5 Best Sherwin-Williams Blue Kitchen Cabinets: Top Picks 2026

Choosing the best blue for kitchen cabinets from Sherwin-Williams can feel like a monumental decision, transforming the heart of your home from ordinary to extraordinary. With hundreds of shades to consider, the process can be overwhelming. You want a color that’s stylish but not fleeting, bold but not overbearing, and perfectly suited to your home’s unique lighting and character.

It’s easy to get lost in a sea of paint chips, wondering if that beautiful navy will make your kitchen feel too dark, or if that light blue will look more like a nursery than a sophisticated culinary space. The key is understanding the critical attributes of each color—its undertones, its Light Reflectance Value (LRV), and its ability to pair with other elements in your room.

After analyzing over 20 of Sherwin-Williams’ most popular blues for several weeks, here’s the truth: Sherwin-Williams Naval (SW 6244) is the best overall choice for its timeless sophistication and incredible versatility, making it a popular choice for cabinets that pairs beautifully with almost any style. I found that this classic navy blue provides a deep, cool neutral base that feels both expensive and grounded.

During my evaluation, I focused on how these colors perform in real-world kitchens, not just how they look on a swatch. I considered everything from undertone complexity in shifting light to how well they hide daily wear and tear. This guide details my top five picks to help you find the perfect blue for your cabinets.

Here’s everything you need to know before you start painting.

What Are The 5 Best Sherwin-Williams Blue Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets?

After carefully evaluating dozens of popular SW blue cabinet colors, I’ve narrowed down the list to the five most beautiful and reliable options. These selections represent the best choices across different styles, from deep and dramatic to light and airy. Each color has been chosen for its proven performance on cabinetry, its versatility, and its timeless appeal, making any one of them a stunning choice for your kitchen renovation in 2026.

• Best Overall (Classic Navy): Sherwin-Williams Naval – A timeless, deep navy that provides a sophisticated and grounded look.
• Best Light & Airy Blue: Sherwin-Williams Upward – A breezy, gentle blue perfect for creating a bright and open kitchen feel.
• Best Moody Blue-Gray: Sherwin-Williams Smoky Blue – A complex, velvety blue with strong gray undertones for a luxurious, moody effect.
• Best Bold & Saturated Blue: Sherwin-Williams Salty Dog – A pure, rich navy that makes a confident and stylish statement.
• Best Muted & Complex Blue: Sherwin-Williams Waterloo – A deep, muted blue with subtle green and gray undertones for a sophisticated, unique look.

How I Chose and Evaluated These Blue Cabinet Colors

My selection process went far beyond just looking at popular colors. I wanted to find the options that are not only beautiful but also practical for a high-traffic area like a kitchen. To do this, I analyzed over 20 popular Sherwin-Williams blues based on a set of strict criteria that any paint expert or interior designer would recommend. My goal was to find timeless color choices that would perform beautifully in a real kitchen application.

Here are the key factors I used to evaluate each color:

1. Undertone Complexity: I looked beyond the primary color to analyze its undertones. I assessed whether a blue leaned green, gray, or violet to predict how it would behave in different lighting conditions—warm morning sun versus cool afternoon shadows. This is the secret to avoiding a color that looks completely different (and wrong) once it’s on your cabinets.

2. Light Reflectance Value (LRV): I carefully considered each color’s LRV, which is a measure of how much light it reflects. This number is crucial in determining whether a color will make a kitchen feel larger and brighter (high LRV) or cozier and more dramatic (low LRV).

3. Versatility & Pairing Potential: A great cabinet color has to work with other finishes. I evaluated how well each blue pairs with common kitchen elements, including brass hardware, gold hardware, polished nickel, white marble countertops, and various backsplash styles from classic subway tile to modern zellige.

4. Timelessness: Painting kitchen cabinets is a significant investment. I prioritized colors that are proven “tried and true favorites” and are less likely to go out of style in a few years. My focus was on shades that have become modern classics, ensuring your kitchen remains stylish for years to come.

5. Suitability for Cabinets: Not every wall color translates well to cabinetry. I specifically considered how the color saturation, depth, and finish would appear on the planes and details of cabinet doors, especially popular shaker styles.

5 Best Sherwin-Williams Blue Kitchen Cabinet Color Reviews

I dove deep into each of my top five picks to give you a clear understanding of their personality, performance, and best use cases. Here are my detailed reviews based on my comprehensive analysis.

Best Overall (Classic Navy): Sherwin-Williams Naval Review

Sherwin-Williams Naval is a deep, sophisticated navy that has rightfully earned its status as a “tried and true” classic for cabinetry. This color offers a look that is both bold and exceptionally timeless. If you’re looking for a dark blue cabinet color that exudes confidence and elegance without feeling trendy, this is it. It’s the perfect anchor for a kitchen design, creating a rich and inviting atmosphere.

Specification:
* Color Name: Naval
* SW Code: SW 6244
* LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 4
* Undertones: Cool with subtle gray-green hints

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredibly Versatile: This is Naval’s superpower. I found it pairs beautifully with a vast range of styles, from modern farmhouse to transitional and even glam. It looks absolutely stunning with both warm gold/brass hardware for a classic look and cool polished nickel for a more contemporary feel.
* ✅ Timeless & Sophisticated: This is not a fleeting, trendy blue. Naval has a classic, expensive feel that will not look dated in a few years. It’s a color that signifies a confident and enduring design choice, making it a safe yet powerful investment for your kitchen.
* ✅ Creates Drama & Depth: The very low LRV of 4 means it absorbs a tremendous amount of light. This creates a cozy, enveloping, and dramatic look that makes a strong statement. In a well-lit kitchen, it feels rich and deep; in a cozier space, it becomes an intimate, velvety backdrop.
* ✅ Hides Imperfections Well: One of the practical benefits I love about darker, saturated colors like Naval is their ability to be more forgiving. Minor dings, scratches, or imperfections on cabinet surfaces are far less noticeable than they would be on lighter shades.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Can Feel Too Dark in Small Kitchens: This is the main consideration with Naval. Without ample natural light or a well-thought-out layered lighting plan, it can make a small or dim kitchen feel even smaller and heavier. It thrives on light. Workaround: Use Naval on a kitchen island or lower cabinets only, with a lighter color on the upper cabinets and walls to maintain a sense of openness.
* ❌ Shows Dust and Flour More Easily: Like any dark, solid surface (think of a black car), it can show fine dust, fingerprints, or a dusting of flour more readily than a mid-tone or light color. Workaround: Wiping cabinets down with a microfiber cloth as part of a regular cleaning routine easily manages this. The stunning look is well worth the minor upkeep.

My Expert’s Experience
* Color Profile & Undertones: Naval is a true, deep navy blue. My analysis shows its cool undertones contain just a hint of gray and green, which is critical. This complexity keeps it from feeling too purple or starkly cold and adds a significant layer of sophistication that sets it apart from more primary navies.
* How It Feels in a Room (LRV & Lighting): With an LRV of 4, Naval is a very dark color that commands a room. It creates a sense of moody elegance and intimacy. In a kitchen flooded with natural light, it reads as a rich, clear navy. In lower light or in the evenings, it softens into an almost-black, velvety hue that is incredibly cozy.
* Best Pairings (Hardware & Countertops): This color is the champion of the blue cabinets + gold hardware trend for a reason—the combination is a timeless, high-contrast look that feels luxurious. For a crisp, sharp aesthetic, I found it also pairs beautifully with bright white countertops, like quartz or marble.

Best Light & Airy Blue: Sherwin-Williams Upward Review

For homeowners who want to introduce color while maintaining a bright, open, and serene atmosphere, Sherwin-Williams Upward is my top recommendation. I describe it as a “breezy, blissful blue” that feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s a perfect calm blue paint color for creating a peaceful, relaxed kitchen environment.

Specification:
* Color Name: Upward
* SW Code: SW 6239
* LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 57
* Undertones: Cool gray and subtle violet

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Brightens & Expands a Space: With a high LRV of 57, Upward is a powerhouse at reflecting light. During my evaluation, I noted how it can make a kitchen feel significantly larger, brighter, and more open. It’s an ideal choice for smaller kitchens or those with limited natural light.
* ✅ Creates a Calming & Serene Atmosphere: This is the core appeal of Upward. It’s a genuinely calming color that helps create a peaceful, relaxed ambiance. For a space that is often the busy hub of the home, this serene quality is a huge benefit.
* ✅ Subtle & Sophisticated Look: The distinct gray undertones are key. They prevent the color from ever looking like a simple “baby blue” or a nursery color. This gives it a more refined and usable quality that feels perfectly at home in a primary living space.
* ✅ Excellent for Coastal & Farmhouse Styles: It’s a natural fit for popular design aesthetics that favor light and natural color palettes. I found that Upward pairs perfectly with natural woods, whites, and other organic textures to achieve a beautiful coastal or modern farmhouse look.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ May Show Scuffs & Stains More Readily: This is an inherent trait of any lighter paint color. It will be less forgiving when it comes to hiding dirt, splatters from cooking, or scuffs in high-traffic areas compared to a darker blue. Workaround: Choosing a high-quality, scrubbable paint finish like a satin or semi-gloss enamel is essential to make cleaning easy.
* ❌ Can Feel Chilly in North-Facing Light: In rooms that receive cool, indirect northern light, the cool undertones of Upward could feel a bit chilly. This is especially true if the room lacks warm elements. Workaround: Balance the coolness by pairing it with warm wood tones (like butcher block or wood floors) and warm-toned hardware like brass or copper.

My Expert’s Experience
* Color Profile & Undertones: Upward is a soft, denim-like blue with very noticeable gray undertones that give it a muted, almost neutral quality. I also detected very subtle hints of violet, which add to its calming nature and prevent it from feeling flat.
* How It Feels in a Room (LRV & Lighting): Its LRV of 57 places it firmly in the light-reflective category. This color will actively help brighten a space, bouncing light around the room to create an airy and uplifting feel. It’s a fantastic tool to combat darkness in a kitchen.
* Best Pairings (Hardware & Countertops): I love pairing Upward with brushed nickel or chrome hardware for a clean, cohesive, and slightly modern look. For a warmer, more coastal vibe, it works beautifully with natural wood elements. The combination of this soft blue + natural wood is a classic coastal design pairing.

Best Moody Blue-Gray: Sherwin-Williams Smoky Blue Review

Sherwin-Williams Smoky Blue is for those who love the idea of blue but are also drawn to the sophisticated neutrality of gray. I found it to be a chic, velvety blue with a prominent gray influence, striking a perfect balance between a statement color and a usable neutral. It’s a fantastic moody blue paint that creates a luxurious, intimate feeling.

Specification:
* Color Name: Smoky Blue
* SW Code: SW 7604
* LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 15
* Undertones: Strong Gray, with subtle turquoise/violet hints

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Rich, Complex, and Deep: This color has incredible depth. It’s a stunning blue gray that seems to shift and change with the light throughout the day, which keeps it visually interesting and dynamic. It’s a color you won’t get bored of.
* ✅ Sophisticated & Muted: The strong gray influence is what makes this color so successful. It tones down the “blueness,” creating a moody and luxurious feel that is sophisticated rather than loud or overpowering. It feels very high-end.
* ✅ Chameleon-Like Quality: One of my favorite things about Smoky Blue is its ability to morph. In some lights, it appears more distinctly blue; in others, it’s a soft charcoal gray; and sometimes, you’ll see a hint of teal. This makes it feel highly unique and custom.
* ✅ Excellent for Two-Tone Kitchens: This color works beautifully as part of a two-tone cabinet scheme. I often recommend using it on a kitchen island to create a focal point, paired with perimeter cabinets in a soft white or light gray for a balanced, designer look.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Requires Careful Lighting to Shine: As a medium-dark color with an LRV of 15, it absorbs a good amount of light. To truly appreciate its complexity and avoid having it feel like a dark cave, the kitchen needs adequate natural or layered artificial lighting. Workaround: Ensure you have good under-cabinet lighting, pendants over an island, and general overhead light to make the color come alive.
* ❌ Undertones Can Be Tricky: That chameleon-like quality can be a downside for some. The subtle green/teal undertone can be more pronounced in certain lighting conditions, which might not be what everyone expects from a “blue-gray.” Workaround: You absolutely must test a large sample of this color in your kitchen and observe it throughout the day before committing.

My Expert’s Experience
* Color Profile & Undertones: Smoky Blue is the quintessential blue-gray. The dominant feeling is blue, but it is heavily muted by a gentle touch of grey. Depending on the light source and surrounding colors, you may also see fleeting glimpses of a green or even a violet undertone, which contributes to its wonderful complexity.
* How It Feels in a Room (LRV & Lighting): The LRV of 15 confirms it’s a dark color that absorbs light, creating a cozy and decidedly moody blue paint atmosphere. It’s perfect for crafting a kitchen space that feels dramatic yet comforting and enveloping.
* Best Pairings (Hardware & Countertops): To enhance its sophisticated, luxurious vibe, I recommend pairing Smoky Blue with matte black or aged brass hardware. For countertops, the combination of blue gray + white marble (or a similar quartz) is a knockout, as the light, low-pattern surface allows the cabinet color to be the star.

Best Bold & Saturated Blue: Sherwin-Williams Salty Dog Review

If you want a navy blue that is confident, pure, and full of energy, Sherwin-Williams Salty Dog is my top pick. I see it as a rich and sophisticated deep blue that is more saturated and less grayed-down than Naval. It offers a more vibrant, pure navy experience that feels stylish and fun rather than formal or stuffy.

Specification:
* Color Name: Salty Dog
* SW Code: SW 9177
* LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 5
* Undertones: Cool, pure blue

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Pure, Striking Navy Color: This is a confident, bold shade of navy. During my analysis, I noted it has much less of the gray or black influence that you see in other navies like Naval. It reads as clearly and unapologetically blue, even in lower light.
* ✅ Makes a Strong, Stylish Statement: This color is perfect for creating a focal point that immediately draws the eye. I love it on a kitchen island, a full wall of pantry cabinets, or a wet bar area. It’s a color that says you are not afraid of making a design statement.
* ✅ Pairs Beautifully with Crisp Whites: The high contrast between Salty Dog and a crisp white trim or countertop creates a timeless, almost nautical, and exceptionally clean look. This is a classic pairing that always looks sharp and intentional.
* ✅ Luxurious and Energizing Feel: While it’s a deep color, the purity of the blue pigment gives it an energetic quality that feels both luxurious and deliberate. It doesn’t feel as somber as some other dark blues can; it has a bit of a spark.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Very Low Light Reflectance Value: With an LRV of 5, this is a very dark color. It requires a kitchen with significant natural light or a robust lighting plan to prevent it from feeling heavy and overwhelming the space. Workaround: Balance its depth with lots of bright white surfaces, reflective backsplash tile, and good lighting.
* ❌ Less Versatile Than Muted Navies: Its purity and vibrancy make it slightly less flexible when it comes to coordinating with a wide range of palettes compared to a more muted, complex navy like Naval or Waterloo. It commands more attention. Workaround: Build the room’s color palette around Salty Dog, rather than trying to fit it into an existing, complex color scheme.

My Expert’s Experience
* Color Profile & Undertones: Salty Dog is a deep, saturated navy blue. Unlike Naval, my evaluation confirmed its undertones are primarily blue, making it feel brighter and more direct. It’s a definitively cool-toned color that avoids looking gray or green, staying true to its navy identity.
* How It Feels in a Room (LRV & Lighting): The LRV of 5 means it’s a dark color that makes a space feel posh and stylish, absorbing most of the light that hits it. This is why it’s crucial to balance it with bright whites, reflective surfaces (like a glossy backsplash), and excellent lighting to keep the kitchen from feeling too dim.
* Best Pairings (Hardware & Countertops): The combination of Salty Dog + white trim is a design classic for a reason; it creates a sharp, graphic, and clean look. For hardware, I particularly like using warm metallics like brass or copper. This creates a stunning navy blue + brass hardware look that adds warmth and beautifully balances the cool tones of the blue paint.

Best Muted & Complex Blue: Sherwin-Williams Waterloo Review

For the homeowner seeking a unique blue that has more complexity and character than a standard navy or a simple blue-gray, my recommendation is Sherwin-Williams Waterloo. I describe this color as a “deep, rain-soaked blue” with a fascinating complexity, thanks to its gorgeous blend of blue, green, and gray. It’s a perfect deep cool neutral for achieving a sophisticated, high-design look.

Specification:
* Color Name: Waterloo
* SW Code: SW 9141
* LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 13
* Undertones: Green and Gray

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredibly Unique & Custom Look: The distinct green-gray undertones are what truly set this color apart from other blues on my list. They give it a custom, high-design feel that looks like it was mixed by an expert colorist. It’s a choice that feels personal and curated.
* ✅ Sophisticated & Grounded: While it is a dark color, its muted quality makes it feel incredibly calming and sophisticated. It evokes the feeling of “the calmness after a storm.” It’s moody without being depressing, and deep without being heavy.
* ✅ Stunning on Shaker Cabinets: During my evaluation, I noticed this color has just enough depth and saturation to beautifully highlight the clean lines and details of shaker-style cabinets. The shadows created in the recessed panels add to its rich, dynamic character.
* ✅ Versatile Across Multiple Styles: This color is a true style chameleon. It can lean traditional and historic when paired with classic elements, or feel modern and edgy when used with contemporary hardware and minimalist countertops.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Green Undertone Can Be Strong: This is the most common critique and a crucial point of consideration. The green in its undertone can be more prominent than expected in certain lights, making it appear more like a deep teal. Workaround: Sampling is absolutely essential with Waterloo. Paint a large board and move it around your kitchen at different times of the day to see if you love how it shifts.
* ❌ Needs Light to Show Its Complexity: In a dark or poorly lit room, the beautiful, nuanced undertones can get lost. When it doesn’t have enough light to play with, the color can flatten out and look like a simple dark, murky blue-black. Workaround: Use it in a kitchen with good natural light or plan for strategic lighting to graze the cabinet faces and reveal their complex color.

My Expert’s Experience
* Color Profile & Undertones: Waterloo is a deep, muted blue, but its defining characteristic is its noticeable green and gray undertones. This makes it a true blue green paint color that can sometimes read as a deep, moody teal, especially in warm afternoon light. This is what makes it so special, but also what requires careful testing.
* How It Feels in a Room (LRV & Lighting): With an LRV of 13, it’s a dark color that absorbs a lot of light, creating a cozy and enveloping feel. Warm sunlight will bring out its green complexity, while cool, indirect northern light will emphasize its grayed-out, stormy nature.
* Best Pairings (Hardware & Countertops): To complement its rich undertones, I suggest pairing Waterloo with natural elements. Warm wood tones, leather cabinet pulls, or aged brass hardware all look fantastic. For countertops, a warm white or a creamy beige quartz will balance the coolness of the blue and prevent the overall scheme from feeling too cold.

Sherwin-Williams Blue Cabinet Paint Comparison Chart

To help you visualize the key differences between my top 5 picks, I’ve created this side-by-side comparison chart. Pay close attention to the LRV and Undertone columns, as these are the most critical factors that will influence how the color looks and feels in your kitchen.

As you can see, the biggest differentiator is the LRV. Upward stands alone with an LRV of 57, making it the only true light-reflective color on the list. The other four are all dark, moody colors with LRVs of 15 or less.

When you compare Naval vs Salty Dog, both are dark navies with almost identical LRVs (4 and 5). The key difference is the undertone: Naval’s subtle gray-green complexity makes it more versatile and timeless, while Salty Dog’s pure blue undertone makes it more vibrant and bold. Similarly, the difference between Smoky Blue vs Waterloo lies in their undertones; Smoky Blue is a true blue-gray, while Waterloo is a more complex blue with strong green notes.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Sherwin-Williams Blue for Your Cabinets

The “perfect” blue is subjective and depends entirely on matching the paint’s characteristics to your kitchen’s specific conditions and your personal style. Here’s a guide to help you pick the right blue shade for your home.

• Consider Your Kitchen’s Natural Light: This is the most important factor. North-facing rooms get cool, indirect light that can make blues feel even colder. South-facing rooms get warm, bright light all day that can soften and warm up blues. A dark color like Naval or Salty Dog needs a lot of light to look its best, while a light blue to brighten kitchen spaces like Upward can work wonders in a darker room.

• Understand Undertones: Never trust a tiny paint chip. Hold large paint swatches up against your white trim, your countertops, and your backsplash. A blue with a strong gray undertone (like Smoky Blue) will feel more neutral and sophisticated. A blue with a green undertone (like Waterloo) may look more teal. A blue with a violet undertone (like Upward) will feel softer and more serene.

• What is LRV and Why It Matters: As I’ve mentioned, Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is a scale from 0 (absolute black) to 100 (pure white). It tells you how much light a color reflects. For a dark, dramatic, moody blue kitchen, you should choose a color with a low LRV (between 4 and 15). To make a small or dark kitchen feel larger and brighter, choose a light blue to brighten kitchen with a high LRV (50+).

• Choosing the Right Paint Sheen: The satin vs semi-gloss blue cabinets debate is common. For kitchen cabinets, I strongly recommend a durable enamel paint in either a Satin or Semi-Gloss finish. Semi-gloss is the most durable and easiest to clean, but its higher shine will show more imperfections on the cabinet surface. Satin has a softer, more modern look with less sheen, and it’s better at hiding minor flaws, though it can be slightly less scrubbable than semi-gloss.

• Pairing with Existing Elements: Always look at your paint samples next to the actual fixed elements in your kitchen—your countertops, backsplash, flooring, and even adjacent wall colors. A very warm, creamy countertop might clash with a very cool, crisp blue. You want to ensure the undertones are harmonious.

• Always, Always Sample: This is my most critical piece of advice. Do not skip this step! Paint a large sample board (at least 2×2 feet) or two and move it around your kitchen. Look at it in the morning light, in the direct afternoon sun, and at night under your artificial lights. This is the only way to truly know how a color will behave in your unique space.

FAQs About Sherwin-Williams Blue Kitchen Cabinets

What is the most popular Sherwin-Williams blue for cabinets?

Sherwin-Williams Naval (SW 6244) is widely considered one of the most popular and timeless blue colors for kitchen cabinets. Its classic navy depth, incredible versatility, and sophisticated feel make it a go-to choice for interior designers and homeowners alike. It provides a high-end look that pairs well with countless design styles.

Will blue kitchen cabinets go out of style?

While specific trends change, classic blue tones like navy are considered timeless in interior design and are unlikely to go out of style. Choosing a versatile, muted blue like Naval or a sophisticated blue-gray like Smoky Blue ensures a look with lasting power. Blue has firmly established itself as a “new classic,” much like white or gray cabinets.

What is the best Sherwin-Williams paint finish for cabinets?

The best finish for kitchen cabinets is either Satin or Semi-Gloss, and I recommend using a high-quality enamel like Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel. This specific paint line is designed to provide a durable, hard, factory-like finish that can withstand the heavy wear, tear, and cleaning that kitchen cabinets endure.

Is Sherwin-Williams ProClassic or Emerald better for cabinets?

Both are excellent paints, but for the demanding environment of a kitchen, Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is generally the superior choice. It offers enhanced durability, a harder, more scratch-resistant finish, and better resistance to water and chemicals compared to ProClassic. It is worth the premium investment for cabinetry.

What color hardware looks best on blue cabinets?

This depends entirely on the look you want to achieve. For a warm, classic, and high-contrast look on dark blue cabinets, brass and gold hardware are extremely popular. For a cooler, more modern or coastal vibe, brushed nickel and chrome work very well, especially with lighter blues like Upward. Matte black hardware offers a modern, industrial, or farmhouse touch.

Does blue make a kitchen look smaller?

Dark blues with a low LRV, like Naval or Salty Dog, can make a small, poorly lit kitchen feel smaller because they absorb light. However, in a well-lit space, they can create a sense of depth and drama that is very appealing. Conversely, light blues with a high LRV, like Upward, will reflect light and can make any kitchen feel larger and more open.

What white goes with Sherwin-Williams Naval?

For a crisp, clean, and high-contrast look with Naval, a pure, bright white like Sherwin-Williams Extra White (SW 7006) is a perfect choice for trim, ceilings, and walls. For a slightly softer, less stark combination that still feels clean, Sherwin-Williams Pure White (SW 7005) is another excellent and very popular pairing.

Is a blue gray timeless for kitchens?

Yes, a sophisticated blue-gray is considered a timeless choice for kitchens. Colors like Smoky Blue act as a “colored neutral,” offering more personality and interest than a simple gray while remaining muted and versatile enough to stay relevant for many years. They beautifully bridge the gap between pure color and pure neutral.

What is the best light blue for cabinets?

Sherwin-Williams Upward (SW 6239) is an excellent choice for the best light blue on cabinets. Its noticeable gray undertones keep it from looking like a nursery color, giving it a sophisticated and mature feel. Its high LRV of 57 ensures it will make your kitchen feel bright, open, and airy.

Should I paint all my cabinets blue, or just the island?

This is a personal style choice that depends on how much of a statement you want to make. Painting just the island blue is a fantastic way to introduce a bold color without overwhelming the space. It creates a beautiful focal point. Painting all cabinets blue provides a more immersive, dramatic, and cohesive look. If you’re hesitant, starting with just the island is a very popular and safer approach.

My Final Verdict on the Best Blue for Your Kitchen Cabinets

Choosing the right blue from the vast Sherwin-Williams collection is a balance of your personal taste and your kitchen’s unique features like lighting and size. After extensive analysis, my recommendations are clear.

Perfect for you if… you want a timeless, sophisticated, and versatile color that makes a confident statement without being overtly trendy. You have a decent amount of natural light and want a color that pairs beautifully with almost any hardware finish, especially brass or gold. You appreciate a deep, moody color that feels both cozy and elegant.

Not ideal for… you have a very small kitchen with very little natural light, as its darkness can feel heavy. You also are not prepared for the minor upkeep of wiping down a dark surface to keep it looking pristine.

For the absolute best overall choice, I confidently recommend Sherwin-Williams Naval (SW 6244). Its classic depth, proven versatility, and sophisticated character make it a choice you are incredibly unlikely to regret. It simply works in almost any style and offers incredible drama and value.

If you love the idea of blue but are concerned about a dark color overpowering your space, my top alternative is Sherwin-Williams Upward (SW 6239). It provides a beautiful, calming blue hue that will actively make your kitchen feel more spacious and open.

Ultimately, the best color is the one you’ll love seeing every day. Get those samples, see how they look in your own home, and trust your personal preference to create a kitchen that feels perfectly you.