What Color Cabinets on Sherwin Williams Upward Walls? A Friendly Guide
- Vanshika Thareja
- Sep 17
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 19
Picking a paint color for your walls is a big deal, but selecting the perfect kitchen cabinets to match? That’s a whole other level of commitment! If you’ve fallen for Sherwin-Williams Upward (SW 6239) — yep, that gorgeous 2024 Color of the Year — you’ve definitely picked a winner. It’s this breezy, denim blue that just feels super calm and clear.
But here's the thing: blue has a distinct personality. Unlike a simple beige, it needs a really good partner on your cabinets to truly shine. So, the big question is: what color cabinets go best with Sherwin Williams Upward walls?
Whether you’re dreaming of a beachy cottage vibe, a sleek modern look, or a cozy farmhouse feel, Upward is actually surprisingly versatile. Let’s dive into the best pairings to transform your kitchen!
Getting to Know the Star: Sherwin-Williams Upward
Before we talk cabinets, let's chat about the wall color itself. SW Upward is basically a "sunny day" blue. If you are struggling with shades, check out our guide on how to choose the perfect blue wall paint to see why this one stands out. It’s not a moody, storm-cloud gray, and it’s definitely not a nursery baby blue either.
The Vibe: Think "silver linings" and taking it slow. It’s that breath of fresh air your home needs.
The Undertones: It has a delicate gray undertone that keeps it from looking neon. It’s soft, airy, and chill.
The Light: It reflects a good amount of light, so it helps your space feel bigger and more open.
Since Upward is on the "cool" side, your cabinets need to either play into that crispness or bring in some warmth to balance things out.
1. The Classic Choice: Crisp & Clean Whites
If you want that timeless look that adheres to solid kitchen design principles, you really can't go wrong with a pure, crisp white. It’s like the classic combo of blue sky and white clouds—fresh, clean, and makes those blue walls pop!
SW Extra White (SW 7006)
The Vibe: Modern, Sharp, and Bright.
SW Extra White is one of the cleanest whites you can get. It has zero creamy or yellow undertones; it’s just cool and crisp. When you put this next to Upward, you get a super high-contrast look. The blue walls will actually look bluer because the white is so stark.
Why it works: This is the go-to for coastal kitchens or modern styles. It feels brisk and airy!
Quick Tip: Stick with silver finishes like chrome or polished nickel to keep that cool, icy aesthetic going.
SW Pure White (SW 7005)
The Vibe: A Little Softer.
If Extra White feels a bit too clinical for you, SW Pure White is your best friend. It’s still a "true white," but it has a tiny drop of warmth that keeps it from feeling sterile. It’s a smoother transition between your cabinets and those airy blue walls.
Best For: If you want that "bright white" look but have warm wood floors, this bridges the gap perfectly.
2. The Softener: Warm Off-Whites
Worried that a blue kitchen might feel a little too... frozen? The secret is to warm things up with your cabinets! Warm off-whites and creams act like a cozy blanket, softening the blue and making the kitchen feel inviting. If you are tackling this as a DIY project, make sure you know how to paint kitchen cabinets properly to get that smooth, professional finish.
SW Alabaster (SW 7008)
The Vibe: Cozy, Timeless, and Farmhouse-Ready.
SW Alabaster is iconic for a reason! It’s a warm white that looks classic against blue walls. It’s creamy enough to stop the room from feeling chilly, but not so yellow that it looks dated.
Why it works: It just feels "lived-in" and elegant. If you have wood floors, this is probably your best bet since the warmth ties everything together.
SW Creamy (SW 7012)
The Vibe: Cheerful and Rich.
SW Creamy is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a soft off-white that really plays up the cheerful side of Upward. While the walls feel floaty and airy, Creamy gives your cabinets some substance.
Heads Up: Watch your lighting! In yellow light, this can look a bit buttery. Make sure to test a swatch so the yellow in the cream doesn't clash with the gray in the blue.
3. The Bold Move: Dark & Dramatic Accents
Ready to break the rules? Dark cabinets against light blue walls look amazing and are definitely one of the rising kitchen design trends of 2025. Think "Tuxedo Kitchen"—fancy, right? This works great for two-toned kitchens where the bottom cabinets or island are dark and the uppers are light.
SW Downing Slate (SW 2819)
The Vibe: Earthy and Grounded.
SW Downing Slate is a deep blue-green that adds a ton of depth. Because Upward has gray undertones, it gets along famously with the slate notes here.
Why it works: It feels organic, like a "sky and earth" combo. It’s super restful to look at!
SW Indigo Batik (SW 7602)
The Vibe: Moody and Striking.
SW Indigo Batik is a popular pick for a bold kitchen. It’s a monochromatic look—pairing light blue walls with dark blue cabinets.
Design Tip: To pull this off, make sure you add some texture! Throw in some butcher block counters, leather stools, or brass hardware to warm up all that blue.
4. The Middle Ground: Neutrals & Greiges
Sometimes white is too bright, and dark blue is just too much. Meet the "Greiges" (Gray + Beige). These shades are sophisticated and tone down the sweetness of the blue.
SW Incredible White (SW 7028)
The Vibe: Subtle and Hazy.
Don't let the name fool you—SW Incredible White is basically a very light greige. It brings in warmth without being loud about it.
Why it works: It doesn't fight for attention. It lets your Upward walls be the star while the cabinets just chill in the background.
SW Agreeable Gray (SW 7029)
The Vibe: The Ultimate Balancer.
SW Agreeable Gray is everyone's favorite neutral for a reason. It’s versatile! The beige notes stop the room from feeling like an icebox, while the gray notes keep it looking modern.
Don't Forget the Countertops!
Once you've picked your cabinet color, you've got to think about counters. They're the bridge between your walls and cabinets. If you are stuck deciding between materials, checking out the pros and cons of quartz vs granite can help you make the right choice for your lifestyle.
Quartz and Marble: If you went with Extra White or Downing Slate, a white quartz with gray veins is the ultimate luxury pairing. It ties everything together beautifully.
Butcher Block / Wood: If you picked Indigo Batik or Alabaster, wood tones are a must! Walnut or white oak adds instant warmth and looks fantastic next to blue.
Soapstone or Black Granite: For a dramatic look with Creamy or Agreeable Gray, try matte black. It grounds those airy walls and adds a bit of an edge!
A Quick Note on Lighting & Decor
We can't talk paint without talking light! Upward changes a lot depending on the sun.
North-Facing Rooms: The light is cooler here. Upward will look grayer. Go for Warm Off-Whites (Alabaster) to cozy it up!
South-Facing Rooms: You get that warm, golden light. Upward will look like a true, breezy blue. You can totally get away with Crisp Whites here without it feeling cold.
Light Bulbs: Aim for 3000K - 3500K LED bulbs. Anything too yellow (2700K) turns blue walls green, and anything too blue (5000K) feels like a hospital waiting room!
Once you have the paint and lighting set, consider tying the room together with textiles. Some blue and white rug ideas can help connect your cabinetry color to your walls seamlessly.
Wrapping It Up: Your Cheat Sheet
Desired Look | Cabinet Color | Why It Works |
Classic Contrast | Fresh, clean, and makes the blue pop! | |
Soft & Cozy | Adds warmth for that lived-in feel. | |
Cheerful | Plays up the sunny vibes. | |
Bold / Tuxedo | High-fashion and moody. | |
Earthy Accent | Grounds the room with some depth. | |
Neutral Balance | Not too hot, not too cold—just right. |
At the end of the day, pick the combo that makes you happy. Whether you love the crispness of Extra White or the drama of Indigo Batik, Upward is a beautiful backdrop for your life!
FAQs
1. Is Upward too light for a kitchen wall color?
Not at all—it makes kitchens airy and spacious, especially paired with the right cabinets.
2. Should cabinets be darker or lighter than Upward?
Either works—white/cream cabinets create contrast, while darker navy/black add drama.
3. Can wood cabinets work with Upward?
Yes—light to medium stains like oak or maple complement it beautifully.
4. What backsplash pairs with Upward and white cabinets?
Subway tile, marble, or mosaic glass tile.
5. Is Upward a good color for small kitchens?
Yes, because it reflects light and keeps spaces feeling open.
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