The Best White Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets in 2023
Choosing the perfect white paint color for your kitchen cabinets is one of the most important decor decisions when renovating or remodeling a kitchen. The right white paint can make the space feel airy and light or warm and welcoming depending on the tones and undertones you select.
In 2023, white kitchen cabinets remain a top trend. Homeowners love the clean, classic look white paint provides. But not all whites are created equal. The undertone of the white paint color you choose can impact the overall feel and flow of your kitchen design.
Explore Popular Warm White Paint Colors
Warm white paint colors have subtle creamy or greige undertones that provide a cozier, more traditional look. Here are some of the best warm white paint colors for kitchen cabinets in 2023:
Benjamin Moore Simply White
This popular warm white has soft gray undertones that lend a very subtle greige tone when painted on kitchen cabinets. The hint of warmth paired with the clean gray undertone gives a versatile, yet cozy vibe. Simply White looks beautiful against natural materials like granite counters and wood flooring.
Behr White Dove
White Dove by Behr is a gorgeous warm white with a barely-there greige/cream tint. This undertone helps White Dove feel welcoming rather than stark or sterile. It pairs nicely with traditional kitchen elements like dark granite counters and stainless steel appliances.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster
Alabaster is a top choice for those seeking a warm, flexible white paint color for cabinets. Its creamy tone provides a softer look than many bright whites that can feel sterile and cold. Alabaster creates a relaxing, inviting look that is ideal for small kitchen spaces.
Vibrant Cool White Paint Colors
For a crisp, refreshing kitchen, cool whites with subtle blue, green or gray undertones are perfect. Here are some of the most popular choices:
Sherwin Williams Snowbound
A bright white with a barely noticeable blue tone, Snowbound provides a clean, fresh look that is excellent for modern kitchen designs. However, too much Snowbound can verge into sterile territory, so use it sparingly or balance it with warm woods and metals.
Behr Chantilly Lace
Chantilly Lace by Behr is a gorgeous shade of white with subtle gray undertones. The greige tone gives it more depth than many standard whites, while still feeling fresh and light. It works wonderfully in both modern and traditional kitchen spaces.
Benjamin Moore Cloud White
With its green-blue undertone, Cloud White delivers an airy feel perfect for small galley kitchens. The cool tone helps bounce light around, making the space feel more open and ethereal. Its contemporary vibe pairs nicely with other materials like quartz, glass tile, and chrome.
Beautiful Off-White Paint Colors
While bright whites and cream whites are attractive, off-whites provide the best of both worlds. Off-whites like greige blend white with a slight tan, gray or cream for added depth and interest.
One wildly popular off-white paint for kitchen cabinets is Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter. Its light tan/greige tone provides a sophisticated look. Other options like Farrow & Ball Pointing straddle the line between gray and greige beautifully.
Should I Choose a True White or Off-White Paint?
How do you decide between a clean, bright white versus a warmer off-white? Here are a few tips:
- True bright whites like Cloud White work best in modern, sleek kitchens with cool-toned elements like quartz counters.
- Off-whites are ideal for traditional kitchens with wood floors and warm granite, marble or soapstone.
- Small kitchens can benefit from bright whites to open up the space, while large kitchens can handle an off-white without feeling closed in.
- North-facing rooms need a warm off-white, while south-facing rooms can handle brighter whites.
Factors that Impact White Paint Selection
Choosing the perfect white involves considering how it interacts with other kitchen elements. Here are some variables to keep in mind:
- Cabinet Style: Traditional cabinetry looks best with warm whites; modern cabinetry shines with cool, bright whites.
- Countertops: Granite, wood and marble pair well with warm whites. Quartz and recycled glass work best with cool whites.
- Backsplash: Warm white paint complements stone tile; cool whites match glass or mosaic tile backsplashes.
- Flooring: Hardwood flooring suits warm whites. Tile or polished concrete floors partner well with cool white cabinets.
- Kitchen Style: For traditional kitchens, use warm whites; cool whites better fit modern, contemporary kitchens.
How Lighting Impacts White Paint
The lighting in your kitchen can influence how white paint colors appear. Here are some lighting tips:
- North-facing rooms may need a warm white paint to compensate for cool natural light.
- South-facing rooms can handle cooler white paints due to warm natural sunlight.
- LED bulbs cast a crisp, cool light that pairs nicely with bright whites.
- Incandescent bulbs give off warm light that flatters off-whites.
Best White Paint Brands for Kitchen Cabinets
Not all paint brands are created equal when it comes to kitchen cabinetry. Consider these top options:
- Sherwin Williams: Their ProClassic Acrylic Alkyd Enamel provides a smooth, durable finish.
- Benjamin Moore: Their Advance paint line offers an exceptionally smooth, hard finish.
- Behr: Behr Premium Plus is a budget-friendly paint that works well for cabinets.
Opt for satin, eggshell or semi-gloss paints, which are all durable and wipeable. Flat paints stain too easily. A satin finish provides a smooth surface that reflects light beautifully.
Painting vs. Refinishing Wood Cabinets
Along with choosing a white paint color, homeowners must decide between painting cabinets or refinishing the existing wood. Key differences include:
- Painting takes less time and money than refinishing.
- Refinishing preserves the natural wood look but requires flawless cabinets.
- Painting works well for damaged cabinets but eliminates the wood grain.
- Refinishing won't alter cabinet dimensions; paint adds a thin layer.
With proper prep and primer, homeowners can successfully DIY paint kitchen cabinets. Sand then clean cabinets thoroughly before applying an oil-based primer. Allow to dry completely before adding two coats of quality paint in a semi-gloss sheen.
When selecting a crisp, clean white paint for your kitchen cabinets, popular options like Benjamin Moore Cloud White, Sherwin Williams Snowbound and Behr White Dove rise to the top. Keep in mind your kitchen's style, lighting and other elements to find the white that works best.
The right white paint can take your kitchen remodel from drab to fab. So take your time testing paint samples during different times of day. Finding a white paint that complements your space will result in a kitchen you adore.