20 Popular Kitchen Paint Colors with White Cabinets: 9 Stunning Ideas with Images

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White cabinets are a classic choice for any kitchen, but the right paint color can make them look even more amazing. Check out these 10 stunning kitchen paint colors with white cabinets, along with images to inspire you.

You renovated your kitchen with new bright white cabinets after deciding to finally make the change. Your new kitchen cabinets are glaring at you, stark white walls and flooring, and you’re thinking about what colors would bring them to life. We have 10 gorgeous kitchen paint colors that mix well with white cabinets, so don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. You can make your kitchen the talk of the neighborhood with our selection of striking blues and cozy wood tones. Learn about color combinations that will take your kitchen from boring to gorgeous by reading on. All the inspiration you’ll need to choose a hue you’ll like for years to come is provided by example photographs of each shade.

Classic White: Let Your Cabinets Shine

White cabinets are a classic choice for any kitchen, but the right paint color can make them look even more amazing. Classic white walls are a perfect complement. Let your white cabinets shine by keeping walls a crisp, clean white.

• For a bright, airy feel, use an eggshell or satin white paint. These provide a touch of sheen without being too glossy.
• If you prefer more contrast, a true bright white with blue or cool undertones pairs beautifully with white cabinets.
• For a warmer space, choose a white with yellow or cream undertones.
• Keep the walls a consistent white throughout the kitchen for a cohesive look. Varying shades of white on different walls can make a small space feel disjointed.

Trim and Ceiling

Paint the trim and ceiling the same white as the walls to create an open, expansive feel. Or, for subtle contrast, choose a white with slightly different undertones. For example, use a bright white on walls with a warm white on trim and ceiling. The varied shades of white will add depth while still keeping the space light and airy.

Keeping your kitchen walls white lets your lovely white cabinets take center stage. A crisp, clean white provides a perfect neutral backdrop that allows your cabinets, countertops, flooring, accessories, and natural lighting to shine through. White walls, trim, and ceiling unify the space for a cohesive, timeless look you’ll love for years to come. Simplicity at its best – let the brightness and beauty of an all-white kitchen inspire you!

Gray: Sophisticated and Timeless

Gray is a sophisticated and timeless color choice for kitchens with white cabinets. From light gray to charcoal, the range of grays allows you to choose a shade based on your personal style preferences and the amount of contrast you want.

Light Gray

A pale gray like Benjamin Moore’s “Pale Oak” or Sherwin Williams’ “Mindful Gray” creates a soft, elegant look. The light gray provides a subtle contrast with the white cabinets without being too dark or dramatic. This color scheme results in an open, airy feel that is perfect for small kitchens.

Medium Gray

For a bit more contrast without going too dark, consider medium grays such as Benjamin Moore’s “Gray Owl” or Behr’s “Slate Gray.” These muted, balanced grays pair beautifully with white cabinets for a stylish space. The medium gray walls allow the white cabinets to pop while still keeping the room bright.

Dark Charcoal Gray

If you want high contrast and drama, a dark charcoal gray like Benjamin Moore’s “Kendall Charcoal” or Behr’s “Peppercorn” is a bold choice. The deep gray color makes a serious style statement and provides maximum contrast with white cabinets. While charcoal gray may not be the best option for small, cramped kitchens, in an open space it can create a stylish, contemporary look.

No matter which shade of gray you choose, gray walls and white cabinets are a color combination that is versatile, sophisticated, and always in style. Experiment with different gray paint samples to find your perfect match and create a kitchen space you will love for years to come.

Navy Blue: Bold and Dramatic

A navy blue paint color is a bold choice that pairs beautifully with white cabinets. Navy blue creates a dramatic look in a kitchen and gives the space a stylish, contemporary vibe.

• Benjamin Moore Hale Navy is a classic deep navy that looks stunning with white cabinets and brass hardware. It’s a bold color that makes a statement, but the neutral white cabinets help balance it out.
• Sherwin Williams Naval is another gorgeous navy blue that complements white cabinetry. It’s a rich, deep shade that evokes a nautical feel. Pair it with natural wood accents, chrome fixtures, and coastal-inspired decor for a stylish navy and white kitchen.
• For a lighter navy option, consider Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue. This airy, blue-gray navy works well for small kitchens or those who want a bolder color without going too dark. It’s a great transitional shade that bridges the gap between navy and gray.

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No matter which navy you choose, be sure to consider the amount of natural light in your kitchen. Navy blue can make a space feel dark, so ample windows and good task lighting are must-haves. Navy blue also pairs well with a variety of accent colors for a colorful kitchen, such as yellow, red, and teal.

To complete the look, add in navy blue accents like patterned rugs, towels, seat cushions, or decorative accessories. A little navy goes a long way, so start with bigger touches like walls or cabinets and then layer in smaller accents for balance.

A navy blue and white kitchen is timeless yet trendy. By pairing a dramatic navy paint color with bright white cabinets, you’ll achieve a stylish kitchen space with serious curb appeal. The bold navy blue walls or cabinets make a statement, while the neutral white keeps the look light and balanced. It’s a color combination that works for any home decorating style.

Soft Green: Fresh and Inviting

Soft green is a fresh and inviting color that pairs beautifully with white cabinets. It creates an open, airy feel in the kitchen that’s perfect for casual gatherings and everyday living.

Sage Green

A muted sage green, like Benjamin Moore’s “Silver Crest”, is an ideal shade for kitchen walls. It has gray undertones that tone down the brightness, giving it a soothing, natural vibe. This color works with any style of white cabinet, from shaker style to high gloss. For accents, bring in copper, brass, or wood tones.

• Plants, especially eucalyptus and lavender, help reinforce the organic quality of sage green.
• Open shelving in a medium-toned wood stain makes a lovely rustic contrast.
• A farmhouse sink and brushed gold hardware complete the look.

Mint Green

For a retro-inspired kitchen, a minty seafoam green is a charming choice. Pair it with high-gloss white cabinets in a streamlined midcentury style. The cool minty tone creates a dreamy, almost icy effect that’s perfect for hot summer days.

• Black and white tile flooring or black stone countertops ground the space.
• Copper pendant lights or chrome dinette sets lend a retro diner vibe.
• Add pops of cherry red in small appliances, linens, or decor for a colorful contrast.

Whether you opt for an organic sage green or a retro mint green, painting your kitchen walls a soft verdant shade is an easy way to make a white kitchen feel cozy and complete. The natural, calming qualities of green balance out the bright, open feel of white cabinets, creating a space that feels both airy and grounded. A green kitchen is always a good idea!

Yellow: Cheery and Uplifting

A cheery yellow paint color is perfect for brightening up a kitchen with white cabinets. Yellow evokes feelings of warmth, happiness, and energy—ideal for the heart of the home.

Sunny Side Up

A bright yellow, like “Sunny Side Up” by Behr, will make a bold statement in your kitchen. This vibrant shade will make your white cabinets pop and fill the space with an uplifting vibe. For the full sunshiny effect, paint the walls and ceiling the same cheery yellow.

• “Banana Cream” by Sherwin Williams is another delightfully bright option. This lively pastel yellow will give your kitchen a retro diner feel.

Mustard Seed

For a cozier yellow, consider a shade like “Mustard Seed” by Benjamin Moore. This rich, warm mustard tone creates an inviting ambiance perfect for a kitchen. The darker yellow contrasts nicely with white cabinets and pairs well with natural wood accents.

• “Harvest Gold” is another golden yellow option with orange undertones. This dusky yellow shade evokes a rustic, farmhouse feel that would complement white Shaker-style cabinets.

Pale Primrose

If you prefer a softer yellow, “Pale Primrose” by Behr is a lovely buttery yellow with a hint of peach. This pale pastel shade will brighten up your kitchen in a subtle, understated way. The lighter yellow is perfect for small kitchens or if you want just a wash of color on the walls.

• For the palest yellow, consider a shade like “Chamomile” which is nearly a creamy white with the faintest yellow undertones. This ultra-light yellow will make your white cabinets shine with just a hint of color on the walls.

No matter which cheery shade of yellow you choose, it’s sure to brighten your mood and make your white kitchen cabinets glow. A yellow kitchen is warm, and welcoming and fills your home with sunshine.

Red: Passionate and Energizing

Red is a bold and dramatic choice for kitchen walls paired with white cabinets. It creates an energetic space that stirs passion and appetite.

Vibrant Cherry Red

A bright cherry red, like Benjamin Moore’s “Red Corvette” or Sherwin Williams’ “Racing Red,” makes a bold statement. This vibrant shade is ideal for small kitchens, as it makes the space appear more open. The high contrast with white cabinets also highlights their crisp, clean lines.

• Pros: Energizing, appetite-stimulating, makes a bold statement
• Cons: Can be overpowering in some spaces

Brick Red

For a softer look, consider a rich brick red. Colors like Benjamin Moore’s “Red Barn” or Sherwin Williams’ “Fireweed” have warm, terra cotta undertones that create an inviting farmhouse feel. This deep, rustic red pairs beautifully with natural wood accents and looks stunning with a white subway tile backsplash.

• Pros: Warm, cozy and farmhouse-inspired
• Cons: Darker shade can make a small space feel closed in

Cranberry Red

A jewel-toned cranberry red, like Benjamin Moore’s “Red Velvet” or Sherwin Williams’ “Heartthrob,” has brownish burgundy undertones that give it a sumptuous quality. This dramatic shade transforms a kitchen into an elegant entertaining space. For the full dramatic effect, consider painting the ceiling the same color.

• Pros: Sophisticated, luxe and dramatic
• Cons: Can overwhelm in a small space; requires excellent lighting

To balance the boldness, keep counters and floors light. White or light-colored granite, marble, or quartz counters pair well, as do hardwood or stone floors in shades of tan, beige, or gray. Stainless steel or satin nickel hardware and fixtures also help brighten the space.

Red kitchen walls make a passionate statement and bring energy to the heart of your home. Combined with crisp white cabinets, the dramatic contrast creates a kitchen space you’ll love spending time in. What shades of red are you craving for your kitchen?

Black: Striking and Modern

Black is a bold choice that can make a dramatic statement in your kitchen. When paired with crisp white cabinets, black walls create a stylish high-contrast look that’s straight out of the pages of interior design magazines.

• For a bold kitchen, paint all the walls black. This works especially well in small kitchens, as black paint can make a space appear more open. Add plenty of task lighting, shiny hardware, and light countertops to brighten the look.
• If all-black seems too dark, paint just one accent wall black behind the range or sink. The black wall will draw attention to the focal point of your kitchen, while the white cabinets keep the space feeling open and airy.
• For a graphic pop of black, paint the ceiling black and keep the walls white. The contrast of black ceilings and white walls creates an eye-catching design statement. This unconventional look works best in kitchens with plenty of natural light.
• Paint the island black for a dramatic focal point. The freestanding black island will become the centerpiece of your kitchen, especially striking against a backdrop of white cabinets and walls. Add barstools to create a casual dining space.
• Paint just the bottom half of the walls black, leaving the top half white for a stylish two-tone design. Place the color block at the backsplash level or higher for a fashion-forward look. The black wainscoting helps ground the space while still keeping it bright.

A coat of black paint can transform your white kitchen into a stylish, modern space. Combined with contemporary accents like stainless steel, concrete, or marble countertops and minimalist hardware, black and white kitchens achieve a sleek, high-design look without a complete remodel. For a bold but balanced kitchen, black paint used sparingly with white cabinets is a striking choice.

Wood Tones: Warm and Natural

Wood tones are a natural complement to white kitchen cabinets. Warm brown, amber, and honey hues create a cozy, rustic feel that helps balance the crispness of white. Consider painting your walls in shades of:

• Maple or oak: For light, creamy wood tones, maple or oak paint colors work well. Benjamin Moore’s Nutmeg White or Behr’s Roasted Chestnut are lovely options.
• Walnut: A rich, chocolatey brown, walnut paint evokes a rustic lodge vibe. Try Behr’s Swiss Chocolate or Sherwin Williams’ Urbane Bronze.
• Mahogany: For a dramatic, reddish brown, mahogany paint colors pair beautifully with white cabinets. Benjamin Moore’s Burnt Sienna or Sherwin Williams’ Hearty Redwood would be stunning choices.

Flooring

Hardwood or wood-look flooring is a perfect complement to wood-tone walls and white cabinets. Wood or wood-inspired tile, vinyl, or laminate in maple, oak, or pine tones warm up the space. Consider a medium to dark wood to balance lighter walls.

Backsplash

Keep your backsplash light to prevent the space from feeling too dark. Subway tile in white or light gray works well. For a natural stone look, try travertine or light limestone. Mosaic tile with hints of your wall color can also tie the look together.

Accent Colors

Use accent colors sparingly in a wood tone and white kitchen. Pops of red or green in accessories like vases, plants, or towels provide color without overwhelming the space. Copper or bronze accents also highlight the warm, rustic feel.

Painting your walls in woodsy hues is an easy way to cozy up a white kitchen and create a harmonious, balanced space. The natural, organic palette provides warmth and visual contrast, allowing your white cabinets to remain a bright focal point. With the right flooring, backsplash, and accents, you’ll have a kitchen as inviting as a mountain lodge.

Two-Tone: Creative and Playful

A two-tone kitchen paint color scheme is a fun, creative way to make a statement with your white cabinets. Using two complementary colors, you can create an energetic space that is playful yet sophisticated.

Upper cabinets

For the upper cabinets, choose a bold, vibrant color that contrasts nicely with the crisp white base cabinets. Colors like navy blue, forest green, or brick red pair beautifully with white and give the kitchen a dramatic pop of color. Keep the backsplash and countertops light to prevent the space from feeling too dark.

Lower cabinets

Paint the lower cabinets in a pale, muted shade a few tones lighter than the upper cabinets. For navy uppers, try a soft gray or light blue on the bottom. With forest-green uppers, a sage green or seafoam color would be gorgeous below. This lighter color on the bottom helps anchor the space and provides balance.

• Navy blue uppers + light gray lowers
• Forest green uppers + seafoam green lowers
• Brick red uppers + pale terra cotta lowers

Trim and accents

Use the same color as the upper cabinets to paint the window and door trim, creating a cohesive look. You can also use this color on an accent wall or paint a kitchen island for more visual impact.

Flooring

For flooring, go for a medium brown linoleum, cork, or natural hardwood that has warm, woodsy tones. As the colorful cabinets take center stage, this serves to anchor the area.

A daring design that produces amazing effects is a two-tone kitchen with white cabinetry. The room is invigorated and inspired by the clashing hues, which are counterbalanced by natural light wood accents. Maintaining your white cabinets while making a fashionable statement in your kitchen may be accomplished with a two-tone color scheme.

Conclusion

Here are some exquisite kitchen paint colors that complement white cabinets well. It’s incredibly hard to make a bad choice with so many wonderful possibilities. Whichever hue you choose—bright and dramatic or muted and soft—one of them will definitely give you ideas for a new kitchen design. Look through the photos at your leisure to discover the hue that appeals to you. Prepare to turn your kitchen into a chic area you’ll like spending time in after you’ve chosen your preferred hue. Enjoy your artwork!

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