Choose the Best White Paint Colors to Brighten Your Kitchen Cabinets
If you’re looking to revamp your kitchen with a fresh, clean look, painting the cabinets a crisp white is a great option. The right white paint can make the space appear larger, brighter and more modern. But with so many shades of white paint on the market, how do you choose the perfect one for your kitchen?
From bright, true whites to soft off-whites with undertones like gray and beige, you’ll find the best white cabinet paint to suit your style.
The Benefits of White Kitchen Cabinets
There are several reasons white cabinetry remains one of the most popular kitchen design choices.
- Brightens up the space – White reflects light and makes kitchens feel open and airy.
- Makes kitchen look larger – White cabinetry gives the illusion of expanded space.
- Clean, fresh aesthetic – White cabinets have a crisp, modern look.
- Versatile for design – White cabinets work with any style, from traditional to contemporary.
- Easy to incorporate pops of color – White cabinets let brighter accent colors stand out.
Painting your existing cabinets opens up many possibilities for achieving a lighter, brighter kitchen without the expense of a full remodel. Now let’s look at some of the most popular shades of white paint for cabinets.
Warm White Paint Colors
Swiss Coffee
Swiss Coffee is one of the most popular off-white paint colors for kitchen cabinets and with good reason – it has a soft, welcoming vibe. This creamy white has subtle beige undertones that compliment natural wood cabinetry. The undertones also keep it from looking dingy or stark white, even in dim lighting.
Pros:
- Neutral, versatile color works with any style
- Warms up cool-toned kitchens
- Doesn’t show flaws as easily as true white
Cons:
- Can make small kitchens feel closed off
White Dove
For a slightly different take on off-white, White Dove is a great light gray-based white that adds a subtle peaceful elegance to kitchen cabinets. Its soft gray undertones provide depth while still reflecting light to keep things feeling open.
Pros:
- Soothing, tranquil vibe
- Works in any style home, traditional to modern
- Warmer than many bright whites
Cons:
- Not as bright as a true white
Chantilly Lace
With just a hint of yellow, Chantilly Lace offers up a soft, creamy white for kitchen cabinets. The subtle warmth pairs beautifully with granite countertops while giving the space a light and airy feel.
Pros:
- Welcoming tone
- Works well in cottages or farmhouse kitchens
- Brightens up small spaces
Cons:
- Prone to yellowing over time
Cool White Paint Colors
Simply White
For a crisp, clean white, Simply White is a great choice for modern kitchens. As a true bright white without undertones, it reflects light beautifully to create a larger looking space. The lack of yellow means it won’t take on a dingy cast over time.
Pros:
- Clean, fresh look
- Makes small kitchens feel more spacious
- Works well with stainless steel
Cons:
- Can feel sterile if overdone
Pure White
Pure White lives up to its name as the truest, crispest white available. With no undertones, it offers the brightest white for a super modern, almost industrial feel. It makes quite a statement.
Pros:
- Ultra bright, fresh look
- Feels very modern and sleek
Cons:
- Can be harsh on the eyes if overdone
- Shows imperfections easily
Extra White
Extra White strikes a good balance – it’s a true white but a touch softer than Pure White. This makes it work in more kitchen designs where an ultra-bright white would feel too sterile.
Pros:
- True white without being too stark
- Reflective white brightens space
Cons:
- Lacks the cozy vibe of soft warm whites
Tips for Painting Cabinets
Once you’ve selected the perfect white paint color, proper prep and technique will ensure your kitchen cabinets look like new.
- Clean cabinets thoroughly and sand to rough up the surface
- Fill any holes and prime before painting
- Use high quality primer/paint formulated for cabinets
- Opt for satin or semi-gloss finish for durability
- Brush paint on inside cabinet boxes; use sprayer for fronts
- Apply multiple thin coats allowing proper drying time between
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular whites for cabinets?
The most popular white paint colors for cabinets are Swiss Coffee, Simply White, and White Dove. These soft whites suit many different design aesthetics.
What white makes cabinets look bigger?
Using bright true whites like Simply White can make your kitchen look larger and feel more open and airy.
What paint finish should I use on cabinets?
A satin or semi-gloss finish works best for durability on high-use kitchen cabinets.
Should I choose a warm or cool white?
It comes down to personal preference. Warm whites like Swiss Coffee give a cozier vibe while cool whites like Simply White feel more clean and contemporary.
As you can see, the options go far beyond just “white” when it comes to cabinet paint colors. Depending on the look you’re going for, beiges, grays, and hints of cream can make all the difference.
Painting tired cabinets is an affordable way to give your kitchen a major facelift. We hope this overview of popular white cabinet paint colors makes choosing the perfect shade easy. Just visualize that fresh, spacious new kitchen as you grab a paintbrush and get to work!