When choosing a paint color for a kitchen with white cabinets, there are a few key factors to consider. The color you choose can dramatically affect the overall look and feel of the space. With white cabinets, you have the advantage of a neutral backdrop that can work with a wide range of wall colors. However, not all colors will look equally attractive. The goal is to find a shade that complements the white cabinets while creating the aesthetic you desire.
Consider the Amount of Natural Light
The first thing to think about is the amount of natural light in your kitchen. Is it a bright, sun-drenched space or one with minimal windows and not much ambient light? The quantity and quality of light will impact which paint colors look best.
| Lighting Condition | Recommended Colors |
|---|---|
| Well-lit | Deep, saturated hues like navy blue, forest green, rich purple or brick red |
| Poorly-lit | Lighter, airier colors like soft gray, light blue, sage green or antique white |
Darker paint colors tend to feel cozy and intimate in bright rooms but can look dreary and cave-like in dim kitchens. Lighter paint colors open up dark spaces but can read as bland or cold in kitchens with ample natural light. Selecting a wall color that fits with the existing illumination will create visual harmony.
Consider the Size of the Space
The physical size of your kitchen is another determinant of which palette will look best. Smaller kitchens feel even more cramped when painted a dark, dramatic color. The shadows and intensity can make the space feel closed-in. For smaller cooking spaces, it is better to opt for airier colors like light gray, soft blue or sage green.
Larger kitchens have more leeway to pull off deeper hues without feeling oppressive. If your kitchen is spacious, you likely have room for an accent wall or colorful island in a saturated shade. Just be sure to balance it with plenty of bright white.
| Kitchen Size | Recommended Colors |
|---|---|
| Small | Soft gray, light blue, pale yellow, light green |
| Large | Navy blue, olive green, crimson red, chocolate brown |
Sticking to lighter wall colors for small kitchens and saving bold paint choices for bigger spaces is an easy formula to follow.
Decide on a Mood or Aesthetic
Beyond just physical elements like natural light and square footage, think about the overall mood or aesthetic you hope to achieve. Is your style traditional, modern, cottage, farmhouse or minimalist? Matching the wall color to your desired style will result in a cohesive, purposeful look.
Here are some suggested paint colors for popular kitchen aesthetics:
| Style | Suggested Colors |
|---|---|
| Traditional | Soft gray, antique white, sage green, robin’s egg blue |
| Modern | Glossy white, charcoal gray, navy blue, burnt orange |
| Cottage | Buttery yellow, sky blue, olive green, peach |
| Farmhouse | White, light gray, sherbet green, tan |
| Minimalist | White, black, light gray, natural wood tones |
Choosing a wall color within the palette that aligns with your interior design style will result in a pulled-together, harmonious look.
Factor in Undertones
When dealing with a blank slate of white cabinets, undertones are another important consideration. White has both cool undertones (blue/green) and warm undertones (yellow/peach). You want to choose a wall color with undertones that match the existing cabinetry.
Cool-toned whites look best with other cool paint shades like powder blue, slate gray, muted purple or seafoam green. Warm-toned whites pair better with paint colors featuring golden, peach or red undertones. Accentuating the existing undertones brings balance to the space.
| Cabinet Undertone | Compatible Wall Colors |
|---|---|
| Cool-toned white | Light blue, gray, celadon, lavender |
| Warm-toned white | Butter yellow, terra cotta, peach, mossy green |
Always inspect your cabinets in both natural and artificial light to discern any subtle cooling or warming undertones before making a final paint selection.
Consider Accent Colors
Factor in any existing accent colors that will remain in the refreshed kitchen. For example, if your counters are a grey-veined white marble, that cool color palette should guide your wall color choice. Or if you have a cherry wood dining set in the adjoining eat-in area, match that rich red-brown undertone.
Tying in accent colors already in the kitchen through your wall paint is a nice way to achieve an integrated, pulled-together look. Even small pops of color like pendant lights or accent tile can inform paint options. Just be sure not to choose a wall color that clashes.
Try Paint Swatches
Once you’ve narrowed down your options based on the above criteria, the next step is testing paint swatches. Paint a 3′ by 3′ square with each of your top color choices directly on the wall. Evaluate them throughout the day and night to see how natural and artificial light affects the shades. This gives you a real-world preview before committing to a final selection.
Trending paint colors to consider for kitchens with white cabinets include:
| Paint Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Sherwin-Williams Naval | Rich navy blue with cool undertones |
| Behr Silver Drop | Light gray-blue hue |
| Valspar Heirloom Beige | Warm sand beige color |
| Benjamin Moore White Opulence | Crisp, clean white that matches white cabinetry |
| PPG Timeless Sage | Muted pastel sage green |
Test out one or more of these recommended shades along with any other colors you are considering. The swatches will demonstrate which hues complement your space best.
Don’t Forget the Trim & Ceiling
Focusing only on the wall color and neglecting trim and ceiling paint would be a missed opportunity. For a cohesive look:
– Match trim to the cabinets for a streamlined monochromatic vibe
– Choose a slightly deeper wall color for the trim to subtly frame the walls
– Pick a light ceiling color like white to maximize brightness
Getting creative with the trim and ceiling paint selection can take your kitchen paint job to the next level.
Conclusion
With so many factors to weigh, choosing a paint color for a white kitchen cabinet can feel overwhelming. Simplify the process by considering the existing lighting, kitchen size, color undertones, aesthetic style and accent colors already in the space. Test out swatches of top contenders to make the final call. Include trim and ceiling color selection in the process for a polished, complete look. With your white cabinets as a blank canvas, you’re sure to settle on a shade that transforms your kitchen into a beautiful, inviting room tailored to your personal taste.
