What color to paint walls if cabinets are white?

Author: Raheem Osinski  |  Last update: Sunday, August 24, 2025

While white paint is a go-to choice for many, white walls aren't your only option. Bright white cabinets can be enhanced by embracing dark colours when painting your walls. If your kitchen has off-white cabinets with cool undertones, think about experimenting with blue hues or a warm grey colour.

What color walls go best with white cabinets?

The 10 Best Paint Colors for White Kitchen Cabinets, According to Paint Pros
  • 01 of 10. Sophisticated Dark Olive. Courtesy of Valspar. ...
  • 02 of 10. Dusty Blue. ...
  • 03 of 10. Delicate Dusty Pink. ...
  • 04 of 10. Peppered Black. ...
  • 05 of 10. Cool Undertones. ...
  • 06 of 10. Invigorating Green. ...
  • 07 of 10. Deep Violet. ...
  • 08 of 10. Moody Blue-Gray.

Should walls be lighter or darker than cabinets?

In smaller kitchens, lighter cabinets and walls can create the illusion of space and make it feel larger and more airy. On the other hand, in larger kitchens, darker cabinets can anchor the space and prevent it from feeling too expansive. Style: Your style is a major consideration in the debate of light and dark.

What wall color goes with Simply white cabinets?

In this case, many people worry that BM Simply White is too yellow. While it is warmer than other whites, I wouldn't ever call it yellow. It actually has quite a bit of gray and green in it. It pairs very nicely with warm greige colors and light gray paint colors.

How to tone down white cabinets?

Painting out the walls is cheaper than changing the cabinets. Pick some colors, paint up some sample boards (as big as you can make them) and put them up next to the cabinets. A soft, foggy blue gray will soften the white. Behr Light French Grey, SW. Silver Tradition, would both work well.

DON'T PAINT YOUR TRIM & WOODWORK WHITE! *Interior Design Tips*

How to soften a bright white kitchen?

  1. Replace the recessed lights with warmer lights (they might also have a setting that you can change)
  2. Paint the walls.
  3. Replace the cabinet hardware with wood-look handles.
  4. Add a cozy kitchen runner.
  5. Add beadboard or similar to the island.

Can I paint over white cabinets without sanding?

If your cabinets are in good condition and have smooth, nonglossy surfaces, you don't need to sand first. You probably don't need to sand cabinets with raw, unvarnished wood or those that are smooth to the touch, either.

What is the best color countertop for white cabinets?

Selecting the Perfect Countertop Color

Neutral Choices: For those who prefer a subtle look, consider neutral options like whites, grays, and beiges. Light stained wood can also provide a soft, harmonious appearance that complements white cabinets beautifully.

When to avoid simply white?

If you have a south-facing or south-western afternoon sunlight in a room, you may want to avoid using Simply White because the undertones will lean even warmer and yellow in these settings. However, what this does mean is that Simply White is perfect for north-facing rooms!

What is the most popular paint color for a kitchen?

Off-whites, neutrals, blues, grays and greens are all timeless kitchen paint colors.

Should I paint my kitchen cabinets the same color as my walls?

To maintain a light and bright kitchen, avoid sharp contrasts in your wall color and cabinetry color, the shade you choose for your kitchen walls should be somewhat similar to your kitchen cabinets. A sharp contrast between your walls and cabinets will create a visual boundary, and make your kitchen look even smaller.

Should ceiling be lighter or darker than walls?

How to Choose Ceiling Paint Colors. As a general rule, ceilings that are lighter in tone than the walls feel higher, while darker colors will make the ceiling feel lower. But that doesn't necessarily mean the room will feel claustrophobic. Visually lowered ceilings can evoke a cozy, intimate feeling.

Should kitchen cabinets be dark on top or bottom?

GO DARKER ON THE BOTTOM

The lighter color you use for the upper cabinets can also become an accent around the room. This keeps the room feeling light and spacious, regardless of its size. Avoid putting the darker color on upper cabinets unless you've chosen one section of cabinets as a feature.

What color flooring goes with white cabinets?

Stay Inviting With Light Colors

They are usually light beige or gray (depending on whether you want warm or cool undertones). Light-colored floors in tandem with white cabinets for a harmoniously bright aesthetic. They give your room an airy feeling that goes especially well with large windows and open floor plans.

What is the most popular light gray interior paint?

Best Light Gray Paint Colors
  • Dusky Dawn PPG1005-1.
  • Elemental PPG1011-2.
  • Thin Ice PPG1001-3.
  • Fog PPG1010-2.
  • Silver Feather PPG1002-1.

What color hardware for white kitchen cabinets in 2024?

Gold or Brass

Gold or brass hardware can add warmth and elegance to white kitchen cabinets. Their rich tones complement the white cabinets' clean, crisp look and make them stand out without being too overwhelming. Gold also symbolizes wealth and luxury, making it a popular choice for high-end kitchen designs.

What is the most popular Benjamin Moore white paint color?

The most popular Benjamin Moore white paint color is White Dove OC-17, a clean and classic white hue. White Dove is also our most sampled paint color. Favorites Chantilly Lace OC-65 and Swiss Coffee OC-45 are close behind as most popular Benjamin Moore white paint colors.

Does simply white look dingy?

In a north facing room or any space that doesn't receive a lot of natural lighting don't be surprised if Benjamin Moore Simply White looks dirty or dingy.

What pairs well with Benjamin Moore's Simply white?

Paired with warm beige, soft ivory, and rich honey tones alongside organic textures like wood and rattan, the end result is naturalist perfection.

What color to paint walls if kitchen cabinets are white?

Interior designers recommend earthy colors for kitchens with white cabinets. These colors have a warm and welcoming feel that makes the cook and visitors feel comfortable. The color should be bright with a blend of different colors on different parts of the kitchen.

Should countertops be lighter or darker than cabinets?

Deciding on the color of your kitchen countertops can be tricky. Experts recommend working with a lighter countertop than a cabinet for the perfect color blend. This combination makes the countertop installation job ideal for the ultimate kitchen outlook.

What is the most timeless kitchen countertop color?

Grays, browns, whites, tans, olives, and other neutral colors are a great choice, helping the style of your kitchen outlast the trends and fads that come and go year in and year out.

What is the best Sherwin Williams paint for kitchen cabinets?

Tip: Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel in Gloss, Semi-Gloss or Satin sheen is among the best paint for kitchen cabinets because it has excellent flow and leveling characteristics, resulting in a smooth and durable finish.

Do I need to sand white cabinets before painting?

Finally, sanding your cabinets before repainting them removes some of the previous paint sheen. This creates a surface that is best prepped for primer and paint. It will also improve the evenness and color of your newly painted cabinets.

Does Beyond paint really work?

This paint is amazing! I didn't sand or prime, and the old oak cabinets look beautiful. This is a lot thicker than regular paint. I used it on a 1950ish cedar dresser that had old varnish on it and I didn't want to sand it all.

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