Selecting the right cabinet color for your kitchen can be a challenging decision, especially if you already have stainless steel appliances. The cabinet color you choose can dramatically impact the look, feel and functionality of your kitchen. When paired correctly, your cabinet and appliance colors should create a cohesive, stylish kitchen design.
If you have stainless steel appliances, there are several cabinet colors that can complement them beautifully. Below we’ll explore the most popular and effective color options to consider when choosing your kitchen cabinets.
Benefits of Stainless Steel Appliances
Before diving into cabinet colors, let’s first look at why stainless steel is a popular choice for major kitchen appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges and ovens:
- Timeless and classic: Stainless steel has a modern, yet timeless look that fits well in many kitchen design aesthetics from traditional to contemporary.
- Neutral palette: The silvery tones of stainless steel work as a neutral in your kitchen, allowing you to add pops of color through cabinets, backsplashes and decor.
- Easy to match: With its neutral, metallic color, stainless steel matches well with many cabinet shades from light to dark.
- Durability: Stainless steel appliances are designed to last and keep their luster for many years. The material resists scratches, fading and discoloration.
- Easy to clean: Stainless steel wipes clean easily and resists fingerprints and smudges better than some other finishes.
So if you’ve invested in stainless appliances, choosing cabinet colors that enhance (rather than compete with) them is key to creating a cohesive kitchen design.
Best Cabinet Colors for Stainless Steel Appliances
Here are some of the most popular, foolproof cabinet color options to pair with stainless steel appliances:
1. White Cabinets
Crisp, clean white cabinets pair beautifully with stainless steel appliances, creating a classic, timeless look. The high contrast between the two finishes adds visual interest.
White kitchen cabinets offer advantages like:
- Bright, airy feel with a light color palette
- Makes small kitchens appear larger
- Provides a neutral backdrop for add pops of color
- Variety of white hues like bright white, antique white, warm white
- Works with any kitchen style from modern to traditional
Pair white cabinets with medium tone hardwood floors and black granite countertops for a nicely balanced, neutral kitchen palette. Brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze hardware and fixtures will also coordinate well.
2. Gray Cabinets
On-trend gray cabinets are another versatile neutral option that complements stainless steel beautifully. The palette creates an elegant, sophisticated kitchen aesthetic.
Consider these benefits of gray kitchen cabinets:
- Offers a soft, muted alternative to stark white
- Range of gray tones from light silvery grays to deeper charcoal
- Works with all color schemes from bold pops of color to neutral
- Flat gray cabinets feel modern, while wood grain gray feels more traditional
- Cool-toned grays feel airy and fresh
Some popular gray and stainless combinations include:
- Light gray cabinets with quartz white countertops
- Medium gray cabinets with black granite countertops
- Charcoal cabinets with butcher block countertops
Add ceramic tile backsplashes in aquatic hues like sea glass green or soft blue to really make grays and stainless pop.
3. Black Cabinets
For a dramatic, bold contemporary kitchen, black cabinets pair strikingly with stainless steel appliances. The contrast creates a dynamic, eye-catching combo.
Reasons black kitchen cabinets are trending:
- Make a design statement and focal point
- Feel modern, elegant and upscale
- Rich depth and dimension
- Variety of cabinet finishes like matte, glossy, wood grain
Black stained wood grain cabinets offer a warmer alternative to flat black. Pair them with bold counters like white quartz or Carrara marble. Copper, bronze and nickel hardware and fixtures will coordinate nicely.
4. Navy Blue Cabinets
For a less harsh contrast against stainless steel, deep blue cabinetry provides a rich accent while still blending well. Navy blue offers a similar boldness to black, but feels warmer and more inviting.
Benefits of blue kitchen cabinets:
- Offer color without going too bright or intense
- Range of blue hues from light powder blue to bold navy
- Blues with gray undertones complement stainless particularly well
- Naval blues feel coastal and beachy, perfect for a vacation home kitchen
Consider brushed gold hardware and light marble or quartz countertops to balance the richness of the cabinet color.
5. Green Cabinets
Earthy green cabinets also pair elegantly with stainless steel, especially sage and olive-toned greens. Green offers a natural, organic look that feels refreshing and peaceful.
Advantages of green kitchen cabinets:
- Color spectrum ranges from soft sage to deep emerald
- Brings the tranquility of nature indoors
- Works with many design aesthetics from modern to craftsman
- Pairs well with warm wood floors and countertops
Try deep hunter green cabinets with a butcher block island for an eclectic look. Or keep it light with pale green cabinets, white marble counters and natural oak floors.
6. Wood Stained Cabinets
Wood stained cabinets offer warmth and texture against the sleek metallic finish of stainless appliances. Walnut, oak and cherry stains feel both rustic and refined.
Benefits of stained wood cabinets:
- Offer color while retaining natural wood grain
- Warm up a kitchen’s ambiance and appeal
- Look particularly great paired with butcher block
- Rustic, handcrafted appearance (depends on stain/finish)
- Many stain colors like ebony, espresso and charcoal
Walnut cabinets with an ebony stain look striking beside a stainless French door refrigerator. For a lighter pairing, try oak cabinets with a cinnamon glaze paired with brushed nickel fixtures.
7. Off-White Cabinets
Slightly warmer off-white cabinet colors also complement stainless appliances elegantly while feeling a bit softer than bright white. Popular off-white hues include alabaster, cream, eggshell and ivory.
Some benefits of off-white kitchen cabinets:
- Softer, cozier feel than stark white
- Classic and timeless kitchen aesthetic
- Calming, neutral color palette
- Counters in natural stone or quartz look elegant
- Glazed and distressed finishes provide added dimension
- Works in cottage, farmhouse, traditional and rustic kitchens
For a cottage kitchen, try weathered ivory cabinets with a stone mosaic backsplash in shades of blue and green. For modern farmhouse, pair shaker-style alabaster cabinets with marble counters.
Cabinet Colors to Avoid with Stainless Steel
While most cabinet colors can work well with stainless steel, there are a few palettes that may prove more challenging:
1. Very Light Creams and Tans
Super pale cabinets colors like creamy white, linen, biscuit or French vanilla can sometimes appear dingy against the sheen of stainless steel. The finishes are just too similar in tone and can end up clashing rather than complementing.
2. Bright Primary Colors
Vivid cabinet colors like fire engine red, bright yellow, electric blue or neon green might feel overpowering paired with the neutral metallic appliances. They can make a kitchen feel fun but busy.
3. Cool-Toned Grays
While warm gray cabinets complement stainless beautifully, cool grays with blue or purple undertones can sometimes clash. The mix of cooler and warmer metal tones can feel a bit disjointed.
4. Unfinished Wood Cabinets
Raw wood cabinets without any stain or sealing have an unfinished, rougher appearance that tends to conflict with the sleek sophistication of stainless steel. Opt for wood cabinets with a rich stain or glossy seal instead.
While avoiding exact color matching, high contrast, or disjointed undertones is wise, don’t be afraid to think beyond basic white cabinets. With so many gorgeous cabinet colors and finishes available, you can definitely find one that pairs perfectly with your stainless steel.
Factors That Impact Cabinet Color Choices
Beyond your stainless steel appliances, there are several other factors that influence great kitchen cabinet color selection:
Kitchen Size and Layout
- Smaller kitchens feel brighter and more expansive with light cabinets
- Large kitchens can handle deeper colors without becoming overwhelming
- Galley kitchens appear wider with light wall and base cabinets
- Kitchen islands can handle bolder colors than surrounding cabinets
Natural Lighting
- North-facing rooms with low light demand light colored cabinets
- South or west facing rooms with ample sun can use darker cabinet colors
- Smaller windows limit natural light so lighter cabinets open up space
Kitchen Style and Features
- Contemporary kitchens suit bold colors like black, navy or green
- Traditional kitchens look best with wood cabinets in natural stains
- Farmhouse kitchens come alive with antique white or wood stained cabinets
- Cabinets should complement your existing tile, backsplash and floors
Personal Style
- Match cabinets to your home decorating taste and style
- Like an all-white minimalist look or prefer rich moody hues?
- What feels comfortable, relaxing and inspires you about your kitchen?
Cabinet and Hardware Finish Options
Beyond the color, the finish and style of your cabinets and hardware also impact the overall look significantly. Consider these options:
Cabinet Door Styles
- Slab – modern, streamlined
- Shaker – versatile transitional style
- Inset – classic and high-end
- Raised panels – traditional and ornate
- Glass-front – for displaying dishware or lighting interior
Cabinet Finishes
- Matte – smooth subtle sheen
- Gloss – reflective, lacquered
- Textured – adds depth and dimension
- Distressed – worn, weathered look
- Painted – vibrant, opaque colors
- Stained – translucent tinted color
- Glazed – secondary accent color over stain or paint
Hardware Finishes
- Stainless steel – matches appliances
- Satin nickel – versatile neutral sheen
- Matte black – bold high contrast
- Oil rubbed bronze – traditional warmth
- Brushed brass – trendy retro warmth
- Aged copper – natural weathered patina
Tips for a Cohesive Look
- Repeat finishes on cabinets, hardware, fixtures, and appliances
- Echo cabinet color in tile, backsplash or accent walls
- Coordinate cabinet style with kitchen era and architecture
- Blend your cabinet color with adjacent rooms
Conclusion
With so many factors to consider from cabinet color and finish to hardware and kitchen style, choosing the perfect color for your stainless steel appliances may seem tricky. But keeping finishes cohesive, colors coordinated, and the overall style in mind will ensure your kitchen remodel or design feels harmonious.
Whether you love the modern sophistication of black cabinets or the breezy seaside feel of navy blue, trust your tastes and kitchen needs. Don’t be afraid to pair rich, bold colors with your stainless appliances. And remember – whites, grays, and wood tones offer flexible, timeless coordinating options too. With the right cabinets and finishes, your stainless steel appliances will gleam as part of a polished, cohesive dream kitchen design.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cabinet Colors for Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel appliances are popular in today’s kitchens for their neutral metallic finish that pairs well with many different cabinet colors. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about selecting the best cabinet color to match stainless appliances:
Q: What color cabinets go with stainless steel appliances?
White, gray, black, navy, green, and wood stained cabinets all pair beautifully with stainless steel appliances. Crisp whites and warm grays are safe neutrals. For contrast, black and navy are great bold options. Green and wood tones add earthy elegance.
Q: What color cabinets should you not get with stainless steel appliances?
Avoid cabinets and stainless appliances that are too similar and matchy in tone, like pale tans or yellows. Also skip vivid primary colors and unfinished wood cabinets that may clash instead of coordinate.
Q: Do white cabinets go with stainless steel appliances?
Yes, white kitchen cabinets pair excellently with stainless steel appliances. The high contrast looks very clean and classic. White also makes small spaces appear larger.
Q: What wood cabinets look best with stainless steel appliances?
Richly stained wood cabinets in darker colors like espresso, ebony, and charcoal complement stainless appliances beautifully. Lighter wood stains can work too but offer less contrast.
Q: Do gray cabinets go with stainless steel appliances?
Absolutely! Warm, cool and neutral grays are one of the most versatile cabinet colors to pair with stainless steel. Gray creates an elegant, sophisticated look.
Q: What color backsplash goes with stainless appliances and white cabinets?
Try a crisp white subway tile, marble stone or light gray glass backsplash. Greens, blues and grays also add a nice pop of color. Avoid matching the stainless tone exactly.
Q: What countertops look good with stainless appliances?
Quartz, granite, and marble all pair well with stainless. Try white, black, gray or cream stones for a neutral base. Butcher block also adds nice warmth. Tile is an affordable, low-maintenance option too.
Q: Should kitchen island be different color than cabinets?
It’s becoming popular to use a different color, often darker, on a kitchen island for contrast. This can be effective with stainless appliances but keep colors coordinated.
Cabinet Color Combinations for Stainless Steel Appliances
Pairing cabinet colors with stainless steel appliances not only depends on the main base cabinets but also the accent pieces like islands, open shelving or display cabinets.
Here are some stunning combo ideas:
White Cabinets + Black Island
A classic look, this high contrast combo pairs bright white main cabinets with a bold black island. The look is striking yet still neutral.
Navy Blue Cabinets + Wood Island
Deep blue lower cabinets create an anchoring accent wall color while a wood-topped island warms up the space.
Charcoal Gray Cabinets + White Open Shelving
Brooding charcoal cabinets get balanced by clean white open shelving filled with glassware, dishware or candles.
Walnut Cabinets + Copper Hood
Rich walnut stained cabinets find a complementary metallic in a brushed copper range hood over the stove area.
Antique White Cabinets + Butcher Block Island
Timeworn antique white cabinets gain a rustic touch with a expansive butcher block kitchen island.
Espresso Cabinets + Marble Accents
Deep espresso stained cabinets work nicely with bright white marble backsplash and countertop accents.
Black Cabinets + Wood Countertops
Crisp black cabinets pair smartly with natural wood countertops in oak or walnut tones.
Gray Cabinets + Black Hardware
Cool gray cabinets come together with matching black cup pulls, handles and fixtures for a contemporary look.
Green Cabinets + Aged Bronze Hardware
Vibrant sage green cabinets mesh well with worn antique bronze hardware for an organic feel.
Cream Cabinets + Gold Hardware
Warm off-white cabinets harmonize perfectly with the richness and shine of brushed gold hardware.
How Lighting Impacts the Way Cabinets and Stainless Interact
Kitchen lighting can definitely impact the way your cabinet color appears beside stainless steel appliances. Here’s how:
Warm Lighting
Task lighting and fixtures with warm light bulbs in the 2700K-3000K range add a cozy, inviting glow that flatters most cabinet colors.
Warm overhead lights complement green, navy, black, gray and wood cabinets nicely, emphasizing their richness.
Under-cabinet lighting pulls out the warmth of cream and antique white hues.
Cool Lighting
Cabinets in lighter whites and grays come alive under daylight 5000K-6500K bulbs.
The high contrast and crispness of the pairings really stand out.
Stainless steel takes on an even cooler, chrome-like tone.
Combination Lighting
Mixing fixture finishes like brushed metals, black, bronze and white also adds dimension.
Varying the warmth and coolness prevents the palette from appearing too flat and matches the stainless sheen.
Striking a balance avoids any harshness.
Natural Light
Morning and evening light warms up cabinet colors, allowing bolder hues to shine.
The metallic quality of stainless steel also appears richer.
North-facing rooms with limited sunlight require sufficient task lighting.
Proper kitchen lighting ensures cabinet colors complement – not compete with – gorgeous stainless steel for a cohesive overall look.
How to Select Cabinets That Complement Stainless Steel
Selecting the perfect cabinets to pair with existing stainless steel appliances requires considering a few key factors:
Assess Appliance Finishes
Note the brushed, satin or polished look of your stainless appliances. This will dictate if you want to repeat sheens in hardware. Also determine if the stainless tone looks more gray, blue or bronze to find a suitable cabinet color match.
Evaluate the Undertones
Cool grays work well with bluish stainless while warm grays pair better if the appliances pull golden or bronze. Whites with creamy, yellow or gray undertones also impact the pairing.
Color Contrast
Lighter cabinets like white, light gray, ivory and cream provide high contrast beside stainless for a crisp, vibrant look. Lower contrast cabinet colors like charcoal, navy and espresso accentuate texture and dimension.
Complementary Colors
Colors opposite on the color wheel like blue and orange have strong visual impact. While contrasting, find hues with shared undertones so finishes don’t compete.
Personal Style
Consider the mood you want to create – airy coastal, modern industrial, cozy traditional. Matching cabinet style and color to your overall aesthetic ties everything together.
Adjacent Finishes
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