We recently added a butler’s pantry to our home and we decided to use IKEA cabinets. More about that choice below. I designed the space wanting to add a large piece of crown molding as well as larger base boards. Both create more of a custom feel. In doing so, we needed to match the gray paint color of the cabinets. Today I am sharing that formula in case you want to consider these cabinets for yourself. Or maybe you just like this paint color and want to use it in your own home.
This shot above shows the crown molding at the top. We took one of our doors into Home Depot and they matched it perfectly. You can see the exact formula below. Considering installing shiplap? You can read all of our tips here. We are so happy we chose to install the shiplap ourselves (and by we I mean my husband). It added a great deal to the space and is quite affordable as a DIY.
I thought it would be best to just take a photo of the formula. I was afraid if I typed it out I might miss something.You’ll see the finish is semi gloss which is very important. If you tackle a project with these gray IKEA cabinets and want to add your own trim work, this formula should work well. Using my paint sprayer was key. It created a beautiful smooth finish identical to that of the cabinets. I honestly couldn’t believe how professional the outcome was. I should have bought a paint sprayer years ago.
jeans | top | flooring | wine fridge | apron | pendant light | fruit bowl | letter board
Benefits of Ikea Cabinets
- Cost. By far you can’t beat the cost.
- Online planning available. I used the online planning tool and it worked so well.
- Fantastic features including light up drawers. I can’t wait to show you those.
- You can literally choose any drawer or shelf style with every cabinet. So much flexibility.
- Quick delivery. We ordered in store and received the piece the next day.
Drawbacks
- Without question the biggest issue is putting them together. It’s time-consuming for sure!
- The insides of the cabinets are white. They could bother some people. Only the doors & trim are gray.
- Trim pieces are limited. This is why we matched the paint to create our own custom look.
If you are undertaking an area in your home and considering going this route, I hope the paint color is helpful!
*Pantry photos by Vanessa Lentine
We recently redid our entire kitchen in the same IKEA cabinets, I appreciate this post to help with matching trim, etc. Thank you so much!
They look great! I bought your paint sprayer, can’t wait to use it!
Thank you! This is SO helpful. We installed these exact cabinets in our pantry a while back and, due to a miscalculation on the part of our contractor, one of the side panels that was supposed to cover one cabinet, got cut wrong and the white shows. It’s sort of hidden so not visible to visitors but drives me crazy. Now, I can touch it up! We’ve had our cabinets for about 3 years now and I’ve been thrilled with the quality. In fact, one of our goals in the next few years is to buy a fixer upper beach house. When we do, we’ll likely use Ikea cabinets to renovate.
Love your pantry! I was wondering how well that spray painter works? I have been wanting one for years, but worry I need to spend more money to get a good one. Thank you! 🙂
How do you like the wine fridge, I looked at your link but no comments on the website. Are you happy with the temperature control and quality?
I have been looking at buying a paint sprayer and wondered how you like yours. Perhaps you’d be willing to do a post with your tips and tricks for using one! 🙂
Love the Butler’s Pantry! How did your husband’s install the upper shelves? Would love a tutorial. Thanks.
Thank you SO very much for posting this!!! I’m totally using that tile in my new laundry room, sbx had wanted to paint existing cabinets the same gray you had “painted” yours. Such perfect timing!
Thanks for this! Do you know if this gray is the same as the light gray Hemnes bathroom vanity, mirrored linen cabinet, bench, etc? Thanks!
Were these the Bodbyn cabinets from Ikea?
Yes!
Thank you this is really appreciated, taken the headache out of it for me. Can have some fun now adding some colour to the base of the island. Elaine
Perfect! I am getting ready to install the same cabinets and you have saved me from having to match it myself. Your pantry is beautiful! I just love following along in all you do!
Thank you!!!
Your pantry is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your paint formula. We were able to take the photo to Home Depot a couple days (1/27/21) ago and get a gallon without issue. It matches fantastic! Wanted to both thank you and let others coming by your website know that this same formula still works. God Bless!!
Carol, that is fantastic news. I am so happy it worked well and so appreciate your taking time to let me know. Enjoy your new space.
Thanks for sharing the formula. What a fun addition to your home!
Is it noted which style of IKEA grey cabinets you used here? Your Butler’s Pantry looks like the Bodbyn style which is a different grey than the Axstad, Bodarp, Voxtorp or the Lerhyttan greys. Worth noting before readers run out to get paint that won’t match their Ikea kitchen.
A few years ago I renovated with the Axstad white uppers and the Bodbyn grey base cabinets. I also took a piece of the Ikea matching trim in to have it color matched.
Do you know if your cabinets are the same gray as the Ikea tornviken kitchen island? I want to paint my cabinets to match and the color looks similar.
Oh gosh. I am not sure offhand. Let me try and look into it.
I want to know the same– is the gray from the Havsta shelves the same as the Tornviken island gray.
I walked into Home Depot, showed them the photo of the top of your paint can, they scanned my phone and it pulled it up! Now let’s go home and see if it works. Thank you
That’s awesome. Keep me posted.
Did it work?
Hi, I’d love to know what fridge this is. Is the right side a freezer? The link doesn’t seem to work. Thanks!
Love the kitchen.