Upgrading a kitchen with red cabinets is a little bit tricky.

Red is such a bold, daring, and appetite-triggering color. If it is matched with the wrong shades, your kitchen can turn into a mess of mismatched elements.

So, to help you avoid that scenario, use our color guide to transform your kitchen into a tempting cooking space.

What colors complement red cabinets in the kitchen?

Complementing red cabinets in the kitchen involves selecting colors that enhance the vibrant and bold nature of the red. White is a classic choice, creating a crisp and clean contrast that allows the red cabinets to stand out. Neutral tones like beige or gray provide a more subdued backdrop while still offering a harmonious balance. Darker shades, such as navy blue or charcoal, can create a sophisticated and dramatic look. For a warm and inviting feel, consider natural tones like earthy greens or warm browns. Ultimately, it’s essential to strike a balance that aligns with your personal taste and the overall atmosphere you want to achieve in your kitchen. Testing color samples in your kitchen space will help you visualize the combination and make an informed decision.

White, grey, black, and green colors go well with red cabinets. Grey or white countertops with red cabinets are a timeless match. Creamy white, grey, or burnt-orange walls, paired with Walnut or grey floor will be a brilliant option. Lastly, grey or green backsplash with stainless steel appliances.

The reason why people avoid using red as a cabinet color is that they don’t know how to design their kitchen interior around it.

But once you understand what colors go with red, you will be convinced to have red cabinets in your kitchen. So, let’s get you acquainted with the perfect color scheme to go well with red shades.

What Paint Colors go with Red Cabinets?

White, Grey, and off-white colors go beautifully with red cabinets. Also, olive green, navy blue, black, and charcoal grey complement red colors. You can go with Alabaster SW 7008, Belgravia – Myland, Pumpkin Patch – PPG, Ammonite – Farrow & Ball, Devine Cream – Valspar, and City Shadow – CSP 60.

Red is such an energetic color. A muted and earthy red cabinets are perfect for a traditional kitchen whereas high gloss Scarlett red cabinets will give your kitchen an ultra-modern appearance.

Red is a bold color that needs balance to tone it down a notch. So, use colors that will balance with the strong shades of red. White goes with nearly everything and it goes well with red too. Grey, off-white, dark green, burnt orange, olive green, black, and navy blue are the colors you should go for when you have red cabinets.

Go with these shades to pair your red cabinets with.

• White Tie – Farrow & Ball Here
• French canvas – OC 41
• Origami White SW 7636 Here
• School House White – Farrow & Ball
• Whisper – Dunn Edwards Here
• Fresh Concrete – Portola Paints
• Downpipe – Farrow & Ball
• Split Pea – 2146-30
• Dynamo – PPG

TOP 5 PAINT WALL COLORS THAT WOULD COMPLEMENT RED KITCHEN CABINETS COLOR SCHEME

Paint Color	Brand	Approximate Price Range	Purchase Link on Amazon.com	Sample Option from Samplize.com
Thunderous	Sherwin-Williams	$40 – $50	Checkout now!	Checkout now!
Raintree Green	Benjamin Moore	$40 – $50	Checkout now!	Checkout now!
Blooming Grove	Benjamin Moore	$40 – $50	Checkout now!	Checkout now!
Capri	Sherwin-Williams	$40 – $50	Checkout now!	Checkout now!
Bashful	Benjamin Moore	$40 – $50	Checkout now!	Checkout now!

What Color Appliances to Use with Red Cabinets?

Black and Stainless steel appliances will match perfectly with red cabinets. White appliances can also be used but black will be the best bet to have a sophisticated and elegant kitchen with red cabinets.

It goes without saying that white is the color for red and white appliances should be a good match with red.

So, it will look good when you have other white elements in the kitchen, In that case, it will harmonize well with the red cabinets.

But black and stainless steel appliances are the best options to highlight and magnify the character of red color in the kitchen. So black stainless steel and the black appliance will be a good match to go with the beautiful red cabinets.

What Color Countertops go with Red Cabinets?

Grey, Black, and white countertops are the best colors to go with red cabinets. Butcher block worktops also look great with red. The best granites to go with red color are Pearl, New River White, Moon White, Colonial White, Kashmir, Aspen White, and Virginia Honed Mist.

As for countertop colors avoid colors that are too glitzy and shiny. Because red is already a bold color, so pair it with white, grey, and black countertops. These colors will beautifully accentuate the warm and bold hues of red in the kitchen. Off-white and creamy whites will also highlight the red color.

Butcher block worktop will be a great idea to create an industrial and rusty kitchen ambiance. When selecting a wood countertop, be mindful of the undertones of the wood, if it will go well with the shade of ed you have in your galley.

Here are some of the top granite countertops to go with red cabinets.

• Andino White
• Super White
• Aspen White
• White Fantasy
• Pearl
• Bianca Diamante
• Jet Black

Sherwin Williams Paint Colors that go with Red Cabinets.

Alpaca SW 7022 and Mindful Gray SW 7106 are the perfect matches to go with red cabinets. The different shades of white, grey, and green from Sherwin Williams look amazing with red shades. Go with paint colors such as Silver Peony SW 6547, Ramie SW 6156, Misty SW 6232, and Majolica Green SW 0013.

If you have decided to have your kitchen painted with Sherwin Williams paint colors then first you must understand the tone of your red cabinets. If it is a muted red or a glitzy and shiny counterpart. So, once you know what color you will match with it then you can have a look at Sherwin Williams’s color catalog. Browse through the white, off-white, grey, black, and green color families to find the color you desire to go for.

Also, bring a sample of the colors you have picked to match the red shade of your cabinet. It will help you select the perfect color scheme to go with your red cabinets.

• Requisite Gray SW 7023
• Pure White SW 7005
• Dover White SW 6385
• Snowbound SW 7004
• Eider White SW 7014

Benjamin Moore Paint Colors that go with Red Cabinets.

Alaskan Skies – 972 and Wasabi – AF 430 will pair wonderfully with red cabinets. Apart from that some of the most beautiful Benjamin Moore’s paint colors to go with red are Calm – OC 22, Crisp Linen – CSP 305, Titanium – OC 29, Revere Pewter – HC 172, and Electric Orange – 2015-10.

Benjamin Moore is another famous paint brand that has so many beautiful shades of creamy white and cool greys. And you will find some of the prettiest hues to complement the red cabinets in your kitchen.

Go through white, grey, green, black, and navy blue shades in the color catalog of Benjamin Moore’s paint colors. Pick colors according to your preference but keep in account the shade of your red cabinets.

Here are some of the best Benjamin Moore colors to go with red cabinets.

• Simply White – OC 117
• Dune White – 968
• China White – PM 20
• Moonshine – 2140-60
• Granite – AF 660
• Classic Gray – 1548

What Color Backsplash with Red Cabinets?

Grey, Black, and Green backsplash are the perfect colors to go with red cabinets. White is the classic backsplash color to accentuate the warm tones of red cabinetry. Olive green subway tiles also look remarkable against red. White, and grey subway tile or marble will also be a good option.

Thinking about adding some spice into an otherwise bland kitchen? These dark red cabinets are a great example of how adding bold tones to your kitchen can really improve it. Plus, red is supposed to stoke the appetite, so it’s… https://t.co/C47UHpOAaY pic.twitter.com/UjawRKl0D6

— MrWestside Real Estate (@MrWestside_com) May 15, 2024

Rarely do we see a backsplash color that is the same as the cabinet’s color. Contrasting colors like a grey backsplash or a blush pink backsplash with red cabinets create a well-balanced and energetic effect. An all-white kitchen is beautiful, but an all-red kitchen will be a disaster.

So stay away from the red backsplash.

White, Charcoal Grey, Off-white, and black backsplash colors with red cabinets will be a lively combination.

The light colors like white, cream and olive green add brightness to the bold kitchen design. Whereas black, charcoal grey, blue, and dark green backsplash are the only dark contrasting colors to match accurately and give off a cozy and inviting aura.

What Color Floor goes with Red Cabinets?

Medium brown, light brown, and hardwood floors with orange undertones like Honey Oak go remarkably well with red cabinets. Additionally, white and grey tiles also look great with red colors. Slate grey tiles, beige, and walnut floors can also be the floor colors you can go with.

Here is the best guide to knowing what color flooring goes with honey oak cabinets

The color you choose for your floor depends on the shades of red you have on your cabinets. If it is a vibrant red color you will need something to tone down the energy a little bit.

Use light grey, white, tiles or light shade of burnt-orange tile color.  You can simply go with the popular flooring choice and that is Oak and Maple. Pale yellow and hardwood floors with orange undertones will also be a great idea.

Now if your red cabinets are muted or earthy, uplift the ambiance of your kitchen by using charcoal grey, light brown, and terracotta floor. But the floor should not be too dark. For instance, if you are using a brown floor to match with red, go with light brown colors with a hint of orange. Walnut floor will also be a good option to explore.

What Color Ceiling with Red Cabinets?

Grey and White ceilings are the ideal ceiling colors to go with red cabinets. For a bolder move, a navy blue or charcoal grey ceiling will look elegant in an open kitchen. Go with ceiling colors, Gravity – Valspar, Chantilly Lace – C 65, Snow Day – Clare, Snow Leopard – Portola, and Granite Dust – Behr.

There are some cabinet colors that take dark and bold ceilings well. But red is not one of them. Red is already a strong shade that will do great with white, off-white, or grey ceilings. Creamy whites with hints of yellow or green bring out the warm tones of red which create an inviting ambiance in the kitchen.

Besides, light green and blue ceilings also complement the earthy red cabinets. If your red cabinets are more of a glossy and glitzy appearance then white and grey ceilings will be your best options.

With a lot of light-colored elements, accents, and decorations in the kitchen you can go with navy blue, charcoal gray ceiling. But only when you have a spacious and high ceiling kitchen with a lot of windows. The contemporary and minimalist big kitchen looks great with this dark theme.

Go with one of these lovely shades of ceiling colors to pair with red cabinets.

• Pointing – Farrow & Ball
• Cool December – Dunn Edwards
• Atrium White – OC 145
• Moderne White SW 6168
• Distant Gray – 2124-70
• White Dove – OC 17
• Railings – Farrow & Ball
• Navajo white – OC 05
• Cotton – C2
• Cornforth White – Farrow & Ball

What Color Hardware goes with Red Cabinets?

Cool hardware colors like Brushed Nickel and Stainless Steel will look great against red cabinets. Another option to consider is oil-rubbed Bronze and Black matte. Such dark cabinet pulls will highlight the warm shades of red and make it appear sophisticated.

When looking for hardware colors to match with red cabinets, make sure to check out silver and cool-toned cabinet pulls. Brushed nickel and stainless steel are the best options for both funky red and classic red cabinets.

Oil-rubbed bronze will also complement the red cabinets. Black is another color to go with red. But it will be more suitable when you have other black elements in the cooking space. Such as a black backsplash or black accents in the room. If your faucets and appliances are black then it will be a good match

Satin nickel and chrome will also be good options to go with red color.

What Color Kitchen Table with Red Cabinets?

The classic white and black kitchen tables will be a beautiful element to go with red cabinets. But it will be fun to have contrasting kitchen tables with colors like olive green, dark green, burnt orange, charcoal grey, and Navy Blue. Medium tone or light-colored wood kitchen tables will be a nice idea too.

The kitchen with red cabinets needs some light to bring some relief from the heavy color. You cannot have a red kitchen table in a red kitchen, it will be offset the whole color scheme. So, white and black kitchen tables are the finest choices to decorate your kitchen with red cabinets.

These are the classic combinations so you know it will always work with red. But what about the contrasting kitchen tables that will create a fun and energetic atmosphere in the room?

Yes, that would be an interesting direction to design your kitchen. So, go with green, navy blue, charcoal grey, or burnt orange kitchen tables. Wooden tables will also be a fantastic idea, Just go with medium tones though.

What Wall Color goes with Red Cabinets?

Creamy whites and cool greys go wonderfully with red cabinets. Bold accent walls like charcoal grey, dark green, and Navy blue will also uplift the aesthetics of the kitchen. GO with Swiss Coffee – OC 45, Oregano – 2147-10, Anew Grey SW 7030, Palm Green – Valspar, Ice Cube 2121-50, and Ivory White – 925.

The red color is said to have certain energy around it which triggers your appetite and mood. That said the walls of your kitchen with red cabinets will set the ambiance in the room, so go with balancing colors like off-white, white, grey, burnt orange, and olive green With shiny or muted and matte red color it will go wonderfully together.

Tawny orange also complements the warmth of the red cabinets.

Dark accent walls in navy blue, dark green, charcoal grey, and burnt orange will look amazing in the kitchen. Mostly these dark shades work well in a galley that is large and have floor-to-ceiling windows to lighten up the room with dark colors.

Here are some of the prettiest colors to go with red cabinets.

• Slipper Satin – Farrow & Ball
• Tallow – Farrow & Ball
• Natural Linen SW 9109
• Snow Leopard – Portola
• Dover Gray – PPG paints
• Cornforth White – Farrow & Ball
• Stonington Gray – HC 170
• Himalayan Trek – 1542
• Field Poppy – PPG

What Color Quartz goes with Red Cabinets?

White, Grey, and Black Quartz colors are the complementary shades to go with red cabinets. The best Quartz countertops to pair with red color are Arctic White, Calacatta Laza, Carrara Marmi, Pure White, Eggshell, Pietra Grey, Grey Lagoon, Bianco Diamante, Eternal Marquina, and Vanilla Noir.

Quartz is one of the most durable, sophisticated, and elegant countertop material. It goes amazingly with any color and kitchen design. Whether it is a contemporary kitchen, traditional, or transitional cooking space.

White Quartz is a color that goes well with a variety of cabinet colors. Because of its versatility, it is a popular worktop choice. Likewise, it looks gorgeous with red cabinets as well. A perfect shade to complement the warm red color. Grey Quartz is also a fine option to go with red cabinets.

Black Quartz will also work perfectly with the bold red hues. It is one of those dark colors that is a timeless combination of red color. Therefore, it will look good with red cabinets.

Consider going with one of these Quartz countertops to pair with your red cabinets.

• Calacatta Vicenza
• Fossil Grey
• Daria
• White Zeus Extreme
• Arctic
• Cosmopolitan White
• Clearskies

What Wood goes Well with Red Cabinets?

Medium brown and light brown woods complement the red cabinets beautifully. It changes how well a kitchen looks with wooden furniture and red cabinets. Wood with orange undertones like Honey Oak will also contrast wonderfully with red color. Maple, Birch, Oak, and Red Oak will be a fine choices too.

There are a variety of beautiful woods to consider decorating your red cabinets with. In a kitchen with red color as the focal point go with woods that have orange undertones. Pale yellow and medium-toned brown woods are the “it” wood colors for red cabinets. Kitchen furniture with these wood shades will create a welcoming environment in the kitchen.

Walnut, Honey Oak, Red Oak, and Cherry woods will be an amazing match. You can have small storage cabinets in your kitchens made of these woods. It would be an excellent addition to a kitchen with red cabinets.

How Expensive is Red Paint?

The price of red paint can vary, depending on the brand, product line, and quality of the paint. Expensive brands like Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Farrow & Balls price their paint colors around $40 – $110 per gallon. While Behr and Valspar are priced around $25 – $40.

The cost of red paint varies from brand to brand. Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore are famous and expensive paint brands. While Farrow & Ball is the most expensive one. Behr and Valspar are averagely priced. So, the cost of your paint color depends on the brand you purchase it from, the product line of the paint, and the quality of the paint color.

Before you buy red paint for your kitchen cabinets, go through this breakdown of the price of different paint brands per gallon.

• Sherwin Williams: $38 – $108 / Gallon
• Benjamin Moore: $41 – $80 / Gallon
• Farrow & Ball: $110 / Gallon
• Valspar: $25 – $40 / Gallon
• Behr: $27 – $40 / Gallon

Final Thoughts 

White, grey, black is classic colors that are compatible with many colors. Pairing red cabinets with these shades is a no-brainer. The real fun begins when you play with different contrasting colors to come up with a beautiful and pleasing kitchen design. Navy Blue, grey, charcoal grey, black, olive green, burnt orange, and dark green are the contrasting shades you can pair with red cabinets.

After reading our color guide to learn what colors go with red cabinets, you will have no trouble designing your kitchen interior. When every element matches well with each other then you will have a kitchen that will be the star of the show.