Paint Colors That Make White Kitchen Cabinets Even More Beautiful

White kitchen cabinets are a popular choice for many homeowners. They instantly brighten up a space, provide a clean and crisp backdrop, and allow you to easily change the look with paint colors, hardware and decor. But choosing the right white for your cabinets can be tricky. Some whites can appear sterile and stark, while others come across as too yellow or cream. The same goes for wall colors--the wrong tone can make your beautiful white cabinets fade into the background. The key is finding the perfect pairing of cabinet white and wall color that enhances your space.

From selecting the ideal white for cabinets to choosing stunning wall colors, we'll cover all the factors that impact your paint decision. Read on for pro tips that will help you create a gorgeous and cohesive kitchen with white cabinets as the star.

Choosing a White Paint Color for Your Cabinets

White kitchen cabinets offer a clean, bright and versatile backdrop for your space. But not all whites are created equal. The undertones and depth of the white can dramatically impact the look and feel of your kitchen. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a white paint color for your cabinets:

The Many Undertones of White

It's important to understand that white paint colors have subtle undertones that affect their overall appearance. Some popular undertones include:

• Warm whites with hints of cream or yellow
• Cool whites with subtle blue/gray undertones
• Bright whites that appear more stark and crisp
• Soft whites that have more depth than basic bright whites

Generally, white cabinet colors with warm yellow undertones provide a comforting, cozy feeling that works well in many kitchens. Meanwhile, whites with cool undertones can create a more sleek, contemporary look. The level of softness or brightness also impacts the aesthetic--some homeowners prefer creamy whites while others opt for crisp, bright whites.

Popular White Cabinet Paint Colors

Here are some of the most popular white paint colors for cabinets:

• Sherwin Williams Pure White - This shade has a hint of coolness that provides a clean, bright white look. It's a versatile color that works with both traditional and modern styles.
• Benjamin Moore White Dove - A perennial favorite, White Dove is a warm, welcoming white with subtle yellow undertones. It has more depth than many cabinet whites.
• Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace - This white is brighter than White Dove but retains a soft, approachable quality. It has just a touch of yellow.

Paint companies like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams offer many white and off-white options for cabinets. Visit showrooms to compare paint swatches in person before deciding.

View Paint Swatches in Natural vs. Artificial Light

Don't just look at white paint colors in the store. Bring home samples and view them in both natural daylight and artificial lighting. Some whites look buttery and warm in daylight but overly yellow in dimmer, interior spaces. Others appear bright indoors but clinical and stark when hit with sunlight. Natural lighting can soften or amplify tones so it's important to evaluate whites in the actual lighting conditions of your kitchen.

Selecting a Wall Color for White Cabinet Kitchens

Choosing a wall color to complement white cabinets can be fun but requires careful consideration. You generally have two options:

Option 1: Bright White Cabinets + Darker Wall Color

Pairing very crisp, bright white cabinets with a darker wall color is a striking look. Deep blue, charcoal gray, sage green and warm taupe are great options to make white cabinets pop. Just take care not to go too dark or your cabinets may look unbalanced or disproportionately small in comparison.

Option 2: Soft White Cabinets + Light Wall Color

If your cabinets are on the softer side, lighter wall colors are likely a better match. Try pale gray blues, warm taupes, light tans, or very subtle pastel greens and blues. Keep the palette cohesive but avoid selecting the exact same white between your walls and cabinets for differentiation.

Some other tips for selecting a wall color for your white kitchen cabinets:

• Consider undertones - cool paint colors often complement warm cabinet colors nicely.
• Bright north-facing rooms can handle deeper, cooler paint colors.
• South-facing spaces may require lighter, warmer wall colors.
• Greens, blues and violets are excellent for bringing out the clean white tones.
• Soft sage greens, sky blues, and pale violet-grays are great soft options.

Popular Wall Color Combinations

Here are some stunning wall colors that look beautiful with white kitchen cabinets:

• Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray + White Dove cabinets
• Sherwin Williams Repose Gray + Pure White cabinets
• Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter + Chantilly Lace cabinets
• Sherwin Williams Naval + Bright White cabinets
• Benjamin Moore Gray Owl + White cabinets

The Importance of Lighting for White Kitchens

The type and placement of lighting in your kitchen can dramatically impact how paint colors appear. Here's how lighting affects the look of white cabinets and walls:

• Warm lighting makes whites look creamier and more yellow.
• Cool LED lighting keeps whites looking crisp and bright.
• Combining lighting fixtures creates dimension and depth.
• Shadows can swallow up soft whites or exaggerate bold whites.

Ideally, aim for a combination of lighting that provides both task illumination and accent lighting. For white cabinets, a blend of natural daylight, general overhead lighting, pendant lights and under cabinet lighting helps prevent shadows while still allowing whites to maintain their vibrancy.

As you evaluate paint samples for your kitchen, look at the colors in both daylight and artificial light to get an accurate sense of how they'll appear. You may opt for a warmer white paint if your kitchen will rely more on warm, incandescent lighting. Or choose a crisp white for spaces filled with cool, bright daylight.

Other Factors that Impact Paint Choices

Along with lighting, a few other aspects impact how your selected white and paint colors will look:

Room Exposure/Direction

North facing rooms tend to have cooler, more blue toned light, so warmer paint shades are often preferable. Southern exposures with more direct sunlight can better handle cooler whites and grays without appearing too stark.

Desired Mood

Do you want an airy, open feel or a cozy ambiance? Crisp, bright whites lend themselves to the former, while soft off-whites create warmth. But wall color, lighting and decor play a role as well.

Countertops and Backsplash

Consider whether you want your countertops and backsplash to blend with the cabinets or stand out. Cool grays, blues and concrete-style surfaces provide contrast. Warm natural stone, white quartz, and wood countertops coordinate seamlessly.

Sheen and Texture

Flat and eggshell paint finishes tend to absorb light and feel soft. Glossy sheens reflect light strongly and amp up the brightness. Distressed paint techniques or textured surfaces like grasscloth add dimension and visual interest.

White kitchen cabinets offer a clean, fresh look that opens up smaller spaces and provides a lovely backdrop. But the right supporting paint colors, lighting and materials are crucial for helping white cabinets look their best. Consider all the elements and options when designing your dream kitchen. Look at paint swatches in varied lighting, test out pairings, and ensure your paint choices align with the mood you want. With the perfect white cabinet and wall color combination, you're sure to have a kitchen that's both stylish and functional for years to come.

We hope these popular paint color suggestions provide a helpful starting point as you search for the ideal white and colors to enhance your kitchen cabinets. Don't be afraid to experiment with different undertones and depths of whites and colors to find your perfect palette. The final result will be a showcase kitchen that elegantly frames your white cabinets in beautiful, complementary paint colors.