The Best Paint Colors To Complement Your White Kitchen Cabinets
White kitchen cabinets offer a clean, timeless look that works in both traditional and modern kitchens. But over time, the crisp white can start to feel dull and dated. The good news is a fresh coat of paint in the right color can give those cabinets a whole new look! Choosing a shade that complements the white will make your cabinets pop while still feeling cohesive.
Painting worn cabinets is much more affordable than replacing them entirely. It also allows you to experiment with different colors to find one that brings out your personal style. Factors like the desired aesthetic, lighting, and other finishes should guide your paint selection. Read on for our top paint color recommendations to complement white kitchen cabinets!
Greys Make Sophisticated Neutrals
Grey has become one of the most popular paint colors for kitchen cabinets. The range of light, medium, and dark greys allows you to easily find a shade that suits your taste. Greys also have a versatile, modern yet classic look that pairs well with many styles.
If you want a soft, approachable grey, try a light warm shade like Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore. It has subtle greige undertones that give white cabinets a lifted look. For a true grey, Edgecomb Gray is a favorite that creates a gorgeously moody kitchen.
Beige and Cream for Airy Warmth
Warm neutrals like beige and cream beautifully complement white kitchen cabinets. Shades like Alabaster, Creamy, and Classic Linen have a bright yet cozy vibe perfect for traditional kitchens. The undertones of these paint colors tie in seamlessly with white for a pulled together look.
Cream has a soft elegance that makes small kitchens feel more spacious. For larger kitchens, pale beiges like Khaki White infuse warmth without feeling too overwhelming. You can't go wrong with these timeless neutrals.
Sophisticated Taupe as an Alternative Neutral
If you find grey and beige to be overdone, consider a sophisticated taupe. With earthy undertones, taupe offers a more dynamic neutral that warms up crisp white cabinets. It can read as grey, brown, or green depending on the lighting.
Accessible Beige by Benjamin Moore is a popular whitewashed taupe with broad appeal. For a deeper, more modern taupe, try Rustic Taupe - its slightly grey base color livens up white kitchen cabinets.
Punchy Blues and Greens as Accents
While neutral cabinet colors are versatile, sometimes you want a bold pop of color! Painting the lower cabinets in a vivid shade while keeping uppers bright white is an of-the-moment look. For contemporary kitchens, rich blues and verdant greens are perfect statement colors.
Serene and Coastal Blues
Crisp, airy blues impart a serene feeling that works well in kitchens meant for relaxation. A soft robin's egg blue like Harbor Haze evokes breezy cottages. Or make a dramatic statement with navy like Hale Navy - it has classic appeal.
Whether you prefer a bright pastel or deeper midnight tone, blue beautifully complements white uppers. It keeps the look light and airy while adding an eye-catching color pop.
Rejuvenating, Earthy Greens
For an earthier, more natural vibe, green cabinet paint colors are having a major moment. Sage greens like Aurora Green and Caviar are rich and rejuvenating against bright white cabinets. Emerald green with glimmering undertones also makes for an ultra-luxurious look.
Green offers the same refreshing yet cozy feeling of being in nature. It makes a bold statement while still complementing clean white uppers. Green cabinet colors suit many different design aesthetics and styles.
Cheery and Uplifting Yellow Accents
If you want to infuse your white kitchen cabinets with quintessential happiness, yellow is your color! A shade like Lemongrass or Sulfur adds a burst of cheery sunshine. The lively accent creates an energetic and inviting heart of the home.
Muted mustard yellows offer the same optimism with a more laidback vibe. Or make quite the statement with a lipstick red kitchen island! When paired with white uppers, a bold yellow lower cabinet delivers major visual impact.
Choosing the Right Paint Finish
Along with color selection, finish plays a key role in your kitchen cabinet paint job. Matte and eggshell finishes are ideal for a smooth, velvety look. Matte has a flatter appearance while eggshell offers subtle sheen that camouflages imperfections.
For cabinet doors and trim, many prefer satin. Its low-luster shine and silky feel make cleaning easy. Ultimately, finish should align with your desired aesthetic.
Application Tips for Painting Cabinets
Proper prep and application are crucial for your painted cabinets to have a polished, professional look. Thoroughly clean and sand cabinets to rough up the surface. Priming provides added adhesion.
When painting, use a combination of angled brushwork for corners and edges along with mini rolling larger surfaces. Allow proper dry and cure time before replacing doors and hardware. With the right paint colors and technique, you can give your white kitchen cabinets an unbelievable makeover!
Painting kitchen cabinets is an affordable way to give your white cabinets a fresh new look. Popular paint colors in shades of grey, beige, taupe, blue, green, and yellow complement white beautifully. Consider the mood you want to create along with adjacent finishes when selecting a color.
Proper preparation and application will ensure your painted cabinets look crisp and cohesive. With limitless paint options available, you can easily find a shade that showcases your personal taste and complements your white kitchen cabinets.