White cabinets are the easiest cabinet color to work with when choosing a wall color as it is a blank canvas color and adds an elegant look to any kitchen.
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Set the tone of your white cabinets
Before even thinking about choosing a color for your kitchen walls, it's important to determine whether your kitchen cabinet color is a warm, neutral, or cool white.
If your cabinets are a cool white, you can opt for a cooler wall color or something warmer to offset some of the chill inside the cabinets.
If your cabinets are warm whites, you should stay away from cool tones that can accentuate the yellow undertones in your cabinets.
If your cabinets are a neutral white like Sherwin Williams Pure White, you can choose just about any color for the walls and not have to worry about how it will look next to your cabinets.
Consider window area direction and amount of natural light
WhenChoosing an ink colorFor your kitchen walls, it is important to determine the exposure of the room and the amount of light.
If your kitchen faces north, a color like cool white will make your walls look a little gray and dull. In this case, you should choose a color with a bit of warmth to offset the opacity that comes with north facing light.
If your kitchen receives a lot of warm southern light throughout the day, you may want to go with a cooler color, as warm light and strong sun will lessen the coolness of this color. On the other hand, if you choose an already warm color, exposure to the south will increase the warmth of that color.
East and west facing kitchens (my kitchen has both - east morning light and west afternoon light) benefit most from a slightly warm to warm color, as cooler tone colors can look blue or cool in the sun , not directly in space the sun shines.
With that said, let's cover some of the mostpopular ink colorsto paint the kitchen walls if you have white cabinets.
warm gray and gray
Shades of gray and greige (gray + beige) remain popular choices for kitchens with white cabinets, as they are neutral colors that don't compete for attention.
Whether you have warm or cool white cabinets, a warmer gray in particular is an excellent choice.
If, like me, you've chosen white cabinets and countertops for your kitchen—and you don't want that light, bright look to feel cold and stark—adding warmth is all-important.
That's why I painted my kitchen wallssherwin williams cinza calmo,whitened by 50%. While I love the color in full force, the lit version enhances the light in my kitchen, making it light and airy, even during the darkest part of the day when I don't have direct sunlight.
In my personal opinion, I would say that it is undoubtedly one of the best colors for your home.
If your kitchen is open to another room, e.g. your living room or dining room, be sure to keep the same color throughout. It's important for colors to flow from room to room when you have an open layout, or your home will look disjointed.
Warm shades of gray and gray should be considered
The warm tones inherent in gray colors serve as the perfect color to bring a white kitchen to life. There are many different shades to choose from, but these are some of the most popular ones to help narrow down the perfect choice for your kitchen.
Sherwin Williams Calm Grey
Calm gray is my favorite color for any room in the house! If you are looking for onecolor for the whole house, this is one of the most popular options.
I originally painted most of my first floorgray rest, then repainted a few years later, but it only lightened the color by 50%.
As much as I loved full strength, half strength is just the most perfect color for a kitchen with white cabinets or any room in your home.
Crushed gel Sherwin Williams
If you're looking for a gray with a little more warmth, Sherwin Williams Crushed Ice is an excellent choice.
It's a beautiful light gray with a taupe undertone that looks amazing with warm-toned kitchen cabinets and some natural accents.
For reference, it's a little more saturated in color than Repose Gray, although it's a little lighter.
I actually tested it in my kitchen while we were renovating, but it didn't work well in the dining area, which doesn't get a lot of natural light. If you have a lot of light, you'll love it.
Sherwin Williams Pleasant cinza
nice grayby Sherwin Williams is another great choice to pair with a warm-toned white kitchen cabinet. It is quite similar to Repose Grey, but slants slightlymostwarm and is therefore best suited for a room that requires heat input, such as a bedroom. B. a kitchen facing north.
Benjamin Moore classic gray
classic grayit was actually my first choice for our kitchen remodel and I changed my mind at the last second.
It's significantly warmer than my favorite Repose Gray, but it's another great option that looks great with white kitchen cabinets.
Benjamin Moore Secular Grey
I would describegray secular BMas slightly darker than SW Pleasant Grey. It leans a little more towards its green tones, and in a well-lit room, the slight purple hue can become more evident.
But don't let that put you off! It's a lovely light and bright warm gray that adds just the right amount of contrast between white walls and kitchen cabinets.
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Grey
Edgecomb Grauit is a very popular choice for a paint color that is more beige than the rest. It has just enough gray to keep it from getting too hot, but it's definitely warmer than the other colors we've reviewed.
Works great with warmer whites, cooler whites and wood tones.
Read these in-depth paint color reviews
Grays in cool tones
If you have warm light (or don't want these colors to look blue in cooler light), these cooler gray tones look great on white cabinets:
Sherwin Williams Passivo
If you're looking for a cool, modern gray, the Sherwin Williams Passive has been a designer favorite for a long time.
A cool gray like Passive looks great when paired with cooler white and marble, lots of polished chrome, as well as other cooler colors like light blue.
Sherwin Williams Light French Grey
In a well-lit kitchen with lots of natural light, many will saySherwin Williams Light French Greyit's the perfect mid-neutral grey.
However (and I know from experience in my own home) that when you get the Northern Lights or your room is poorly lit it can look really dark and a bit purple. Illuminating everything with this paint color!
Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
I've found that Benjamin Moore Gray Owl can be a divisive color in the design community. Like so many gray paint colors, it can change depending on the light.
Under the right conditions, it's the perfect light gray. In the wrong room, it might look green, blue, or even purple!
Read these in-depth paint color reviews
White paint colors that work with white cabinets
White on white is also a stunning choice if you're looking for a beautiful, bright and airy kitchen. Going white is also the easiest way to make a small kitchen feel bigger.
White walls may not be the most practical, especially for those with a young family, but you can't deny the beauty of a simple and clean look.
For the best white-on-white, choose the same shade for cabinets and walls, then break it down and add contrast by choosing brass, black elements, or gold elements, depending on preference.
It can be difficult to choose a white color that works with and not against your white cabinets. Because of this, it's very important that you determine what color your cabinets are painted (if possible) or find out if it's a cool, warm, or neutral white.
The easiest way to find out the undertone is to take a white glossy piece of paper. Place it against the white cabinet and see how the color compares.
If your cabinets suddenly look yellow next to white paper, they're warm white. If they look bluer or more like white paper, they have a cool undertone. If your cabinets look a little warmer but aren't yellow, they're probably a pretty neutral white.
If you already know the color of your cabinets and want to paint the walls white, it's best to use the same color. This way, you don't have to worry about the wall color making your white cabinets look yellow.
However, if your cabinets are a really bright white or a cooler white and you want to tone down the look, you can definitely go for a significantly warmer white on your walls and not worry about how it would affect the cabinets.
For example, if your cabinets are lacqueredSherwin Williams ExtraweißorRenda Chantilly by Benjamin Moore, you could paint your wallswhite pigeonorAlabasterthat brings out the creaminess on the walls but leaves your cabinets looking bright white.
Blue and green ink colors
While not as universally popular for kitchens as they arebathroom colors, blue and green can look very nice in combination with white cabinets.
You are so lucky with neutral white cabinets that you can really choose any wall color to complement your kitchen. The world really is your oyster!
Bold colors like blue/green are a great way to add a trendy design aesthetic to your kitchen and look amazing against the white.
Green is particularly hot in 2022 and really helps bring the outdoor garden into your space.
Sherwin Williams Rock Garden or Ripe Olive are two lovely options if you want to emulate that earthy green aesthetic, while Sherwin Williams Rainstorm is a gorgeous dark teal that looks stunning against white cabinetry for a regal look.
add striking contrast
Darker paint colors look stunning and contrast beautifully with cool white kitchen cabinets for a truly modern look.
probably notFantasticChoose for a smaller kitchen, but if you have the space and lots of natural and artificial light, it can be a very modern and appealing look for your space.
Cabinets in cool white tones tend to exude coastal vibes, so it would make sense that dark blue and navy would look great as bold wall colors to complement this.
While I'm not sure of the exact shade in the photo below, Sherwin Williams Naval or Hale Navy would be two great color choices to mimic a look like this.
The addition of dark wood tones also helps to offset the cooler tones of the blue cabinets and walls.
A word about trim
To really ensure that the white cabinet aesthetic works well, make sure the finish is the exact same color as the cabinet.
This will ensure that you create a cohesive look and ensure that the eye isn't too contrasty and confusing. Sometimes the devil really is in the details.
If your cabinets are painted a satin finish, you'll want to keep the panels similar - so a satin or semi-gloss finish will work.
final thoughts
Choosing the right wall color to match your white cabinets shouldn't be a complicated process.
Whether you're looking for the best white color to match your cabinets, the perfect warm color to liven up the space, or a cool shade of gray to complement the rest of your home's color palette, test out the color swatches first. 🇧🇷
The best way to know if a color really works in your kitchen is to COMPARE! Place the color swatch next to the white cabinets to see how they look together.
Observe the color change in the morning, afternoon and evening under artificial light. And move it around the room and see how it looks too.
Don't forget to always use real color swatches!
Don't forget - no matter what you've read or seen pictures online, it's very important to test colors in your home before committing!
Samplize provides real color swatches that you can easily move around your home and they are cheaper than buying a ton of paint pots! This is the only way to purchase color swatches.
FAQs
What color should I paint my kitchen with white cabinets? ›
Identifying the right paint colors that will work best with white cabinets can be a time- consuming task. However, the good news is that there are several options that one can consider. Kitchens look best with white, gray, blue, red, yellow, or green. These colors give the kitchen walls a shiny look.
What color walls go best with white cabinets? ›Warm Gray and Greige. Shades of gray and greige (gray + beige) continue to be popular choices for kitchens with white cabinets because they are neutral colors that don't compete for attention. Whether you have warm or cool toned white cabinets, a warmer gray in particular is an excellent choice.
What color should I paint the walls in my white kitchen? ›Most interior designers will usually recommend white warm tones or light gray paint colors for the kitchen walls. However, it's also possible to use a bold color or to go with a color palette of neutral colors.
What is a good accent color for a white kitchen? ›For a stronger look, introduce bolder and brighter accent shades that will punctuate the look. Bright orange, red, yellow and citrus shades would all work well. Add depth to a white scheme with rich, dark shades of green, navy and gray.
Should kitchen walls be lighter or darker than cabinets? ›There are no strict rules as to whether painted kitchen cabinets should be lighter or darker than the walls, essentially it comes down to personal preference and the look you're trying to achieve.
What is the number one paint color for kitchen? ›When it comes to kitchens, white, gray, blue, red, yellow, and green really shine. Each of these shades can do something different for the room, but they all help create a warm and welcoming space. Warmer colors such as red are believed to stimulate the appetite and are an excellent option for kitchens.
Should white cabinets be lighter or darker than white walls? ›The truth is that there is no right or wrong answer to this question. The color of your walls does not have to be identical to the color of your kitchen cabinets. If your walls are painted white, for example, you don't have to have pure white cabinets. However, the paint colors can be the same if you want them to be.
What is the best paint kitchen walls? ›Since kitchens are such a busy part of a home and often need extra cleaning, a satin or semi-gloss finish is the best options. Satin and eggshell finishes are commonly believed to be the same, but in fact, satin is a bit shinier. Satin finishes are easy to clean and good at standing up to mildew, stains and dirt.
What is the most popular color for kitchen walls? ›What is the most popular color for kitchen walls? Gray is the most popular color for kitchen walls as it's bold and modern while remaining clean and versatile. It also allows a neutral backdrop, so you can add your own personality with colored cabinets or kitchen accessories.
What color white walls go with white cabinets? ›White is the most compatible color to be paired with white kitchen cabinets. If you're going for a clean or minimalistic look, white on white is a perfect choice. You should experiment with different shades, for example, bright and bright white, bright and warm white, or bright and cool white.
Which color is best combine with white? ›
White and Blue
These two colors work so well together that they make it easy to bring in other colors like gold, gray, metallics, red and green.
Go with Light Colors
Light colors are more reflective than dark colors and they will make your kitchen appear bigger as well as more open and airy. Light blues, greens, or pale yellows are other great colors to make your space look larger than life.
White Kitchen Cabinets
White is the most timeless cabinet color of all, with popularity dating back over half a century. It's hard to beat the crisp, clean beauty of bright white cabinets. They lighten the entire room and lend a refreshing, airy feel.
Some popular neutral paint colors for the kitchen include white, beige, gray and sage. White is a classic kitchen color. It's crisp and clean, and it goes hand-in-hand with the part of the house where food is prepared.
Should countertops be lighter or darker than cabinets? ›Dark kitchen cabinets will make the kitchen appear smaller and it may be difficult to see what is on the counters. On the other hand, if your kitchen has light colored cabinetry or furniture that stands out in comparison with darker kitchen colors, then darker countertops will work well.
What color does Joanna Gaines use in kitchens? ›In her four favorite color combinations, she pairs white with cream, bold blue, gray, and light blue or green. The white and cream color combo offers a bit more versatility.
What kitchen colors sell a house? ›Stick with neutral and modern colors.
Neutral colors never go out of style simply because you can do anything with them. While bright prints and colors come and go, neutrals continue to be the backbone of valuable homes.
Classic white remains the most popular color choice in kitchens, but homeowners continue to experiment with wider palettes for that room and other areas of the home.
How do you make a white kitchen pop? ›Consider Subtle Kitchen Colors
Punchy brights and rich jewel tones are impactful, but muted colors can be just as eye-catching in a white kitchen for a pop of color. Soft pastels, used in paint colors or on a tile backsplash, maintain the elegant feel of a white kitchen while adding subtle interest.
- If you go with white tile, make it special. The Todorov kitchen has lustrous white tiles that shimmer in the sunlight. ...
- Make your range hood a focal point. ...
- Research your marbles. ...
- Don't go with plain glass. ...
- Choose a clean, crisp white paint. ...
- Use a darker floor to ground the room.
How can I make my white cabinets look better? ›
- INCLUDE MODERN HARDWARE. Incorporate rich hardware finishes into your kitchen design by installing gold or matte black knobs and handles. ...
- ADD CONTRAST WITH WOOD AND BRASS. ...
- BRING BACK BLACK. ...
- GO FOR GORGEOUS GRAYS. ...
- THINK ABOUT TWO TONES.
Our go-to white paint for cabinets and trim is White Dove (OC-17) by Benjamin Moore. This classic, slightly creamy paint will make your all-white kitchen gleam—not blind. For cabinets, it's best to avoid ultra-pure shades of white, as they tend to lend a chilly feel to a kitchen.
Should white kitchen cabinets be satin or semi gloss? ›Because it is easy to clean your cabinet with satin finishes, this means that satin finish is the best choice for high-traffic areas in your kitchen. If you cook often, you know the process can be pretty messy, leaving your kitchen with various stains.
Are white cabinets outdated? ›White kitchens will never go out of style; they're just not trending hard like the beige and green cabinets. So if you're about to jump into a kitchen remodel and you're wondering if you should really purchase those white kitchen cabinets, I got ya!
Is eggshell or satin better for kitchen? ›Which is more durable? Satin paint is more durable than eggshell so it's less likely to show up any scuff marks. It's also easier to clean. This makes it the better choice perhaps as a paint finish for trim such as baseboards and for woodwork like door frames in entryways, living spaces and kitchens.
Is eggshell or matte better for kitchen? ›We recommend matte paints for bedrooms and as living room paint finishes where the walls are exposed to less moisture, choosing a glossier eggshell finish for kitchens and as a paint finish for bathrooms, which are more prone to moisture, as well as children's rooms, which might need more regular cleaning.
Should kitchen walls be satin or semi gloss? ›For kitchens, we recommend semi-gloss or satin paints. Satin is a great choice as long as you have a backsplash surrounding surfaces that may be splattered by water or grease. If you don't have a backsplash in these areas, we recommend a semi-gloss for better durability and easier cleaning.
What are the new kitchen colors for 2023? ›"Neutrals like white, cream, gray, and greige are trending in 2023," says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint Company. 'Blank Canvas is the perfect warm, welcoming white with a transformative power that offers limitless design opportunities," she adds.
What is the kitchen trend for 2023? ›While white will continue to be a popular choice for kitchens in 2023, we can expect to see kitchens get a bit more colorful in the new year. In particular, homeowners are embracing warmer tones and bold pops of color rather than monochromatic, Scandinavian-style minimalism or white and gray farmhouse-style kitchens.
What is the most popular kitchen cabinet color for 2023? ›White is still the most popular kitchen cabinet color in 2023 and beyond. However, we are seeing a shift towards warmer and more natural tones. We cover the best colors for cabinets from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams like Simply White, Dove White, and Chantilly Lace.
What items make your kitchen look expensive? ›
Colours such as creams and beiges can make a kitchen look elegant and expensive. If your kitchen is modern, you can use dark colours, such as blacks and greys, which can make it look lavish and extravagant. White reflects light and makes the space look bigger, so complement white with some wood and metallic highlights.
How to make cheap white cabinets look expensive? ›Use lighter colors.
A light color on the walls and cabinets instantly brightens a space making it look larger and in turn, more expensive. Light colors reflect light and hide a multitude of sins, including those scratches, dings and dents in your old cabinets.
The truth is that there is no right or wrong answer to this question. The color of your walls does not have to be identical to the color of your kitchen cabinets. If your walls are painted white, for example, you don't have to have pure white cabinets. However, the paint colors can be the same if you want them to be.
What white paint does Joanna Gaines use for kitchen cabinets? ›What White Paint Does Joanna Gaines Use For Kitchen Cabinets? Joanna Gaines of HGTV's Fixer Upper is a big fan of Sherwin Williams Alabaster for painting kitchen cabinets white. It's actually a favorite among designers because it's not too warm or too cool.
Which color combination is best for kitchen cabinets? ›- Green + Gold. Green grounds kitchens when applied in large doses on cabinetry or walls. ...
- Dark Blue + Light Blue. ...
- Dark Gray + Green. ...
- Blue + Orange. ...
- Red + Yellow. ...
- Gray + Purple. ...
- Black + White. ...
- Blue + Brown.
In fact, paint everything in your kitchen the same color: the cabinets, the walls, shelves, the island —and even the ceiling if you want to really commit. We've documented before how painting furniture the same color as the wall can make a space look bigger and also give cabinetry and shelves a built-in look.