Small Kitchen Cabinet Colors that Completely Transform Tiny Spaces

Having a petite kitchen can present some challenges when it comes to making the most of your available space. With limited room to work, small kitchens can easily start to feel cramped and closed-in if the right techniques aren’t used when it comes to design choices. One of the best and easiest ways to instantly make a small kitchen appear larger and more open is through strategic use of color on the cabinets. The right hues can work visual magic, creating the illusion of more square footage and transforming the vibe of a pint-sized kitchen.

You’ll find recommendations for fail-proof whites, airy light greys, and accent colors that energize without overwhelming. We’ll also provide tips on using contrast and color placement to maximize the perception of space. Finally, see real examples of tiny kitchens that were completely changed through smart use of color.

Best Cabinet Color Options for Small Kitchens

Color selection is key when painting kitchen cabinets in a small space. Stick with light, airy hues that will reflect light rather than absorb it. Here are some of the top choices:

Whites

Crisp white cabinetry instantly makes a petite kitchen appear larger and brighter. The light color bounces around the room, opening up the space. Opt for a bright white with cool undertones for maximum reflectivity.

Softer whites like Alabaster or Chantilly Lace are also excellent choices for small kitchen cabinets. They keep things light without going stark white for a hint of warmth.

Light Greys

If you find all-white cabinets to be too clinical for your taste, pale grey is a fantastic alternative for a small kitchen. The clean, nuetral color maintains an open, airy vibe.

Look for greys with subtle blue undertones as they tend to reflect the most light. Colors like Coastal Fog, Heathered Grey, and Rainwashed are fitting options.

Accent Colors

While it’s generally best to stick with light neutrals for the majority of your petite kitchen cabinets, the right pop of color can liven things up. Use it sparingly on an island, lower cabinets, or as part of a two-toned treatment.

Citrus hues like lemon yellow, lime, or orange infuse a small kitchen with energizing color that also illuminates. Soft green shades like celery and sage are also excellent choices for a subtle vibrance.

Techniques for Using Color to Expand a Small Kitchen

In addition to choosing the right light, reflective cabinet colors, there are several techniques you can use to open up a small kitchen through strategic use of color:

Painting Walls a Different Color than Cabinets

Keep walls and cabinetry in distinctly different (but complementary) colors. This differentiation makes the kitchen appear larger by providing visual separation.

Light wall colors like pale yellow, blue, or sage green are recommended pairings that will maintain an airy vibe.

Adding Backsplashes

Backsplashes provide an opportunity to inject more color into a small kitchen in a controlled way. White, light grey, or even boldly patterned backsplashes can make the space appear larger by adding visual interest and light reflectivity.

Use backsplashes with shiny surfaces like glass tile or polished marble for maximum bounce. Metallic materials like tin backsplashes also amplify light beautifully.

Contrasting Upper & Lower Cabinets

If your kitchen layout allows, paint base cabinets a slightly deeper shade than wall cabinets. This grounds the space while the lighter uppers open things up.

You can also use a small kitchen’s island as a chance to bring in a contrasting color for definition. For example, navy blue lower cabinets with bright white uppers.

Real Examples of Small Kitchen Transformations

Seeing real small kitchens completely changed through smart use of color helps illustrate how impactful the right hues can be. Here are some stellar examples:

All-White Kitchen

This small culinary space was completely closed off and dark before the overhaul. Simply by painting all cabinets and walls a bright, clean white, the kitchen now pops with light and feels airy.

The consistent white color scheme keeps things visually uncluttered. While an accent wall or colorful backsplash could add flair, the all-white approach optimizes the perception of openness in the petite space.

Grey Lower Cabinets with White Uppers

The two-toned treatment in this tiny kitchen uses light grey lower cabinets anchored by white uppers and surfaces. The effect is cohesive while the color delineation adds dimension.

The cool grey ground the space subtly while the white bounces around light. And the grey lower cabinets trick the eye, downplaying the small floorplan.

Yellow Accent Island

The bold yellow injects playfulness and energizing color without overwhelming the room. White perimeter cabinetry keeps things feeling open and airy.

Clever use of cabinet paint colors can work wonders in a small kitchen, visually expanding the tight quarters. Stick with light reflective hues like white and pale grey for your primary cabinetry. Then implement pops of accent colors judiciously as focal points.

Keep walls and cabinets differentiated in color for separation. And use backsplashes, contrasts, and reflective materials to bounce light around. With the right approach to color, even the tiniest kitchen can be utterly transformed into a more liveable and enjoyable space. Ready to re-energize your petite kitchen with illuminating hues? Grab a paint brush and get to work!