These are the 5 best paint colors to lighten a dark kitchen, according to designers

Refreshing an old, dull, or dated kitchen often requires a fresh lick of paint – and if you're looking for the best paint colors to lighten a dark kitchen, you're in the right place.

Whether you're decorating a space with dark cabinets or your kitchen doesn't receive much natural light, color is about to become your best friend. The right kitchen color ideas will instantly make your space feel lighter and refreshed.

To discover which paint colors you should choose and the hues they pair best with, we've turned to interior designers and color experts for their tried-and-tested recommendations – spoiler alert: they're not all white!

5 best paint colors to lighten a dark kitchen

Whether you gravitate towards warm neutrals or crave a dose of color in your kitchen, there are plenty of paint colors that will help you to create a lighter kitchen color scheme.

1. Cotton Balls by Benjamin Moore

An instant way to lighten a dark kitchen is by introducing a neutral paint color on the walls and ceiling. Considered one of the best warm white paints, it adds brightness to a kitchen while retaining a sense of softness.

'I get asked all the time about the perfect paint colors to use, especially in spaces that don’t get as much natural light. I love Benjamin Moore’s Cotton Balls, [which I] used on the walls and ceilings in the kitchen above,' says interior designer Tama Bell.

'It's a bright white with a trace of yellow in the undertone. It is the epitome of light and bright. I love the juxtaposition of the brightness of the paint paired with the hand-made brick tiles. It works really well with other neutrals and warm earth tones.'

2. Shoji White by Sherwin Willians

Kitchens with lower ceilings can instantly feel darker, especially if they're paired with colored cabinets. So, look to white hues on the ceilings and trim to brighten the room and give the illusion of taller proportions.

'Sherwin Williams, Shoji White is our go-to color – it’s a beautiful, classic, warm white, with a putty undertone. [We use it] on the walls, ceiling, and trim as needed, and then we’d pick a paint color for the cabinetry,' says interior designer Ami McKay.

'We like to use it throughout a home for a seamless look. It’s complimentary to everything! It pairs well with timeless soapstone countertops, wood-trimmed windows, tiles, and literally any color of millwork cabinetry. In this particular picture, it’s on the ceiling and we used it throughout the house on the walls and the doors.'

3. Hollingsworth Green by Benjamin Moore

You don't always have to choose shades of white to lighten a dark kitchen. Instead, consider complimentary colors to those already in the space – this kitchen features a dark blue island, which has been contrasted with the light green cabinetry, instantly lightening the scheme.

'In this kitchen, I choose a light and bright green to contrast with the blue island. Using the blue throughout would feel dark and monotonous. The combination of the green and the blue allows the colors to pop off each other and draw from one another,' explains interior designer Nadia Watts.

'The blue and green make sense together, bringing the outdoors in with fresh pops of paint. This light green works as a neutral, allowing us to bring in the bold pops of red, white, and blue,' she adds.

If you're searching for a light green paint that pairs beautifully with a moody blue hue, interior designer Nicole Cullum recommended Hollingsworth Green by Benjamin Moore in our round-up of the best sage green paints. Its combination of blue, green, and gray makes it a perfect pairing for this deeper blue hue.

4. Simply White OC-117 by Benjamin Moore

If you're kitchen barely gets any natural light – whether it's the direction the room faces or a lack of windows, a bright white paint color is your best chance at creating a lighter scheme.

'Simply White OC-117 is my go-to crisp white for brightening up a dark room. With a subtle, warm yellow undertone, this bright white paint color brings a touch of sunshine into any space,' says Hannah Yeo, senior manager of color marketing at Benjamin Moore.

'Create an all-white kitchen by painting walls, cabinets, trim, and ceiling. Add pops of colorful accents to introduce layers of interest. Ever versatile, Simply White effortlessly pairs beautifully with almost any material or color scheme.'

5. Most shades of blue

While bold colors may seem as though they would make a room feel even darker, the right shades can actually give your space a lighter look and feel. The trick here is to pair cabinets in darker hues with something bolder, and then opt for white paint on the walls.

'Blue is a classic color that works well with a variety of styles and finishes. Choose a light and bright neutral countertop to balance the blue. I chose a mix of materials to compliment the blue cabinetry, from chrome to antique brass, traditional to modern, the beauty of blue is that it's a classic color with traditional elements that can also span the eras of design seamlessly,' explains Nadia.

There are so many shades of blue to consider, it can feel overwhelming to narrow it down to just two. Hannah recommends: 'For a more serene yet airy effect, lean on the receding qualities of cooler hues. Colors like Ocean Air 2123-50, Harbor Fog 2062-70, and Sweet Bluette 813 evoke the feeling of a cool breeze.'

'These shades are both charming and refreshing and pair well with off-white walls. Try a soft blue ceiling for an unexpected touch that mimics the bright blue sky,' she adds.

It's probably no surprise that warm whites are an eternal favorite when it comes to paint colors to lighten a dark kitchen. However, they pair beautifully with a huge range of colors – and for something brighter, blues and greens are timeless choices.