Choosing the right paint color for your kitchen can be a daunting task, especially when you have white cabinets.
While white is a classic and versatile color that complements any style of kitchen, there are many paint colors that can enhance the look of your kitchen and make it feel more welcoming and inviting as well as a few shades that might miss the mark.
And that’s our cue to come in with some of the best kitchen paint shades to go with white cabinets as well as the ones to steer clear of! Keep reading, then, to find the perfect choice for you!
In a Rush? Here’s Our Three Best Kitchen Colors With White Cabinets
1. Best for Contrast | Black
2. Best for a Subtle Color Pop | Pale Blue
3. Best for a Romantic Vibe | Dusky Pink
How Should You Choose a Paint Color to Suit Your White Cabinets?
When choosing a paint color to suit your white cabinets, it’s important to consider the style of your kitchen, the amount of natural light, as well as any accent colors you might have in the room.
Look for inspiration in magazines, Pinterest or online, to help you discover colors that you may or may not like. It can also help to use the color wheel to help find the best color for your kitchen walls with white cabinets. This works as a guide where colors opposite each other can create a striking contrast, while colors adjacent to each other can create a more harmonious look.
So, if you are wondering what color walls go with white kitchen cabinets, take these factors in to consideration so you can be sure that you are choosing a paint color that creates a cohesive and beautiful look for your kitchen space.
12 Best Paint Colors for Kitchens with White Cabinets
1. Gray
Gray is a neutral color that, quite simply, compliments white cabinets beautifully. Providing a sleek, modern look that’s well-suited to contemporary or industrial-style kitchens, gray also works well if you want to introduce an accent color for more depth, such as blue, green, or even a warmer shade such as yellow. Choosing a light gray for the walls combined with a deeper gray for the flooring is a sure way to make your white cabinets pop.
Pros
- Classic
- Versatile
- Sophisticated
Cons
- Can feel cold
- Lacks warmth
2. Navy
If you’re looking to make a bold statement, then navy is a great kitchen color to consider with white cabinets. It adds depth and richness to your kitchen and pairs well with white for a timeless and classic look. Add a touch of dimension and visual interest to the space by introducing gold and brass accents that can also provide a touch of warmth to the cooler tones of navy.
Pros
- Bold
- Modern
- Dramatic
Cons
- Can feel too dark
- May overpower smaller kitchens
3. Green
Introduce a fresh color pop to the room with a deep green shade. This is a great kitchen color idea for white cabinets as not only does it help the white stand out but it also brings a calmness to the space. Green and white work well with natural materials such as wood and stone, which, when introduced, can help to provide texture.
Pros
- Natural
- Calming
- Can add a pop of color without being too bold
Cons
- The earthiness can feel dull to some tastes
4. Black
For a dose of drama, black is a good kitchen color to go with white cabinets. This modern, high-contrast look will create a sleek and sophisticated space that’s well-suited to minimalistic and contemporary style kitchens. It’s an ideal base if you wish to introduce an accent color or even feature another material such as wood or metal.
Pros
- Adds depth and contrast
- Modern
- Sophisticated
Cons
- Can make a kitchen feel smaller or closed off
5. Pale Blue
If you like the idea of a color pop but don’t want anything overwhelming, try a pale blue kitchen paint to pair with your white cabinets. This soft, soothing color is well-suited next to white, especially if you like the idea of a coastal- or farmhouse-style space. The subtle nature of pale blue tones means that you can add a splash of color without overwhelming the room.
Pros
- Calming
- Serene
- Works well in coastal or cottage-style kitchens
Cons
- Can feel too light or washed out
6. Beige
For those looking for neutral kitchen pain colors to combine with white cabinets, you can’t go wrong with beige. This warm, inviting shade helps to create a cosy and comfortable room but, be sure to add a touch of texture through accessories to avoid the room lacking depth and becoming dull or one-dimensional.
Pros
- Versatile
- Warm
Cons
- Can be too safe or boring
- May lack personality
7. Sage Green
One of the top trends for 2023 kitchen design is sage green, so if you’re looking for the best wall color for white kitchen cabinets right now, this is it! Although this shade is having something of a moment right now, it is also considered a timeless color so you won’t need to worry about this one looking dated. The tranquil, calm nature of sage makes it ideal for a relaxed kitchen.
Pros
- Calming
- Earthy
- Pairs well with natural wood tones
Cons
- Can feel too muted or dull
- May clash with certain decor styles
8. Mustard Yellow
Neutral tones are hugely popular for kitchens but for those wanting something a little more energetic, mustard yellow is a wonderfully warm and bold shade that can inject a touch of cheerfulness to any kitchen space. This is a brilliant and versatile kitchen color scheme to go with white cabinets if you have a bold modern or retro space.
Pros
- Adds warmth and energy
- Works well in bohemian or eclectic kitchens
Cons
- Can be too bold or overwhelming
- May not work in more traditional or minimalist kitchens
9. Cream
For a soft warmth, pair cream wall paint with white kitchen cabinets. This delicate and subtle style offers the perfect neutral backdrop for you to introduce other colors or materials.
Pros
- Classic
- Warm
- Pairs well with a variety of decor styles
Cons
- Can be too safe/predictable
- May lack personality
10. Charcoal
We know that not everyone likes light neutral kitchen paint colors but you could opt for charcoal alongside white cabinets. This deep gray tone adds depth and contrast but lacks the harshness of black.
Pros
- Adds depth and contrast
- Modern
- Sophisticated
Cons
- Can make a kitchen feel smaller or closed off
- May be too dark for smaller kitchens
11. Blush Pink
If you’re wondering what color to paint your kitchen with white cabinets, and are looking for something with a more unusual feel to it, try blush pink. This delicate shade has all the softness of neutral shades with added warmth and a more unique finish to it. Give the space some depth with brushed silver or gold hardware.
Pros
- Adds a soft and feminine touch
- Works well in cottage or shabby-chic kitchens
Cons
- Can be too bold or trendy
- May not work in more modern or minimalist kitchens
12. Teal
Teal and deep turquoise shades are amongst the best wall colors to opt for for people with white kitchen cabinets, particularly if you want a vibrant and eclectic feel to your kitchen. This lively color will add a real touch of life to the space whilst the white cabinets will help to lift it and add brightness.
Pros
- Bold and unique
- Adds a pop of color without being too overwhelming
Cons
- May clash with certain decor styles
- Can be too bold for some tastes
What are the Colors to Avoid for Kitchens With White Cabinets?
While there are many paint colors that work well with white cabinets, there are a few shades you’ll want to avoid to ensure your kitchen space is both aesthetically-pleasing and well-balanced. Colors to keep clear of include:
Overly Bright or Neon Colors
Bright or neon colors can clash with white cabinets and make your kitchen look too busy, creating an overwhelming feeling.
Colors that are Too Dark (or Too Light)
Paint colors that are too dark or too light can create an unbalanced look in your kitchen. For example, white cabinets with a very light paint color can appear washed out and lack definition whilst very dark shades can make a space feel closed in.
Conflicting Undertones
When selecting a paint color, it’s crucial that you consider the undertone it has. Conflicting undertones can create a visually-unappealing look.
Summary
If you’ve got white cabinets, the world is your oyster when it comes to picking a kitchen color scheme but often, this vast amount of choice can makes the whole process feel a little overwhelming.
White cabinets are a classic choice for the kitchen and they offer a blank canvas that allows you to inject a touch of your own personality into the room.
Whether it is a bold statement or a soft, relaxing space, if you’re wondering what color you should paint your kitchen with white cabinets, we’ve shown you that the perfect shade is out there waiting for you!
