use Two-Tone Schemes Strategically
A two-tone color scheme can add visual interest to a small kitchen without overwhelming it. The key is choosing two colors that complement each other. For example, pair a light sage green with a deeper teal shade. Or couple light gray walls with a quartz gray island. Two tones of blue can look crisp and beachy. Just be mindful of ceiling height so the room doesn’t start to feel choppy. Anchor the space with cabinetry in one color, then use the other shade sparingly on an accent wall, island or backsplash.
Factor in Natural Lighting
The type and amount of natural lighting your small kitchen gets should inform your color choice. North-facing rooms with minimal sunlight can handle deeper, warmer hues like terra cotta, buttercream or olive green. South-facing rooms awash in sun can take lighter shades without feeling gloomy. Rooms with a balance of light are the most flexible. Switch up your shade choice in different seasons depending on the light. Also consider artificial lighting elements, like pendant lights or under-cabinet lighting, and how they may interact with your color choice.
Conclusion
When planning a small kitchen color scheme, it’s smart to stick with light, airy neutrals like white, beige and soft gray. Accent colors can be incorporated through décor and textiles. Seeking out hues with an “expanding” effect, like light blue and sage green, is also advised to give the illusion of more space. Don’t forget to factor in natural lighting. With a thoughtful approach, you can create a small kitchen that feels bright, inviting and surprisingly spacious through strategic use of color.
Guidelines for Choosing Colors
Here are some key guidelines for choosing paint colors for a small kitchen:
| Aim For | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Light, airy neutrals like white, beige, light gray | Dark, dramatic colors like black, navy, maroon |
| Cool tones that read as calming and expansive, like pale blue and sage green | Warm, cozy tones like terracotta, mustard or fire engine red |
| A minimal two-tone scheme with one dominant neutral | Busy color combinations with many competing hues |
| Bright, punchy accents introduced through décor | Too many colorful elements that feel loud and overwhelming |
Sample Color Palettes for Small Kitchens
Here are some suggested color palettes for a small kitchen:
Bright and Airy
| White | Ice Blue | Sunny Yellow |
Warm and Inviting
| Dove Gray | Peach | Terra Cotta |
Crisp and Coastal
| Light Gray | Seafoam Green | Blue |
As you can see, the small kitchen color palettes tend to stick to light backgrounds with bright pops of accent colors. This combination keeps things airy and cheerful.
