With so many different variations of white to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to choose one when you are going through a kitchen renovation. Many of our customers suffer from “decision overload” during the selection process, so we wanted to make this process a little easier! Listed below are the important things to keep in mind during the decision process as well as six of our favorite tried & true white paint colors. Please keep in mind that you should never choose a paint color based on what you see on a computer or phone screen. The shade of white you see on your screen can be skewed based on the filters used, the brightness of your phone, and a number of other factors. Always choose a color based on a physical sample!
Some Important Things to Keep in Mind
Before we dive into our favorite white paint colors, we wanted to address the three most important things to keep in mind when making this decision: undertones, lighting, and wood species.
Undertones
It’s important to note that all white paint colors have a certain undertone which can be yellow, gray, blue, peach, or any other color of the rainbow. When you look at a paint swatch on its own, the undertone is not so obvious that you can detect it with the naked eye. However, once the paint color is on your cabinetry, it will play off the colors that surround it (wall color, countertop, backsplash, etc.). We suggest selecting all other finishes in your kitchen first (flooring, fixtures, backsplash, countertop, etc.) and then selecting a white that works cohesively with those selections.
Lighting
The same paint color can look very different depending on the lighting in the room. Due to this, we always recommend taking a sample to your home to really get an understanding of what it will look like in your unique space. The amount of natural lighting your kitchen gets mixed with the task and ambient lighting can make the color look very different than what you select in our showroom. Also, it’s important to observe the sample in your space during different times of the day to help you visualize how the paint color will look in your space day after day.
Wood Species
Last but not least, you should consider the color and variations of the type of wood that you select and how it will affect the paint color you choose. All wood species have their own unique undertone, for example, walnut has a brown undertone while cherry has a red undertone. Be sure to get a finished door sample and view it in your space before making any final decisions. If you are planning to paint your existing cabinetry, paint a small sample of your cabinets and live with it for a few days to make sure it is the right choice for your kitchen design.
Our Top Six Favorite White Paint Colors
Crisp White: Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117
Photo Source: Benjamin Moore
This color was chosen as Benjamin Moore’s 2016 Color of the Year for obvious reasons. This multi-purpose paint color is crisp, neutral, and is not too warm or cold. According to Benjamin Moore, this color was the most neutral, level and constant in the various light sources used in today’s design environment. This color can be used in any design whether it be modern, transitional, or traditional, and work perfectly in the space.
Soft White: Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White OC-149
This color is soft with subtle grey undertones. Although this color looks great when combined with grey features, this color doesn’t lean in any particular color tone direction. It is a softer version of a cool white that can create a tranquil & serene environment.
Warm White: Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17
White Dove isn’t quite cool/stark or creamy/warm, but lies somewhere in the middle. This white color has a greige undertone that allows it to feel neutral and warm while also pairing nicely with grey/cool accents. If you are looking for a softer, warmer white, we definitely suggest this color.
Creamy White: Benjamin Moore Timid White OC-39
Photo Source: Benjamin Moore
Timid White is a great choice for a creamy white paint color. Like all creamy whites, this color has a yellow-base, but it has a small touch of gray to tone in back just a little. The end result is a beautiful warm white without being too yellow.
Cool White: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65
Photo Source: Benjamin Moore
This color is described as a “pure white,” but we find that this color has a subtle cool undertone and pairs very nicely with other cool colors (such as grey or blue). However, if you wanted to pair this color with warmer colors it would also work well together due to this color’s versatility.
Off-White: Benjamin Moore Intense White OC-51
Photo Source: Benjamin Moore
Contrary to its name, this color is not stark, cold, or “intense.” This color is considered a grayscale off-white, however, there is a subtle undertone of green that allows it to feel warmer without it being yellow-gray. We love seeing this color paired with other grey colors to create a tranquil, calming space.
We hope this has made the decision process easier and inspired you on the path to having a beautiful, white kitchen. To view more of our white kitchens, as well as our other projects, view our kitchen portfolio.