Standing at the paint counter, staring at an endless sea of blue-gray swatches, you might wonder if they’re all just slight variations of the same thing.
But ask any kitchen designer and they’ll tell you – the right blue-gray can be the difference between “nice kitchen” and “I never want to leave this room.”
Blue-gray kitchen cabinets work with just about every style. Whether you’re into a modern farmhouse look with warm wood accents, a coastal vibe with crisp whites, or something sleek and contemporary, there’s a shade of blue-gray that fits. It’s one of those colors that looks effortless but makes a huge impact—like your kitchen just naturally came together that way.
But here’s the thing: not all blue-grays are the same. Some are light and airy, while others lean deep and moody. Some have a touch of warmth, while others pull cooler with hints of green or violet. The trick is finding the right one for your space—one that works with your lighting, flooring, and the overall feel you want in your kitchen.
To make that decision easier, I’ve put together a list of 15 of the best blue-gray paint colors for kitchen cabinets.
These shades have the perfect balance of blue and gray, giving your kitchen a look that feels sophisticated, inviting, and effortlessly stylish.
Why Choose Blue Gray Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets?
Blue-gray kitchen cabinets strike a perfect balance between cool sophistication and warmth.
This blend of blue and gray offers a soft, muted look that feels fresh yet timeless.
The gray tones help ground the color, making it more neutral and adaptable, while the blue adds depth and a calming effect.
This combination works beautifully in a variety of kitchen styles, from modern farmhouse to coastal and contemporary.
Blue-gray also pairs well with a wide range of finishes, making it a versatile choice that won’t feel outdated in a few years.
Plus, it hides dirt and smudges better than stark white cabinets, making maintenance easier.
Tips for Choosing The Best Blue Gray Kitchen Cabinet Colors
When selecting a blue-gray paint color, consider the undertones and the lighting in your kitchen.
Some shades lean more toward blue, giving a cooler, airy feel, while others have a stronger gray presence for a more neutral, sophisticated look.
Test samples in different lighting conditions, as natural and artificial light can shift how the color appears.
Also, take into account your countertops, backsplash, and flooring—warmer-toned finishes pair best with a greige-blue, while crisp white countertops work well with a cooler blue-gray.
If you’re looking for a classic option, soft blue-gray shades with subtle green undertones can add depth while maintaining a timeless appeal.
What Color Goes Best With Blue Gray Kitchen Cabinets?
Blue-gray is a versatile color that pairs beautifully with a variety of hues.
Soft whites and creams create a classic, airy contrast, making the kitchen feel open and inviting.
If you want a bolder look, deep navy or charcoal accents add depth and drama.
For a cozy, earthy feel, warm wood tones like honey oak or walnut provide a beautiful contrast to cool blue-gray cabinetry.
Light grays and greiges also complement blue-gray cabinets, offering a more seamless and subtle color palette.
Metallics, such as brushed brass or matte black, can also bring in warmth or contrast, depending on the look you’re going for.
What Color Hardware To Use For Blue Gray Kitchen Cabinets?
The right hardware can enhance blue-gray cabinets in different ways.
For a classic and elegant touch, brushed brass or gold hardware adds warmth and creates a striking contrast.
Matte black hardware delivers a modern, sophisticated edge, especially when paired with darker blue-gray shades.
If you prefer a sleek and seamless look, satin nickel or chrome keeps things light and airy.
Oil-rubbed bronze works well in traditional or farmhouse-style kitchens, adding a rustic charm.
When choosing hardware, consider the undertones of your blue-gray shade—warmer brass tones complement grayer hues, while cooler blues pair nicely with silver-toned finishes.
What Flooring Goes With Blue Gray Kitchen Cabinets?
Flooring choices should complement the cool tones of blue-gray cabinets while adding balance and warmth.
Light or medium-toned hardwood flooring, like white oak or hickory, adds warmth and prevents the space from feeling too cold.
If you prefer a modern or coastal look, whitewashed wood or light gray flooring enhances the airy feel of blue-gray cabinetry.
For a dramatic contrast, deep brown or espresso-toned hardwood floors can ground the space beautifully.
Tile flooring in soft beige, warm gray, or natural stone finishes also works well, especially in kitchens with a neutral color palette.
Patterned tile, such as encaustic or geometric designs, can add visual interest while still harmonizing with blue-gray cabinets.
How To Decorate With Blue Gray Kitchen Cabinets?
Decorating around blue-gray cabinets depends on the mood you want to create.
For a bright and airy feel, keep the space light with white countertops, subway tile backsplashes, and soft metallic accents.
If you’re going for a cozy, inviting look, incorporate warm wood tones in floating shelves, bar stools, or cutting boards.
Open shelving with neutral or pastel-colored dishes can add a touch of personality without overwhelming the space.
Greenery, such as potted herbs or a vase of eucalyptus, pairs beautifully with blue-gray tones.
For a bolder approach, use deep navy or emerald green accents in your decor for a rich, layered effect.
Top 15 Blue Gray Kitchen Cabinet Colors
Each of these blue-gray paint colors offers a unique balance of warmth, depth, and neutrality, making them some of the best options for kitchen cabinets.
1. Sherwin Williams Storm Cloud (SW 6249)
Storm Cloud is a deep, rich blue-gray with a slightly moody presence, perfect for homeowners who want their kitchen to feel sophisticated yet welcoming. It’s a bold yet refined shade that changes depending on the light—appearing more blue in bright, natural daylight and more charcoal in dim lighting. This makes it a fantastic choice for kitchen cabinets, as it creates a grounding effect while still feeling airy. It pairs well with crisp white quartz or marble countertops, adding a striking contrast. For a modern yet classic look, complement it with brass or matte black hardware.
2. Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray (HC-165)
Boothbay Gray is a balanced mid-tone blue-gray that leans slightly toward gray, making it an excellent choice for those who want a neutral with a subtle touch of blue. In kitchens with a lot of natural light, the blue undertones become more prominent, while in dim lighting, it appears more like a soft gray. This versatility is what makes it a favorite among homeowners. Boothbay Gray pairs beautifully with warm wood tones, making it a great match for butcher block countertops or oak flooring. It’s also stunning when paired with white walls and brushed nickel hardware for a fresh, modern look.
3. Sherwin Williams Morning Fog (SW 6255)
If you love the idea of a soft, dreamy blue-gray but don’t want something too overpowering, Morning Fog is a perfect choice. This shade is on the lighter side of blue-gray, giving cabinets a subtle yet noticeable pop of color. The softness of this hue makes it perfect for smaller kitchens, as it helps reflect light and create an airy atmosphere. Pair it with white subway tile, quartz countertops, and light gray flooring for a serene and timeless look. It’s also a wonderful choice for a two-tone kitchen, working beautifully on lower cabinets with white uppers.
4. Benjamin Moore Solitude (AF-545)
Solitude is a calm and refined blue-gray that brings a sense of tranquility to the kitchen. It has just the right amount of blue to feel refreshing but is toned down with enough gray to keep it from looking overly bright. This makes it a great choice for modern and transitional kitchens. It pairs effortlessly with polished nickel or brushed brass hardware and looks stunning against natural wood elements, such as floating shelves or a farmhouse-style dining table.
5. Sherwin Williams Gibraltar (SW 6257)
Gibraltar is a deeper, moodier blue-gray with a touch of charcoal, making it an ideal choice for dramatic kitchen cabinets. If you’re looking for a color that feels both bold and timeless, Gibraltar is perfect. It works particularly well in kitchens with white or light-colored backsplashes to keep the space from feeling too dark. For a striking contrast, consider using it on a kitchen island while keeping perimeter cabinets in a softer shade like Sherwin Williams Misty or North Star.
6. Benjamin Moore Smoke (2122-40)
Smoke is a soft, airy blue-gray with a muted quality that feels fresh yet sophisticated. It’s an excellent choice for kitchens with an open, airy aesthetic, as it provides just the right amount of color without overwhelming the space. It pairs well with white countertops, marble backsplashes, and silver-toned hardware. If you want to create a relaxed coastal feel, pair Smoke with woven textures, light wood flooring, and brass accents.
7. Sherwin Williams Misty (SW 6232)
Misty is a very light blue-gray that has an almost foggy quality, making it a fantastic choice for a modern farmhouse or coastal kitchen. This color is perfect for homeowners who want blue-gray cabinetry that leans more toward gray but still has a fresh, airy quality. It works well with crisp white walls, subway tile backsplashes, and warm wood accents.
8. Benjamin Moore Metropolitan (AF-690)
Metropolitan is a sophisticated gray with subtle blue undertones, making it an ideal neutral choice for kitchen cabinets. This shade is modern, versatile, and timeless, working well in both traditional and contemporary kitchens. It pairs best with stainless steel appliances, polished nickel hardware, and marble or quartz countertops.
9. Sherwin Williams Krypton (SW 6247)
Krypton is a cool, crisp blue-gray that feels refreshing and modern. It has a slightly cool undertone, which makes it a great choice for bright kitchens that receive a lot of natural light. If you love the idea of a soft blue-gray that doesn’t lean too warm or too dark, Krypton is an excellent pick. It pairs beautifully with white and gray tones, silver hardware, and dark wood floors.
10. Benjamin Moore Nimbus Gray (2131-50)
Nimbus Gray is a medium-depth blue-gray that can lean a bit darker in some lighting but still feels balanced and inviting. It’s perfect for kitchens that need a cozy yet modern feel. This color pairs exceptionally well with warm brass or gold hardware, adding a touch of elegance to the space.
11. Sherwin Williams Granite Peak (SW 6250)
Granite Peak is a bold and confident blue-gray with a touch of depth, making it an excellent choice for kitchen cabinets that need a bit of drama without feeling too dark. It sits in the medium to deep range, offering a perfect balance between richness and softness.
In natural light, the blue tones stand out, giving the kitchen a fresh and sophisticated feel. In warmer artificial lighting, the gray undertones become more noticeable, making it a great backdrop for brass or matte black hardware. Granite Peak works especially well for kitchen islands, where it adds a strong focal point without overwhelming the space. Pair it with soft white upper cabinets or creamy white walls for a striking yet timeless contrast.
12. Benjamin Moore Cloudy Sky (2122-30)
Cloudy Sky is a deep yet muted blue-gray that brings an elegant and moody charm to kitchen cabinets. It’s not too vibrant, nor too dull—sitting perfectly in that balanced space where cool tones meet warmth. If you want a shade that feels refined and classic, Cloudy Sky is an excellent option.
This shade pairs beautifully with off-white backsplashes, such as a honed marble or subway tile, for a timeless look. To warm up the space, consider gold or antique brass hardware, which adds a touch of contrast against its cooler undertones. If your kitchen gets a lot of northern-facing light, Cloudy Sky will appear grayer, whereas southern light will bring out its subtle blue essence.
13. Sherwin Williams North Star (SW 6246)
North Star is a soft, silvery blue-gray with a cool undertone, making it an ideal choice for a sleek, contemporary kitchen. It’s light enough to feel airy but has just enough blue to add personality to your space. This color is perfect for those who want a blue-gray kitchen without going too bold.
One of the best features of North Star is its ability to pair effortlessly with a variety of other colors and finishes. It looks stunning with white quartz countertops, black hardware, and soft wood flooring. Because of its light and refreshing quality, North Star works beautifully in small kitchens, helping to make the space feel more open and inviting. It’s a great option for homeowners who love the idea of blue-gray but prefer something subtle and sophisticated.
14. Benjamin Moore Steel Wool (2121-20)
Steel Wool is a dark, rich blue-gray that feels cozy, modern, and full of character. If you’re looking for a color that adds depth and contrast to your kitchen, Steel Wool is a fantastic choice. Unlike brighter blues, this shade leans toward a charcoal-infused blue-gray, giving it a sophisticated and grounding effect.
This color is particularly stunning in modern farmhouse kitchens, where it pairs beautifully with warm wood tones, brass accents, and white walls. It also works well in transitional and contemporary kitchens, adding a sleek and polished feel. If you have an open-concept space, Steel Wool creates a dramatic yet inviting look when combined with soft gray walls and crisp white trim.
15. Sherwin Williams Uncertain Gray (SW 6234)
Uncertain Gray is a chameleon-like blue-gray with a subtle green undertone, giving it a unique depth that shifts with the lighting. If you love blue-gray shades but want something a little different and more complex, this is a fantastic choice for kitchen cabinets.
This color looks stunning with both warm and cool tones, making it easy to pair with creamy whites, soft grays, and even deep navy accents. The slight greenish hint in this shade keeps it from feeling too cold, making it an excellent option for kitchens where you want a touch of warmth while still keeping that fresh, cool look.
For the best results, pair Uncertain Gray with matte black or brushed brass hardware, white quartz or marble countertops, and light oak or medium walnut flooring. It’s a fantastic choice if you want your blue-gray cabinets to feel dynamic and ever-changing, responding beautifully to different lighting conditions throughout the day.