Gray has been increasing in popularity as a color for kitchen cabinets for quite some time. The trend is not only continuing, but it’s gaining in strength. If you’re in the market for shaker cabinets, Ash gray, dark gray, and light gray are all fantastic choices. We’re going to take a closer look at all three of these shades and help you determine which of them is right for your kitchen.
Looking Into the Various Shades of Gray
Some might think that all shades of gray are the same, but those people are wrong. As you’ll learn, gray is a complex color that can diversify your kitchen, while adding the most subtle nuance to a space you spend a considerable amount of time in.
Ash gray is a medium-toned gray that has just the slightest hint of warmth to it. If you’re looking to add a more homey lived-in feel to your kitchen, shaker cabinets in ash gray are a simple touch that will make a significant difference in the look and feel of your kitchen. Shaker kitchen cabinets in ash gray offer a subtle, yet sophisticated appearance to your kitchen.
The best thing about ash gray shaker cabinets is that they fit in perfectly with modern and traditional kitchen designs. Ash gray cabinets also pair well with white or light-colored countertops, such as marble or quartz, to create a light, simplistic almost rustic feel to your kitchen. The design works perfectly for a rural rustic kitchen just as much as it does with a modern kitchen in an apartment smack dab in the middle of New York City.
Dark gray has a deep sophistication to your kitchen. Shaker cabinets in dark gray is a bold choice that strikes a contrast to the other creating a dramatic and elegant look. You’ll immediately feel a sense of sophistication and luxury when you cook or eat in your kitchen with dark gray shaker cabinets. Another thing to keep in mind is that dark gray shaker cabinets can make a kitchen feel more intimate, which can be great for family gatherings.
The dark gray can create a moody feeling for your kitchen that is both inviting and mysterious, for those who like to entertain, with a dash of intrigue. Dark gray is also a great choice of shaker cabinets if you have a red brick kitchen as the dark gray will wonderfully contrast with the color of the bricks. The darkness of the gray adds earthiness and a touch of sophistication to the warmth and rustic charm of the red brick.
Light gray is a soft and soothing shade that conjures up a sense of tranquility in your kitchen. The lighter color lends a more airy, neutral feeling to your kitchen. Light gray can have a calming effect and also makes smaller kitchens have a bigger feel to them. Another great thing about light gray shaker cabinets is how versatile they are when paired with various countertop materials, backsplash designs, and flooring options.
Your kitchen will feel more relaxed with light gray shaker cabinets. Smaller kitchens feel more inviting and more homey with light gray cabinets than they would with darker colors. The light gray compliments the natural light that flows from the windows, creating a cheerful atmosphere that is perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or cooking meals with your spouse or kids.
Comparing Ash Gray, Dark Gray, and Light Gray Shaker Cabinets
Ash gray, dark gray, and light gray shaker cabinets are technically all shades of gray, yet each shade has distinct traits that impact the feel of your kitchen. With all of that in mind, let’s take a look at these three shades, comparing their similarities, and differences, and assessing the pros and cons of each.
Similarities
These shades fit well into diverse kitchen styles and act as a neutral backdrop, enhancing elements like countertops and hardware.
Their timeless shaker style remains stylish across various design trends.
Differences
Ash gray is a warm, medium tone; dark gray is deep and rich; light gray is soft and airy.
Dark gray is the most dramatic, light gray is the most subtle, and ash gray offers a balance.
Ash gray
Pros: Fits both modern and traditional designs, adding depth.
Cons: May lack contrast and appear less striking than dark gray.
Dark gray
Pros: Adds sophistication and luxury, making a strong statement.
Cons: Can feel confining in small spaces and might need balancing with lighter tones.
Light gray
Pros: Makes kitchens feel larger and brighter, ideal for smaller or darker spaces.
Cons: Can seem too plain and may show stains more easily.
Choosing which shade is right for your kitchen cabinets will boil down to your personal preference and also the other elements of your kitchen design, such as flooring, countertops, and lighting fixtures.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Gray for Your Kitchen
Choosing the best shade of gray for your kitchen is about so much more than just your liking, there are other factors that play in it as well. Remember, just because you like something, doesn’t mean that it will be functional or optimal for your kitchen. These are things to remember when you’re choosing the right shades of gray for the cabinets in your kitchen.
Kitchen Style
What style of kitchen do you have? Do you have a sleek modern kitchen or are you going for more of the rustic country look? Maybe you’re a transitional style that blends modern and traditional elements.
Ash gray is best for kitchens that aim to balance modern and traditional elements. While dark gray is ideal for modern, sophisticated kitchens that aim to make a bold statement. Light gray has a very important use and it’s to create a bright, airy feel in smaller or darker kitchens.
Lighting
Don’t overlook natural lighting in your kitchen. The way natural lighting reacts with gray cabinets is different than artificial lighting. For those who rely mostly on natural lighting, lighter shades of gray like ash or light gray may be more suitable. While those with artificial lighting may have more flexibility to use darker shades of gray.
Complementary colors and materials
Your shaker cabinets aren’t living in a world of their own and they need to live in harmony with the rest of your kitchen. If your kitchen has one of those funky 1970s color schemes, nothing is going to save you from that eyesore. However, those of you who have a more modern or neutral color scheme will find that gray shaker cabinets can blend in perfectly.
Those with tile floors, marble countertops, and stainless steel appliances will find that gray shaker cabinets blend in perfectly without the need to make any further adjustments. This is what makes gray such a versatile color for your cabinets and it’s also why so many kitchens are now being designed with gray shaker cabinets as their focal point.
How to Incorporate Gray Cabinets into your Kitchen Design
Gray cabinets can highlight elements such as quartz or marble countertops and a butcher block adds warmth. For backsplashes consider classic white subway tiles, patterned options, or glass and metallic finishes. Flooring options include hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl planks that complement the chosen shade of gray.
Balancing the tones is important because it helps create a harmonious and visually appealing kitchen design. Some of you will want to go the route of contrasting colors, while others may prefer a monochromatic look. Some of it is personal preference, but in large part, it all comes down to the overall style and atmosphere you want to create in your kitchen.
Don’t shy away from asking for a second opinion from friends or family members. Sometimes a new set of eyes can offer insight into something that you may have missed. If you’re only replacing your current kitchen cabinets, sometimes others might be able to pick up on the nuances that could make or break your kitchen's new look.
Final Thoughts
Never lose sight of the fact that you’re going to be using and looking at your kitchen cabinets for years to come. You want to choose a color that’s functional so that you can also modify other aspects of your kitchen without fear of the color clashing with your current design. As time goes on, you’ll want to remodel your kitchen, and the color that you choose today will play a huge role in what you’re able to do in future design updates.
Upgrading your kitchen cabinets isn’t just about making your living space more comfy, it also adds value to your home. The investments you make today will pay huge dividends when you decide to sell your home later on. The shade of gray you choose should reflect your personal style while also considering long-term appeal.
