These Are the 5 Best Benjamin Moore Colors for a Small Kitchen – and No, They Aren’t All White Paint
The designer-approved Benjamin Moore shades to bring big personality to your small kitchen
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Choosing the right paint colors for your kitchen shapes the mood and style of your scheme, but it plays an even more important role in a small space. It adds personality, yet also affects how the proportions of the room feel.
But despite common misconceptions, small kitchen colors go far beyond neutrals. From light airy shades to deep moody colors, more palettes work in a small kitchen than you might think.
5 Best Benjamin Moore Colors for Small Kitchens
It's not always easy to judge a color by how it looks on a sample, but seeing Benjamin Moore paint colors in real homes and getting the lowdown from interior designers always proves useful. Here are the shades they always return to in small kitchen designs.
1. New Lime 2025-30
Cabinets painted in New Lime in this design prove that a bright color is often the missing piece to add personality to your small kitchen.
For the more adventurous decorators among us, Benjamin Moore offers plenty of more vibrant shades, many of which designers champion in small kitchens. For designer Nicole Lanteri, New Lime 2025-30 is a real winner if you want to bring abundant personality to your scheme.
'I love using saturated colors in a smaller kitchen. A rich, deeply saturated hue, like Benjamin Moore's New Lime, can elevate the design and truly do the heavy lifting – making the space feel larger than it is and transforming it into the star of the home, exactly how we all want our kitchens to feel,' says Nicole.
'A smaller kitchen also gives you the freedom to make bolder design choices in a more concentrated way. In a compact footprint, color has a greater impact; it energizes the space and creates a presence that far exceeds what the square footage might suggest.'
2. Black HC-190
Black might feel daring, but this small kitchen proves that leaning into darker, smaller proportions is more effective than fighting them.
Decorating with moody colors is an approach that continues to endure, with designers often favoring the deep hues in small rooms. And if you ever wondered if a black kitchen is a good idea, take this as a resounding yes.
'When it comes to small spaces, we never shy away from bolder, darker colors. Painting it white won't make it grow in size, so we like to embrace the scale and go for a "wow factor" moment,' says Patrick Fox, head of design at Easton Grey Studio.
'Nothing says that more than black,' he notes. 'Black HC-190 by Benjamin Moore is a no-fuss choice and pairs well with a range of accent colors.' In this kitchen, the cabinetry has been drenched in black, creating an all-encompassing scheme. White marble has been used for the countertops and backsplash to add a hint of contrast.
3. Ocean Aire 2123-50
This open plan kitchen might be small in size, but the cabinets painted in Ocean Aire add a charming finish to the design.
Blue kitchens are enjoying a resurgence, especially light, airy colors that balance light hues with personality-filled rooms. And to bring that sense to a small kitchen, there's one Benjamin Moore color that stands out.
'Most recently, I’ve used Benjamin Moore's Cloud White OC-130 for the kitchen walls, ceiling, and trim, and Benjamin Moore's Ocean Aire 2123-50 for the cabinets. I love both colors for small spaces,' says interior designer Emily Winters.
'Cloud White is perfect for a small space because it’s a soft, warm white. It's neutral, but comfortable, not at all harsh like some whites can be. Ocean Aire is lovely for a small space because it’s interesting without being overwhelming. It’s sophisticated for a light blue. It brings color and interest without being too loud or overbearing.'
4. Hale Navy HC-154
This tiny kitchen proves just how classic Hale Navy continues to be, pairing beautifully with the aged brass hardware.
One of the most classic dark colors you can bring into your home is navy blue. And as it happens, it's one that designers continue to gravitate towards in small kitchens – and Benjamin Moore's Hale Navy is a popular choice.
'Hale Navy is a favorite when I want to create a jewel-box effect. In a small kitchen, going darker can actually blur the boundaries of the room, making it feel more expansive and intentional rather than cramped,' says Mark Schubert of M2 Design Lab.
'The richness of the color absorbs light in a way that softens edges and gives the space a tailored, architectural presence, especially beautiful when paired with warm metals or marble,' he explains.
5. Chantilly Lace OC-65
If you love a white kitchen, Chantilly Lace is the classic shade to try – and this scheme proves how well it pairs with wood accessories.
There's a reason so many people prefer a neutral kitchen when space is tight – it feels bright and inviting, and with just the right amount of warmth to create a timeless finish.
'In a compact kitchen, Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace is our go-to for creating an illusion of infinite space. As one of the truest whites available, it lacks the distracting undertones that can make small rooms feel dim or dated,' says interior designer Jennifer Worts.
'By bathing both the walls, ceiling, and millwork in this crisp, clean shade, we blur the boundaries between surfaces. This seamless transition softens the "box" of the room, making the walls and ceilings feel as though they are receding rather than closing in,' she explains.
And it's not just favored because it's a classic white that works beautifully in any small kitchen style, but it also pairs seamlessly with so many other colors and finishes, whether you want to keep it natural with wood or go bold with more vibrant accent colors.
'The result is a timeless, gallery-like foundation that allows every accent to pop. Whether it’s the warmth of natural wood or a vibrant backsplash, Chantilly Lace provides a cohesive backdrop that feels inherently fresh. As showcased in our Muskoka boathouse kitchen, this palette maximizes natural light to transform a functional workspace into an inviting, expansive guest house retreat.'
If this Benjamin Moore's best small kitchen color shortlist tells you anything, it's that you can go as bold, dark, or pared-back as you wish in a compact space. 'Ultimately, the key in small kitchens isn’t simply choosing a light color, but it’s choosing a color with depth and undertone that creates cohesion,' says Mark Schubert of M2 Design Lab.
'When the palette feels intentional and enveloping, even the smallest kitchen can read as layered, sophisticated, and surprisingly spacious.' And with these 5 designer-approved Benjamin Moore colors, your small kitchen will look better than ever.
