White kitchen cabinets provide a classic option for homeowners craving a clean, refined, and widespread appearance. But choosing the right white paint color for kitchen cabinets can be trickier than it first appears. With so many shades, undertones and finishes to choose from, the right one will depend on the style, lighting and overall aesthetic of your kitchen.
In this guide, you’ll find all you need to know about white paint for cabinets, from how to choose the best shade for the job, the best whites to use, and DIY tips and tricks.
The Case For Painting Kitchen Cabinets White
White cabinets remain a timeless classic, making them one of the most common types of kitchen renovations. But why do homeowners and designers love them so much?
Brightens the Kitchen
White paint bounces light around, instantly making the space feel bigger and more inviting. If you have a kitchen without much natural light, you can make the whole room look lighter with white cabinets.
Works with Every Style
White cabinets are extremely versatile. White paint complements virtually any style of design, whether the kitchen in question is modern, farmhouse, coastal or traditional.
Timeless and Elegant
While bold colors can fall out of fashion, white cabinets always look fresh and modern. They also increase your home’s value and will entice a broad base of buyers.
Easily Pairs with Other Elements
White is a blank canvas. But with light, neutral cabinetry, it complements any kind of countertop, backsplash, flooring, and hardware, so your design options are infinite.
Warm vs. Cool Whites
- Warm Whites: To create that cozy, inviting ambiance. These whites lean yellow or beige.
- Cool Whites: Best for contemporary kitchens. They are cool (gray or blue undertones), sleek and crisp.
Opting for white cabinets could be an investment in a classic, elegant, and timeless look.
Choosing the Best Shade of White for Cabinets
Not all whites are the same. Choosing the best shade of white paint to use on kitchen cabinets involves some careful consideration of a few things:
Lighting
Lighting is crucial in the way white paint appears in your kitchen.
- Natural Light: North-facing kitchens have cooler light, so for balance we opt for a warm white, like Benjamin Moore White Dove.
- Artificial Light: LED lighting in kitchens often enhances the crispness of whites, so this neutral white like Sherwin Williams Pure White, for example, is a good choice.
Undertones
Many white paints have subtleties in undertone that can affect the look overall of your kitchen.
- Blue or Gray Undertones: Cool whites are great for modern and minimalist residential spaces. They provide a crisp, clean-cut look.
- Yellow or Beige Undertones: Warm whites bring comfort and softness that suit traditional or farmhouse kitchens.
- Neutral Undertones: A true neutral white like Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace will be able to play in any space and has a more balanced look.
Existing Elements
Pick a shade of white that works with the colors in your countertops, flooring, and walls. If you have bold-colored tiles or dark wood floors in your kitchen, choose a crisp white to create contrast with your other materials. A warm white can unify everything for softer color palettes.
Finish
Paint finish is important for looks and longevity.
- Satin or Semi-Gloss: These are among the most popular finishes for cabinets as they’re durable, easy to clean, and mildly reflective.
The 5 Best White Paint Colors For Kitchen Cabinets
We have researched popular paint options and compared those that most homeowners and designers swear by. Here are the Top 5 white shades you need to know:
- Benjamin Moore White Dove: A soft warm white with subtle gray undertones. It’s ideal for traditional kitchens that require a warm touch.
- Sherwin Williams Pure White: This pure, neutral white works in any lighting. It’s not too warm and not too cool, so it’s a safe choice.
- Behr Swiss Coffee: A pale, creamy warm white that’s subtly sophisticated without being too yellow. It’s perfect for farmhouse or rustic kitchens.
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace: Pure, bright white with no discernible undertones. Perfect for contemporary and minimalistic interiors.
- Farrow & Ball All White: This bright, pure white is classic and looks great with both traditional and modern designs.
Testing White Paint Swatches in Your Kitchen
Before committing to a white paint choice, it is important to test samples. Even white paints that are the best of the best can take on a different personality based on room lighting and surroundings.
Steps to Test Paint Samples
- Buy Samples: Get small sample pots of 2-3 shades you’re thinking of.
- Foam Boards or Paint on Your Cabinets: Tape some foam boards to the wall or paint a small section of your cabinets.
- Look at the Colors: See how the colors appear in natural light (daytime) and artificial light (nighttime).
- Compare with Other Elements: Hold the samples next to your countertops, walls, and floors to make sure everything coordinates.
How To Paint Your Cabinets Like A Pro
Prepare the Surface
Scrub the cabinets well to get rid of grease and grime. Sanding down gives the paint a better surface to stick to.
Prime First
Use a stain-blocking high-quality primer to smooth the surface prior to painting.
Use the Right Tools
Use a mix of brushes and foam rollers to get an even finish with no streaks.
Apply Thin Coats
Avoid a single thick coat and go with 2-3 thin coats of paint. Let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next.
Seal for Durability
Add a clear sealer or topcoat to protect your paint and make cleaning it easier.
2. How do I choose between warm and cool white?
Choose warm whites for cozy, traditional kitchens and cool whites for modern, sleek spaces. Warm whites have yellow or beige undertones, while cool whites lean toward blue or gray.
3. What finish is best for white kitchen cabinets?
Semi-gloss or satin finishes are ideal for white kitchen cabinets. They are durable, easy to clean, and provide a slight sheen that enhances the look of your cabinets.
4. Can I paint my cabinets without sanding?
While sanding provides the best results, you can skip this step by using a bonding primer. Bonding primers adhere to most surfaces, ensuring a smooth and long-lasting finish.
5. How do I prevent white cabinets from turning yellow?
To prevent white cabinets from turning yellow, use high-quality water-based paints and apply a protective sealer. Additionally, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause yellowing over time.