Struggling to Pick Wall Colors for Your White Kitchen Cabinets? We Have the Solution

If you're remodeling your kitchen or designing a new one from scratch, choosing the perfect wall color to complement those crisp, clean white cabinets can feel like an impossible decision. With so many paint options to pick from, how do you settle on a shade that will work harmoniously with your cabinetry rather than clashing against it? Don't stress - we've got you covered. You'll learn insider tips on choosing paints that enhance (rather than compete with) your cabinetry, as well as combinations that interior designers rely on again and again for beautiful, cohesive styles. Read on to finally solve your white cabinet/wall color conundrum once and for all!

Common Pitfalls and Mistakes to Avoid

It's easy to make missteps when pairing wall colors with your white kitchen cabinets. Before we dive into the solutions, let's review a few of the most common mistakes homeowners make - and how to avoid them:

Failing to Consider Cabinet Paint Undertones

Not all white paint colors are created equal. Many have subtle undertones that create a warmer or cooler effect. It's crucial to pick a wall color that complements the undertones already present in your cabinet finish. Warm white paint with yellow/beige undertones looks best with warm wall colors, while cool white paint with blue/gray undertones pairs better with cool wall hues. If you don't consider undertones, you may end up with clashing colors.

Assuming All White Paints are Neutral

It's easy to think that white paint has a neutral effect in any space. In reality, many white paint colors contain sneaky undertones that impact the whole room. A white with yellow undertones will impart a warm, welcoming look, while a white with blue undertones reads cooler and more clinical. Identifying undertones helps you pick the right coordinating wall color.

Not Testing Paint Swatches Properly

Don't just look at paint swatches alone when selecting colors - you need to view them alongside your cabinetry. Colors look different in the store lighting than they will in your unique kitchen environment. Hold swatches up to cabinets at various times of day to gauge the impact of natural and artificial lighting on the hue.

Forgetting to Factor In Other Kitchen Elements

Your cabinets and walls don't exist in a vacuum. The undertones of countertops, backsplashes, floors and other fixed elements also impact the look of your paint. Always pull inspiration from these materials so your colors feel cohesive instead of random.

Neglecting Lighting's Impact on Color

From bright natural sunlight to mood-setting fixtures, lighting profoundly impacts how paint colors appear. Test swatches at different times of day and with various light sources on. A color that pops in daylight could look dingy and dark at night, or under warm bulbs.

Key Factors to Keep in Mind For Success

The Importance of Identifying Undertones

As mentioned above, undertones are the subtle tones underlying a paint color that make it read warm, cool or neutral. Warm whites contain faint traces of yellow, beige or peach. Cool whites have barely perceptible hints of blue, green or gray. Understanding your white cabinet's undertones prevents color-clashing.

Examine cabinets closely in natural daylight to accurately gauge undertones. Another tip is to hold paint swatches next to the white cabinet finish to see which complements it best. Does a warm beige make the white look crisp and clean? Or does a cool gray accentuate its hidden blue tones? Let undertones be your guide.

Testing Paint Swatches Properly

Don't just grab a few paint swatches that catch your eye - get scientific for the best results. Use the following tips:

• Always view swatches in natural daylight to see undertones accurately.
• Compare swatches side-by-side with your cabinets to test for coordination.
• Look at swatches at different times of day since color intensity changes.
• Paint large swatches on your wall to see how the color takes to your unique space.

Coordinating With Other Kitchen Elements

Your kitchen likely contains other fixed elements beyond just cabinets and walls. Countertops, backsplashes, floors and lighting fixtures also have undertones that impact the look of your wall color. Consider the following:

• Granite or quartz countertops with warm flecks pair better with warm cabinet/wall colors.
• Tile or glass backsplash colors should complement the wall and cabinet tones.
• Hardwood floors with warm oak or walnut tones need walls with similar warmth.
• Cool-toned metals and pendants work with cooler paint palettes.

Keep these materials in mind when designing your whole kitchen color scheme.

Best Wall Color Options for White Cabinets

Now that you know how to pick colors that work, let's explore popular, foolproof shades for white kitchen cabinets:

Warm White Cabinets

For white cabinets with faint yellow, beige or cream undertones, stick with warm complementary wall colors. Great options include:

• Beige
• Cream
• Warm taupe
• Greige (mix of gray and beige)
• Soft peach
• Sage green
• Benjamin Moore Muslin or Shoji White

These warmer neutrals bring out the subtle golden tones in the cabinetry for a welcoming, cohesive look.

Cool White Cabinets

For crisp white cabinets with barely detectable gray or blue hints, cool-toned wall colors are ideal choices. Go for:

• Soft gray
• Light blue
• Pale green
• Benjamin Moore Feather Down
• Sherwin Williams Repose Gray

These tranquil, relaxing colors allow the barely-there blue undertones to shine through the white paint.

Clean White or Bright White Cabinets

For true, brilliant white cabinets without a trace of undertones, you have lots of flexibility. Feel free to choose from cool, warm or neutral wall colors like:

• Sherwin Williams Pure White
• Benjamin Moore White Dove
• Light tan
• Soft gray
• Pale blue

Without having to worry about clashing undertones, you can base the wall color on the mood you want to create instead.

Extra Decorating Tips

When designing your perfect white kitchen, don't stop at just the wall color! Use these extra tricks to add personality:

• Incorporate wallpaper or patterns - Add a wallpaper accent wall or post geometric or floral patterns to infuse color.
• Use accent colors in artwork and decor - Vibrant artwork, rugs and decor in accent colors can really make the space pop.
• Paint inside cabinet doors - Painting the inside of glass cabinet doors a bold, contrasting color adds a colorful surprise.
• Go darker in smaller kitchens - Smaller kitchens can handle deeper, dramatic colors like navy blue or emerald green.

Choosing the perfect wall colors to complement your white kitchen cabinets comes down to properly identifying undertones and choosing harmonious hues. Now that you know how to analyze your cabinets, test paint swatches, and select shades that work, you can feel confident tackling your kitchen color scheme. For warm white cabinets, stick with beiges, for cool whites, go for cool grays. If your cabinets are bright white, you have lots of options for infusing your own personality. Follow the tips above to finally get the white kitchen of your dreams!