IKEA Gray Kitchen Cabinets vs White – Which Color Fits Your Home Best?

19.07.2025

When planning an IKEA kitchen, the choice between gray and white cabinets can shape the entire look of your home. IKEA's range includes both classic white fronts and stylish gray tones – from the elegant BODBYN off-white to the modern VOXTORP dark gray or AXSTAD dark gray.

These two IKEA BODBYN kitchens show how much color can transform the look and feel of a space – from light and airy white to the sophisticated depth of gray.

VEDDINGE
VEDDINGE

IKEA White Kitchen Cabinets

White kitchens are timeless and bright. Popular IKEA options like BODBYN white and VEDDINGE white create a clean, fresh look that never goes out of style.

Pros of IKEA white kitchens:

  • Make the room feel larger and more open

  • Easy to pair with countertops like PINNARP wood or KARLBY oak

  • Work well with all wall colors and flooring

  • Resale-friendly due to their classic appeal

Cons:

  • Show dirt and fingerprints more easily

  • Can feel a bit cold if not combined with warm accents or textures

AXSTAD
AXSTAD

IKEA Gray Kitchen Cabinets

Gray kitchens bring a modern and cozy vibe, adding depth without being overpowering. IKEA offers great gray options such as BODBYN gray, LERHYTTAN light gray, AXSTAD dark gray, and VOXTORP dark gray.

Pros of IKEA gray kitchens:

  • Hide everyday marks better than white

  • Provide a warm, modern feel

  • Pair well with brass, black, or stainless hardware

  • Create a sophisticated contrast with light countertops or walls

Cons:

  • Darker tones like AXSTAD or VOXTORP can make small spaces look smaller

  • May require good lighting to avoid a heavy look

VOXTORP and VEDDINGE
VOXTORP and VEDDINGE

Mixing White and Gray IKEA Cabinets

Two-tone kitchens are a growing trend in IKEA showrooms. A stylish example is mixing VEDDINGE white with VOXTORP dark gray, creating a balanced look with both brightness and depth.

LERHYTTAN
LERHYTTAN

Which IKEA Kitchen Color Should You Choose?

  • Choose white fronts like BODBYN or VEDDINGE for a bright, timeless kitchen.

  • Pick gray fronts like AXSTAD, VOXTORP, or LERHYTTAN for a cozy, modern, and more dramatic look.

All photos in this article were taken by Mauritz Interior & Design during real visits to IKEA showrooms.
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