Warm Up Your Kitchen With Tan Cabinet Paint Colors

Is your kitchen looking a little dull or dated? Do you find yourself drawn to warm, cozy spaces but your current decor just isn't hitting the spot? Painting your kitchen cabinets in tan or other neutral, earthy tones can be a simple yet transformative update to make this important room in your home feel more inviting.

Read on to learn how to easily warm up your kitchen with tan painted cabinets!

Why Choose Tan for Kitchen Cabinets?

Tan and beige hues have remained popular cabinet color choices over the years, and for good reason. Here are some of the reasons to consider going tan for your next kitchen refresh.

Warm, Inviting Aesthetic

Earthy tan and beige tones create a soothing, welcoming look and feel in the kitchen. The warm, subtle neutrals help make the space feel cozy and relaxed. Painting oak, maple, or existing cabinets tan can transform the mood from sterile and cold to friendly and informal.

The natural, organic quality of tan makes it perfect for many design aesthetics as well. From traditional to farmhouse, cottage, or craftsman styles, tan cabinets pair well with an array of decor.

Timeless Look

While bright white kitchens come in and out of trend, tan and beige cabinets offer a more flexible, timeless look. The versatility of neutrals like tan makes them less likely to feel dated after just a few years.

Tan cabinets are easy to update down the road with new hardware, countertops, or backsplash tile. Since tan is neutral, it works with both warm and cool accents colors trends shift.

Cost-Effective Kitchen Update

Compared to replacing cabinets entirely, painting them tan is budget-friendly. The significantly lower cost makes it possible to transform the space affordably.

With some sanding, priming, and DIY painting, you can quickly change the look for the price of supplies. Customize the shade from light tan to dark walnut finishes.

Best Tan & Neutral Cabinet Paint Colors

When researching cabinet paint colors, you'll find plenty of tan, beige, and greige options from brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Behr. Here are some bestselling neutral paint colors for kitchen cabinets:

• Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
• Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
• Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
• Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige
• Behr Whitewash

Choosing the undertone is key to achieving your ideal tan aesthetic. Greige or gray-beige hues work well in contemporary spaces, while more brown, taupe, or walnut tan colors complement traditional farmhouse style.

Warm Undertones

Paints like Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray, Sherwin Williams Dovetail, and Behr khaki colors have warm yellow-brown undertones. These tan greens and browns create cozy, welcoming kitchens.

Cool Undertones

For a updated tan look, choices like Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray, Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray, and Behr Linen White have subtle gray undertones. The cooler beiges give light and modern feel.

Tips for Painting Kitchen Cabinets Tan

While the color choice impacts the overall look, proper prep and painting technique ensures your tan cabinets turn out smooth and streak-free. Here are key tips for painting kitchen cabinets tan.

Prep

Thoroughly cleaning cabinets and sanding to degloss and roughen the surface ensures proper paint adhesion. Wipe away all dust before priming. Oil-based primers like Kilz Adhesion are best for covering existing finishes.

Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler and sand smooth. Remove doors, drawers, and hardware to paint separately for easiest access.

Paint Application

Rollers work well for quickly covering large cabinet surfaces. Foam rollers apply paint smoothly. Angle brushes cut in tightly along edges and corners. Use high-quality tapered trim brushes.

Spraying with an HVLP sprayer provides the most seamless, professional finish. It requires more equipment and experience but avoids brush marks. Ensure proper ventilation when spraying paint indoors or in cabinet boxes.

Apply in thin, even coats allowing proper drying time between coats as recommended by the manufacturer. Lightly sand between coats for best results.

Finishes & Distressing

For a smooth, uniform finish, use a foam roller. Opt for a subtle brushed look with a dry bristle brush. Glazing over tan paint can impart an antiqued or timeworn look.

Distressing involves purposefully creating worn spots and uneven paint to achieve a vintage, chippy style. Use fine grit sandpaper or steel wool to gently rub paint away along edges and corners.

Care & Maintenance

Allow painted cabinets proper curing time before hanging doors and drawers, replacing hardware, and using the kitchen fully. Avoid abrasive cleaners. For touch-ups, save extra paint.

Tan Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

Complementing your new tan kitchen cabinets with other elements creates a cohesive, stylish space. Consider these ideas:

Countertop & Backsplash Pairings

White, beige, or gray countertops suit tan cabinets nicely. Butcher block, soapstone, or light granite countertops also coordinate well with the warm, neutral palette.

For the backsplash, ceramic, marble or travertine tile in soft tones work beautifully. Try a mosaic backsplash or metal tiles for interest.

Hardware & Accent Colors

Brass and bronze cabinet hardware pops against tan cabinets, as does polished nickel or matte black. Incorporate accent colors like sage green, cobalt blue, or terra cotta through dishes, rugs, curtains and artwork.

Additional Elements for Cohesion

Select flooring like hardwood, tile, or linoleum in warm brown, beige, white, or gray hues. Wall color can subtly tie in with tan cabinets through cream, taupe, or tan paint.

Lighting fixtures and window treatments in metals, wood tones, or whites help create a cohesive look. Incorporate wood or rattan chairs, shelving, and window valances.

With their warm, welcoming vibe and timeless appeal, tan painted cabinets can bring new life into tired, dated kitchens. Achieve an updated yet classic look without the high cost of cabinet replacement.

With the right tan color choice, prep, and painting techniques, as well as complementary finishes and accents, you can easily transform your kitchen into a cozy space for gathering. What are you waiting for? Grab a paintbrush and start warming up your kitchen today with tan cabinets!