While I love kitchen cabinets in non-traditional paint colors (like this post about my favorite non-white cabinet paint colors), the fast number of kitchens that I do are a shade of white. One of the most common questions that I’m asked is, “What is the most popular white paint color for kitchen cabinets?” Let’s face it, white kitchens are classic, timeless and popular, and I don’t see them going out of favor anytime soon. I have some favorites of my own, but there is not a one size fits all answer to this question. The most popular white paint color might not be the right one for your kitchen.
I have reached out to other professional refinishers to help answer this question, so I have a great source of expertise to share with you today. I’m really excited to share my favorite white kitchen cabinet paint colors, and I hope you’ll find it useful. Generally speaking, I stick to Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams white paint colors. I know choosing a color can be overwhelming, and I hope this guide helps. This post contains some affiliate links.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When choosing a white paint color for your cabinets, don’t choose it without taking into account your hard finishes – counters, floors, backsplash, etc… These need to be your cues in choosing the white paint color that will work best for you. I also highly recommend large sized paint samples from places like Samplize, or even your local paint store (worst case, buy a quart to test the color). That gives a much better idea of what the color will look like, and is an invaluable resource when choosing a color.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster
Alabaster is one of those whites that is a classic and a great go-to color for cabinets. It’s a bit of a warmer white, but not in a yellow-ish way. It’s soft and subtle, and great for trim as well as cabinets. If you have existing finishes that are warm, but are looking to update the look of your kitchen, consider Alabaster, as it plays well with others like that.
This kitchen from Tiger Lily Designs and Interiors speaks perfectly to the beauty of Alabaster. Warm tones in the floors, counters and backsplash, but still fresh and gorgeous.
My friend Kayla at Painted by Kayla Payne does some great cabinet makeovers, including a few in Alabaster.
A beautiful redo in Alabaster from Bella Via Design.
Sherwin Williams Dover White
Dover White (SW6385) is another white that falls into the warm category, as far as whites go. I think one thing that people need to keep in mind when choosing a white for cabinets, is that you have to work with the finishes that you already have (if you’re not changing them). This is crucial to pulling together a cohesive finished look. When you choose the right white for your finishes, the look is seamless. The wrong color sticks out like a sore thumb. Dover White is a great color when you’re working with warm undertones in your countertops.
This kitchen from Hampton Fine Finishes puts Dover White in the spotlight beautifully.
Again, Kayla rocked out this kitchen in Dover White. It really does well with warm finishes, and I’m working on a kitchen in this color right now. Such a pretty, warm white that doesn’t feel stark at all, but still gives you the look of a bright kitchen.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
Chantilly Lace (OC-65) falls into the category of more of true crisp white, without any undertones that you find in other white paint colors. It’s crisp and clean and looks great with some of the quartz and marble countertops that are so popular these days.
Sherwin Williams Pure White
Sherwin Williams’ Pure White isn’t a “true white” like Chantilly Lace, but it’s pretty darn close. It has a bit of a blue undertone, making it a great pairing for marble or white quartz countertops.
It looks great in this kitchen paired with the gorgeous countertops. Great work from Moore Painting & Pressure Washing.
And it’s a great contrast against the black countertops in this kitchen from J&L Vintage Decor.
This kitchen from Bella Via Design pairs Pure White with Lazy Gray for a soft and subtle look.
I did a kitchen last year in Pure White as well. Again, it is another that plays well with grays and clean whites in a kitchen.
Sherwin Williams Snowbound
Snowbound is another gorgeous go-to paint color that is very popular in the refinishing world. I’ve done kitchens in this color, and it’s one that I can trust to work with many of the newer finishes out there, while it also plays well with some of the existing finishes in a home. It’s a warm, soft white.
I’ve done quite a few kitchens in Snowbound, and it’s never disappointed me.
This one from Amy Murry Designs is a stunner.
In this kitchen, you can see that it’s soft enough to play well with the gray tones in the tile, but still goes with the wood tones in the flooring.
Benjamin Moore Simply White
Simply White (OC-117) has been one of my stand by paint colors for a long time now. It’s not a true white, but has enough colorant in it that it works well in lots of kitchens. It’s also a popular one for a lot of cabinet painters. Here it is in a kitchen from Wet Paint Professional Painters.
Here is a kitchen I did in Simply White awhile back (with a pretty island in Chelsea Gray).
You can see that Simply White is a pretty choice in this two-toned kitchen (also in Chelsea Gray). Go figure!
Benjamin Moore White Dove
White Dove (OC-17) is another color that I can always count on. It’s a warm white, but not so warm that it looks yellowy. It’s not as warm as Dover White (I know, it’s easy to get them mixed up), but it’s warmer than Simply White.
I love it in this kitchen, paired with an island in Urbane Bronze (which is another color favorite of mine).
It’s a great choice for a home where you have warm colors that aren’t going anywhere. Like this kitchen – the warm countertops and floors call for a white that isn’t too stark.
Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White
Decorator’s White (CC-20) has the smallest of undertones and works beautifully with white counters and backsplashes. So, if you know that you want to do your counters in a marble or something similar (but perhaps don’t have the budget yet), this is a safe choice if you choose do paint your cabinets first. This kitchen was my giveaway kitchen, and I know they have plans to change the counters in the future, so Decorator’s White was their paint color choice. It also works beautifully with their brass hardware.
You can see how beautifully the color works in this kitchen with the countertops. (The island color in this kitchen is Cheating Heart, in case you’re wondering – a stunner!).
Sherwin Williams Creamy
Creamy (SW 7012) falls into more of the “off-white” shade of white, and definitely lives up to its name as a creamy white. It’s very rich and gorgeous, and is a beautiful warm shade. Sometimes your kitchen finishes just require a warm white, and this is a great option. And don’t worry, it will still brighten things up in your kitchen. I think sometimes it’s easy to worry that it won’t look white enough, or you can be set that you want a “white kitchen”, but again, you need to consider your existing finishes and key off of them.
What Sheen Should I Use?
The question of sheen is another one that I see often. So many people immediately jump to “semi-gloss” for ease of cleaning. But I firmly disagree. If your cabinets are being painted with a product designed for cabinets, go with a satin/eggshell sheen. I have seen cabinets painted in semi-gloss, and the sheen is just too harsh, and it will show every flaw that you might have in your cabinets.
So there you have it – some of my favorite white kitchen cabinet paint colors. If you’re looking for a “perfect white” for your kitchen cabinets, this is at least a good start, right? Am I missing one of your favorites? I hope at least you found some inspiration and ideas if nothing else.
If you’re tired of white, check out my favorite non-white paint colors for cabinets here. Are you looking to learn how to redo your cabinets yourself? Check out this post. Are you looking for a course that walks you through the process step by step, check out this video course by my painting friend, Kayla. You can check out my favorite tools and products, here. If you’re looking for someone to paint your cabinets, here is a list of questions to ask before you hire them.
Jenny
22 Comments
Denise
January 24, 2020 at 8:59 amThis is a very timely post! We are in the beginning stages of cabinet paint, taking cabinets t the ceiling, new counter tops and refinishing our hardwood floors. Our kitchen/living area, as it is open concept is painted Navajo white, I haven’t tried paint colors yet but am thinking Simply White as Navajo as a bit of yellow in it. What are your thoughts? Thanks
brenda alger
August 10, 2020 at 12:47 pmHi, I was wondering if you could recommend a white paint color that would go over quarter sawn oak shaker style cabinets? I believe they are a pecan color and it comes off orange to me. I have had them for a good 12 years and they are in great shape so we wanted to reuse them. Any input would be greatly appreciated! This is so overwhelming!! thanks so much
Brenda
Jenny
August 12, 2020 at 11:23 pmI would recommend taking cues from the other finishes in your kitchen – flooring, countertops, etc… That’s your best bet in choosing a paint color.
Estelle
August 24, 2020 at 9:50 amExcellent post. Wish I had read this before repainting my kitchen cabinets. My cabinet guy recommended BM Decorator White. He said he’s done a ton of brand new kitchens in that color. Unfortunately it is very cold, and stark. Trying to warm up the space with fabric and accessories… sigh..
Jenny
August 25, 2020 at 7:07 pmUgh – that’s tough. I’m so sorry.
Amy Hubbard
December 7, 2020 at 4:35 pmWow, I’m loving you your blog! Quick question….we recently moved into a house with an open concept LR/kitchen area. The whole house has white walls and terrible honey oak cabinets. Is it okay to choose a warmer white for the cabinets?
Jenny
December 26, 2020 at 1:19 pmMy only advice is to make sure that whichever white you choose, it doesn’t look – or cause the other whites to look – yellow.
Amy Hubbard
December 27, 2020 at 7:08 pmYikes, okay. Any suggestions? I’m definitely leaning toward the BJ Advance line. It doesn’t get a lot of natural light so I was hoping to stay light with the cabinets.
Diane
January 1, 2021 at 8:10 amWhat color white would you suggest for a kitchen with almond colored appliances?
Jenny
January 8, 2021 at 9:45 amI would have to see the rest of your kitchen to make a judgment on that, really. If you go too white, it’s just going to draw attention to the appliances. I would consider going with a color that isn’t white (maybe a greige or something along those lines) so that the appliances recede into the background and don’t become a point of attention.
Ryan Moore
February 1, 2021 at 8:30 pmI started a search for a client to help her pick the perfect off white for her cabinets and stumbled onto this blog with a picture of a kitchen we did in 2017 (SW Pure White). Thanks for the mention
Cathy
February 1, 2021 at 9:18 pmI have Canterbury by Cambria countertops. I would like to paint my kitchen cabinets off white/cream and redo my backsplash with subway tile. I don’t know what color cabinets go best with the Canterbury countertops. And then the best color for the backsplash. I would then like to paint the walls gray. Any suggestions? Having trouble with colors!
Thank you!
Jenny
February 11, 2021 at 12:04 pmSince the Canterbury quartz counters are warm, I would definitely go with a warm white. Dover White and Creamy are two colors that come to mind. For the walls, you could go with something that gives some contrast, but is a warm gray – Urbane Bronze would be an option I would consider.
Krystan
July 13, 2021 at 12:21 amOmg this was a helpful post but now I’m back to square one! Haha none of these were the samples I picked up from SW. I have black granite countertops with specks of brown and grey and real wood floors. We are due to paint this weekend and I’m panicking! I wish I could upload a pic so you could give me the best advice to help narrow it down!
Jenny
July 19, 2021 at 5:29 pmI hope you were able to narrow something down! I don’t know what your floors look like, but I’m guessing with black granite with brown and grey specks, that you don’t want to go too stark. Surely something a bit warmer would be the way to go.
Debra Knowles
October 21, 2021 at 8:51 amI am looking for the right white to go with my Taj Mahal countertops, matte black appliances what would you suggest..Thank you!
Jenny
October 26, 2021 at 6:44 amTaj Mahal has warmer tones in it from what I’ve seen. I would look at SW Creamy and Dover White and also Ben Moore’s White Dove as a starting point. They’re all warmer whites that would pair beautifully with a stone like Taj Mahal.
Leslie
February 2, 2022 at 11:58 amHi Jenny…Great post, so helpful with my kitchen dilemma. I just got Polarstone Olympia (off white grayish carrera look) quartz countertops installed, backsplash is the same. Was hoping it would work with my current BM Swiss Coffee cabinets but they are too creamy. I have a north facing kitchen and need a cooler white to coordinate with the quartz. I’m think White Dove or Alabaster or should I go cooler?
Jocelyn
November 4, 2022 at 9:37 amCould you recommend a warm white that compliments Baltic brown granite countertops?
Jenny
November 14, 2022 at 5:18 pmWhite Dove or Dover White are good starting points.
Debby
January 3, 2023 at 11:48 pmHi Jenny, Great blog! Can you recommend a white for our cabinets, please? My head is swimming with all the choices. We have chocolate brown tile floors and will have white marble countertops with adequate lighting and a skylight above the kitchen space. What do you think of Swiss Coffee with the white countertops? Thank you.
Jenny
January 4, 2023 at 12:50 pmI would recommend getting several large samples to decide on a cabinet color. It’s hard to give blanket advice without seeing the finishes in person, as they dictate the color you should choose.