Paint Color Ideas to Make Your White Kitchen Cabinets Shine
If you have a kitchen with crisp, clean white cabinetry, you may be looking for new paint colors to refresh the space. The right colors can brighten up your white kitchen cabinets and create an airy, elegant look. Paint is an easy and affordable way to update the color scheme without replacing the existing cabinetry. Follow these paint color ideas to help your white kitchen cabinets look their best.
When choosing paint colors for a white kitchen, it's important to select shades that will complement, rather than clash with, the cabinets. Avoid going too dark or saturated, which can feel oppressive. Stick with lighter neutrals and pastels in the same color family that will enhance the white cabinets nicely.
Consider the Lighting
The natural and artificial lighting in your kitchen will impact the way paint colors appear on the walls. Be sure to test potential paint colors in different lighting at various times of day. Cool northern light may cast a different hue than warm southern sun.
If needed, install or enhance lighting fixtures in your kitchen, like pendant lights over islands, under cabinet lighting, and accent lighting. Proper illumination can help brighten up the space and illuminate all the surfaces and colors clearly.
Match Your Kitchen's Style
Selecting a complementary wall color also depends on your kitchen's overall aesthetic. Is your kitchen styled as traditional, modern, cottage, contemporary or coastal? The color should fit that design scheme. For example, a nautical kitchen may incorporate navy blue accents, while a cozy cottage kitchen could feature sage green.
You'll also want to consider elements like your countertops, backsplash, flooring, and any other permanent finishes that you want the wall color to coordinate with. Tie everything together for a cohesive look.
Popular Paint Colors for White Kitchen Cabinets
Here are some recommended shades that look beautiful paired with white cabinetry:
Different Tones of White
One fail-proof option is to stick with a white palette and use different white and off-white shades on the walls, such as:
- Soft white
- Antique white
- Swiss coffee
- Alabaster
- Vanilla milkshake
An all-white kitchen is a timeless, elegant choice. Lighter whites like soft white will brighten up the space, while warmer antique white can add subtle contrast.
Light Neutrals
For a more neutral but still light and airy look, consider these sophisticated options:
- Light gray
- Warm greige
- Buttery yellow
- Muted sage green
- Dove gray
- Beige
Soft grays and olive greens work perfectly as an alternative to all-white. They keep the kitchen looking open, yet add a subtle moodiness.
Pops of Color
White kitchen cabinets also pair beautifully with small pops of bold, saturated color on the walls like:
- Navy blue
- Forest green
- Mustard yellow
- Cherry red
- Robin's egg blue
Just keep color on only one wall as an accent to prevent it from overwhelming the space. These vivid hues add liveliness and vibrancy against the clean white backdrop.
Natural Wood Tones
To add warmth and texture, consider wood wall finishes like:
- Whitewashed oak
- Driftwood
- Light walnut
The natural wood injects coziness into the crisp white kitchen. Opt for lightly stained or grey-toned wood to complement the cabinets.
Choose the Right Undertones
Beyond just the shade, also pay attention to the undertones of the colors you select. Colors with warm, yellow/beige undertones will cozy up the kitchen's atmosphere. Cooler grays and blues with blue/green undertones keep the look more icy and modern.
Whites like soft white have warm undertones that make the space feel welcoming. Crisp whites with subtle cool undertones like pearl white result in a clean, bright aesthetic. Choose undertones aligned with your kitchen's overall vibe.
Use the Proper Paint Finish
The right paint finish will help the color look its best on kitchen cabinetry. Consider these recommendations:
- Matte - Flat finish minimizes imperfections
- Eggshell - Soft glow without too much shine
- Satin - Subtle sheen good for trim
Avoid high-gloss finishes, which will showcase every fingerprint and flaw. The cleaner look of matte or eggshell paint allows the true wall color to shine.
Prep and Paint the Cabinets
If your white kitchen cabinets are looking dull or yellowed from age, give them a fresh coat of white paint as well. Follow these tips for successful painting:
- Clean cabinets thoroughly and sand to rough up surface
- Apply bonding primer before painting
- Use high-quality mini paint roller and angled brush
- Allow proper dry time between coats
- Add 3 coats for full coverage
With cleaned and freshly painted white cabinets, your new wall color will look bold and brilliant.
Add Pops of Color With Accessories
Paint isn't the only way to incorporate color into a white kitchen. Add bold and vibrant accents through accessories like:
- Colored appliances
- Patterned rugs
- Bright cookware
- Vivid artwork
- Flowers and fruit
A red stand mixer, blue cookware, and lively art infuse extra pops of fun. Change out accessories seasonally to vary the look.
Finish off your new kitchen color scheme by coordinating all elements. For example:
- Pick a tile backsplash hue that complements your wall paint
- Choose granite countertops with similar flecks and tones
- Match any accent cabinet colors to the wall palette
With cohesive colors and your white cabinets revived, your kitchen will feel fresh, bright, and beautiful.