Painting Kitchen Cabinets Off White? Choose the Perfect Color for Your Space
If your kitchen is looking drab and outdated, painting the cabinets an elegant off white is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to give it a fresh, beautiful new look. But with so many off white paint options to choose from, how do you select the perfect one for your space?
We'll also dive into some of the most popular off white cabinet paint colors to help you find your dream shade.
Why Go Off White for Kitchen Cabinets?
Off white cabinetry offers a timeless, versatile neutral color that looks gorgeous in kitchens of any style. Compared to stark bright white, off whites have a gentle warmth while still feeling clean and fresh.
The subtle creaminess helps conceal dirt and wear better than true white, making off white a pragmatic option for the hardest working room of the house. Off whites also tend to soften and complement other materials like granite countertops and tile backsplashes.
In smaller kitchens, off white cabinetry keeps the space feeling open and airy. You don’t get the same shrinking effect as you do with deeper cabinet colors. For a kitchen makeover with maximum visual impact, off white is hard to beat.
Factor #1: Natural Lighting
The amount and type of natural light your kitchen receives will influence which off white looks best.
North-facing rooms with little natural light do best with a warm ivory off white, like Swiss Coffee or Linen. The soft undertones prevent those cabinets from looking dingy or yellowed.
Meanwhile, south-facing kitchens can handle a cooler-toned off white with subtle gray undertones, such as White Dove. Natural light prevents it from feeling too stark and icy.
Factor #2: Existing Elements like Floors and Countertops
Your existing kitchen finishes, like cabinetry, floors, and countertops, should factor into your off white decision. Warm antique white paint with yellow undertones emphasizes and complements traditional wood cabinetry and medium toned hardwood floors. It feels cohesive.
On the other hand, a cooler off white plays well with elements like marble or quartz countertops and white tile backsplashes. The contrast is subtle yet stunning.
Factor #3: Personal Color Preferences
Above all, choose an off white shade aligned with your personal tastes and color preferences.
Do you tend to prefer warmer off whites with beige, ivory, or yellow undertones? Or are you drawn to cooler off whites with subtle hints of gray? There are options across the spectrum.
Test off white paint swatches directly in your kitchen before fully committing. Look at them in both natural and artificial light at different times of day.
Popular Paint Colors to Consider
The Warm Ivories
Swiss Coffee is an inviting warm ivory that beautifully softens dark granite countertops and ties in wooden cabinetry. It’s ideal for north-facing spaces.
Linen White has beige undertones that brighten up small, dark kitchens and coordinate well with most any surface. A versatile neutral option.
The Cool Grays
White Dove has a subtle gray undertone that pairs nicely with crisp white cabinetry and marble counters for a clean and contemporary look.
Seashell and Cotton White also have hints of gray that keep them feeling light and bright but not overly stark.
Soft Yellow Tones
Antique white has a slightly distressed, creamy texture with yellow undertones that give a warm farmhouse vibe alongside natural wood cabinetry.
Classic Eggshell evokes French country kitchens, with its muted yellow tone that feels cozy and timeworn. It’s especially great for concealing flaws in existing cabinets.
Achieving the Perfect Off White Finish
Proper prep work and priming are key to achieving an even, consistent off white finish on your kitchen cabinets.
Make sure all surfaces are cleaned thoroughly before painting. Lightly sand glossy areas to rough up the texture so the paint adheres properly.
Priming levels out any inconsistencies and provides added texture for the paint to grip. Use oil-based primer if repainting existing cabinets.
When painting, opt for high-quality brushes on the cabinet frames and a small foam roller on flat surfaces. Work methodically in sections and allow the proper drying time between coats.
The wait will be worth it for stunning off white kitchen cabinets that look professionally done.
Off white kitchen cabinets not only give your space a stylish updated look but also conceal wear better than true white. Consider the natural light and your existing finishes when selecting the perfect soft or cool toned off white for your kitchen. With good prep work and application, you can easily achieve magazine-worthy results!