White cabinetry in the kitchen is common and classic. White is a safe color and matches almost every other color, which is part of its beauty. However, white is not one shade; since every color has an undertone, that includes white.

Some whites are warm while others are cool. A few have almost no undertones, but each can get selective when it comes to colors and the specific hues they complement. Moreover, some paint colors work better with white than others, and that is why some why cabinets look too yellow or too blue with specific colors.

Fortunately, you do not have to guess what colors work anymore. We have picked the best paint colors from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams that go with white cabinets in your kitchen for the best results.

White Cabinets and Undertones

As mentioned, every paint color has an undertone, including white and black. This is because every color is derived from the combination of red, green, and blue, and that is why we talk about the red, green, and blue (RGB) color code for each color.

Consequently, white always has some hues peeking through, regardless of how little. S, before you select a paint color for your kitchen walls, you must determine the undertones of the white color on the cabinets.

White can be warm or cool, depending on the undertones. Some are more neutral than others, although they become warm or cool in certain lighting. If you chose the white paint on the cabinets yourself, you can find the undertones by going to the paint brand’s official website and finding that paint.

Once you do, you can determine the specific undertones. But if you did not paint the cabinets, get a white paper and tape pieces of it to different angles of the cabinets. If the cabinets appear creamy or yellowish beside the paper, the white is warm-toned. But if they appear gray or blue beside the paper, the white is cool-toned.

Picking Paint Colors Based on the Undertones of the White Cabinets

Warm white paint colors usually have undertones that include yellow, red, orange, and gray (in some cases).

In such a case, the best paint colors for the kitchen walls include greige and beige for light neutral paint colors. You can also choose darker neutrals or paint colors that have warm undertones. Cool colors may work when used minimally to avoid clashing with warm tones.

Cool whites, on the other hand, have undertones that include blue, purple, green, and gray. If the white paint on the cabinets is cool-toned, it is best to use light neutrals with cool tones such as cool gray and greige with cool undertones.

For colors with more hue, choose blue or green for the walls to complement the cabinets. It is best to avoid warm colors so that the white cabinets do not show too much color and clash with the kitchen walls.

Consider the Lighting in the Kitchen

Another important factor that affects the paint color for the kitchen walls is the lighting in the kitchen. The room’s orientation can greatly determine what the colors look like, despite their undertones.

If a room faces south, that means it gets a lot of natural light, cool colors may be your best bet. That is not to say that warm colors are not acceptable, but use them only minimally. If the room faces north, cool colors are a no-no because the room will appear dull and too cold. Warm colors are the best options in this case.

You can decide to use warm colors in kitchens that face east or west to make the most of the sunlight that comes in when the sun rises or sets. Add a little cool color to keep the room from appearing too warm when the sunlight is at its highest.

28 Popular Kitchen Paint Colors to Go with White Cabinets

Let’s go ahead and discuss the best paint colors from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams to use in your kitchen if the cabinets are white.

15 Best Benjamin Moore Kitchen Paint Colors to Match White Cabinets

1. Chantilly Lace 2121-70

White paint color with neutral tones

Chantilly Lace has a high LRV of 90.04, which means it is a bright color. And because it has almost no undertones, it is suitable for all white cabinets, whether warm or cool. With an RGB color code of 244, 246, and 241 respectively, match it with White and Horizon or Seapearl and Edgecomb Gray.

2. Classic Gray OC-23

Light gray paint color with green and violet undertones

Classic Gray is the perfect neutral to match white cabinets in your kitchen. Because it has warm undertones, it works best with warm whites. It has an LRV of 73.67 and an RGB color code of 227, 224, and 215 respectively. Coordinate it with Simply White and Indian River or Stone Harbor and Stone Brown.

3. Gray Owl 2137-60

Light gray paint color with green undertones

Gray Owl is another light neutral that looks great together with white cabinets. And because it has green undertones that may show a bit of blue in some lighting, you may want to pair it with cool whites for the best results.

The paint color has an LRV of 64.51 and an RGB color code of 211, 212, and 204 respectively. Coordinate it with Taos Taupe and Midsummer Night or White Heron and Paradiso.

4. Edgecomb Gray HC-173

Light gray paint color with slightly green undertones

Edgecomb Gray has a bit of green in it, although it is barely there. But because of this, the paint color may accept warm whites than cool. We must also point out that green can also be cool, so take care to check the paint against the cabinet before using it.

Edgecomb Gray has an LRV of 63.09 and an RGB color balance of 217, 211, and 196 respectively. Match it with Boothbay Gray and White Heron or Pashmina and Dove Wing.

5. Spanish Olive 1509

Green-gray paint color

Spanish Olive is a warm olive-tinted color that has a hint of gray. So, it is best to pair it with warm whites, especially those with green hints. This paint color has an RGB color code of 197, 195, and 174 respectively, with an LRV of 52.54. Pair it with Cloud White and Ashland Slate or Mountain Peak White and Floral White.

6. Baby Fawn OC-15

Greige paint color with a hint of pink

Baby Fawn is a delicate shade of greige that is warm due to the slightly pink tones. While the undertones are not readily visible, it is ideal for warm whites for the best results. The paint color has an LRV of 63.09 and an RGB color code of 218, 209, and 196 respectively. Coordinate it with Seapearl and Chambourd or Philipsburg Blue and Brentwood.

7. Horizon Gray 2141-50

Medium gray paint color with a hint of sage

Horizon Gray is a mid-tone neutral that works well with white. Try it with cool white kitchen cabinets because of the hint of sage in it. But you can also test it with slightly warm whites to see the result. The paint color has an RGB color value of 193, 190, and 175 respectively, with an LRV of 50.68. Match it with colors like Cloud Cover and Soot or Chantilly Lace and Sebring White.

8. Simply White OC-117

Bright white paint color with yellow undertones

Simply White is a warm white paint color because of its yellow undertones. Therefore, it pairs best with warm white kitchen cabinets. However, the undertones are pretty subtle, so you can try balanced white or slightly cool white cabinets.

The paint color has an LRV of 89.52 and an RGB color code of 246, 246, and 237 respectively. Match it with Dove Wing and Somerville Red or Silver Satin and Casco Bay.

9. Bleeker Beige HC-80

Medium beige paint color with gray undertones

By now, you can tell that most of the paint colors that match the white cabinets in your kitchen are neutrals. And Bleeker Beige is one of them. Its gray undertones keep it from being too earthy without dulling the color. It has an RGB color code of 206, 190, and 167 respectively. Match it with Chantilly Lace and Newburyport Blue or Dinner Party and Night Horizon.

10. White Dove OC-17

White paint color with creamy-yellow undertones

The undertones in this paint color depend on who you ask because some say they are creamy and yellow, while others say greige. But the fact is that White Dove is a warm white paint color, so it should pair well with warm white cabinets in your kitchen.

It has an LRV of 83.16 and an RGB color code of 239, 238, and 229 respectively. Coordinate it with Balboa Mist and Kendall Charcoal or Revere Pewter and Country Redwood.

11. Denim Wash 838

Blue paint color

The dark chambray hue of this paint color makes it cool and suitable for cool white kitchen cabinets. Denim Wash may look like an unusual color for kitchen walls, but you would be amazed at how well it matches white cabinets, especially with the right undertones.

The paint color has an LRV of 35.17 and an RGB color code of 133, 160, and 182 respectively. Coordinate it with Natural Linen and Thousand Oceans or Gray Mist and Overcoat.

12. White OC-151

Bright white paint color

This paint color does not show much in the way of undertones. But in a north-facing room or dim environment, you catch a glimpse of bluish-purple, which makes it more cool than warm. As a result, consider using it with cool white kitchen cabinets. White has an RGB color code of 237, 238, and 235 respectively. Match it with Gray Owl and Cypress Green or Silver Chain and Irises.

13. Hale Navy HC-154

Navy blue paint color with gray undertones

We make a sharp switch to saturated colors, beginning with Hale Navy. Granted, it is not the most conventional paint color for kitchen walls; it is more suited for cabinets. However, you can try it on one wall while the others remain white.

Alternatively, use a cool white on the walls and Hale Navy on the cabinets. The paint color has an RGB color code of 67, 75, and 86 respectively, with an LRV of 8.36. Match it with Coventry Gray and White Dove or Lenox Tan and Glacier White.

14. Swiss Coffee OC-45

White paint color with yellow undertones

The undertones you see in Swiss Coffee will depend on the lighting and your perception. It is a warm white paint color that is often used as an off-white alternative. And because it shows a hint of other colors, you can try it with slightly cool colors.

Swiss Coffee has an LRV of 81.91 and an RGB color code of 238, 236, and 225 respectively. Coordinate it with White Drifts and Lush or Fossil and Newburg Green.

15. Blue Heron 832

Violet-blue paint color with a touch of gray

Blue Heron is a crisp blue that works well with cool whites. It may clash with the undertones in warm whites if you pair them. Blue Heron pairs well with Sheep’s Wool and Timber Wolf or Dove Wing and Georgetown Pink Beige. It has an RGB color code of 92, 106, and 133 respectively, with an LRV of 15.77.

13 Best Sherwin Williams Kitchen Paint Colors to Match White Cabinets

1. Repose Gray SW 7015

Light gray paint color with violet undertones

This light gray paint color has some warmth in it because of the violet undertones. Because it is warm, try it with warm whites for the best results. Repose Gray is a light neutral with an RGB color balance of 204, 201, and 192 respectively, with an LRV of 58. Coordinate it with Coral Clay, Pavestone, or Eider White.

2. Agreeable Gray SW 7029

Gray paint color with beige undertones

Keep it light and simple with this warm gray paint color. With its beige undertone, it is ideal for warm whites, especially those with a slightly gray cast. Pair it with Coral Rose, Extra White, or Incredible White for the best results. Agreeable Gray has an LRV of 60 and an RGB color code of 209, 203, and 193 respectively.

3. Camelback SW 6122

Beige paint color with a hint of yellow

Throw the white cabinets in your kitchen into sharp relief with this warm beige paint color. Camelback is a dark beige that pairs so well with warm whites, especially with the right white trim as seen in the kitchen above. The paint color has an LRV of 42 and an RGB color code of 197, 170, and 133 respectively. Coordinate it with Warm Stone, Chopsticks, and Antique White.

4. Extra White SW 7006

White paint color with slightly green-yellow undertones

 

Extra White reads as having almost no undertones, but in certain lighting, it shows slightly greenish-yellow undertones. But it is a bright white that pairs well with other whites and may work for both cool and warm whites. This paint color has an LRV of 86 and an RGB color code of 238, 239, and 234 respectively. Coordinate it with Charcoal Blue or Smoky Azurite.

5. Latte SW 6108

Medium brown paint color with slightly orange undertones

 

Latte is a full color that looks too heavy for a kitchen, but it is not so when paired with white. The kitchen decor above shows brown cabinets but the white trims shows how well the color works with light colors. Latte is a beautiful color that goes well with Serious Gray, Aged White, or Divine White. It has an LRV of 38 and an RGB color code of 186, 161, and 133 respectively.

6. Relentless Olive SW 6425

Deep green with yellow undertones

Relentless Olive is a daring color to use on kitchen walls, but it looks spectacular when paired with white cabinets. If you add white trims, the color truly pops. But if you are not feeling so adventurous, use this paint color on only one wall or just the cabinets while the walls remain white.

The paint color has an RGB color code of 113, 113, and 62, with an LRV of 16. Coordinate it with Night Owl, Gossamer Veil, or Queen Anne’s Lace.

7. Breathtaking SW 6814

Light purple paint color with a hint of blue

Breathtaking looks more like blue but with the right lighting, you can see it is more purple than blue.  You can try this light pastel on your kitchen walls for a striking look with white cabinets. Breathtaking has an LRV of 63 and an RGB color code of 199, 209, and 226 respectively. Coordinate it with Almond Roca, Restrained Gold, or Spatial White.

8. Alabaster SW 7008

White paint color with gray-beige undertones

Alabaster is a popular paint color and because it has gray-beige undertones, it is a warm color. So, pair it with warm white on your kitchen cabinets. Coordinate it with Dakota Wheat or Townhall Tan. The paint color has an LRV of 82 and an RGB color code of 237, 234, and 224 respectively.

9. Dover White SW 6385

White paint color with creamy yellow undertones

Dover White is a warm white paint color so works well with cabinets painted a warm white. From the kitchen decor above, you can see how well it pairs with the warm white cabinets. It also looks great with wood tones, so coordinate it with Dakota Wheat or Waterloo. Dover White has an RGB color value of 240, 234, and 220 respectively, and an LRV of 83.

10. Light French Gray SW 0055

Gray paint color with slightly purple undertones

With its slightly purple undertones, Light French Gray is a cool color. So, pair it with cool whites for your kitchen cabinets. It creates a beautiful kitchen decor, almost like the classic white we all like. The paint color has an LRV of 53 and an RGB color code of 195, 194, and 187 respectively. Gentle Grape and Origami White are some of the best-coordinating colors.

11. Passive SW 7064

Light gray paint color with blue undertones

Passive is a gray paint color that would have been too light but for the cool blue undertone. The undertone adds depth, making it richer than usual. But that also means it is a cool gray paint color that matches cool whites. Pair it with Green Onyx, Shell White, or Nebulous White. Passive has an LRV of 60 and an RGB color balance of 203, 204, and 201 respectively.

 

12. Silken Peacock SW 9059

Blue paint color

This is a deep blue paint color that may not be your first choice for your kitchen walls. But you can test it on one wall and see how it pairs with the white cabinets. Ensure the cabinets are painted in cool whites. Silken Peacock has an LRV of 16 and an RGB color value of 66, 117, and 132 respectively. Coordinate it with Mountain Air, Moscow Midnight, or Pavestone.

13. Conservative Gray SW 6183

Gray paint color with green undertones

Because it has green undertones, Conservative Gray leans more to the cool side than the warm. From the picture above, you can see the hint of green where the light is warm. Therefore, it is best to use it on kitchen walls with cool whites on the cabinets.

This gray paint color has an RGB color code of 209, 208, and 198 respectively, with an LRV of 63. Coordinate it with Dried Thyme, Nacre, or Ethereal White.

Conclusion

Keep your kitchen light and airy with the right paint color on the walls to go well with white cabinets. It can get confusing, but we have created this guide to help you make an informed decision.

Whites have cool and warm tones, so pick colors that agree with these tones, whether you go for bold colors or light neutrals. You can also switch things up and paint the cabinets a bold and saturated color while keeping the walls white. The most important thing is to have a kitchen that feels like home.

Share your thoughts and unique color palettes with us in the comments section. We would love to hear from you.