Countertop Colors That Make White Cabinets Shine
White kitchen cabinets make a space feel open and airy. But choosing the right countertop color is crucial for creating a put-together, stylish look. The wrong countertop hue can make white cabinets appear dull or dated. Fortunately, there are plenty of countertop colors that perfectly complement white cabinets and make them look their absolute best.
In this post, we'll go over the key factors to keep in mind when selecting a countertop color for white cabinets. We'll also provide recommendations on specific countertop materials and colors that never fail to make white cabinets shine.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Countertop Color
Selecting the ideal countertop color for your white kitchen cabinets depends on a few key considerations:
Desired Style
The style you want to achieve with your kitchen decor will inform what countertop colors work best. Here are some guidelines:
- For a contemporary, modern look, darker countertop colors like black, charcoal gray, or glossy granite pair beautifully with white cabinets.
- To create a more classic or traditional kitchen, consider warm beige, cream, or brown countertops to complement white cabinets.
- Rustic styles featuring white cabinets look great with natural wood countertops that add warmth.
Cool vs. Warm Undertones
White paint colors have subtle undertones that impact what colors look best with them:
- Whites with cool, blue/gray undertones (greige) complement darker charcoal and black countertops.
- Warm white paint colors with yellow/beige undertones pair better with light cream or beige countertops.
Existing Kitchen Colors and Elements
Take into account your kitchen's existing color scheme and finishes when selecting a countertop hue, including:
- Cabinet hardware
- Backsplash tile
- Flooring
- Wall color
- Light fixtures
Choose a countertop color that complements these features for a cohesive look. For example, avoid pairing a red brick backsplash with green granite countertops.
Kitchen Size and Lighting
Consider the size and lighting of your kitchen as well:
- Small or dark kitchens can benefit from light-colored countertops that reflect light.
- Large, bright kitchens can handle darker countertops without appearing too heavy.
Best Countertop Colors for White Cabinets
Now that we've covered the key considerations, here are some of the best countertop materials and color options to complement white kitchen cabinets:
Dark Granite Countertops
Dark-toned granite countertops make a gorgeous pairing with white cabinets. Options like black, charcoal, or gray granite countertops create a modern, sleek look. This is an especially great combo for contemporary kitchens.
Dark granite works well with both cool-toned and warm-toned white cabinets to create a bold statement. It also stands up beautifully to heavy usage. Just be mindful of kitchen size and lighting, as very dark surfaces can feel imposing in small spaces.
Quartz Countertops
With their gleaming surface and wide color range, quartz countertops are perfect for white kitchen cabinets. Light quartz options like white, cream, light beige, and pale gray are ideal for making spaces feel open and airy.
These light quartz choices pair best with white cabinets that have a subtle warm undertone. They also reflect light nicely, making them suitable for smaller, darker kitchens.
In large or bright spaces, consider selecting quartz with a quartz with hints of brighter colors like sage green, light blue, or terra-cotta. This creates a pleasant contrast against the white cabinets.
Wood Countertops
Natural wood countertops infuse warmth and texture into white kitchen cabinets. Options like oak, walnut, and butcher block complement white cabinetry while giving off rustic, traditional vibes.
Wood tones with reddish-brown hues look especially great with white cabinet colors featuring a slight yellow/beige undertone. Avoid pairing wood surfaces with very stark, cool-toned whites.
Distressed or aged wood paired with antique-inspired hardware and accessories works nicely to create a vintage cottage style kitchen. Just keep in mind that wood requires a bit more maintenance than stone or quartz.
Neutral Porcelain or Laminate
For a more affordable option, neutral porcelain or laminate countertops are an excellent match for white cabinets. Materials like porcelain tile or recycled glass tile come in beige, gray, light brown, and other tones that complement white beautifully.
Matte finish laminate countertops also come in a range of whites and neutrals like cream, light gray, and buttercream. Make sure to choose laminate with a bit of pattern or visual texture to avoid looking too plain.
These choices work well in both traditional and modern kitchens, pairing nicely with white cabinets of all undertones. The lighter colors also keep the space feeling open.
Key Factors to Consider For Each Color
To recap, here are some key factors to weigh when selecting a specific countertop color for your white kitchen cabinets:
- Dark granite: Best for large, bright spaces; pair with cool or warm white cabinet tones
- Light quartz: Perfect for small spaces; match with warm white cabinets
- Wood: Provides warmth; coordinate with beige/yellowish whites
- Neutral porcelain/laminate: Affordable; works with any white cabinet tone
With their clean look, white kitchen cabinets offer a perfect backdrop for selecting a countertop color that makes them shine. Dark granite, light quartz, natural wood, and neutral porcelain or laminate are all excellent options that complement white cabinets beautifully.
Just be sure to keep in mind your kitchen's overall style, size, lighting, and existing finishes when selecting a countertop hue. This will ensure your white cabinets and new countertops create a cohesive, polished look you'll love.
With the right countertop color choice, your white cabinets will look crisp, fresh, and elegantly timeless.
Concrete Countertops
Concrete countertops are a trendy and modern option that can complement white cabinets beautifully. White cabinets provide a clean and minimalist background for the natural texture and color variations found in concrete countertops. The white color also allows for customization of the concrete mix, such as adding small amounts of color or aggregate to create a unique and personalized look.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops come in a wide range of colors, making them a versatile choice for white cabinets. Neutral shades like gray, beige, and white complement the cabinets well, while pops of color like green or orange can provide a striking contrast. Quartz countertops are also durable and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for high-traffic kitchens.
Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone countertops are made from natural stone and have a distinctive veining pattern. They are available in various colors, but white and light gray options work particularly well with white cabinets. The soft texture of soapstone is perfect for those who prefer a more natural, rustic look in their kitchen.
Travertine Countertops
Travertine is a type of limestone that is porous and can be cut into different shapes and patterns. It comes in a variety of colors, including beige, cream, and white. For white cabinets, look for travertine with subtle shades of gray or cream, which will complement the cabinets nicely.
Stainless Steel Countertops
Stainless steel countertops offer a sleek and modern alternative to traditional stone or tile options. They pair well with white cabinets, as the stainless steel reflects light and adds a contemporary touch to the kitchen. Stainless steel countertops are also hygienic, easy to clean, and durable, making them a practical choice for busy households.
Terrazzo countertops are made from a mix of marble, quartz, glass, and other materials, creating a unique and colorful pattern. White terrazzo countertops are perfect for those who want a playful, eclectic look in their kitchen. They pair well with white cabinets, as the white background allows the terrazzo pattern to take center stage.