Shining white paint is currently capturing the attention of the design world, brightening up the walls, floors, countertops, and cabinets of some of the most stunning kitchens across the country. A white kitchen is bright and airy like a spring breeze, making it the perfect canvas to decorate with bright splashes of color. But with thousands of white paint options on the market, how do you choose the best white paint for your space? It is always best to choose the option and try it on the wall. Brushing the color directly onto the wall, rather than just taping a color swatch, will ensure that the white you choose doesn't look bluish in cool light or warm yellow in a sunny room. To redo your kitchen without the guesswork, check out our picks for the best white paint for kitchen islands, cabinets, walls, and floors.
benjamin moore linen white
Designer Suzanne Kassler updated her dark Atlanta kitchen with the creamy white cabinets and walls pictured here. To achieve a seamless look, she decided to paint the walls, trim, cabinets, and ceiling all in the same eggshell finish, Benjamin She Moorish Linen She White (OC-146). To keep the monochromatic space from looking too drab, she added contrasting metal pendant lights, light fabrics, and dark stains to the refinished wood floors.
benjamin moore's white dove
The best white paint for cabinets and trim is Benjamin Moore's White Dove (OC-17). This classic, slightly creamy paint will make your all-white kitchen shine, not dazzle. For cabinets, it's best to avoid very pure white shades, as they tend to give your kitchen a cold feel. This shade will make your cabinets and trim look brighter in any light (natural light, diffused light, bright overhead light, etc.). Although it technically belongs to the “off-white” family, White Dove has a bright, cheerful, and clean look. Add a touch of white to any space.
benjamin moore winter white
“Probably 95 percent of the kitchens I'm asked to design are white,” says Alabama kitchen designer Cindy Cantley. “It's very classic, never outdated, and always looks beautiful.” Cindy likes to coat ceilings, cabinets, and walls with Benjamin His Moore's Winter Her White (2140-70). This color is a fresh and bright shade with bluish-gray tones. When choosing colors, she tries to choose colors that complement the warm or cool stripes on the countertop.
benjamin moore's snow white
Little Rock designer P. Allen Smith chose another cool white, Benjamin Moore's Snow White (OC-66), for cabinetry, walls, and trim throughout the kitchen and cottage. The bluish white is as bright as a winter day and provides great contrast to dark floors. This color looks brightest in a south-facing kitchen with lots of sunlight and looks warmest with wood finish accents.
benjamin moore swiss coffee
Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee (OC-45) is perfect for warm white walls. Swiss Coffee is the perfect backdrop for all-white cabinets, finished in an eggshell finish for medium to large spaces or a satin finish for ultra-small kitchens. Favored by designers for its versatility and depth, Swiss coffee is a creamy, sophisticated white. Especially in kitchens with lots of natural light, it complements and complements the other shades of white in the room without looking cold and bleak. Tip: Apply this color also to the ceiling for a uniform look and a warm, friendly glow in the evening.
Farrow & Ball All White
If your current renovation budget doesn't allow for refinishing worn-out wood planks, painting your floors is a smart and budget-friendly option. If you choose to go this route, be sure to take proper preparation steps, such as light sanding and thorough cleaning, and use a high-quality paint that is specially formulated for your floors. Our favorite is Farrow & Ball's All White (No. 2005). It's expensive, but worth it for its ability to withstand years of high-traffic areas.
Farrow & Ball Pointing
If you want your trim to pop, Farrow & Ball Pointing (No. 2003) will give it a stylish finish. This color is inspired by the bright white of masonry, but with a slightly warmer undertone. Pointing is a great choice for highlighting ornate trim and provides the cleanest, crispest look. The glossier the paint, the more visible all the lines (and imperfections) will be.
Sherwin Williams Grecian Ivory
our former southern living Style director turned decorator Heather Chadak Hillegas prefers Sherwin-Williams Grecian Ivory (SW 7541) for frequently used cabinets. “It has a very soft look and hides dirt well,” says Heather. Ivory-greige shades complement bright whites and can appear warmer or whiter depending on the light.
sherwin williams creamy
Creamy (7012) by Sherwin-Williams, the name says it all. This dreamy hue is perfect for balancing out the cooler colors in your kitchen. “My favorite colors are blue-green tones and shades of old wicker and worn rugs, which are mostly shades found outdoors here,” says Florida homeowner Nikki Colquitt. Her designer at Maison Her Studio painted her kitchen cabinetry in Gray Green (Auster Gray by Sherwin-Williams, SW 6184) and shiplap her paneled walls and ceiling to keep the room bright. I painted it with cream.
sherwin williams pure white
The bright, soft hue of Sherwin-Williams Pure White (SW 7005) is one of the best choices for kitchen ceilings and walls. This paint color has gray undertones and pairs well with cool colors. Pure white gives your kitchen an open, spacious feel while creating a clean backdrop for more saturated colors.
