Take Your White Kitchen Cabinets from Plain to Fabulous with a Fresh Coat of Paint

White kitchen cabinets offer a clean, timeless look that never goes out of style. But plain white can also come across as uninspired or clinical. The good news? A fresh coat of colorful paint provides an easy and affordable way to transform lackluster white cabinets into a stunning focal point.

When selecting a paint color for your white kitchen cabinets, it's important to consider the existing undertones. Cool-toned whites pair best with cool paint shades, while warm white cabinets match well with warmer hues. Thoughtful color selection can take your kitchen from bland to beautiful.

Factor #1: Consider Cabinet Color Undertones

White paint contains subtle undertones that impact the overall look. Cabinets finished in a warm white take on a hint of cream or yellow. Cool whites lean towards grays or blues. Identifying your cabinets' existing undertone is key for choosing a complementary wall color.

Pairing a sage green like Farrow & Ball's Green Smoke with warm white cabinets imparts natural charm. The earthy tone enhances the creaminess. Cool white cabinets come alive against Benjamin Moore's Aegean Teal. The crisp, blue-tinged shade plays up the subtle gray.

Warm White Paint Pairings

Warm whites with yellow, tan or cream undertones match well with:

• Sage greens
• Mustard yellows
• Terracotta
• Beige
• Gold

Cool White Paint Pairings

Whites leaning towards blue/gray beautifully complement:

• Seafoam greens
• Sky blues
• Gray blues
• Purple-grays
• Silver

Factor #2: Neutral Backdrop Colors

For a subtle, blended look, consider a neutral wall color in the same tone family as your cabinets. The muted shades won't compete for attention, letting your crisp white cabinets stand out.

A versatile greige offers a sophisticated neutral backdrop. Greige mixes gray and beige for a contemporary, blended look. Sherwin-Williams' popular Worldly Gray greige flatters both warm and cool whites with its delicately nuanced tone.

More Neutral Paint Colors

• Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace - warm, creamy white
• Valspar Sterling Gray - cool, understated gray
• Behr Pale Oak - light, inoffensive beige
• Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige - rich, warm tan

Factor #3: Moody Hues for Drama

Want your white kitchen cabinets to pop? Dramatic darker hues add bold contrast. Deep blue, green and violet amplify the brightness. Black makes an especially striking counterpoint.

Black instantly energizes white cabinets, as seen with Behr's Broadway black. The crisp, formal black ties the space together better than harsh white alone could. White finishes and metals keep things from going too dark.

More Dramatic Paint Colors

• Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
• Sherwin-Williams Naval
• Behr Phantom Gray
• Valspar Boundary Blue

Factor #4: Blue & Green for Personality

Pops of blue or green create a fresh, invigorating look. These cool, nature-inspired hues add personality without overwhelming. Soft, airy tones like Clare's Halo complement white cabinets.

Blue-green shades add vibrancy while still feeling beachy and relaxed. Colors like Aegean Teal by Benjamin Moore or Behr's Bluebird feel energetic yet calm. White finishes keep things light.

More Blue & Green Paint Colors

• Sherwin-Williams Rainwashed
• Behr Stormy Sea
• Benjamin Moore Nebulous Blue
• Valspar Seaglass

Factor #5: Metallic Sheens for Sophistication

Metallic paint sheens, like silver, impart refined elegance to white cabinetry. Silvery grays enhance the cool, crisp tone of white finishes while adding dimension.

Behr's Silver Satin metallic paint glimmers softly, contrasting clean white cabinetry with an upscale vibe. Metallic sheen catches the light, adding interest without overwhelming.

More Metallic Paint Colors

• Benjamin Moore Silver Lake
• Sherwin-Williams Passive
• Valspar Metallic Silver
• Behr Lunar Surface

Factor #6: Soft Grays for Calm

For a peaceful, relaxed kitchen, soft grays beautifully complement white cabinetry. Cool grays underscore white's subtle hints of blue and gray for a soothing monochromatic look.

Sherwin-Williams' popular Mindful Gray imparts an elegant, grounded feel alongside bright whites. A matte finish, like Farrow & Ball's School House White, provides added coziness.

More Soothing Gray Paints

• Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere
• Behr Dolphin Fin
• Valspar Rock Gray
• Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray

Factor #7: Bright Accents

Punctuate a white kitchen with vivid accent walls or island. Contrasting bold hues like citrus yellow, verdant green or coral pink against white cabinetry and backdrop walls makes for an energetic, playful look.

Whether it's a punchy banana shade like Valspar's Mellow Yellow or an unexpected deep teal blue on the island, strategic bright accents energize white kitchens.

Some Vivid Paint Color Options

• Sherwin-Williams Jalapeno
• Behr Caribbean Coral
• Benjamin Moore Lemon Twist
• Valspar Perky Yellow

Painting your kitchen walls is an easy, affordable way to give ho-hum white cabinets new life. Consider the white's undertone and the mood you want. Neutrals blend beautifully, while bold colors provide striking contrast. Thoughtfully selected paint ensures your white kitchen cabinets become the gorgeous focal point they deserve to be.