White painted kitchen cabinets can be versatile, classy, elegant, and extremely sophisticated. It’s always like, “whenever in doubt” – pick the best shade of white paint for kitchen cabinets. However, the task of picking the best white paint color for cabinets may not be that easy! Well, yes! White paint colors can be quite overwhelming since there’s a wide array of hidden undertones and shades to work with.

But don’t worry! This piece of blog is dedicated to my TOP picks of WHITE paint colors for kitchen cabinets from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams. When diving further down the line, whites can be subcategorized into warm whites, neutral whites, and cool whites. Depending upon your interior design style, the existing architectural elements, the finish of hardware, and the compass direction – the best white paint for kitchen cabinets can be chosen. So, before I reveal those majestic white paint colors, first let’s have a look at the bigger picture!

5 Considerations When Picking the Best WHITE Paint For Kitchen Cabinets

Interior Design Style and Color Scheme

What’s your interior design style like? Is it rustic and warm like modern farmhouse or sleek and calm like transitional? Well, this aspect needs to be considered when choosing the best white for kitchen cabinets. Generally, you must finalize the overall vibe you’re aiming to create in the kitchen! Looking for a cooler-toned palette? Well, pick the cool whites. Else, choose from the warm whites for modern, traditional, modern farmhouse, and Scandinavian design styles.

Room Exposure and Compass Directions

The entering natural light in your kitchen is a single MAJOR reason for how the white painted cabinets will appear. Picking the wrong color will immediately make that calm and soft off-white peek unexpected blue, yellow, or green undertones. And you don’t want to face that, right? So, it’s always ideal to analyze the compass direction of your kitchen and choose that white paint color wisely.

Generally, in the north-facing rooms, the entering natural light is inclined towards the blues and grays – hence, making the space feel cold. So, it’s ideal to avoid such shades in this specific compass direction and rather consider them for south or west-facing rooms. Have a read through my latest blog – What are the Best Paint Colors for North-Facing Rooms?

On the other hand, in the south-facing rooms, it’s ideal to avoid warmer hues since that can overwhelm the space and make the kitchen look cramped. This is the direction where you must embrace the crisper, cooler, and brighter white colors. This will readily offset the warmth of the warmer hues. Have a read through my latest blog – What are the Best Paint Colors for South-Facing Rooms?

For the east and west-facing kitchens, it might be a little tricky. In this situation, it’s ideal to choose neutral paint colors that are neither too cool nor too warm. This will balance the variability of sunlight throughout the day. You might want to check out the color options for this direction as well, so, have a read here!

What are the Best Paint Colors for East-Facing Rooms?

What are the Best Paint Colors for West-Facing Rooms?

Hardware Finish

The hardware finish has a major role to play when picking the perfect white for kitchen cabinets. Generally, if gold, brass, or oil-rubbed bronze fixtures are what you prefer, it’s ideal to choose a neutral or warmer-toned white paint color for your kitchen cabinets. Moreover, if you also have one of these finishes running across the lighting fixtures and artwork frames – remember to play around with neutral or warm white paint colors.

Simultaneously, you must pick nickel, matte black, or chrome finish for the neutral or cool white paint colors. Always ensure to consider the base finish of the metal pull handles and hardware before choosing the paint color for the cabinets.

Existing Architectural Elements

A cool white paint color would be a blunder in a kitchen with ample warm wood on the shelves, lighting fixtures, and exposed beams. So, if you have a warm color palette running around the house, it’s ideal to pick a neutral or warmer color for the kitchen cabinets as well. On the other hand, a cooler-toned palette like coastal would embrace the use of cooler whites on the cabinets. Cohesiveness is the ultimate key to a well-balanced home! So, now that we’ve discussed some important aspects of choosing white paint colors for cabinets, let’s have a look at the best specific examples from the manufacturers, Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore. To make it simpler for you, I am going to subcategorize it into three major types!

Ceiling Color

Lastly, this is one of the most important aspects when picking the best white paint for the kitchen cabinet. Especially if you have the cabinets reaching up to the bottom of the ceiling, the color of the kitchen cabinet has a major say. Let’s say, if you have a warmer and creamy tone of white paint on the ceiling, the ultra and crisp white paint on the cabinet will contradict it and make that “unappealing” appearance. On the other hand, if you have crisp white paint on the ceiling, the white paint with the ‘yellow’ undertone on the cabinet will butt against it! So, in this case, what do you do?

Choose the same shade of the white cabinet on the ceiling (or a lighter shade). If you have a neutral white color on the cabinet, choose the crisp white on the ceiling! For instance, SW High Reflectance White on the ceiling. Secondly, if you have a creamy and warm white on the cabinet, choose a neutral white with a slightly warm touch! For instance, SW Pure White.

Best WHITE Paint For Kitchen Cabinets: Warm Whites

Sherwin Williams Alabaster

Sherwin Williams Alabaster kitchen cabinets are soft, creamy, and warm – making a popular best white paint for cabinets. It has a perfect tinge of yellow and gray – making it one of the most versatile, sophisticated, and elegant white cabinet color choices. With plenty of natural light in the kitchen, this color is bound to further look airy, soft, warm, and subtle. 

Alabaster cabinets are a great fit for north, east, and west-facing kitchens. In the south-facing rooms with yellow artificial light, expect this Sherwin Williams white cabinet paint color to sneak a yellow undertone. But all in all, it doesn’t look yellow but is definitely creamy and smooth. When pairing with hardware, you can consider the metallic tones of oil-rubbed bronze, satin brass, antique copper, and gold.

This warm white kitchen cabinet must be paired with Sherwin Williams Pure White on the trims, ceiling, door, and window frames. The countertop must be creamy white or neutral white with either Oak, Walnut, Ebony, or Pine floors underneath.

Check out my LATEST color palette using SW Alabaster – Sherwin Williams Alabaster!

Sherwin Williams Greek Villa

Sherwin Williams Greek Villa is slightly more warm and creamy than SW Alabaster. So, if you prefer a white kitchen cabinet color that feels creamy and slightly lighter beige, Sherwin Williams Greek Villa cabinets are something to have an eye on! When paired with a true white color, you’ll see the notable difference in saturation and undertones. Allow ample natural light to enter this kitchen to make it further appear light, soft, airy, and creamy.

This is one of the best white paints for kitchen cabinets, especially north-facing ones. The incoming cool gray and blue light neutralizes the warmth of the off-white on the cabinets to create a sense of harmony and balance indoors. In the south-facing rooms, the warm white cabinet color may come out a little yellow! So, don’t forget to try a sample in various directions to know the true hue.

SW Greek Villa is a white kitchen cabinet paint that pairs beautifully with warm wood tones, satin brass, and also clear glass. Choose SW High Reflectance White for the ceiling, trims, and door and window moldings. The countertop could be either creamy white, white, or black – depending on the overall color palette. 

Sherwin Williams Creamy

Sherwin Williams Creamy cabinets are warm, and soft, and may dominantly peek a yellow undertone in certain lighting conditions. This warm white cabinet color is creamier and ‘yellower’ than SW Alabaster and SW Greek Villa. However, note that this color isn’t too yellow – but actually feels CREAMY most of the time. 

In the north-facing rooms, this kitchen cabinet white color can look creamy and soft white! Hence, definitely recommended! On the other hand, in the south-facing rooms, this white painted cabinet will dominantly feel slightly yellow! You must pair this color with warm woods, antique or satin brass, nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze fixtures and pull handle hardware.

You must use SW Pure White on the trims, moldings, and ceiling with this creamy Sherwin Williams paint color. Alongside, use creamy white or beige for the countertop and off-white for the backsplash tiles. 

Benjamin Moore White Dove

Benjamin Moore White Dove is a little more soft and creamy to make a perfect traditional and cozy appeal in your home. It’s WARM but definitely not YELLOW – so, you always get the benefit of the warmth, welcomeness, and softness of the paint color. Also, this white paint for the kitchen cabinet can be used in the smaller spaces as well!

In the north-facing rooms, this color is bound to appear more neutral and less warm – hence, neutralizing with the incoming cool gray light. Moreover, in the south-facing rooms, this Benjamin Moore white kitchen cabinet color will feel creamy, soft, and utmost feathery-like. Pair it with BM Chantilly Lace and you’ll see how warm it actually is.

It’s generally best to complement this kitchen cabinet color with oil-rubbed bronze, satin brass, or antique nickel finish on the lighting fixtures and pull handles. You can even choose matte black but know that it will protrude against the warm white paint. Secondly, feel free to use a lighter greige, warm white, or black countertop against this paint color. 

Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee

Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee kitchen cabinets are very similar to those of White Dove. Except the former paint color has slightly yellow and green undertones! When paired with the wrong countertop and yellow artificial natural lighting, this white paint color has the tendency to appear slightly flat and dull. However, in a room with ample incoming natural light, this may be a great white paint for the kitchen cabinets.

In the north-facing rooms, this color on the cabinet will majorly reflect a green undertone. And that is something you truly need to AVOID if looking for a soft and warm white paint color! However, if you do, consider pairing the color with BM Chantilly Lace on the ceiling, trims, moldings, and other wainscotting elements.

BM Swiss Coffee, if used, must be paired with warm woods, warm white backsplash tiles, and brown or greige marble countertop. Also, remember NOT to use this paint color in a kitchen that has a window FACING the lawn since it’s 100% guaranteed to make the cabinets sneak a green undertone. 

Benjamin Moore Simply White

Benjamin Moore Simply White is a classic and all-time versatile white paint for kitchen cabinets. This Benjamin Moore white for cabinets is much brighter but at the same time, reflects a tinge of yellow to make the paint color feel further warm and cozy. It can beautifully pick up light and make the paint color feel fresh and bright in any compass direction. Well, I must say that you can also use this color in a room with very little natural light!

Something unique about this color is that it’s totally a crisp and warm color – simultaneously. It reflects a tinge of yellow without feeling too warm, creamy, or antique. (Yes, unlike SW Alabaster). When pairing with elements, consider ample warm or neutral woods, black metals, medium to cool gray natural stone, neutral white backsplash, and raw material textures.

Best WHITE Paint For Kitchen Cabinets: Cool Whites

Sherwin Williams Extra White

Sherwin Williams Extra White is a bright, crisp, and cool white paint for kitchen cabinets. This is one of the best white colors for cabinets if you’re aiming to achieve a cooler color palette in your home. However, you must be slightly careful when pairing this cool white cabinet color since it has the potential to appear slightly blue and gray in the north-facing rooms. On the other hand, in the south-facing rooms, this paint can counteract with the yellow light to appear slightly softer.

This Sherwin Williams kitchen cabinet paint can beautifully pair with shades of midnight and navy blue, black, cool grays, and cool sage green on the lower cabinets. Now here’s where you must avoid the warm wood tones and rather pick cool and rustic gray woods, black metallic textures, and ample glass. 

Sherwin Williams Snowbound

Sherwin Williams Snowbound is a great white paint for cabinets since it offers the best of both worlds. Yes, I am talking about the subtle taupe undertones that don’t emerge to be too warm and rather make the color work the best with cooler tones. Even with ample natural light pouring in, expect this Sherwin Williams white paint to feel calm, cool, and slightly soft and crisp.

In my books, this may not be the best white for kitchen cabinets since it’s slightly challenging to pair with complementary stone countertop, backsplash, and hardware. The taupe undertones don’t make the color feel warmer but rather align towards the cooler end of the scale. This white kitchen color cabinet idea is ideal if you have a mix and blend of neutral tones on the flooring and other architectural features. I highly recommend that you pair matte black, nickel, and satin chrome hardware and pull handles to go with this paint color. 

In the north-facing rooms, expect SW Snowbound to appear much cooler and crisper whereas in the south-facing rooms, the color has the potential to feel much warmer and softer (but definitely not warm).

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White is a clean and bright cool white paint color with a slightly gray undertone. It feels fresh, rejuvenating, and extremely smooth when used on the kitchen cabinets. In the north-facing rooms, this color can exhibit a deep cool gray undertone that can be slightly difficult to pair with other complementary hues, countertop materials, fabrics, and textures. In the south-facing rooms, this color may feel like a “true white” paint which is rather soft and subtle.

When paired with SW High Reflectance White or BM Decorator’s White – you can observe the ultimate notable undertone in this cool white cabinet paint color. I highly recommend that you pair it with cool blues, greens, and grays on the lower kitchen cabinet. On the countertop and backsplash, you have the opportunity to style with cooler whites and grays. Try to avoid beige with this Benjamin Moore white cabinet paint color!

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace is one of the brightest white paint colors for the kitchen cabinets. It’s refreshing, and cool, and can feel extra bright and crisp in a kitchen with tons and tons of natural light. This best white for cabinets feels true to the hue, but in the north-facing rooms, it may slightly outcast a blue undertone. However, that’s not very dominant though! On the other hand, in the south-facing rooms, this true white cabinet color will feel crisp and extra bright.

So, if you’re looking for bright white paint with just a tinge of coolness, BM Chantilly Lace is definitely something to have an eye on! It can pair beautifully with wooden textures and darker colors on the lower cabinets. Also, in the smaller kitchens, you can use this color to make the space feel further larger and airier. For the hardware, feel free to style it with polished chrome, matte black, nickel, or antique brass. For the countertop, choose classic whites, grays, or blue grays!

Best WHITE Paint For Kitchen Cabinets: Neutral Whites

Sherwin Williams Pure White

Sherwin Williams Pure White is one of the best white paints for kitchen cabinets. Personally, I have recommended this neutral white color a couple of times for the ceiling, moldings, built-in shelves, as well as cabinets. And trust me, this Sherwin Williams white color has never disappointed me! It has a perfect tinge of gray and warmth to it – hence, being able to easily pair with warmer as well as cooler-toned palettes.

SW Pure White is classic, versatile, and can work for one and all kinds of palettes. It’s definitely one of my favorites since it’s clean and crisp enough to appear like a cool white but with a touch of warmth – this color can pair with warmer colors as well. You must pair this white kitchen cabinet paint with taupe, beige, tan, blue, gray, and green on the lower cabinets. In terms of hardware, feel free to choose from nickel, matte black, satin brass, polished chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze.

In the north-facing rooms, this color will outcast slightly on the cooler end of the scale. Meanwhile, in the south-facing rooms, it feels soft, subtle, and considerably crisp and creamy. 

Check out my LATEST color palette using SW Pure White – Sherwin Williams Pure White!

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White is the whitest white paint color with almost no undertones. It’s bright, refreshing, and extremely crisp – hence, can beautifully pair with warmer as well as cooler-toned palettes. If you compare SW High Reflective White with SW Pure White, you’d observe how much brighter this popular white paint color for kitchen cabinets is. This color has a very clean look, so ensure that there’s considerable natural light entering the kitchen else, it may feel too crisp! With little or no light, this color may feel quite cool and crisp, which may not align with the existing warner woods or traditional elements.

In the north-facing rooms, expect this white cabinet color to feel cool and crisp whereas in the south-facing rooms, this color is quietly likely to feel like a “true” white paint that’s much softer. Furthermore, feel free to use chrome, brass, oil-rubbed bronze, or antique nickel finish to go with this paint color. For the countertop, feel free to use shades of black, brown, or gray to complement! 

Best WHITE Paint For Kitchen Cabinets: Summing It Up

The ultimate WHITE paint in your kitchen varies on various different factors in your home. The incoming natural light, existing artificial light, view from the windows, and existing architectural and structural elements tend to alter the appearance of ‘white’ on the cabinets. So, it’s always important that you apply a fresh coat in various directions to know the true hue of the white cabinet paint color in your home. 

Moreover, you must also consider the entire color palette of your home before picking the best white paint for kitchen cabinets. For instance, choose a neutral or warm white for a warmer color palette and vice versa! So, are you excited to spruce up your kitchen cabinets with the best WHITE on the swatch? Well, do let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

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