Dark Gray Kitchen Cabinets: Timeless & Versatile Designs with Dark Gray

Dark gray kitchen cabinets are a timeless and versatile choice for any style of kitchen. Ranging from light charcoal to deep black tones, dark gray cabinets provide a sophisticated and elegant look that works with both traditional and contemporary kitchen designs. In this article, we’ll explore the beauty and versatility of dark gray kitchen cabinets and help you determine if this dramatic kitchen style is right for your home.

An Overview of Dark Gray Kitchen Cabinets

Dark gray kitchen cabinets are characterized by their rich, saturated color that sits between black and lighter grays. The versatility of dark gray allows it to work as a neutral that pairs well with many other colors and materials while still making a bold statement.

Some of the most popular shades of dark gray for kitchen cabinets include:

• Charcoal gray – A very deep shade of gray that borders on black. Charcoal cabinets make a dramatic statement.
• Slate gray – This blue-toned gray has subtle hints of blue that give it an elegant, refined look.
• Graphite gray – True to its name, this is the color of graphite pencil lead. It’s a bit warmer than slate gray.
• Onyx gray – An extremely dark brown-based gray with just a hint of black. Onyx cabinets are nearly black.
• Greige – A blend of gray and beige, greige is often used for more transitional kitchen styles.

The level of contrast can vary between light and dark gray kitchen cabinets. Lighter shades add subtle contrast, while deeper charcoal gray and black gray cabinets make the boldest statement.

The Benefits of Dark Gray Kitchen Cabinets

There are many reasons to consider using dark gray cabinets in your kitchen remodel or redesign:

Sophisticated Style – Dark gray kitchen cabinets offer a refined, elegant look. The dark color lends a luxurious and dramatic flair. Dark gray works well for modern and contemporary kitchens that want to make a bold statement.

Versatile Neutral – While making a strong style impact, dark gray remains a neutral. This versatility means dark gray cabinets pair well with stainless steel, natural wood, white and black countertops, and painted accent walls. Dark gray cabinets fit right in with many color schemes.

Cohesive Contrast – The rich color provides enough contrast against white countertops and backsplashes to add definition without going overboard. Dark gray and white is a popular combination.

Hide Dirt and Wear – Like black cabinets, dark gray won’t show fingerprints, smudges, and dust as easily as lighter cabinet colors. They hide wear well over time.

Lightens Up Dark Rooms – In small kitchens or rooms with limited natural light, bright white cabinets can look stark and cold. Dark gray adds sophistication without making the space feel too dark and closed in.

Clearly, dark gray kitchen cabinets offer many aesthetic benefits in the kitchen! Next let’s look at how to pair them with other design elements…

Design Ideas for Dark Gray Kitchen Cabinets

When working with dark gray kitchen cabinets, you’ll want to carefully choose complementary elements like countertops, backsplashes, hardware, and lighting fixtures. Here are some combinations to consider:

Countertops

White quartz or marble – A classic pairing, white countertops next to dark gray cabinets create pleasing contrast while keeping things cohesive. White also helps reflect light to keep things bright.

Black granite or quartz – For a bold, dramatic look, match black countertops with charcoal cabinets. Use an accent color like red to keep things from feeling too dark.

Butcher block – The warm wood tones of butcher block counters complement dark gray while adding organic texture.

Soapstone or concrete – Natural materials like concrete, soapstone, or limestone work well with dark gray, creating an industrial-chic aesthetic.

Backsplashes

Subway tile – White subway tiles with thin grout lines pair nicely with dark gray cabinets, lending a timeless look.

Natural stone – Honed travertine, marble, or slate backsplashes coordinate beautifully with dark cabinetry for an elegant feel.

Mixed metal – Try a modern mix of metal backsplash tiles in stainless, copper, and brass to complement gray cabinets.

Patterned tile – Make a statement with boldly patterned tiles like Moroccan fish scale tiles or geometric designs.

Hardware

Matte black hardware – Matching your blackened bronze, matte black or aged iron hardware to charcoal cabinets looks seamless.

Brushed nickel or stainless – Crisp and modern hardware in these metallic finishes adds nice contrast to dark gray cabinets.

Oil-rubbed bronze – With traditional kitchen designs, rubbed bronze offers a cohesive aged style.

Glass knobs – Clear glass knobs disappear against dark cabinetry, creating a sleek modern aesthetic.

Polished chrome or gold – For glamorous kitchens, shiny metallic hardware pops against dark gray.

Lighting

Pendant lights – Hang black, silver, or dramatic colored pendant lamps over islands or sinks to complement gray cabinetry.

Recessed lighting – Use adjustable recessed lighting to ensure gray cabinets are well illuminated.

Under cabinet lighting – LED strip lighting underneath upper cabinets creates lovely ambiance in a gray kitchen.

Chandelier – Make a style statement with a modern or traditional chandelier as a focal point.

As you can see, the versatilty of dark gray cabinets makes them easy to coordinate with a wide range of materials and finishes. Avoid going too matchy-matchy. Instead pick one or two accent colors to weave throughout the space.

How to Decorate with Dark Gray Kitchen Cabinets

When designing and decorating a kitchen with dark gray cabinets, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use plenty of lighting. A dark gray kitchen risks feeling dreary or cavernous if not well-lit. Windows, overhead lighting, pendant lights, and under cabinet lighting help brighten things up.
• Incorporate contrasting elements. Light walls, light countertops, brass accents, and mirror backsplashes keep the space from feeling too heavy or monotonous.
• Add pops of color. Use vibrant accent colors in your wall paint, tile backsplash, light fixtures, cookware, and decor items. Bright blues, greens, and reds work well.
• Stick to a color scheme. Tying everything together with a complementary color scheme is important. Gray kitchens often pair well with neutral tones like white and beige accented with a bright color.
• Use wood elements. Wood instantly warms up a gray palette. Try wood cutting boards, butcher block counters, open shelving, flooring, and dining furniture.
• Include metallic finishes. Stainless steel appliances, silver or gold hardware, and mixed metal accents glam up a gray kitchen.
• Add interesting textures. Natural wood finishes, woven baskets, nubby linens, and textured rugs keep things visually intriguing.
• Don’t forget greenery. Plants are a must for any kitchen, but especially important for dark gray palettes to add vibrancy.

With smart use of color, texture, and lighting, dark gray kitchen cabinets can be adapted to work with a wide range of decorating styles.

Dark Gray Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

Now that we’ve covered the basics of how to design with and decorate around dark gray cabinets, let’s look at some inspiring examples in beautiful kitchen designs:

Contemporary Dark Gray Kitchens

Contemporary kitchens provide the perfect backdrop for dark dramatic gray cabinetry. Paired with modern materials like stainless steel, concrete, glass tile, and pops of colour, it creates a kitchen that makes a sleek stylish statement. Try mixing glossy and matte finishes.

A contemporary style kitchen with dark gray cabinets and white marble countertops. Image Source

This narrow galley kitchen uses dark gray cabinets to create a modern, stylish look. Image Source

Transitional Dark Gray and Wood Kitchens

For a warmth and versatility, try pairing dark gray cabinets with natural wood accents and countertops. This creates a stylish but livable transitional kitchen style. Mix modern gray cabinetry with traditional kitchen island designs. Using two tones of gray can add subtle sophistication.

This transitional kitchen features a gray-stained island and light gray cabinets. Image Source

Using a gray kitchen island is an easy way to incorporate some dark gray. Image Source

Traditional Dark Gray Kitchen Ideas

Don’t think dark gray kitchen cabinets only work in modern spaces. They also pair beautifully with traditional kitchen elements like intricate crown molding, glass front cabinets, and brass hardware. Keep a light, airy feel by using gray on the lower cabinets and white up top.

Fancy molding and glass front cabinets give this dark gray kitchen a classically elegant look. Image Source

This French country kitchen uses dark gray on the bottom cabinets and crisp white up top for contrast. Image Source

Small Gray Kitchen Ideas

Don’t worry if your kitchen is short on space – dark gray cabinets can help create the illusion of depth in a small area. Stick with minimal upper cabinets and open shelving on walls to keep things feeling airy and open.

This small kitchen gains sophistication from espresso-colored lower cabinets. Image Source

Keep these inspirational gray kitchen images in mind as you explore integrating dark gray cabinets into your own space!

Choosing the Best Gray Paint Color for Cabinets

If you decide to go for custom gray kitchen cabinets, selecting just the right gray hue and tone is key. Gray paint comes in so many complex undertones and shades. Here are some tips for choosing gray paint for your cabinets:

• Decide whether you want a warm gray or cool gray tone. Warm grays have hints of brown, taupe, or greige. Cool grays lean blue or green.
• Next decide if you want a light or dark gray. Lighter shades feel airy and cool, while dark grays are dramatic and cozy.
• Sample your gray paint colors on the cabinet materials/finishes to see their true undertones. Gray shows differently on woods vs. laminates.
• Look at gray paint swatches at different times of day. Natural light often shows the subtle tones best.
• For a foolproof gray, opt for a greige that mixes gray and beige for a flexible neutral color. Popular greige cabinet paint colors include Revere Pewter, Accessible Beige, and Worldly Gray by Benjamin Moore.
• For traditional kitchens, warmer grays like crow’s feet work well.
• For modern kitchens go for cooler hues like rainwashed or thunder gray.

Trust your gut! There are no bad choices when it comes to gray kitchen cabinets. The key is choosing the right hue and tone for your personal style.

How Much Do Dark Gray Kitchen Cabinets Cost?

If you are having new custom cabinets made, the cost for dark gray kitchen cabinets is approximately:

• Stock cabinets: $80 – $250 per linear foot
• Semi-custom: $200 – $500 per linear foot
• Custom: $500 – $1000+ per linear foot

The exact price depends on the materials, construction, accessories, and detailing of your cabinets. For painted cabinets, the labor involved in properly preparing and coating cabinets also adds cost over natural wood finishes. Expect to pay 10-50% more for dark gray cabinets over basic white.

For a more budget-friendly option, consider repainting your existing kitchen cabinets gray using cabinet paint. High quality cabinet paint costs between $30-$50 per gallon. With proper prep and priming, you can update your cabinets to dark gray for under $300 in paint and supplies. This is ideal for dingy oak or dated laminate cabinets.

No matter which upgrade route you choose, dark gray kitchen cabinets offer timeless sophistication and visual depth that can transform your cooking space. Embrace the elegance of gray for a kitchen you’ll love for years to come. Have fun exploring the many shades of gray to find your perfect match!

Frequently Asked Questions about Dark Gray Kitchen Cabinets

What color should I paint my kitchen cabinets if I have dark gray cabinets?

With dark gray lower cabinets, we recommend painting the upper cabinets a crisp white or soft beige to add definition and contrast. The white uppers keep the space feeling light and airy.

For an all-gray look, try pairing a lighter dove gray or oyster gray on the uppers with a deep charcoal gray on the lowers. Choose hues with different undertones to add subtle contrast.

What flooring goes well with dark gray kitchen cabinets?

There are many great flooring options that pair beautifully with dark gray cabinets:

• White oak hardwood adds warmth
• Grey washed wood creates a monochromatic look
• Natural stone like marble, travertine or quartzite complement the gray
• Concrete floors match the industrial vibe of dark cabinets
• Classic black and white checkerboard tile works with traditional kitchens

Avoid going too dark on the floors or the whole space may feel dark and heavy. Lighter floors help balance out the drama of the gray cabinets.

Can you have dark cabinets and a dark floor?

Yes, it’s definitely possible to pair dark gray cabinets with a darker floor like wood or slate. The keys are to use plenty of lighting, add accents of white or reflective metals, and incorporate lighter counters and backsplashes. This will keep the space feeling bright instead of cave-like.

What is the most popular gray for kitchen cabinets?

Currently, the most sought-after shades of gray for kitchen cabinets are:

• Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
• Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
• Behr Gray Cashmere
• Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
• Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray

Within the gray palette, greiges are the most popular as they have beige undertones that provide a flexible, warm neutral that suits any style.

Is gray still in style for kitchen cabinets?

Gray kitchen cabinets remain one of the most popular cabinet color trends. Gray has been dominating kitchen design for almost a decade thanks to its versatility as a neutral that spans both traditional and contemporary styles.

Many designers believe gray kitchen cabinets have become a new classic that is here to stay. The timeless color shows no signs of going out of style anytime soon