What Color Kitchen Cabinet Won't Make Your Kitchen Look Smaller?

Wooden Cabinet Choices

• Light colored wooden cabinets are an excellent choice for a small kitchen. Whereas dark cabinets in a stain such as cherry or mahogany can overwhelm the small space, a light stain such as a pale oak or maple will have the reverse effect. Other ideas include natural pine that is finished with just a clear glaze to make it shine. Pair light wooden cabinets with lighter appliances and countertops to make the room appear even more spacious.

Painted Cabinet Choices

• If you have previously painted cabinetry or you simply prefer the look of painted cabinets, in a small kitchen it is important to stick with a very light color palette. This doesn't necessarily have to mean white. For example, you can paint the cabinets a pale blue, green or yellow, or at the lightest end of the spectrum, a vanilla or ivory color. You can also use the wall color as inspiration for your cabinetry. Choose the same exact color, only several shades lighter for your cabinetry.

Glass Front Doors

• If you have cabinets that are stained in a dark color and you prefer not to paint them, or strip them and start over with a new color, there is another solution. Replacing the cabinet doors with glass fronts will open up the kitchen and make it appear larger by breaking up the color of the cabinetry. Plexiglass is an option if you are on a tight budget and can't afford glass. This also has the added benefit of turning your kitchen cabinetry into display cases for interesting dishes or glassware.

Other Ideas

• Rather than sticking with a traditional wood stain, there are many stains and washes for wood offer different colors. This technique works well in kitchens that have a country, French bistro or rustic theme. You can control the depth of color from these stains and washes by how many coats you apply. Stop after each coat and examine the room from the doorway to see if you can get away with going any darker, without having the room feel smaller.