Not long ago, brown granite countertops were a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms, which leaves many homeowners today seeking ways to update their spaces without the expense of replacing the entire countertop.
If you find yourself in this situation, you’re likely wondering what color paint goes with brown granite. Well, you’re in for a treat because I’ve curated a list of the best cabinet and wall colors to give your kitchen a fresh look while preserving the beauty of your existing countertops.
Let’s dive right into the list, and later on, I’ll address some other questions you may have regarding tan or brown granite countertops and coordinating paint colors.
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Paint Colors That Go With Brown Granite
Here are nine colors that I think could look spectacular with your granite countertops (depending on the exact shade of brown, of course).
As always, it’s best practice to try out samples of your favorite contenders because paint colors can change drastically depending on lighting, surrounding materials, and various other factors.
I’ll also provide specific color recommendations with direct links to order peel-and-stick samples for you to try in your own space.
Use code FIRSTFIVE for a discount on your first Samplize order!
1. White
White is a timeless choice, and it’s popular because of its versatility – you can get white paint to go with virtually any countertop color.
If you want a crisp, clean look, go for a “true” white with very little undertone, like Sherwin Williams Pure White. For a warmer feel, look for a white with a warmer (yellow, pink) undertone — Benjamin Moore White Dove, for example. I’d personally avoid whites with cooler (blue, gray) undertones if you have brown kitchen counters.
2. Off-White
Off-white is another popular choice because it’s versatile yet has a little more undertone than white. If you are afraid that white will look a little too stark against your brown countertops, or if you’re looking for a little more warmth in your space, then you might prefer an off-white.
White Duck and Ballet White are very similar off-white colors, and both are great choices.
3. Buttery Yellow
Do your brown granite countertops have some yellow or gold in them? A soft, buttery yellow like Windham Cream could look pretty next to your warm brown counters. On the other hand, if you’re seeing pink or cooler tones alongside the brown in your granite, then yellow might not work quite so nicely.
4. Teal
Teal is a pretty green-blue color that comes in a wide range of tints and shades, from light-and-bright (like Caribbean Blue Water) to deeper and more muted (St. Bart’s). You could choose from a number of different teals to complement your specific brown tone, along with your personal preference.
5. Navy
While navy is a deep blue, making it a cooler color by default, it’s also considered a “neutral” color by many, thanks to its versatility.
If you love the idea of painting your kitchen or bathroom cabinets in a navy color, go ahead – just be sure to try out samples first, making sure it will complement, rather than clashing.
Sherwin Williams In The Navy is more of a “true blue” navy paint color, while Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy is slightly more muted.
(You can get a good idea of what SW In The Navy looks like on our entryway walls.)
6. Bold Red
Looking for something a little more daring? A bold cranberry paint color could look stunning in your space alongside the brown granite.
7. Emerald Green
Green has come into some popularity lately as a cabinet color, and emerald green is certainly eye-catching (particularly when accented with gold hardware). If you’re feeling brave, try out a fun, yellow-green color like emerald, and see how much fun it brings to your space.
8. Sage Green
Do you love green, but aren’t really feeling the brighter hues? Sage green is the perfect compromise, since it’s more muted and timeless, while bringing some color into your space.
Both SW Clary Sage and BM October Mist are soft, muted greens that would look absolutely gorgeous with an earthy brown or tan granite countertop.
9. Black
My final paint color suggestion to pair with your brown granite: black. (Yes, black!)
While black and brown don’t always work together, I can envision black cabinets with brown granite counters that have flecks or swirls of black in them, or even with lighter, tan colored granite.
Or, you could go with a warmer black, like Iron Ore or Wrought Iron.
Should You Paint Your Cabinets Different Colors?
Certainly! I’ve seen this look in quite a few kitchens lately. Painting your kitchen cabinets in two different colors can create a stunning look. If you’re up for the challenge of selecting two colors that complement each other, go ahead and paint your upper and lower cabinets different colors.
BUT…
Yes, there’s a but. Here are a couple instances where I advise you to carefully consider if it’s the best choice for your specific space:
- In a small kitchen, multiple colors can create a busy and crowded appearance, making the space feel even smaller.
- When your kitchen has a full-height cabinet, such as a pantry or refrigerator cabinet, it is advisable to maintain a consistent cabinet color throughout the uppers and lowers.
Once you’ve considered these two points, if you still feel that painting your upper and lower cabinets two different colors will work in your space, then by all means – go for it!
Granite Vs. Quartz
While granite and quartz are both popular countertop choices, they differ in composition and characteristics. Granite is a natural stone that’s mined directly from the Earth. It has unique patterns, and each slab is one-of-a-kind.
Quartz, on the other hand, is an engineered stone that’s made from crushed quartz minerals that have been mixed with resin. Quartz counters come in a wider range of color options, and they also have a more consistent pattern.
Both materials are durable, being highly resistant to heat and scratches. However, granite does require sealing every so often to help maintain stain resistance, while quartz does not require sealing. Quartz is also more resistant to chips and cracks.
The choice between granite vs. quartz is ultimately a matter of personal preference upon considering the desired aesthetics and maintenance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
And now, I’ve put together the answers to some common questions homeowners ask regarding granite countertops and paint colors.
Do white cabinets go with brown granite?
Yes, white cabinets absolutely coordinate with brown granite countertops, creating a classic and timeless look. The combination of white cabinets and brown granite creates a stunning contrast in both kitchens and bathrooms.
If you want your granite counters to stand out as a focal point, painting your cabinets white will provide a clean and bright backdrop. Of course, you’ll want to consider the specific shades and patterns of your granite slab when determining the perfect white paint color to complement it.
Should cabinets be lighter or darker than countertops?
Frankly, there is no hard and fast rule about whether cabinets should be lighter or darker than countertops. The decision is largely based on your overall aesthetic and design goals for the space.
A few things to consider:
- Balance and contrast. If you’re aiming for a harmonious look, opt for a similar tone or color intensity between the cabinets and countertops.
- Focal point. If you want your countertops to be the standout feature in your kitchen or bathroom, you can create contrast by choosing cabinets that are lighter or darker than the countertops.
- Visual depth. To add depth and visual interest to your space, you can create contrast by pairing light cabinets with dark countertops or vice versa.
- Style and mood. Consider the style and mood you want to achieve in your space. Light-colored cabinets can create a bright and airy feel, while darker cabinets can lend a more dramatic and sophisticated look.
Ultimately, the decision between lighter or darker cabinets depends on your personal preferences and the desired effect you want to achieve.
What color cabinets make your kitchen look bigger?
Lighter colored cabinets reflect more light, visually opening up the space, and they can help to create the illusion of a larger kitchen.
A few cabinet color options that can make your kitchen appear bigger:
- White
- Light gray
- Cream or ivory
- Pastels
- Light wood tones
But remember, the color of the cabinets is just one factor in creating a larger-looking kitchen. Other design elements, such as proper lighting, can also enhance the perception of space in your kitchen.
What color walls go with dark brown granite countertops?
There are numerous wall colors that can complement your dark brown granite countertops.
A few suggestions:
- Warm white or off white
- Light teal
- Burgundy
- Soft yellow
- Muted green
Of course, it’s always a good idea to grab color samples or paint swatches. This way, you can see how the colors interact with your specific dark brown granite countertops in your lighting conditions.
How do I update my kitchen with brown granite countertops?
Updating your kitchen can be a fun and rewarding project. Here are some ideas to give it a fresh and modern look while highlighting the beauty of your brown granite countertops.
- Cabinet makeover. Consider giving your cabinets a fresh coat of paint or stain to update their appearance.
- Backsplash upgrade. Subway tiles, mosaic patterns, and even a bold glass backsplash can completely transform your kitchen.
- Lighting enhancements. Consider installing pendant lights over the island to create a focal point or under-cabinet lighting to provide extra illumination for food preparation.
- Hardware replacement. Swap out your cabinet hardware, such as knobs and pulls, for more modern and stylish options.
- Colorful accessories. Bring in pops of color through accessories like decorative kitchen towels, dishware, and even small appliances.
- Flooring upgrade. If your budget allows, consider updating the flooring with hardwood, laminate, or tile that complements the brown tones in your countertops.
Consider these ideas while incorporating your personal style into your kitchen to create a more modern, inviting space that complements the beauty of your granite counters.
Is painting granite a good idea?
Painting granite is generally not recommended because it can negatively affect the durability of the surface. Granite is a durable surface that is resistant to stains, scratches, and heat, and painting over it can compromise that natural resistance, making it more susceptible to damage.
Additionally, the paint might not adhere very well, and it could chip or peel over time, requiring frequent touch ups or reapplication.
A better alternative, if replacing the countertops isn’t in the budget, would be to modernize the kitchen in ways that complement the existing tops. We have covered a number of different options in the article already, so you can refer back to them for ideas.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a stone specialist before painting or altering your granite surfaces in any way. They can help provide expert advice, exploring the best options available to achieve your desired outcome.
What Color Paint Goes With Brown Granite?
In this article, we’ve gone over nine different paint colors that go with brown granite countertops. All of these colors would work nicely on either your walls or cabinets, and they can be mixed and matched between upper and lower cabinets, as well as between cabinets and walls.
Are you still unsure exactly how to decide which color is best for your space? Check out How to Choose Paint Colors With Confidence, and follow the step-by-step guide.
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