Thinking about giving your kitchen cupboards a spruce up? While many people reach for classic white and a soft matt finish, brown kitchen cupboard paint is something you should definitely consider. 

Darker shades like brown are perfect if you’re looking to upcycle wood cabinets, without having to worry too much about prep work. Browns are also ideal if you’re looking to transform heavily varnished or painted surfaces. 

Far from being a tired choice for more traditional kitchens, a brown palette can make a welcome addition to a more contemporary space. Lighter hues can give gloss cupboards a new lease of life, while darker colours with a highly pigmented formula are just the thing if you’re thinking about a more dramatic makeover. 

At Tikkurila, you’ll find a remarkable range of brown paint colours. If you’re looking for eco-friendly brown paint that offers exceptional coverage, you’ve come to the right place. 

Why Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets Brown?

When some people imagine brown kitchen cupboards, they tend to think of those heavily varnished and stained units that were popular decades ago. However, brown can be used for a sleek style transformation. 

If you’re not ready to say goodbye to a more muted palette, stick with lighter browns like stone or tan. These work well in smaller kitchens, especially if a lack of natural light is a concern. 

Does your kitchen receive ample sunlight throughout the day? Don’t be afraid of daring to go with a much darker brown. You can even enhance reflectivity by adding a glossy top coat. 

Brown paint is also a practical choice. If you’re tired of keeping on top of minor blemishes and everyday spills with an all-white kitchen, making the switch to brown is a no-brainer. 

Chosen a lighter brown to repaint your kitchen cupboards? Provided you’ve opted for a hard-wearing paint with increased durability, you don’t have to worry about being too heavy-handed when it comes to everyday wipe-downs. 

If you’re using quality brown paint with lasting coverage, two coats are all you need to produce premium results. This results in less cost for you and a far easier time of things when it comes to keeping your kitchen in pristine condition. 

If your kitchen needs bringing bang up-to-date, light browns are the way to go. They can be used in place of classic white or neutral shades, without compromising that fresh and airy quality that’s so important in the kitchen.

Think about using something like Granulite K484. This stony brown shade is on the pale side, making it a fine alternative to standard neutrals. It will make a dream addition to a more contemporary kitchen, pairing well with black marble countertops and stainless steel appliances. 

If you’re looking for something more familiar, try Lama V466. This eye-catching tan is infused with a delicate hint of pink, bringing depth and warmth to your kitchen. 

In a larger kitchen or a space that receives plenty of sunlight, you’re free to experiment with darker browns. Dark browns can create a dramatic contrast with neutral walls, while richer pigments tend to pair well with black and stainless steel appliances. 

For a more sophisticated kitchen interior, try something like Alexandrite N464. This chocolate brown shade is incredibly rich, making it perfect if you’re dreaming about a premium kitchen makeover. 

Thinking about something even darker? Try a dramatic umber like Primeval Forest M460. This earthy brown makes an instant impression, with plenty of complexity thanks to those red undertones. 

Think you can’t use browns in a smaller kitchen? Think again. Provided you're using a shade that’s enriched with warm undertones, browns can form the base of your palette. 

Etruscan S471 is an effective choice for smaller kitchens. This red-based brown will pair nicely with chrome fixtures and stainless steel appliances. It’ll also come into its own when enhanced with jewel-toned room accents. 

Desert V463 is another fine choice. Once again, red undertones make this brown a warm and inviting choice. Pair it with jewel tones or mocha shades for an elegant tonal aesthetic.

Kitchen Wall Colours to Go With Brown Cupboards

You’re not short on options when it comes to selecting wall colours to pair with brown kitchen cupboards. You can keep things simple with classic white or muted neutrals. These go well with lighter browns and richer shades alike. 

Just about anything from the green colour family will make an eye-catching pairing with brown cupboards. Coordinate light brown units with sage or olive-infused walls. If you’ve painted your cupboards with a darker brown, you can experiment with even more intense greens. 

You can even use brown colours to paint your walls. If you’ve coated your cabinets with an umber shade, think about using tan or caramel for your kitchen walls. To make your interiors more interesting, you can even introduce greys and teals into the mix.