What is the best white for kitchen cabinets?

The best white depends on your kitchen's lighting and existing elements. Warm whites like Sherwin-Williams Alabaster work well in most kitchens. Cool whites like Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace work in modern spaces with lots of natural light.

Should cabinet white match trim white?

Not necessarily. Many designers intentionally use different whites to create subtle contrast. However, the undertones should complement each other—avoid mixing warm and cool whites.

White Cabinet Refinishing Guide | Perfect White for Your Kitchen

Understanding White Undertones

White paint isn't simply white—every white has undertones that dramatically affect how it looks in your space. Understanding undertones is key to choosing the right white.

Warm Undertones Colors with hints of: - Yellow - Cream - Beige - Pink

**Best for**: North-facing kitchens, traditional styles, creating cozy feel

Cool Undertones Colors with hints of: - Blue - Gray - Green

**Best for**: South-facing kitchens, modern styles, crisp clean look

Neutral/True Whites Minimal undertones, balanced: - Closest to "pure" white - Work in most settings - Can appear stark in some lighting

How to Choose Your White

Step 1: Assess Your Lighting

**Natural Light Direction**: - North-facing: Choose warm whites (avoid blue undertones) - South-facing: Any white works well - East-facing: Warm whites balance cool morning light - West-facing: Consider how warm afternoon light affects color

**Artificial Lighting**: - LED daylight bulbs: Cool whites work - Warm incandescent: Any white works - Fluorescent: Warm whites counteract greenish cast

Step 2: Consider Fixed Elements

Look at what you're keeping: - Countertops (cool or warm?) - Flooring (wood tone, tile color?) - Backsplash (existing or planned?) - Appliances (stainless, white, black?)

**Match undertones for harmony**. If your counters have warm veining, choose a warm white. If your floors are gray-toned, a cooler white may work better.

Step 3: Test Before Committing

Always test whites in your actual kitchen: 1. Get sample quarts or large swatches 2. Paint on poster board (not wall) 3. View in morning, afternoon, and evening light 4. Compare samples side by side 5. Live with them for 2-3 days

Step 4: Consider the Whole Home

Your kitchen white should complement: - Trim color throughout house - Adjacent room wall colors - Overall home color palette - Sight lines from other rooms

Common White Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Choosing Based on the Chip Paint chips are too small to judge accurately. Always get large samples.

Mistake 2: Matching Appliance White White appliances are typically a different white than paint. Don't try to match exactly—complementary is better.

Mistake 3: Going Too Cool Cool whites can feel sterile and institutional. When in doubt, go warmer.

Mistake 4: Not Considering Trim If your trim is a different white, make sure the undertones work together.

Mistake 5: Rushing the Decision White is permanent for years. Take time to test and consider.

Our Recommendation

For most Indianapolis kitchens, we recommend starting with **Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008)**. It's warm without being yellow, works with almost any fixed element, and photographs beautifully. It's our most requested color for good reason.

If Alabaster feels too warm, try **Sherwin-Williams Pure White (SW 7005)** for a cleaner look that's still not cold.

Free Color Consultation

Still unsure? Schedule a free color consultation. We'll bring samples, assess your lighting, and help you choose the perfect white for your kitchen.

White Cabinet Refinishing: Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect White