The Best White Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets This Year

White kitchen cabinets are having a major moment right now. Crisp, clean, and timeless, white cabinetry can make any kitchen look brighter and more spacious. But not all whites are created equal. Finding the perfect white paint color for your kitchen cabinets depends on your style, existing finishes, and the vibe you want to achieve.

In this blog post, we'll explore the most popular white cabinet colors and help you determine which white is right for your kitchen. From bright whites to softly antiqued whites, we'll look at how different shades of white can transform the look and feel of your space.

Most Popular Whites for Kitchen Cabinets

Here are three of the hottest white paint colors for cabinets right now:

Benjamin Moore's Simply White

This versatile, bright white has a hint of coolness that makes it ideal for modern, clean-lined kitchens. Simply White looks gorgeous on its own but also pairs beautifully with other materials like marble, quartz, or white oak.

With its subtle gray undertones, Simply White reads as a true white rather than stark white, lending a softness even in contemporary spaces. Its slightly muted quality helps hide fingerprints and water spots too.

Farrow & Ball's Pointing

Pointing is a timeless off-white with warm, antique undertones. Softer than many whites, Pointing feels comforting and approachable. Its versatility allows it to work in both traditional and modern kitchens.

With earthy depth, Pointing is ideal if you want white cabinets but find stark whites too cold. It creates an overall softened effect.

Benjamin Moore's Decorators White

Decorators White is one of Benjamin Moore's most popular paint colors, and for good reason. This versatile, flexible white works with nearly any kitchen style from modern farmhouse to coastal cottage.

Slightly warmer than Simply White, Decorators White provides a clean, fresh look. It's bright but not stark, lending an airy, welcoming vibe. Decorators White pairs beautifully with light countertops like marble or quartz.

Bright Whites vs. Antique Whites

Not all whites are made the same. Bright, clean whites and softly antiqued whites each create distinct looks. Here's an overview of the differences:

Bright whites like Simply White or Decorators White provide a clean, crisp, airy look. They make small spaces appear larger and work beautifully in modern or contemporary kitchens. Bright whites pair nicely with materials like marble, granite, stainless steel, and glossy cabinetry.

Antique whites like Pointing or Swiss Coffee have added warmth and softness from their undertones. Often with subtle gray, brown, or greige hues, antique whites are more relaxed than stark bright whites. Antique whites work well in traditional, country, or farmhouse style kitchens and compliment wooden cabinetry.

When to Use Bright Whites

If you want a fresh, crisp look, bright whites are the way to go. They feel clean, expansive, and illuminated. Bright whites also highlight the lines and details of modern kitchens in materials like marble, metal, or high-gloss cabinetry.

Benefits of Antique White Kitchen Cabinets

Antique whites provide a softer, more collected feel than bright whites. Their subtle additional hues lend warmth and approachability. Antique white cabinets feel appropriate in any style kitchen, from modern to traditional. They also hide dirt better than crisper whites.

Coordinating White Cabinet Color with Walls

Choosing the right white means coordinating it with your existing wall color. Here's how to pair white cabinetry with different wall colors:

Light Walls

For light walls in soft hues like gray, tan, or very light green or blue, use a white with similar undertones. Cool-toned whites pair well with cooler wall colors. Warmer whites complement warmer walls. Try to avoid stark contrast between the two.

Dark Walls

Deeply colored walls like navy, charcoal, or forest green pop beautifully against crisp bright whites like Simply White. The contrast is bold and dramatic. For a more subtle look, try an off-white like Pointing.

Neutral Walls

With neutral beige, greige, or tan walls, you have flexibility. Warm antique whites like Swiss Coffee complement the walls' undertones. Clean bright whites like Decorators White provide subtle contrast. Select a white based on the look you prefer.

Comparing Paint Brands for White Cabinets

When it comes to white cabinet paint, Benjamin Moore Advance reigns supreme. After extensive testing of over two dozen paints, Advance performed best for leveling, shine, and durability.

Benjamin Moore Advance vs. Sherwin Williams

Both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams offer gorgeous white paint colors. But for painting cabinets, Benjamin Moore Advance wins for its smooth, hard finish that resists nicks and scratches. Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is another great option.

While most colors referenced are Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams also has great shades like Pure White, Extra White, and Alabaster for white cabinets.

Other Top Paint Brands for Cabinets

In addition to Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane, other recommended cabinet paints are:

• PPG Breakthrough
• Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations
• Behr Alkyd Enamel
• Valspar Cabinet Enamel

Prepping Cabinets for White Paint

Achieving a flawless white finish requires proper prep. Here are key steps for prepping cabinets:

Cleaning: Remove all hardware and clean cabinets thoroughly with TSP substitute to eliminate grease and residue. For shiny cabinets, degloss first with sandpaper or liquid deglosser.

Sanding: Sand cabinets lightly with 220 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface and ensure paint adhesion. Wipe away dust.

Priming: Prime cabinets with a high-bonding primer like Kilz Adhesion or Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond. Priming creates a uniform surface for painting.

Application: For a smooth finish, use a high-quality fine bristle brush. Apply paint in thin, even coats allowing proper dry time between coats. Finish with a sprayed final coat if desired.

Caring for White Painted Cabinets

White cabinets make a gorgeous statement in any kitchen. But because white shows every fingerprint and splash, maintaining the finish is key. Here are tips for upkeep:

- Clean cabinets regularly using a mild soap and soft microfiber cloths to avoid scratching.

- Touch up nicks and scratches immediately with original paint to prevent further damage.

- Use ceramic cabinet knobs to avoid smudges from fingerprints.

- Protect surfaces near the range and sink with a backsplash and waterproof sealer.

- Over time, reapply a fresh coat of paint to keep cabinets looking like new.

Achieving the Perfect White for Your Kitchen

Finding the ideal white ultimately comes down to your kitchen's particular needs and style.

Factors like cabinet materials, countertops, flooring, lighting, and wall colors all impact the look of white paint. Aim for a cohesive harmony between the white and other finishes.

Test potential white paint colors on foam board or cardboard samples. Look at them in your kitchen throughout the day as lighting changes. Whites take on different hues in morning, afternoon and evening light.

For a foolproof match, hire a kitchen designer to help select an elegant white that enhances your space.

The perfect white paint color can make kitchen cabinets look fresh, clean and stylish. Popular options like Benjamin Moore Simply White, Farrow & Ball Pointing, and Decorators White are can't-go-wrong choices.

Match your white to the existing wall color and kitchen style for a cohesive look. Prep properly and use a premium paint like Benjamin Moore Advance for a durable, flawless finish.