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Are you looking for the best white paint for your kitchen cabinets?
White cabinets can make your kitchen feel bright and clean. But with so many white paint options, picking the right one can give your kitchen a luxurious appearance. I recently painted my kitchen cabinets white.
Trust me, finding the right shade of white wasn’t easy. After testing dozens of paint samples and talking to professional painters, I found 13 shades of white paint that suit your kitchen cabinet.
I’ll help you understand
- what makes each shade special
- Practical tips for choosing the perfect white paint
- List of best white paint for kitchen cabinet
- Expert Advice
So, let’s get started!
Why Did I Chose White Paint?
I’ve painted many kitchen cabinets over the years; white paint remains my top choice.
White color makes small kitchens look bigger and more open. I’ve seen this effect firsthand in my tiny apartment kitchen, where the white cabinets made the space larger than before.
White cabinets also increase durability. They stay fresh and modern, so you won’t need to repaint when design trends change.
Also, white cabinets give you more freedom with other kitchen elements. You can easily switch up wall colors, backsplashes, or countertops without worrying about clashing with their cabinet color.
13 Best White Cabinet Paint for Your Kitchen
1. Benjamin Moore White Dove
I used this paint in my sister’s kitchen, and it’s wonderfully soft. This is Benjamin Moore’s most popular color. It has warm undertones that create a welcoming feel.
The paint looks great with gray and beige countertops. It pairs well with brass hardware and wood accents. Use it with marble countertops or natural wood, bronze, or brass fixtures.
Click here for more information: Benjamin Moore.
This is a clean white with less yellow undertones. This paint is not too cold or warm, making it very flexible.
It is best for Modern and transitional kitchens. It pairs with Black hardware, stainless steel appliances, and any countertop color.
You can buy this by visiting: Sherwin-Williams Pure White
3. Behr Ultra Pure White
Behr Ultra Pure White is a bright and clean white color. This shade is perfect for making small kitchens feel bigger. It reflects light and stays true to its color throughout the day.
This is the best shade for Contemporary kitchens. You can pair it with Bold backsplashes and dark countertops.
You can easily find it from this link: Behr Ultra Pure White
4. Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
This paint gives a bright, fresh look with a neutral undertone. I recommend it for a true white that stays clean-looking in any light.
The finish feels smooth and even. It is best for modern and minimalist kitchens and pairs dark granite and colorful backsplashes.
Get detailed information by clicking this link: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
5. Sherwin-Williams Alabaster
This is a soft, warm white paint. Its gentle yellow undertones make kitchens feel sunny and welcoming. It looks great in both bright and dim spaces.
It is useful for rustic and traditional kitchens. It pairs well with Warm wood tones and cream backsplashes.
Click here to learn more about: Sherwin-Williams Alabaster.
6. Benjamin Moore Simply White
This paint offers a balanced white with slightly warm undertones. It stays bright without feeling cold, and this shade goes with any kitchen style.
It pairs easily with all metals and many colors. In 2016, it was Benjamin Moore’s Colour of the Year.
Get yours by visiting the link: Benjamin Moore Simply White.
7. Farrow & Ball All White
This is a pure white with a blue undertone. It creates a clean image and makes everything look fresh. The paint quality is excellent for cabinets.
It is best for Modern and Scandinavian kitchens. It can pair with light wood and white appliances.
Ready to buy? Visit here: Farrow & Ball All White.
8. Sherwin-Williams Extra White
This is pure bright white paint. Its cool undertones work well in sunny spaces, and the finish resists yellowing over time. It can pair with Gray countertops and silver hardware.
This bright white paint will instantly make your kitchen more spacious and inviting.
Purchase this by clicking the link: Sherwin-Williams Extra White.
9. Benjamin Moore Cloud White
This soft white has warm undertones that make it feel gentle and welcoming. I often suggest it for north-facing kitchens that need warmth.
Traditional and transitional kitchens can pair it with beige countertops and gold hardware.
Click here to purchase now: Benjamin Moore Cloud White.
10. Valspar Ultra White
Valspar Ultra White is a bright color with a cool undertone. You will like how it covers well and creates a smooth finish.
The paint stands up to regular cleaning. Modern kitchens can pair with any color pattern.
Visit this link to make your purchase: Valspar Ultra White.
11. Sherwin-Williams Snowbound
This white has fine gray undertones that make it feel modern. I find it works well in both bright and dim kitchens.
The soft, light gray touch gives a relaxing atmosphere. It is best for Contemporary and transitional kitchens with Cool-toned countertops and chrome fixtures.
To know more, visit this link: Sherwin-Williams Snowbound.
12. Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee
I love this creamy white for its soft, warm look. It makes kitchens feel cozy without being too yellow, and the finish stays looking fresh.
Best for Traditional and farmhouse kitchens. Pairs with Warm wood tones, copper fixtures
Visit here to get your purchase: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee.
13. Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa
This warm white creates a welcoming feel. I recommend it for kitchens that need some warmth without going too creamy.
It is perfect for Mediterranean and traditional kitchens. You can pair it with Terra cotta and warm stones.
Visit here to buy now: Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa.
An Undertone Overview of White Paint for Cabinets
Let me break down the different undertones I’ve encountered in white paints.
Whites with yellow, pink, green, blue, gray, or purple undertones are common. Spotting these subtle hints of color helps you choose the right white for your kitchen.
1. Shades of White
White paint is divided into three main groups: warm whites (with yellow or pink undertones), cool whites (with blue or purple undertones), and neutral whites (with barely noticeable undertones).
I place paint samples against pure white paper to spot these hidden colors and test their tone accordingly.
2. Warm Undertone White Cabinet Paint
These warm whites create a cozy feeling
- Benjamin Moore White Dove (yellow undertone)
- Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (cream undertone)
- Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (beige undertone)
- Benjamin Moore Cloud White (pink undertone)
2. Cool Undertone White Cabinet Paint
These cool white add a fresh, clean look to kitchens:
- Sherwin-Williams Extra White (blue undertone)
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (slight blue undertone)
- Sherwin-Williams Snowbound (gray undertone)
- Farrow & Ball All White (purple undertone)
3. Neutral Undertone White Cabinet Paint
These balanced whites work in most settings:
- Sherwin-Williams Pure White
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Behr Ultra Pure White
- Valspar Ultra White
Certain Tips for Choosing the Right White Paint for Cabinets
1. Use of Color Wheel
I gather samples of my kitchen’s fixed items—flooring, countertops, and backsplash pieces—and find these colors on a basic color wheel.
If most items fall on the warm side (reds, oranges, yellows), I pick whites with soft cream hints. If they’re on the cool side (blues, greens, purples), I go for whites with slight gray hints.
For mixed colors, I choose pure whites. I test my picks by painting small boards and placing them beside my fixed items. This helps me see how everything works together in my kitchen’s lighting.
2. Shade & Quality Test
Here’s my tried-and-true testing process
Paint Testing
- I paint 2-foot squares on white poster board
- I move these samples around the kitchen
- I check them during the morning, noon, and evening
- I look at them under kitchen lights at night
Quality Checks
- I press my nails into dried samples to test the hardness
- I run a damp cloth over them to check cleaning ease
- I place them near the stove to see how they look with the kitchen light
Additional Advice
- Buy all paint at once to ensure color match
- Get 20% more paint than you think you need
- Store leftover paint for touch-ups
- Label paint cans with cabinet location
How to Select White Cabinet Paint Shades
1. Interior Theme
I always think about my kitchen’s style before choosing a white paint color. In my experience, modern kitchens work well with bright and clean whites, while farmhouse kitchens look better with softer or warmer whites.
Before selecting the shade, look at your countertops, handles, appliances, etc. These elements should effectively guide your white paint choice.
2. Lighting
Lighting conditions play an important role in changing the tone and shades of white paint. I tested samples at different times of the day.
Morning sunlight makes whites look different from evening lamplight. I suggest looking at your paint samples under both natural and artificial lighting.
If your kitchen gets little sunlight, I recommend choosing a slightly warmer white to keep the space bright.
3. Understanding Tone
Some whites have hints of yellow, while others lean blue or gray. I check the undertones by placing a piece of pure white paper beside the paint sample.
This helps me see the exact differences. Sometimes, trending undertones don’t suit your taste because various factors impact a shade.
For example, cream-tinted whites feel cozier, while blues feel fresh and clean.
4. Flooring
Your floor color matters more than you might think. I always consider flooring when choosing cabinet paint.
Dark floors can make bright whites pop, while lighter floors need a softer white to blend well. When I painted my cabinets white, it worked perfectly with my medium-brown hardwood floors.
DIY Guide for Painting Cabinet Easily
Tools & Materials Required
- Cabinet paint with satin finish
- Wood filler
- TSP cleaner
- Specialty primer for varnished cabinets
- Mini paint roller
- Paint brushes
- Putty knife
- Clean cloth
- Screwdriver (for removing cabinet doors)
Step-by-Step Process for Easy Painting
1. Remove Hardware and Prep
I suggest first removing all cabinet doors and drawers. This makes painting much easier.
Keep track of which door goes where—trust me, it helps later!
2. Fix Surface Issues
Look at your cabinets closely if you spot any dents or marks.
- Sand the wood surface gently.
- Wipe away dust with a clean cloth
- Fill dents with wood filler using a putty knife
- Let it dry fully
3. Clean thoroughly: Always thoroughly clean all surfaces using TSP cleaner.
4. Prime the Surface
- Use a mini roller on flat areas
- Work from inside out on cabinet frames
- Use a brush for corners and details
- Apply even strokes
5. Paint Application
- Use steady, even strokes
- Work in small sections
- Feather out the edges
- Let each coat dry completely
Important Tip: Use a dry roller or brush to smooth out any build-up spots after each coat dries.
6. Final Steps
- Apply a second coat
- Let the paint cure fully
- Put the hardware back on
- Reinstall doors and drawers
DOWNLOAD THE ENTIRE DIY CABINET PAINTING IDEA FROM THIS PDF
CLICK HERE
Professional vs. DIY Cabinet Painting – Which is a Better Option
| Factor | Professional Cabinet Painting | DIY Cabinet Painting |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Breakdown | Labor Costs: $50-100 per hour | Paint: $200-400 |
| Materials: Included in the package | Basic Tools: $100-200 | |
| Equipment: Provided | Cleaning Supplies: $50 | |
| Total Cost: $2,000-8,000 depending on kitchen size | Total Cost: $350-650 | |
| Time Investment | Initial Consultation: 1 day | Learning & Preparation: 1-2 days |
| Project Completion: 3-5 days | Actual Work: 5-7 days | |
| Disruption: Minimal, set schedule | Disruption: Longer, fits your schedule | |
| Quality Factors | Results: Expert surface preparation, high-grade equipment | Results: Vary with skill level, personal attention to detail |
| Paint Application: Even coverage, long-lasting finish | Finish: May require touch-ups sooner | |
| Required Skills | Expertise: Wood type knowledge, surface prep, paint choice | Skills Needed: Basic tool handling, patience, stamina |
| Tools: Proper usage, problem-solving | Skills Needed: Organization, willingness to learn | |
| Cleanup: Minimal required | Cleanup: Handled by you | |
| Kitchen Condition: Ideal for large or detailed kitchens | Kitchen Condition: Good for smaller, simpler kitchens | |
| Project Goals: Quick turnaround, high-quality finish | Project Goals: Budget-friendly, learning opportunity |
Making Your Choice
I suggest asking yourself:
- Do I have 40+ free hours?
- Am I comfortable with detailed work?
- Can I handle some imperfection?
- Is saving money my top priority?
If you answered yes to most questions, DIY might work for you. If not, professional help could be worth the investment.
Conclusion
Picking the right white paint for your kitchen cabinets matters more than you think. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience:
- White paint brightens your kitchen and makes it feel bigger and cleaner.
- Testing samples in your actual kitchen light is essential for success.
- Consider your kitchen’s exposure – north, south, east, or west-facing windows affect how white paint looks.
- Match your white’s undertone with your fixed elements like countertops and floors.
- Quality matters – cabinet-specific paints last longer and clean better.
Important Tip: Pick three whites from my recommended list – one warm, one cool, and one neutral. Test them in your kitchen, and you’ll know which is right for your space.
Don’t rush the decision – the right white paint will make your kitchen feel fresh and welcoming for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between Various Brands of White Paints?
Premium brands like Benjamin Moore offer better coverage with fewer coats. Budget brands like Behr need more coats but cost less.
Is Satin or Semi-gloss Better for Kitchen Cabinets?
I prefer semi-gloss for kitchen cabinets. It’s easier to clean and better withstands water splashes and cooking stains.
What Color Makes Cabinets Look Less Yellow?
Whites with gray or blue undertones help reduce yellow tones. Try Sherwin-Williams Extra White or Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace.
What Sheen is best for White Kitchen Cabinets?
Semi-gloss works best for white cabinets. It shows fewer marks, cleans well, and protects against moisture in your kitchen.