Top Designer Tips for Picking the Perfect White for Your Kitchen Walls

Choosing the ideal white paint color for your kitchen can be an overwhelming process. With so many options and subtle differences between shades, how do you select a white that is clean and bright but not clinical? Top designers recommend focusing on undertones and lighting to find a white that complements your space and style.

Test Paint Swatches at Different Times of Day

White paint colors look drastically different depending on the light source. A bright white can appear dingy or yellow in low evening light. Cool crisp whites can take on a sterile hospital vibe in harsh midday sun.

To find the most flattering white for your kitchen, test paint swatches throughout the day and under different light bulbs. Compare the swatches in morning light from east-facing windows, midday sunlight from the south, and evening lamplight. This gives you a true sense of how the undertones interact with natural and artificial lighting.

Choose Whites With Subtle Warm Undertones

While cool whites are trendy, warm off-whites are often more inviting in kitchens. Soft warm whites like Benjamin Moore White Dove and Sherwin Williams Alabaster add a cozy feel without looking antiquated or yellow.

Designers recommend warm whites for east, west, and north facing kitchens that lack ample natural light. Cool whites can read as stark and uninviting in these spaces. Warmth balances out cool light.

Try Sherwin Williams White Dove or Benjamin Moore Simply White

Two designer favorites for kitchens are Sherwin Williams White Dove and Benjamin Moore Simply White. White Dove has subtle warm peach undertones that give a welcoming vibe. Simply White is clean and bright with only a hint of buttery yellow.

Both avoid looking sterile or dingy. They provide a soft backdrop that allows cabinetry, counters, and accessories to pop.

Lean Cool for South Facing Rooms

South facing kitchens awash in natural sunlight can handle crisp cool whites. The abundant warm light keeps the cool undertones from reading as harsh.

Choose Benjamin Moore Cloud White or Sherwin Williams Pure White

For south facing kitchens, greige whites like Sherwin Williams Chantilly Lace and Benjamin Moore Navajo White risk looking dirty in the warm light. Pure bright whites like Benjamin Moore Cloud White and Sherwin Williams Pure White stay clean and airy.

These bright whites paired with loads of natural sunlight create a fresh coastal kitchen vibe. Keep accents light and airy to complement the crisp white backdrop.

Soften Bright Whites with Wall Texture

If bright whites feel too sterile for your taste, add subtle texture to soften the vibe. Benjamin Moore Decorators White gains warmth with a hint of sheen. Flat paints like Farrow Ball All White feel creamy thanks to their matte finish.

Consider painted shiplap, exposed brick, or wood paneling on accent walls. This balances super white walls with organic textures.

Tips for White Kitchen Cabinets

Choosing cabinet colors requires extra care. Whites can quickly read as dingy, yellow, or mismatched on cabinets.

Stick With Warmer Undertones

Crisp whites risk looking dirty on cabinetry. Designers recommend warm, creamy paints like Sherwin Williams Alabaster, Benjamin Moore Navajo White, or Benjamin Moore Simply White for cabinets.

Select the Same White Brand for Walls and Cabinets

To avoid clashing whites, use the same brand for your walls and cabinet paint. Whites with the same undertones will transition seamlessly even if the sheen differs.

Pair Benjamin Moore Simply White cabinets with Simply White walls, or Sherwin Williams Alabaster cabinets with Alabaster walls. You want the whites to complement rather than contrast.

Choosing that perfect, flawless white may feel tricky. But top designer tips like choosing warm whites for north-facing rooms and cool brights for southern sun can remove some of the guesswork. Test paint swatches throughout the day and in different lighting to see undertones accurately.

With these expert tips for picking painted perfection, you can confidently select an elegant white that transforms your kitchen into a clean, crisp space you'll love.