Kitchen Wall Colors that Go with White Cabinets
Looking to give your kitchen an updated, stylish look? Painting the walls is an easy and budget-friendly way to transform the heart of your home without a full remodel. But with so many trendy kitchen wall colors to choose from, deciding on a palette that works with white cabinets can be tricky.
From soft neutrals to bold, vibrant hues, we've got inspiration to help you create a beautiful, cohesive look.
Key Considerations for Wall Colors
Selecting the perfect wall colors for your white kitchen cabinets depends on a few important factors. Carefully considering the following will ensure your color scheme is cohesive and attractive:
Lighting
The natural lighting in your kitchen significantly impacts how colors appear. Rooms with southern exposure tend to have ample sunlight, which can really accentuate warm, deep hues. Meanwhile, northern rooms with less natural light may cause some colors to look dull or dark. Assess your lighting and select wall colors accordingly.
Cabinet Undertones
Pay close attention to the undertones of your white cabinets. Do they lean slightly warm or cool?neut ral? Avoid choosing wall colors with clashing undertones. For example, warm peach walls would look discordant with cool-toned white cabinets. Select wall hues with undertones that match for harmony.
Room Size
Smaller kitchens feel even more cramped with dark, bold walls, while larger kitchens can comfortably accommodate deeper colors. For small spaces, stick to lighter wall colors to avoid a closed-in feeling. Big kitchens offer flexibility for saturated shades.
Desired Aesthetic
Consider the look and feel you want your kitchen to embody. Do you want an airy, coastal vibe with blue-gray walls? Or maybe a cozy cottage look with warm tan walls? Your aesthetic preference should guide your color selection.
Personal Taste
At the end of the day, choose colors that appeal to your personal taste. Trends come and go, but you'll have to live with your wall color everyday. Pick shades that make you happy when you walk into the kitchen.
Best Colors for Small Kitchens
When dealing with a more compact kitchen, the right wall color can make all the difference in helping the space feel open and expansive. Here are some top color choices for small kitchens with white cabinets:
Soft Green
Serene green shades like sage, celadon and pistachio have an invigorating yet soothing effect. These colors evoke nature and feel both lively and peaceful.
Light Blue
Cool, airy light blues and grays create a relaxing coastal vibe. Hues like sky blue, celery, and rain keep things light and comforting.
Warm Neutrals
Flexible warm neutrals like almond, ivory, camel and antique white work beautifully with white cabinets. These tones provide a soothing ambiance.
Pastels
Pretty pastels like lavender, peach, mint and buttercup infuse brightness into a small space. Just ensure proper lighting to prevent a washed-out look.
Bold Wall Colors for Larger Kitchens
Expansive kitchens allow you to incorporate rich, saturated accent walls without overwhelming the space. Some dramatic yet stylish options include:
Deep Greens
Jewel-toned greens like emerald and jade create an elegant, upscale vibe. These moody greens provide striking contrast.
Navy Blue
From bright cobalt to deeper navy, this versatile hue adds great visual impact. Pair with warm metals and wood tones.
Charcoal Gray
For modern urban edge, charcoal gray has a chic, sophisticated effect. Add lighter accents to keep things airy.
Brick Red
Whether a rusty terra-cotta or deeper maroon, red makes a bold, lively statement. It feels warm, welcoming and timeless.
Wall Paint Finishes
Along with color, the paint finish you choose for walls impacts the overall look dramatically. Consider these finish options with white cabinets:
Matte
A flat matte finish has an elegant, contemporary feel. The non-reflective surface beautifully complements high-gloss cabinetry.
Satin
With a subtle sheen, satin finishes provide depth without appearing too shiny. This finish works with most cabinet styles.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss offers a sleek yet understated luster. It's easy to clean while still having dimension.
High-Gloss
For serious drama, high-gloss finish adds stylish punch. Use it sparingly on accent walls.
Textured
Interesting textures like Venetian plaster, eggshell or sand finishes provide visual depth. Use them strategically as accents.
Creative Two-Tone Schemes
Why limit yourself to just one wall color when you can incorporate two? Two-tone color schemes add exciting visual contrast and flair. Creative ideas include:
Dark Lower Cabinets
Grounded darker lower cabinets contrasted with light upper cabinets and walls create a striking look.
Contrasting Island
Make the central island a bold, different color than surrounding walls for dramatic effect.
Unexpected Inside Cabinets
Painting the interiors of glass cabinetry an accent color delivers fun peek-a-boo vibrancy.
Vibrant Accent Wall
An energizing accent wall in a bold hue behind the stove or sink spices up the space excitingly.
As you evaluate the many kitchen wall color options for your white cabinets, keep these key considerations at top of mind:
- Lighting - Will the colors look washed out or overly bold?
- Cabinet Undertones - Do wall colors coordinate attractively?
- Kitchen Size - Will hues make the space feel open or closed in?
- Desired Aesthetic - Do the colors match your overall vision?
- Personal Taste - Do you find the shades enjoyable and inspiring?
- Palette Combinations - Are you combining colors harmoniously?
- Paint Finish - Does the sheen complement your cabinets?
Trust your instincts, assess your space thoughtfully, and select a color palette that brings you happiness. The right kitchen wall colors can make this high-traffic room feel cohesive, stylish and uniquely you.