Remodeling a kitchen is fun until you have to start making choices. Suddenly, you’re standing in front of hundreds of samples, trying to figure out what matches what. Cabinets on one side. Countertops on the other. And somehow, they’re supposed to work together like peanut butter and jelly. Easy, right?
Not always. Picking out cabinets and countertops that go together can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing looks, cost, and how much work it takes to keep everything clean. And then come the rumors: “Granite is too hard to take care of!” or “Dark counters make your kitchen look tiny!” Sound familiar?
The good news is that matching cabinets and countertops doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple tips, you can create a kitchen that looks good and works for your everyday life.
If you’re stuck choosing the right combination, these tips will help. Our full selection of cabinets and countertops to see what might work best for your space.
How to Match Cabinets and Countertops
Here are nine helpful tips to guide you.
Choose Your Color Scheme First
Start simple. Pick your primary color palette before you do anything else. This makes keeping your kitchen from looking like a random mix of styles easier.
If you like things bright and clean, go with white or light-colored cabinets and pair them with darker countertops. Earth tones like soft greens, tans, or browns are great for warmer, cozy spaces. Or if you want something bold, deep blues or rich greens stand out next to lighter counters.
Once you pick a palette, the rest of your choices will come together more efficiently.
Decide Which One Is the Star
Here’s a rule: Don’t let your cabinets and countertops compete for attention. Choose one to stand out, and let the other play a supporting role.
For example, if your countertop has a lot of patterns, like veins or specks, go with simple cabinets. If your cabinets are bold or colorful, keep the countertops more neutral.
It’s like getting dressed. You wouldn’t wear a bright, patterned shirt with neon pants.
Balance Light and Dark
Light and dark shades are your best friends when it comes to balance.
If you go with dark cabinets, pair them with lighter countertops to keep the space from feeling too heavy. If you pick light cabinets, dark countertops can add depth and contrast.
This back-and-forth helps your kitchen feel balanced, not too bright or dark.
Think About the Material’s Personality
Different materials give off different vibes, and they all work best in certain situations.
- Wood cabinets feel warm and look great with natural stone countertops.
- Laminate cabinets match well with quartz or other smooth, durable counters.
- Painted cabinets are super flexible and pair nicely with almost anything.
Think about how you use your kitchen, too. If you cook a lot, skip high-maintenance materials.
Pay Attention to Undertones
Colors aren’t always what they seem. Many have undertones—meaning they lean slightly warm or cool.
If you pair warm and cool tones accidentally, your kitchen can feel just a little “off,” and you may not even know why.
Grab samples of your cabinets and countertops and hold them together in your kitchen’s lighting. Make sure they vibe together before you commit.
Mix Up Textures and Finishes
Adding texture and finish variety will make your kitchen design more complete.
- Try matte cabinets with shiny countertops.
- Mix wood grain cabinets with smooth stone.
- Or balance flat-panel cabinets with patterned counters.
This keeps things interesting without making the kitchen feel too busy.
Think About Your Kitchen Size
The size of your kitchen matters more than you might realize.
Smaller kitchens feel more prominent when you use light-colored cabinets and countertops. Larger kitchens can handle darker tones without feeling crowded.
And don’t forget the lighting. A kitchen with much natural light can pull off darker colors better than one without many windows.
Remember Maintenance
A lot of people get scared off by things they hear. “Granite is impossible to take care of!” “White cabinets get dirty so fast!”
Most materials are easy to maintain if you follow the basics. Seal your stone counters when needed. Wipe down cabinets regularly. Choose what works for how you live.
And if you know you’re not the type who likes cleaning fingerprints off glossy surfaces, maybe skip high-shine cabinets.
Always Test Samples
Before you make any final decisions, bring samples home. Hold them up together in your kitchen. Check them in the morning, afternoon, and night.
Colors and materials can look different under your kitchen lights than at the store. Trust your gut—if something feels off, try a different combo. Better now than after it’s all installed.
Summary
Matching cabinets and countertops doesn’t have to be complicated. You just need to stick to the basics as discussed above. Think about what works for your lifestyle, not just what looks lovely in pictures.
And remember, when you’re ready to put your plan into action, Georgia Cabinet Co Kitchen & Bath in Duluth, GA is here to help.
With quality materials, expert advice, and plenty of options, we’re ready to make your dream kitchen happen—without the stress.
