Gray kitchen cabinets are having a major moment right now. But choosing the right shade of gray can be tricky. Go too light, and cabinets can read as bland or dated. Too blue-gray, and they can feel icy and sterile. It’s a balancing act to find a gray with depth and style that also fits your space.
That’s why so many designers rave about Benjamin Moore’s Gray 2121-10. This rich, dark charcoal paint color gives cabinets a stylish, modern update. But thanks to its subtle warm undertone, it also provides a softness that prevents an overwhelming, monochromatic look.
What Makes This Dark Charcoal Gray Paint Special
When working with gray paint colors, the undertone makes all the difference. Grays can take on hints of blue, green, brown and more based on their pigments. So a “true gray” with little to no undertone is hard to find.
That’s where Benjamin Moore’s 2121-10 shines. This dark charcoal paint keeps a consistent neutral tone regardless of lighting conditions. It was specially formulated to resist undertones and color shifts. So you don’t have to worry about your gray kitchen cabinet paint looking too blue in certain lights.
A Subtle, Warm Undertone
While Benjamin Moore’s 2121-10 is designed to avoid bold undertones, it does have the slightest hint of yellow, adding the subtlest touch of warmth. This prevents the dark charcoal color from reading as too cold or clinical.
The result is a rich, neutral gray that goes with both cool and warm color schemes. It provides a stylish sophistication that doesn’t fight your existing decor. Let’s look at some examples of kitchen designs where this dark gray paint color shines.
Complements Various Color Combos
- Bold blue and green backsplashes – The charcoal gray provides contrast without clashing with bolder, cooler hues.
- Crisp white countertops – Clean white quartz pops against the dark cabinets for a striking combo.
- Wood floors and accents – The gray’s subtle warmth complements wood elements without matching too exactly.
- Black stainless steel appliances – For a dramatic, moody aesthetic, dark gray cabinets pair perfectly with black appliances.
In each case, the barely-there yellow undertone keeps the gray fitting in, while its darker tone adds striking style. It’s the best of both worlds.
Use This Dark Gray Cabinet Paint With Confidence
Painting your cabinets charcoal gray may seem like a bold choice. But thanks to this color’s stylish-yet-adaptable nature, it can work in all different kitchen designs. Here are some tips to make sure you get the most out of Benjamin Moore’s 2121-10.
Test Samples Before Full Commitment
Even designer-beloved paint colors can look different in your specific lighting. So always test out samples first. Paint large swatches right on your cabinet doors and view at different times of day. Make sure you love the shade before proceeding.
Factor In Your Countertops
Keep in mind how your countertop material may interact with the dark charcoal paint. Cool-toned quartz or white marbling is an easy match. But beware of strong yellow, brown or red undertones that could clash.
The same dark gray will appear lighter on glossy cabinet doors than flat cabinet fronts. And it can look more weathered on wood than laminate. So factor your cabinets’ finish into the equation too.
It’s easy to see why so many designers prefer Benjamin Moore’s dark charcoal. It adds stylish sophistication without many of the pitfalls of going too dark. So if you’re looking to update your kitchen with on-trend gray cabinets, this is one shade you can truly trust.
