10 Best Cream Paint Colors to Make Your Kitchen Shine
With their warm, welcoming vibe and timeless appeal, cream kitchen cabinets can transform your cooking space. The right cream paint brings light and life into your kitchen, highlighting beautiful cabinetry while pulling together your decor. But with so many shades to choose from, how do you pick that perfect cream color?
Whether your style is classic or modern, you'll discover beautiful creams to make your kitchen shine.
Choosing the Best Cream Paint Color
When selecting a creamy paint for your kitchen cabinets, keep these tips in mind:
- Consider the undertones. Warm yellow/beige creams suit traditional spaces, while subtle grays work in modern kitchens.
- Factor in your cabinet style and finish. Darker creams complement painted cabinets, while lighter shades highlight wood stain.
- Match your decor. Coordinate cream paint with your countertops, backsplash, and flooring.
- Mind the lighting. North-facing rooms may need warmer creams to compensate.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
This iconic ivory white with the slightest warmth is one of the most popular cabinet creams. It provides a clean, bright backdrop without glaring starkness. Chantilly Lace complements both contemporary and traditional kitchens for a timeless look.
Tips for Use
Chantilly Lace paint gives off a bit more warmth when used on maple or oak compared to cool grays or whites. For a crisp, airy feel, use it in well-lit rooms with light granite or quartz countertops. The versatility of this creamy white makes it foolproof.
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster
Alabaster is a shade lighter than basic white, with noticeable beige undertones for subtle warmth. This flexible neutral works well in any kitchen style. It has enough richness to contrast light granite or stainless steel while avoiding a stark, cold look.
Tips for Use
When using Alabaster cabinet paint, stick to light warm colors like tans and taupes for accents. Alabaster's versatility means it can be adapted to your decor. For a contemporary feel, pair it with gray marble counters. For traditional charm, match it with antique nickel hardware.
Behr Marshmallow White
With no trace of yellow, pink or gray, this clean white is a breath of fresh air. Marshmallow White has a gorgeous cool brightness perfect for modern kitchens. But avoid it if you want a cozy, vintage cream cabinets look.
Tips for Use
Marshmallow White paint requires bright lighting to avoid looking dingy or stark. Cool gray and blue accents allow its crisp character to shine. Try open shelving to accentuate the bright, airy vibe. Keep countertops light.
Valspar Blanched Thyme
This welcoming shade of ivory has strong yellow undertones for a warm, cozy feel. Blanched Thyme is ideal for stained wood cabinets, tying into traditional kitchen designs. The soft cream glow lends a calming ambiance.
Tips for Use
Blanched Thyme cream paint needs ample lighting to avoid looking dark or dingy. Oak cabinets with a light stain showcase its richness. Use antique brass hardware and lighting for a cohesive timeless look. Granite, limestone or butcher block counters balance the cream.
Behr Cappuccino Cream
With subtle tan undertones, Cappuccino Cream offers more depth than basic cream for a striking contrast on cabinets. This versatile neutral feels both fresh and timeless. Its inherent warmth plays up traditional kitchen elements.
Tips for Use
Cappuccino Cream paint looks stunning on oak cabinets with a rich wood grain. For more modern appeal, use sleek hardware and lighter counters. Softer lighting shows off its dimensional tones. Avoid going too dark with accents.
Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige
This light beige shade has yellow-olive undertones for a soothing, natural feel. Accessible Beige is infinitely versatile and flexible enough for any design aesthetic. With more saturation than a basic cream, it’s a lively neutral.
Tips for Use
Accessible Beige paint melds as easily with rustic farmhouse as sleek contemporary. For traditional charm, opt for exposed wood accents and antique hardware. Modern updates like open shelving and pendant lighting keep it fresh.
Benjamin Moore White Dove
Slightly warmer than stark white with soft gray undertones, White Dove offers the perfect balance. It avoids glaring and works well for both contemporary and transitional kitchen styles. The gray influence provides a sophisticated look.
Tips for Use
White Dove paint requires bright lighting to showcase its color clarity. Bold dark accents like black counters pair nicely with its subtler vibe. Stick to satin nickel hardware and sleek surfaces.
Valspar Swiss Coffee
This warmer ivory has been popular for ages due to its inherent coziness and versatility. With yellow-beige undertones, Swiss Coffee enlivens oak cabinets and gives off vintage character. It epitomizes woodsy traditional charm.
Tips for Use
Swiss Coffee paint comes alive on wood cabinets, adding richness to any grain. Antique brass hardware, exposed wood beams, and textured tiles enhance its old-world appeal. Granite and butcher block pair up seamlessly.
Behr Creamy
With its true cream base and yellow undertones, this inviting shade lives up to its name. Creamy paint gives off rustic character in country kitchens. It contrasts beautifully with natural wood while avoiding starkness.
Tips for Use
Creamy paint requires plentiful lighting to avoid looking dark or murky. Soft lighting adds to its vintage vibe. Keep countertops light to balance the warmth. Use antique accents and soft pastel backsplashes.
Benjamin Moore Paper White
This gorgeous white with the faintest cool undertone is bright and airy. Paper White provides a sleek, contemporary look, contrasting well with dark surfaces. Its crisp neutrality keeps the focus on modern lines and textures.
Tips for Use
Paper White paint complements any minimalist or industrial kitchen with bold charcoal and chrome accents. Opt for surfaces like polished concrete, stainless steel, or Caesarstone. Recessed lighting shows off its clarity.
Now that you've selected the ideal cream paint color, follow these tips when applying it to your cabinets:
- Clean cabinets thoroughly and sand to rough up the surface for better paint adhesion.
- Prime first with a high-quality primer to ensure uniform coverage.
- Use a satin or semi-gloss finish for durability and easy cleaning.
- Soft, warm lighting brings out cream tones and adds coziness.
- Tie it all together with cream backsplash tiles, countertops and decor accents.
With a versatile neutral cream paint, your kitchen is sure to be welcoming, timeless and bright. Now go grab a brush and give those cabinets a fresh new look!