When choosing a paint color for charcoal grey kitchen cabinets, it’s important to consider which hues will coordinate well with the cool undertones of the grey. Opting for colors on the opposite side of the color wheel can create a bold, dramatic look, while analogous shades lend a more calming effect. Neutrals like white and cream allow the charcoal cabinets to take center stage. No matter what mood you hope to evoke in your kitchen, there are plenty of colors that pair beautifully with charcoal grey cabinets.
Colors That Complement Charcoal Grey Cabinets
Here are some of the most popular and effective color choices to use with charcoal grey kitchen cabinets:
White
White is a natural pairing with charcoal grey. The high contrast between the two neutral colors creates a bold, graphic look. An all-white kitchen provides a clean backdrop that allows the rich charcoal cabinets to shine. Stark white subway tile backsplashes and countertops also accentuate the grey. For softer contrast, opt for an antique white, linen white, or alabaster wall color.
Cream
Like white, cream also complements the cool undertones of charcoal cabinets. Softer and warmer than white, cream-colored walls lend a soothing, inviting ambiance to a charcoal grey kitchen. Try a buttercream or vanilla cream shade on upper cabinets or open shelving to further tie the look together.
Light Blue
Soft powdery blues work beautifully with charcoal grey. Shades like robin’s egg, sky blue, and baby blue offer subtle contrast while coordinating with the cool grey undertones. Use a light blue on the lower cabinets or island base to create an eye-catching color-blocked look. Or opt for an airy blue on the ceiling or upper walls.
Navy
For a bold, dramatic kitchen, pair charcoal cabinets with navy blue walls or accents. The two dark colors have similar depth and intensity, allowing them to complement each other. Navy creates an elegant, sophisticated look alongside the grey cabinets. Use navy blue open shelving, a kitchen island base, or accent wall to make the charcoal cabinets pop.
Sage Green
Earthy sage green makes for an unexpected but pleasing pairing with charcoal grey. Look for gray-based or blue-tinged greens rather than yellow undertones, which can clash with the cool charcoal. Soft sage green walls lend a natural yet sophisticated ambiance, while deeper hunter greens add a dramatic punch.
Black
For a super sleek, modern look, pair charcoal grey cabinets with black architectural elements. Black granite or soapstone countertops, stainless steel appliances, and black penny tile backsplashes allow the charcoal cabinets to stand out while tying the whole look together. Use black finishes like cabinet hardware, lighting, and plumbing fixtures as well.
Warm Metallics
Metallic accents in brass, bronze and copper work beautifully with the gray undertones of charcoal cabinets. Warm metallic backsplashes, hardware, light fixtures, and bar stools add a touch of glamour. A hammered copper hood range or bronze kitchen island base help ground the airy charcoal cabinets with an earthy elegance.
Crisp White Trim
No matter what wall color you choose, bright white trim and moldings will make charcoal cabinets pop. White window frames, baseboards, and door casings frame the cabinets and create bold contrast. For contemporary flair, opt for thick, chunky white picture and chair rails. Crisp white open shelving and range hoods also complement charcoal cabinets nicely.
Colors to Avoid with Charcoal Grey Cabinets
While charcoal grey cabinets pair beautifully with many colors, there are a few hues that tend to clash and overwhelm:
Yellow
Bright, warm yellows often look garish and disjointed next to the cool grey undertones of charcoal cabinets. Soft buttery yellows can sometimes work but should be used sparingly. Deeper golden hues like ochre may be more harmonious but still difficult to balance with the grey.
Orange
Vibrant orange can overpower and compete with charcoal’s bold intensity. Softer peach and terra cotta tones could potentially complement charcoal with the right accents, but bright orange often appears jarring. Use orange minimally or stick to less saturated earth tones in this palette.
Bright Red
Scarlet and fire engine red tend to look harsh alongside dark charcoal cabinets. The high contrast of these overly saturated shades is difficult to decorate around. Deeper burgundy or maroon reds can work if applied sparingly to avoid clashing.
Lime Green
Super bright, cool-toned greens like lime tend to fight charcoal’s gray undertones. While some blue-based sage greens work well with charcoal, neon greens often appear too discordant. Deeper hunter greens may be more harmonious if used judiciously.
Purple
Although purple and grey are analogous on the color wheel, certain purples clash with charcoal cabinets. Cool tones like bright violet or lavender often appear disconnected from the grey. Warmer plums or eggplants could potentially complement charcoal but should be balanced carefully.
Brown
While charcoal grey leans cool, brown is inherently warm. Light tans and beiges tend to wash out next to rich charcoal cabinets. Darker chocolate browns can feel too weighty and contrasting. However, the right taupe-brown with gray undertones could bridge the gap between the two neutrals.
How Lighting Affects Charcoal Grey Cabinets
Lighting plays a key role in how charcoal cabinets appear in a space. Here are some lighting tips for making the most of your charcoal kitchen cabinets:
Opt for Cool White Lighting
Cool white light accentuates the crisp gray undertones of charcoal cabinets. LED and fluorescent lighting tend to have a cool white tone. Make sure overhead lights and pendants don’t have a warm yellow cast, which can make charcoal cabinets look dull and muddy.
Use Multiple Light Sources
Layer lighting for maximum brightness and to highlight all angles of your charcoal cabinets. Incorporate overhead ceiling fixtures, recessed cans, task lighting, undercabinet lighting, and accent lighting.
Illuminate Displays
Use strategically placed lighting inside glass cabinet doors or above open shelving to spotlight prized dishware, glassware or decorative items on display. Show off your beautiful charcoal interiors.
Employ Dimmers
Dimmers allow you to control the lighting level and mood. Bright white lighting makes charcoal cabinets crisp and stark, while turning the lights down low creates cozy ambiance. Dim lighting also minimizes any blemishes on worn charcoal finishes.
Try Contrasting Metal Finishes
Mixing metal finishes can make charcoal cabinets more dynamic. Pair cool nickel or chrome light fixtures with warm brass hardware and accents for an layered look. Copper and bronze also bring out the grey tones.
Paint Colors That Go with Charcoal Grey Cabinets
When choosing a paint color to pair with charcoal cabinets, look for hues that complement but don’t necessarily match. Lighter neutrals and cool, desaturated shades tend to work best. Here are some specific paint colors to consider:
| Paint Color | Paint Brand |
|---|---|
| Simply White | Benjamin Moore |
| Dover White | Sherwin-Williams |
| Whitetail | Behr |
| Silver Strand | Valspar |
| Worldly Gray | Sherwin-Williams |
| Gray Cashmere | Benjamin Moore |
| Rainwashed | Behr |
| Cascade Green | Valspar |
These versatile hues offer subtle contrast with charcoal grey without overpowering. Always sample paint swatches on the wall to see colors in your specific lighting before committing to a final shade. An undertone that looks beautiful on a paint chip could appear different on the wall against your grey cabinets. But one of these recommended colors should beautifully complement your charcoal kitchen.
Countertop Colors to Pair with Charcoal Grey Cabinets
The right countertop color can tie your whole charcoal kitchen together beautifully. Cool and neutral countertops suit charcoal cabinets best. Here are some great countertop options:
White Marble
A pristine white marble countertop provides sleek contrast to dark charcoal cabinets. The subtle gray veining in white marble also picks up on the grey tones. White Carrara is an elegant option.
Quartz
Quartz countertops offer the look of stone without the maintenance. Go for a crisp white or very light gray quartz. Avoid quartzes with busy patterns, as this competes with charcoal cabinets. A sparkling quartz reflects light beautifully.
Soapstone
The soft grayish-blue tones of soapstone coordinate seamlessly with charcoal cabinets. Soapstone has a naturally weathered look that pairs well with the matte finish of most charcoal cabinets. Its subtle veining provides just the right amount of contrast.
Stainless Steel
For an ultra-modern look, stainless steel countertops are bold yet sophisticated with charcoal cabinets. Often used for islands, stainless steel provides an eye-catching focal point while matching the steel appliances.
Butcher Block
Butcher block offers a warm, organic contrast to cool charcoal cabinets. Opt for a lighter wood finish like maple rather than dark woods with yellow undertones. A butcher block island creates lively visual interest against the charcoal.
Caesarstone
This popular engineered quartz contains many light, neutral shades ideal for charcoal cabinets. Go for an understated color like Raven, Frosty Carrina, or Cloudburst Concrete for a seamless look. Caesarstone’s matte finish plays nicely off rich charcoal.
A neutral countertop color allows your stunning charcoal cabinets to take center stage. Keep the countertops light to prevent a dark, closed-off look. Any of these options will beautifully complement your grey kitchen cabinets.
Conclusion
Charcoal grey kitchen cabinets offer a bold, sophisticated look. Their dark color and cool gray undertones pair attractively with many colors and materials. Light neutrals like white, cream, and soft blues harmonize elegantly with charcoal. For more contrast, black, navy and sage green create dramatic but balanced pairings. Crisp white trim makes charcoal cabinets pop. Avoid overly warm yellows, oranges and reds that tend to clash. The right countertop choice ties everything together. Marble, quartz, stainless and soapstone suit charcoal best. With strategic color choices and proper lighting, charcoal grey kitchen cabinets will add stylish drama to your space.
