Skip to main content

The case for blue kitchen cabinets: Why you won’t regret this investment

Classic, modern, rustic, and more with blue kitchen cabinets

Kitchen remodels are probably one of the most common home construction projects and they are also a huge deal — there are a ton of decisions to make, the work takes a long time, and it’s expensive. One of the most significant decisions to make is cabinetry since, in most kitchens, the cabinets take up a good deal of space.

Even if you aren’t totally remodeling your kitchen, you may still be considering either new kitchen cabinets or painting the ones you have. Whatever your kitchen’s current cabinet situation, if you’re going to replace or refinish them, consider blue kitchen cabinets. All types of blue kitchen cabinets are having their moment, and it’s not just a passing trend.

Though blue is seemingly a color of the moment, it really isn’t. Most shades of blue are considered timeless, and designers have favored blue hues for years. The good news is that if you want to plunge into blue cabinetry, you won’t regret it years down the road. Bringing blue into the kitchen with cabinets is a great way to introduce color into the space while remaining classic. And the best part is, blue is extremely versatile, so no matter what look you’re going for, you’ll be able to find a shade of blue to pull it off. Check out how blue kitchen cabinets can work for you and your home.

Kitchen with navy blue cabinets and brass hardware

Navy blue kitchen cabinets

Navy is a timeless shade of blue to use in the kitchen. Navy blue kitchen cabinets look great when paired with brass or copper hardware. The red and yellow tones in copper and brass both contrast and complement deep blue tones. Navy cabinets also pair well with white, off-white, and shades of cream — think countertops and backsplashes.

You can go dark with the floors, so don’t worry if you had your heart set on dark hardwood. If you want a more natural vibe, pair navy blue kitchen cabinets with stained wood shelving, a natural wood island, or exposed wood beams. Throw in a couple of house plants and a few woven baskets and you’ll be well on your way to a biophilic design.

Kitchen with light blue cabinets and wood accents
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Light blue kitchen cabinets

If you’re going for a pretty, open, and soft look in your kitchen, light blue kitchen cabinets are the way to go. Light blue feels airy and pairs beautifully with silver or brass hardware and fixtures. You could also decorate with woven and natural materials for a coastal vibe.

If you’ve been dreaming of farmhouse blue kitchen cabinets, multiple shades of light blue will give you the look you’re going for — sky blue, powder blue, and even robin’s-egg blue will all work. Don’t be afraid to contrast your light blue with darker shades of blue here and there or even other dark colors. It’s important to have some contrast in your designs so everything doesn’t feel monotone and boring.

Kitchen with dark blue cabinets and copper hardware
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Dark blue kitchen cabinets

Dark blue hues don’t have to stop at navy. You can achieve modern blue kitchen cabinets by choosing a color with gray undertones, like a dusty blue-gray, and pairing it with other earthy materials. Wooden furniture or flooring, concrete countertops, chrome hardware, fixtures, and bright lighting are just a few ways to pull off modern with blue kitchen cabinets.

Dark blue comes off as classy and high end, no matter what you pair it with, so the possibilities are endless when it comes to shades of dark blue on your kitchen cabinets. If you’re going to go dark, make sure you pay attention to the lighting. If your kitchen is small or you don’t have great natural light sources, be sure you have enough light fixtures to brighten up the space.

Investing in new kitchen cabinets is a big decision, whether you’re replacing them entirely or giving them a facelift by painting or refinishing them. Blue cabinetry is popping up more and more these days, but it isn’t just a passing trend. There are so many shades of blue, you can pull off almost any look that you’re going for with the right choices. Don’t be afraid to try a few different shades when you’re shopping and think outside of your comfort zone. If you’re considering trying blue cabinets in your kitchen, we say go for it — we think you’ll be happy with your choice.

Editors' Recommendations

Kelly Kaliszewski
Kelly's work has appeared in blogs and on websites. When she's not writing, she is playing with her two dogs, cooking, or…
Maximize your pantry space with these 3 great Ikea kitchen cabinets
Ikea kitchen cabinets with the best storage options
Man eating food in a kitchen with blue walls

We store lots and lots of things in our kitchens — from pots, pans, and cookbooks to cutlery, Tupperware, and small appliances. And the shelves can get pretty packed. With the addition of one of these three Ikea kitchen cabinets, it’s possible to free up space for those extra items you never know where to store.

Choose a spot in or near your kitchen for extra pantry space and consider introducing a new cabinet to optimize your kitchen storage. With less clutter, it will be easier to find everything you need when cooking. Check out these three great Ikea kitchen cabinets that will solve all your kitchen storage woes.

Read more
8 kitchen wall decor ideas that don’t look like generic buys from a big-box store
Try these kitchen wall decor ideas to bring charm into your space
Simple and modern styled kitchen counter

One issue many homeowners face is decorating a blank kitchen wall. Kitchen wall decor from big-box stores often looks cheap, tacky, or cliche. For some, this can present a major problem. How can you include personality in your space? What should you do if you want something more unique?

Look, we completely understand the frustration. That’s why we’re giving you eight incredible kitchen wall decor ideas to help you create a classy and comfortable space without looking like you just walked out of the store.

Read more
6 kitchen designs that prove how versatile shaker cabinets really are
These kitchens stun with timeless shaker cabinets
Blue kitchen cabinets in farmhouse design

Shaker cabinets are a simple, elegant choice for any kitchen
Shaker cabinets have been around for centuries and with good reason — they are timeless, elegant, simple, and clean. Whatever kitchen design you have landed on, shaker cabinets can add a ton of style to the space. Shaker kitchen cabinets are best known for their square edges and some with inset panels.

First coined by the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing — the term "shaker" came out of the "Shaking Quakers" group in the U.K. In 1780, the shaker community came to the U.S., where they showcased their furniture-making skills, among others — and the style has remained popular across the country ever since.

Read more