Top Five Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Stain Colors
Posted by KraftMaid on 28th Apr 2025
Discover our best-selling kitchen cabinet stain colors and get inspired with fresh ideas to bring warmth, depth, and character to your kitchen design.
While white painted kitchen cabinets seem to be everywhere you turn, stained cabinetry continues to be a sought-after choice for bringing timeless appeal to kitchen designs. In fact, Houzz Kitchen Trends Study survey found that one in four homeowners (25%) chose wood-toned stained cabinets for their new kitchens in 2024. As kitchen design trends evolve, there has been a notable shift away from cabinetry stains with red undertones in favor of more versatile, neutral shades.
25%
chose stained wood cabinets for their new kitchens in 2024.
Source: Houzz Kitchen Trends Study
Many homeowners are choosing these popular KraftMaid® cabinet stain colors for their projects. Why? Because KraftMaid is known for crafting stains that suit a wide array of styles and preferences – with new finish options being regularly introduced to help customers design a space that is uniquely theirs, reflecting their personal style in every detail.
BARLEY: A CONTEMPORARY TAKE ON LIGHT STAIN
Barley has quickly become a fan favorite in the KraftMaid kitchen cabinetry stain lineup - and it's easy to see why. Barley stain is a contemporary take on a light stain that balances a warm overall look with cooler undertones. This means Barley acts like a neutral – picking up the tones of nearly any color you pair with it. Try the KraftMaid Barley cabinet stain on Maple or Hickory, the species we had in mind when we created Barley.
SHORTBREAD: THE PERFECT TIMELESS FOUNDATION
Shortbread stain is the kind of classic that never goes out of style for kitchen cabinetry - neutral, versatile and effortlessly chic. This stain enhances the natural texture of wood, bringing out just the right amount of depth, making it the perfect foundation for any design. Whether you're pairing it with crisp whites and soft creamy greys for a timeless look, or going bold with cooler blues and greens, Shortbread plays well with every shade. From sleek slab doors to classic Shaker-style cabinets, this stain brings out the natural beauty of wood cabinetry giving your kitchen a cozy yet refined feel.
HUSK: A RICHLY NEUTRAL OPTION FOR NATURAL WOOD CABINETS
If you love Cherry or Alder, then Husk may be the ideal stain option for your natural wood cabinets. Our Husk stain soaks into those porous woods to highlight their distinctive grain patterns, while its cooler undertones neutralize the natural reddish hues present in those species. The result is a stained cabinet with rich, neutral appearance that fits design styles ranging from traditional to contemporary.
WICKER: Beautifully Adaptable to Any Home Style
Wicker is an ideal choice for nature-inspired kitchens where cozy comfort is a key design goal. Mid-toned and calming, this stain subtly enhances the uniform grain patterns of Alder as well as the more distinct patterns of Maple, adding a serene feel that complements minimalist designs. Whether you're crafting a modern cottage or embracing streamlined Scandinavian-inspired style, Wicker's neutral base makes it effortlessly versatile. Wicker stained cabinetry creates stunning contrast against darker elements - think bold black hardware, sleek appliances, or a statement island - giving your kitchen a balanced, designer-curated look.
SLATE: DISTINCT, DEBONAIRE, AND INTRIGUING
For those looking to add a touch of drama to their kitchen, the dark and debonair Slate stain delivers bold sophistication with ease. This rich, nearly black stain is undeniably sleek - perfect for creating a striking statement with your kitchen cabinetry. Its black-based hue enhances the natural beauty of streak-grained Hickory and the bold grain of Oak, giving Shaker style cabinets a modern, moody edge. Want to take it up a notch? Pair Slate with deep brown tones like Molasses for a layered, luxe feel, or create eye-catching contrast with crisp whites and daring pops of color.