Painted vs. Stained Kitchen Cabinets

Perhaps you’re thinking of installing a new kitchen and are unsure what style to choose. Or maybe you have wood kitchen cabinets that have got worn and tired and you’d like to give them a facelift.

Then you’ll want to think about whether you paint your cabinets. And if so, in which color! But if you like the look of natural wood, you might consider a woodstain. And then you’ll need to think about the shade that works for you.

Take a look at the pros and cons of painted kitchen cabinets versus stained kitchen cabinets to help decide what will look glorious in your home.

Why Choose Painted Kitchen Cabinets?

Painted Gray

The great thing about painted cabinets is that you can choose the exact shade you want. Make sure you choose a cabinet paint, one that is waterproof and durable, as well as giving a smooth finish.

Paint gives you a smooth, clean aesthetic. A pale gray is both modern and classic and will work well with any accent color. So if you are thinking of repainting your kitchen, why not opt for a pale and interesting hue. 

Green Dreams

While painting your kitchen cabinets can cost more than using a stain, cabinet paint can hide any blemishes.

Sand down your cabinets and ensure you have prepared the surface appropriately. It’s satisfying that any bumps and blemishes can be covered over.

A gorgeous green will add a splash of color to your kitchen and looks good in both traditional and modern kitchens. Add oranges, reds and yellows as kitchen accents for warmth or pair with grays for cool sophistication.

Add a Pop of Color

If you painted your kitchen cabinets white but they’re now a little scuffed or you’ve grown tired of the color, how about painting the bottom cabinets only?

A bright blue will add a glow and fun to your kitchen. Use a paint roller especially for gloss and satin paint so you’ll have a dip coated effect. Not a brush mark in sight!

Go Bold with Kitchen Cabinet Paint

An advantage to painting your kitchen cabinets is that you can choose any color, and not be limited by the tones of pre-made cabinet ranges. 

A beautiful aqua will add light and brightness to your kitchen. Against a natural red terracotta floor and wood countertops, your turquoise cabinets will contrast perfectly. And if you get bored of the color, you can always paint afresh in a few months or years down the line!

Paint it Black

To totally transform your kitchen and create a dramatic, moody backdrop, why not consider painting your cabinets in a heritage black?

Dark colored cabinets and furniture signify refinement and taste. So if you like a home with sophistication, consider going dark when it comes to painting cabinets. Just remember to keep cabinets clean as they will show the dust more than a pale shade.

What’s Great about Stained Kitchen Cabinets?

Light and Natural

Wood stain is a great choice if you like the look and feel of natural wood. The stain is thinner than paint and so will seep into the surface enhancing the grain and the character of the wood.

A pale colored stain will look fabulous if you want to refresh oak cabinets. Are you handy with a paintbrush? Then you might like to follow some tips for staining your wood cabinets. As ever, preparation is key.

Natural Beauty

A gorgeous natural oak stain in a matt finish will give you every inch the look of a bespoke kitchen, if the cabinet material is a cheaper wood like pine.

Opting for black hardware and a quartz or soapstone countertop will enhance the natural beauty of the wood. And keeping surfaces minimal will put your cabinets center of the show.

Frame the Grain

A dark oak stain looks expensive and rich. Again, choosing a matt or soft sheen finish will complement the wood and its natural beauty. 

Brass hardware gives authentic, traditional appeal, as do attractive white ceramic tiles on the backsplash. What’s more, stain tends to be cheaper than paint so you’ll have a high-end look at a fraction of the cost.

Elegant Wood Stain Cabinets

If you prefer a more polished look then go for a gloss or satin sheen stain. This will look ultra traditional and works well in older restored properties. Delicate brass handles and knobs will suit this style of kitchen.

Another handy thing about woodstain is that you can easily touch up any knocks or scrapes. And even if you’ve run out of the original stain, you’ll likely find a close match. 

Add Some Color with Your Stain

Can’t choose between your two favorite stain colors? Choose both! Blues and greens can be seen. Paint your top cabinets in one color and use a contrasting color for the base units.

This is a best of both worlds solution as you can have both color and see the beauty of the wood grain in your cabinets.

In Closing

Whether you choose to use paint or a stain on your kitchen cabinets will be a matter of what works for you and your beautiful home. 

A stain can be cheaper and will enhance the gorgeous grain of wood cabinets. It is best to use minimal accents to keep the wood center stage. 

A paint will give a cleaner aesthetic than wood and will hide blemishes in the surface so can be a good option for a slightly battered kitchen. You can add a pop of color with a bright paint, and if you go for a classic dark tone, just remember to keep it dust-free.

When painting cabinets yourself, prepare the surfaces well, use the correct kind of paint or stain and remember to think about whether you want a gloss or matt finish. Then enjoy your kitchen makeover!