I’ve always been drawn to gray kitchens – they’re stylish without trying too hard. They’re super popular right now, and honestly, what’s not to love? Gray makes spaces feel bigger and looks fantastic with any appliance you throw at it.
Many of my clients often choose gray cabinets. Why? They are practically timeless, hide those inevitable little marks and stains, and complement almost any style you can think of – whether minimal or classic.
I’ve put together this guide of my favorite gray shades for kitchen cabinets – ones that have proven themselves and received the design world’s approval. I’ve either used these colors myself or seen them work wonders in other designers’ projects, so I can vouch for every single one of them.
Not sure how these grays will read in your kitchen’s light?
Test these gorgeous gray tones right on your cabinets with peel-and-stick samples – no painting required.
- 1. Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore
- 2. Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore
- 3. Pavestone by Sherwin-Williams
- 4. Whale Gray by Benjamin Moore
- 5. Dorian Gray by Sherwin-Williams
- 6. Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore
- 7. Chelsea Gray by Benjamin Moore
- 8. Agreeable Gray by Sherwin-Williams
- 9. Galveston Gray by Benjamin Moore
1. Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron is gorgeous deep charcoal with an LRV of 8.17, which means it’s super dark but stops just short of black.
It’s absolutely perfect for kitchen cabinets. Put it against light walls with some good natural light, and you get a rich, sophisticated charcoal look that creates amazing contrast. Beyond cabinets, this color is also a great choice for interior doors, moldings, and accent walls.
The neutral undertones mean you can mix and match it with basically anything. I absolutely love how it plays with beige and terracotta elements in the photo below!
The designers at Benjamin Moore suggest pairing it with White Ice, White Cloud, and Wedgewood Gray. These combinations truly shine in modern spaces.
Just keep in mind – good lighting is essential. Natural light enhances the depth of the color and prevents it from feeling too heavy.
2. Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore
Kendall Charcoal is a fantastic deep gray that’s become a go-to for kitchen cabinets. It’s not just pretty — it’s incredibly versatile and has lovely complex undertones. There’s a hint of green in there that adds subtle warmth.
You might catch more of that green undertone in rooms flooded with southern light, but it still reads as a beautiful deep gray. In darker spaces or north-facing rooms, it takes on this rich graphite look.
Its LRV is 12.9, so it’s definitely on the darker side, but give it some good natural light, and it really brightens up.
Kendall Charcoal plays nice with warm and cool tones alike. Try pairing it with warm whites like Benjamin Moore White Dove or Sherwin Williams Pure White. It shines when you put it next to natural materials like wood and stone.
If you’re using it for an accent wall, go with a light, warm white for the other walls. That contrast lets Kendall Charcoal’s depth shine through.
3. Pavestone by Sherwin-Williams
In kitchens, Pavestone is an adaptable mid-tone gray. Northern light brings out its cooler, grayer side, while southern exposure highlights its warmer notes.
What’s nice about Pavestone is that it doesn’t have that tricky purple undertone – instead, there’s just a hint of green. It clicks with white trim, especially Sherwin Williams’ Pure White and Extra White.
But remember, it looks its best in spaces with plenty of natural light.
4. Whale Gray by Benjamin Moore
Whale Gray‘s cool, bluish undertone really stands out on modern kitchen cabinets. Pair it with chrome hardware and glass elements for a sleek, elegant look.
It’s a practical choice that plays well with white marble counters. Whale Gray also works like a charm in both big and small kitchens.
5. Dorian Gray by Sherwin-Williams
Paint your kitchen cabinets with Dorian Gray, and you’ll get this warm, inviting atmosphere without any heaviness, even though it’s a medium-depth color with an LRV of 39.
Unlike those cool, bluish grays, this one has a warm base with just a touch of purple and green. South-facing rooms bring out its warmth, while north-facing spaces show off more of its gray side, but it stays soft either way.
It’s a great fit for traditional and modern kitchens, mixing nicely with all sorts of materials and trim colors.
6. Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray makes kitchen cabinets feel super cozy and looks fabulous with white countertops.
Natural light brings out subtle green notes that really liven things up. This greige shade particularly shines next to warm wood and helps balance out any green reflections from outside.
Edgecomb Gray works for many styles and stays relevant even when you switch up your decor. Even in darker spaces, it keeps its warmth like natural stone.
7. Chelsea Gray by Benjamin Moore
Chelsea Gray by Benjamin Moore is a rich gray that has become a popular choice for kitchen cabinets. It has subtle green and purple undertones that give it a warm, sophisticated look.
This color hits the sweet spot between warm and cool, harmonizing with natural wood and warm whites. When used on kitchen cabinets, Chelsea Gray makes a statement without stealing the show.
Just be careful not to confuse it with Sherwin-Williams’ Chelsea Gray, which is lighter and cooler in tone.
8. Agreeable Gray by Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams’ Agreeable Gray is a warm gray that can give your kitchen cabinets a fresh, modern feel. With an LRV of 60, it works great in all kinds of lighting.
The color has hints of green and barely-there purple that add depth and interest as the light changes throughout the day. On cabinets, Agreeable Gray acts as a versatile neutral that can work with pretty much any material or style.
It shines in modern kitchens where you want the perfect balance of warm and cool. Natural light brings out its best features, creating a welcoming vibe without the stark coldness you often get with regular grays.
9. Galveston Gray by Benjamin Moore
Galveston Gray‘s balanced earthy tones bring warmth to kitchens. It looks gorgeous on cabinet fronts, where it complements the wood grain.
Pair it with white countertops and metallic hardware, and you’ve got yourself a space that’s both modern and cozy. In natural light, it shows off beautiful gray-brown tones that remind you of coastal scenery.
This color is part of the 42 neutral shades inspired by natural landscapes in the America’s Colors collection.
