The Complete Guide to Stylish Off White Kitchen Cabinets
Off white kitchen cabinets impart a sense of easy elegance and timeless charm. Unlike stark white that can feel too sterile or cream that borders on dingy, off white strikes that perfect balance between crisp and warm. These subtly hued cabinets showcase beautiful undertones that reflect light wonderfully, making any kitchen feel more inviting and spacious.
You'll learn expert tips for selecting the right undertone to match your kitchen's style and existing finishes. We'll also cover the hardware and countertops that pair seamlessly with off white cabinets. Let's dive in!
Popular Off White Cabinet Paint Colors
When most people imagine off white kitchen cabinets, soft beige and creamy ivory shades come to mind. But today's off white palette is far more versatile with options ranging from true whites to weathered antique variations. Here are some of the best off white cabinet paint colors to consider from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams:
Benjamin Moore
Decorators White - This bright, clean white leans slightly warm with very subtle yellow undertones. It avoids looking sterile and gives off an airy vibe.
White Dove - A perennial favorite off white with grayish undertones. It's lighter than gray but darker than stark white for a perfect in-between.
Classic Gray White - Despite its name, this color is more white than gray. It's a great alternative to White Dover if you prefer less yellowy.
Sherwin Williams
Alabaster - A foolproof soft white that works everywhere. It has a creamy warmth while still appearing crisp.
Pure White - Cooler and brighter than Alabaster, this is the whitest white Sherwin Williams offers before getting clinical.
Light French Gray - As the name denotes, this off white has subtle gray/beige undertones. A nice compromise between warm and cool.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Off White Paint Color
When deciding on the perfect off white for your kitchen cabinets, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
Lighting
The cabinets will look different depending on if viewed in natural vs. artificial light. Cool, blue-hued lighting can emphasize the subtle gray tones in off whites. Warm, yellow lighting brings out creamy undertones more. Evaluate the undertones under both types of light before deciding.
Existing Finishes
Look at your kitchen's existing palette - the floors, countertops and backsplash specifically. For a coordinated look, choose an off white tone that fits in well with the other finishes. Go for warm if you have beige granite countertops and hardwood flooring or cool if your counters and tiles are gray. White countertops pair beautifully with any off white. You can also intentionally choose an off white tone that contrasts your existing finishes to make the cabinets stand out more.
Kitchen Style
Take your kitchen's overall aesthetic into account. Crisp, true off whites complement modern, contemporary spaces with clean lines and minimal ornamentation. Soft antique off whites with yellow undertones feel right at home in traditional cottages and farmhouses.
Hardware that Complements Off White Cabinets
Choose cabinet hardware that provides enough contrast against off white cabinets while coordinating with your kitchen's style.
Polished nickel and stainless steel knobs and pulls pop nicely against off whites while still keeping things understated. Oil-rubbed bronze and black hardware make the cabinets stand out more for traditional and contemporary kitchens respectively.
Countertop Colors that Work with Off White Cabinets
No matter the off white tone, white countertops will always complement the cabinets beautifully. Light to medium gray countertops like soapstone and concrete also pair well. Darker countertops can provide striking contrast - think black, deep blue or emerald green.
Making Off White Cabinets Work in Small Kitchens
Despite conventional wisdom, off whites can work wonderfully in small kitchens. The key is to choose a white that's bright and crisp - true off whites without yellow/beige undertones. Clean, reflective whites will bounce light around, making a tiny kitchen feel more spacious and airy. Soft off whites can overwhelm and close off the space.
Caring for Off White Painted Cabinets
While off white cabinet paint is durable, it still requires care and maintenance. Satin and semi-gloss sheens are ideal as they resist moisture, grease and wear and tear better than flat finishes while retaining softness. Be diligent about touching up any paint chips to avoid moisture getting under the paint. Use microfiber cloths and avoid abrasive cleaners to clean grease and dirt to maintain the finish.
Achieving a Modern Farmhouse Look with Off White Cabinets
The lightness of off white painted cabinets contrasts beautifully against visible wood tones and matte black hardware for the quintessential modern farmhouse kitchen. Here are a few key elements to incorporate:
- Shaker style cabinet doors for a clean, fuss-free look
- Open shelving and hutches to showcase wood tones
- Matte black hardware for vintage appeal
- Butler's sink and subway tile backsplash
While trends come and go, off white kitchen cabinets remain a classic choice that fits nearly any style. The array of off white paint colors available means you can easily find a shade that complements your existing kitchen finishes and complements your design vision. So embrace the stylish versatility of off white for cabinets that will stay looking gorgeous for years to come.