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The Perfect White For Kitchen Cabinets

Writer: Corbin ClayCorbin Clay

After speaking with thousands of homeowners and cabinetmakers, we've got the top white paint colors most frequently used for kitchen cabinets, as well as our pick for the most perfect.


While any of the above colors would work very well in just about any design, warm, beige undertones are coming back for 2025 and that's why Benjamin Moore's White Dove is the perfect shade!


Benjamin Moore White Dove
Benjamin Moore White Dove

For even more beige-leaning undertones, Sherwin-Williams Alabaster is an excellent choice for a warmer white.



Sherwin Williams Alabaster
Sherwin Williams Alabaster

For a brighter, cooler look, but still with a slight beige undertone, we (and everyone we spoke with) love Simply White by Benjamin Moore.



Benjamin Moore's Simply White
Benjamin Moore's Simply White

And for the brightest white without looking too much like a surgical ward, we suggest using Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace.




White Cabinet Paints


We're big sticklers for kitchen and bath cabinets getting a proper, professional painted finish to ensure decades of worry-free use. These special paints are often referred to as "catalyzed coatings" and are more like automotive paints than the standard interior latex paint found at a hardware store. We do a much deeper dive into these special finishes here.


Any proper cabinet shop using these coatings will be able to match any color into their system, even if the brands are different.


What Is The Best Sheen?


Cabinet sheens are identified by percentages, not the names we're used to hearing like "dull" and "eggshell". The percentages are much more specific. Here's a quick breakdown so you sound like a pro when working with your cabinetmaker / finisher:


Think of absolute flat dull as 0% and mirror-shiny high gloss as 100%.


  • 0-5 % is flat

  • 5-10% is matte

  • 12-20% is satin

  • 85% or so is high gloss (we don't see much of that these days)


We think a 15-20% sheen is perfect for painted cabinets.



Don't Forget About Lighting Temperature


This can have a huge impact on how your perfect white looks throughout the day. Daylight vs artificial light, and the specific color of your lightbulbs. Here's a helpful chart:




The Value Of Unbiased, Expert Advice


Having a partner early in the process to help identify red flags, walk you through what the process should look like, and help vet the other professionals on your project is exactly why we created this community. We understand that you're not just building a house, you're creating a home, and every detail has to be perfect.




Whether it's our blog or free expert advice in our Facebook group, we're here to help you every step of the way, Here's to empowered homeowners!

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