What are the best paint colors for a kitchen with white cabinets?
Consider the undertones
White cabinets often have a subtle undertone—cool, warm, or neutral. Look at your cabinet color in different lighting to determine its undertone. Then choose a wall color that either complements or contrasts with it.
For a cohesive look, pick a wall color with the same undertone as the cabinets but a few shades darker. For contrast, choose a color with an opposite undertone—for example, warm gray walls with cool white cabinets.
Popular color options
Soft grays and greiges are classic and work with most countertops. Light blues and greens add a fresh, airy feel, especially in kitchens with natural light. Warm whites and creams create a seamless, monochromatic look.
If you want a bolder statement, consider a deep navy or charcoal on an island or lower cabinets, keeping the upper cabinets white. This creates a two-tone effect that's both modern and timeless.
- Soft gray (e.g., Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray, Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray)
- Warm white (e.g., Benjamin Moore White Dove, Sherwin-Williams Alabaster)
- Light blue (e.g., Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue, Sherwin-Williams Rainwashed)
- Sage green (e.g., Sherwin-Williams Clary Sage, Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage)
- Navy blue (e.g., Sherwin-Williams Naval, Benjamin Moore Hale Navy)
Don't forget the backsplash and countertops
Your wall color should harmonize with the backsplash and countertops. If your backsplash has a strong pattern or color, choose a wall color that pulls out a subtle hue from it. If your countertops are busy, keep walls simple and neutral.
Test paint samples on the wall next to the cabinets and backsplash, and view them at different times of day. Lighting can drastically change how a color looks.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a wall color that clashes with the cabinet undertone—for example, cool gray walls with warm cream cabinets can look off.
- Ignoring the backsplash and countertop colors, which can make the room feel disjointed.
- Painting the walls the exact same white as the cabinets can make the room feel flat; add contrast with a slightly different shade or a colored island.
