When choosing cabinet colours for a small kitchen, there are a few key factors to consider to make the space look its best. The colour should create an illusion of space, reflect enough light, coordinate well with the rest of the kitchen decor, and suit your personal style. With some strategic planning, you can pick the ideal cabinet colour to give your compact kitchen a fresh, expansive look.
How Colour Affects the Feeling of Space
One of the biggest considerations when selecting a colour for small kitchen cabinets is how the hue will impact the feeling of space in the room. Darker colours like black, charcoal and deep browns tend to make kitchens feel smaller and more closed in. Lighter neutral tones like off-white, light grey and beige can help reflect more light around the room and give the illusion of a larger space.
Cool tones like blues, greens and violets also tend to recede in space, which can make a small kitchen feel more open. Warm earth tones like reds, oranges and yellows advance, so they are best avoided in tiny kitchens. Ultimately, lighter matte finishes in muted, cool hues are ideal for opening up a small kitchen.
Cabinet Colours That Reflect Light
Since natural light is often limited in a small kitchen, it’s important to choose a colour that will maximize brightness. Off-whites like alabaster, ivory and buttermilk reflect light extremely well, as do lighter shades of grays and taupe. Soft sage greens and powdery blues also have a luminous quality that prevents a small space from feeling dark and gloomy.
If your kitchen has windows, selecting a colour within the same cool or warm family as the natural light can help reflect more sunlight throughout the room. For example, if your kitchen is filled with warm southern light, a pale buttercream or antique white finish will harmonize beautifully.
Colours That Complement the Overall Decor
Make sure to consider how the cabinet colour will look alongside countertops, floors, walls and other fixtures in your kitchen. Contrasting finishes can make a bold statement, but similar muted tones are usually most optimal in petite kitchens. For example, light blue-gray cabinets would tie in seamlessly with marble, soapstone or slate countertops.
If your walls, backsplash and flooring are quite neutral, you have more freedom to choose a cabinet colour that packs more visual impact. Just be strategic with placement so the colour doesn’t overwhelm the compact space. An emerald green island would add a fun pop of colour against white quartz countertops and plain tile, for instance.
Cabinet Styles for Small Kitchens
In addition to colour, the style of your cabinets impacts how they function in a tight kitchen. Sleek, simple cabinet fronts with no ornate detailing help maintain an airy, spacious feel. Shaker-style cabinets with a visible rail and stile design work well in cottage kitchens. For contemporary spaces, opt for slab cabinet fronts with recessed handles.
Open shelving is another smart option, as it eliminates bulky cabinet doors and showcases decorative dishware. If your kitchen layout allows it, install tall pantry cabinets or utility cabinets for hidden storage. Any storage solutions that limit visual clutter are ideal for small kitchens.
Top Small Kitchen Cabinet Colour Options
Here are some of the best cabinet colours for opening up and brightening a tiny kitchen:
| Colour | Benefits |
|---|---|
| White | Clean, bright, illuminates the room |
| Light gray | Airily reflects light, tranquil tone |
| Soft blue | Cool, soothing, gives illusion of space |
| Green | Subtle vibrancy, natural feel |
| Light wood | Warm without overpowering |
Crisp whites like Wickham or Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore create a contemporary backdrop. Stonington Gray or Chelsea Gray also open up the space while adding soft character. For those who prefer a hint of colour, Balboa Mist by Sherwin-Williams or Rainwashed by Behr impart an airy blue-green aura.
Factors That Impact Cabinet Colour Choice
While lighter subdued hues tend to work best, personal preference also plays a role when selecting the ideal small kitchen cabinet colour. Consider the following factors:
- Your desired aesthetic – modern, cozy, shabby chic, etc.
- Natural vs. artificial lighting
- Countertops and backsplash materials
- Flooring colour and style
- Wall paint colour
- Adjacent rooms and overall home decor
- Whether upper and lower cabinets will be the same colour
Your cabinet finish should ultimately achieve the overall look, feel and functionality you want. Visit a kitchen design store like Kitchen Cabinet Kings or Kabinet King to view colour swatches in person.
Achieving Cabinet Harmony
There are a few techniques to create cohesion between lower and upper cabinets in a mismatched but coordinated way:
- Choose complementary hues like navy below and robin’s egg blue up top.
- Introduce the same accent colour on each, like red knobs and handles.
- Repeat a pattern on both cabinet levels, like raised panels or glass fronts.
- Use the same door style but vary the colour.
- Choose one muted neutral for the lower cabinets and a second for the uppers.
Whether you opt for uniformity or purposeful contrast, aim for a balanced, harmonious look. This creates visual interest while maintaining a spacious aesthetic.
Creative Small Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider these unexpected yet functional cabinetry ideas for tiny kitchens:
- Vibrant blue or green lower cabinets with bright white uppers
- Pale blue-gray shaker style cabinets
- Open shelving flanking the range instead of upper cabinets
- A fire engine red rolling pantry for additional storage
- Distressed mint green cabinets for a cottage feel
- Black island contrasting crisp white perimeter cabinets
When executed thoughtfully, an unexpected pop of colour or clever storage solution can make a small kitchen stand out in all the right ways. Just maintain adequate task lighting, reflection and visual order.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal cabinet colour for a compact kitchen is about balancing personal style with strategic hues that visually expand the space. Lighter muted cool tones tend to have an enlarging effect, as do strategic pops of colour. Consider how cabinets complement countertops, floors and other elements for a harmonious look. With the right cabinet colour choice, you can make a little kitchen feel fresh, bright and beautifully spacious.
