Greige Kitchen Cabinets: Try These Beige Colors!

These color suggestions for beige and greige kitchen cabinets give you a place to start for samples. It can be daunting to choose the right shade from so many choices when you begin to browse online. And how will you know if the color is going to look right with your particular kitchen with its unique artificial light, natural light, and unique lighting conditions? I have ideas for that too.

Collingwood on kitchen cabinets in a beautiful putty kitchen - AKBDesign. #collingwood #bmcollingwood
AKB DesignBM Collingwood on kitchen cabinets

Greige Kitchen Cabinets: Sample These Paint Colors

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Plenty of Paint Colors Don’t Contain the Word White or Grey

As you consider these contenders, keep an open mind when you see the paint color name or even the swatch. Some people see a putty color and think “white.” Other people see the same tone and instantly surmise “oh, a pale greige with a hint of mossy green.”

Warm white kitchen with dark painted island (design by Whittney Parkinson). #warmwhitekitchencabinets #whitekitchencabinets
Design: Whittney Parkinson – try Farrow & Ball Lime White for a similar look.

My favorite colors are challenging to articulate with language. For example, maybe it sort of reminds you of linen-y white, but then in certain light or at a particular time of day, the color appears greenish gray or muddy stone.

Sherwin Williams Alabaster kitchen cabinets in kitchen with Holborn lanterns over island - Thompson Construction. #swalabaster #sherwinwilliamsalabaster #kitchencabinets
ThompsonDBConstruction – SW Alabaster on kitchen cabinetry

Warm Greige & Great Beige Color Ideas for Kitchens

So many warm whites echo elements found in nature (driftwood, mushrooms, sand) which is why they often feel organic or earthy. Those are always my favorites. And don’t even get me started on shades suggestive of beautiful limestone!

Serene kitchen with greige paint color on cabinets - @cherhousedesign. #kitchendesign  #greigekitchens #mushroomcabinets
@cherhousedesign (not sure of exact color…it reminds me of BM Revere Pewter which I have used successfully for cabinetry.)

Bet it will become apparent quickly that when you decide to go warm white for the cabinets, the possibilities are vast. Even when you narrow it down to putty shades, there’s a whole lotta hues!

The Enchanted Home: Tina's beautiful country French kitchen with black island, French range, and rustic wood beams...elegant! #theenchantedhome #frenchcountrykitchen
The Enchanted Home – for a similar color, try BM Ballet White OC-9

In my friend Tina’s kitchen (above), warm white cabinets are custom and finished with layers of paint and glaze. The overall color is suggestive of this beige which I have used with great success:

Benjamin Moore COLLINGWOOD 859

The perfect paint colors can at times be tricky to choose because what you see in a photo is a moment in time. Here’s what Benjamin Moore Collingwood 859 looks like as a swatch:

Maybe you’ll fall in love with this neutral greige with cool gray undertones. However, paint contains multiple gradations, undertones, and combinations which influence a color’s LRV (light reflectance value). Collingwood has a LRV of 61.52 so it is on the lighter end of the spectrum and will reflect 61.52% of light.

BM Collingwood in greige kitchen by @jlv_creative. #bmcollingwood #greigekitchencabinets
BM Collingwood – Design: @jlv_creative (Photo: Margaret Wright)

Yet when we see it in on kitchen cabinets above, it seems much lighter. Since kitchen photos online are often edited, photoshopped, and of course snapped at a particular time of day in particular light in a particular part of the globe, even if you know the exact color used, it could look completely different for your project.

Add to that the fact that the color may have been mixed at a lower saturation (which is essentially creating a custom color), and the designer didn’t mention that fact. So why even begin by reviewing a bunch of images?

BM Berkshire Beige cabinet lowers and Simply White uppers in a kitchen makeover by Kayla Payne. #berkshirebeige #simplywhitecabinets
PaintedbyKaylaPayneBM Berkshire Beige (lowers) and BM Simply White (uppers)

They are full of clues! It helps to explore images to notice qualities of a neutral warm white and consider WHY this tone appeals. Learning that the color on the cabinets above is Berkshire Beige may be helpful. But when you sample it or view this swatch:

BM Berkshire Beige AC-2 Benjamin Moore paint color warm neutral swatch. #berkshirebeige #bmberkshirebeige
tap image for buying info

It may suddenly become confusing. Was the color used at 50% saturation? Does it even really matter? Whatever the case may be, it’s probably more helpful to notice that in the actual photo, the cabinet color seems closer to BM Pale Oak.

Benjamin Moore PALE OAK OC-20

Pale Oak is a warm greige with warm grey undertones and light reflectance value (LRV) of 68.64. So it’s going to reflect a bit more light than Collingwood.

Here is Pale Oak in a kitchen with glazed subway tile:

BM Pale Oak Benjamin Moore OC-20  painted kitchen cabinets. Design by @linenandpinehome. #bmpaleoak #paleoak
BM Pale Oak OC-20 @linenandpinehome – Greige Kitchen Cabinets: Sample These Too!

If you have a color consultant’s help (that’s me!), it can often be more helpful to have a photo reference than to know the exact color name.

BM Pale Oak Benjamin Moore OC-20  kitchen cabinets - design by @linenandpinehome. #bmpaleoak #paleoak
@linenandpinehome – BM Pale Oak on kitchen cabinets – Greige Kitchen Cabinets: Sample These Too!

Not only will an expert be helpful to recognize undertones, experience with paint colors matters.

BM Pale Oak Benjamin Moore OC-20  painted kitchen cabinets in a design by @cailinicoastal. #bmpaleoak #paleoak
BM Pale Oak@cailinicoastal – Greige Kitchen Cabinets: Sample These Too!

For example, I have a wealth of experience using a variety of beige colors including BM Pale Oak and BM Ballet White. I know how Pale Oak is a little more of a greige while Ballet White has a bit more green to it. And I know how Ballet White looks with abundant natural light and how it looks at night with artificial ambient light.

Pale Oak Benjamin Moore OC-20  paint on walls in modern farmhouse kitchen  with gold lanterns, subway tile, and open shelving - @americancolorks. #bmpaleoak #paleoak
Here’s a reference for how BM Pale Oak on walls looks with white cabinets in a modern farmhouse kitchen – @americancolorks

What if You Are Torn Between Two Paint Colors?

This happens more often than you might think. Even with thousands of beige paint colors and chic greige hues out there, custom may still be the way to go. One light gray color is a little too cool and the other warm beige is just a bit off. Yet both seem like worthy contenders.

Chic modern country white kitchen with vintage accents, white marble, wood floors, and design by Kelly McGuill. Photo by Tamara Flanagan. #warmwhitekitchens
Design: Kelly McGuill; Photo: Tamara Flanagan – while I don’t know the exact color the designer used in this project, the color that comes to mind based on how the cabinets convey in the photo is BM Pale Oak OC-20.

For example, if you like Pale Oak but when you sample it, it seems a little too brown in your kitchen…

and if you also like BM Classic Gray 1548 but you feel it needs a bit more warmth…

You may like what they create when mixed 50/50 or 60/40 or at a proportion you decide is for you. Or you may see notice that Classic Gray is almost just right in your kitchen, but you realize a more saturated gray rather than a cool beige is what you’re after.

Lamp Room Gray cabinets in a traditional kitchen with classic style and sophistication from Park & Oak. #farrowandballlamproomgray
Farrow & Ball Lamp Room Gray on cabinets in a kitchen by Park and Oak

BTW, I’m not suggesting that you will be manually mixing big gallons of paint – for a custom color, talk to the paint expert at the counter, let them know what you’re after, get the precise custom color you like in a sample, then go from there.

Which White Paint for Walls With Warm White Kitchen Cabinets?

After you decide on a cabinet color, you can visit its description online, and typically, there will be suggestions for coordinating colors. In most cases, you’ll want a white with similar undertones as the cabinet paint. So a beige color with warm grey undertones could be paired with an off-white with grey undertones.

Greige, putty, or mushroom paint color on cabinets - TTMhomedesign. #kitchendesign #greigekitchens #modernfarmhousekitchen
@ttmhomedesign – the kitchen cabinets color reminds me of No Filter (Clare Paint) which I have used

When you begin exploring white paint colors for walls and even trying samples, you may feel overwhelmed quickly. I think this happens because it’s too hard to picture the whole enchilada complete.

Beige paint color idea: Clare No Filter - Hello Lovely Studio. #beigepaint #paintcolors #clarenofilter
No Filter (CLARE) – Greige Kitchen Cabinets: Sample These Too!

That’s why I think viewing images online is extremely helpful. You’ll be able to decide if you like it when there is a little contrast between cabinets and walls or a lot. You’ll start to look at specific relationships like how the white marble below works with the warmth of greige cabinetry.

Beautiful custom kitchen by Amber Interiors with greige kitchen cabinets. #kitchendesign #greigecabinets #puttypaintcolor #mushroompaintcolor
@amberinteriors – paint color unknown so take a peek at BM Balboa Mist

Consider the Contrast

For high contrast, you’ll probably be looking at cool whites for walls and trim. And for just a little contrast, you’ll be looking at whites that are similar to the cabinet color but have a higher LRV. Notice how the custom cabinet finish below (it’s Limestone from Neptune) softly harmonizes with walls that are painted Farrow & Ball Strong White.

French farmhouse kitchen with beams, terracotta hex tile floor, warm gray cabinets, and traditional charm - Vivi et Margot. #frenchfarmhouse #greigekitchen
Vivi et Margot – walls are painted F&B Strong White and greige kitchen cabinets are by Neptune in Limestone finish
Cstom kitchen by Amber Interiors with warm beige or greige kitchen cabinets. #kitchendesign #puttycabinets #puttypaintcolor #mushroompaintcolor
@amberinteriors – paint color on cupboards, ceiling, walls, and trim is unknown but try BM Balboa Mist for similar greige kitchen cabinets shade.

You can even go for a monochromatic look if you view a bunch of kitchens online and keep noticing that you like it when the walls look the same color. Here’s an example where the backsplash Zellige tiles are warm and putty-like, with very little contrast to the cabinet color.

Timeless kitchen with putty or greige cabinets and Zellige backsplash tile - Bodega House. #kitchendesign #puttycabinets #timelesskitchen #zellige #mushroom
Bodega House – paint color unknown, but it seems to have a slight pink cast so try SW Eider White which is the color of my kitchen walls.

Here’s Eider White on our kitchen walls:

Notice how the cabinetry below is the same color as the tongue and groove wood backsplash:

There’s no perfect solution; only the combination that suits you alone.

Cornforth White (Farrow & Ball) warm beige kitchen cabinets in an English country kitchen - @cedar.tree.house. #cornforthwhite #farrowandballcornforthwhite
Cornforth White in kitchen by @cedar.tree.house

Farrow & Ball CORNFORTH WHITE 228

I suggested Cornforth White 228 as a possibility if you like the Heidi Callier designed kitchen above, and it is a gorgeous beige with which I have experience.

I also like a 50/50 combination of Cornforth White with the darker Hardwick White for a gorgeous custom greige. (Consider that custom combo for a house exterior – it’s the color of our former woodsy cottage and is suggestive of natural stone.)

Cornforth White (Farrow & Ball) warm beige kitchen cabinets in an English country kitchen - @Sharon Lacey. #cornforthwhite #farrowandballcornforthwhite #greigepaintcolors
Cornforth White kitchen cabinets – @sharon lacey

Farrow & Ball offers these highly sophisticated, European inspired, and often historically based colors with depth and character.

Cornforth White (Farrow & Ball) warm beige kitchen cabinets in an English country kitchen - @thewoodworks. #cornforthwhite #farrowandballcornforthwhite
F&B Cornforth White@thewoodworks

They describe Cornforth White as “the mid tone in the group of Relaxed Neutrals which are totally understated and extremely versatile. Neither too warm nor too cool, Cornforth White sits contentedly between Ammonite and Purbeck Stone to create a hushed and calming retreat. Named in memory of John Cornforth, the revered architectural historian, contrast with Wevet to enhance its grey qualities.”

Cornforth White (Farrow & Ball) warm greige kitchen cabinets in an English country kitchen - @jl_lucygrace. #cornforthwhite #farrowandballcornforthwhite
Cornforth White in a kitchen by @jl_lucygrace

Thinking of Painting Only Lower Kitchen Cabinets?

It helps to see two-tone kitchens to decide whether it’s a look for you.

Gorgeous serene custom kitchen with greige base kitchen cabinets and white uppers - Stephanie Krauss Design. #kitchendesign #puttycabinets #greigekitchens #serenekitchen #interiordesign
Stephanie Krauss Designs – cabinets are similar to Berkshire Beige, which is discussed earlier in post

Also, don’t forget “washes” of greige or putty tones with subtle washes, staining and glazing.

Perfect Putty & Greige Paint Colors for Cabinets: Where to Begin?

Sample at least three before deciding on the best option.

Easiest way to see if a paint color will work? Order samples with Samplize and have them delivered straight to your door.

Perfect greige and putty paint colors - Hello Lovely Studio. #greigepaint #mushroom #neutralkitchenpaintcolors

Too overwhelmed and want just ONE sample idea? Try Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter.

Benjamin Moore REVERE PEWTER

While I didn’t paint kitchen cabinets this color, I did paint bedroom furniture with light coat of it.

Revere Pewter (Benjamin Moore) painted bedroom furniture in Hello Lovely's French country cottage bedroom with Stikwood (hamptons) statement wall. #reverepewter
Revere Pewter – Hello Lovely

The original finish on the furniture was a very warm yellowy antique white, and I wanted a cool chic greige. Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter transformed it.

While another set of eyes might simply see a boring beige on beige scheme happening, in person, the mix of textures and hand-painted brushstrokes feels alive and less one note than the photos allow.

Revere Pewter (Benjamin Moore) painted bedroom furniture in Hello Lovely's French country cottage bedroom with Stikwood (hamptons) statement wall. #reverepewter #paintcolors #stikwood
Hello Lovely – Revere Pewter on cottage style bedroom furniture (Shop my Home HERE)

When You Love Living With Greige Finds…

Cloe 5" x 5" Ceramic Field Tile - looks like handmade Zellige at a fraction of price. #zelligetile
Kitchen with Cloe ceramic tile in running bond pattern.

See the Beige Chosen for This Renovated Kitchen in a French Chateau!

Paint colors in Chateau Le Fleur’s kitchen – Cabinets: Clay (Little Greene Paint Company); Island: Pompeian Ash; Walls: Pale Clay

If you love country style, here are some decorating resources that may appeal:

Here are resources for a beige moment that feels sophisticated and timeless:

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

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4 Comments

  1. Chris Godfrey
    February 26, 2024 / 9:56 am

    I have white upper cupboards and black lowers. My walls and ceiling are ballet white. I have ceramic tiles as the backsplash that are faux carrera marble. Is there anyway I can make them look glazed. TYIA

    • Michele
      Author
      February 26, 2024 / 3:49 pm

      Not sure how to make them look glazed (assuming you mean a reflective, polished, shiny look), but if you hate them and don’t want to demo and start over, I wonder if you would like an over-grouted effect. Leanne Ford does this to give an aged, more rustic and charming look to ceramic tile. I haven’t tried it yet since I am more prone to demo and start over.

      • Chris Godfrey
        February 27, 2024 / 1:21 pm

        Thanks for your thoughts.

        • Michele
          Author
          February 27, 2024 / 3:31 pm

          Happy to have you here. 🙂

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Deconstructed Wingback Bed
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Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
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Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
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Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
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Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
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Sweater Weave Basket
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Terracotta Pots & Basket
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French Linen Dining Chair
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French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
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French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
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