The 6 Best White Paint Colors for Cabinets
Top 6 Shades of White (Sherwin & Benjamin)
Choosing a white paint color for cabinets (or trim) can be a harrowing experience. This is especially true if you aren’t starting from scratch and have to coordinate with existing, and possibly outdated, finishes.
But don’t worry, whether you’re designing a new home, renovating, or doing a budget-friendly kitchen update, I’ve got the best white paint color for your cabinets – this should be white up your alley.
*Updated for 2026 with the best paint colors, home update ideas, and timeless design and decorating tips for today’s homeowner.
1. BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE OC 17
White Dove is one of my most popular, consistently suggested shades of white for cabinets, trim, doors, ceilings, and walls.
Why?
Some whites are too stark or cold for the average home’s countertop and backsplash. Other whites are too warm. White Dove is the middle ground between too white and too warm, with a passive approach. So, while it appears white, it’s neither stark nor overly creamy.
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White Dove is also a great option if you want white walls, trims, and cabinets – all painted the same color. Its warmth and LRV suit various exposures and finishes, offering a softer approach than Pure White and Chantilly Lace.
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This next photo is a great comparison between the most popular whites…
COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO WHITE DOVE
It’s important to compare different white paint colors. A white can look pretty darn neutral until you compare it to another, at which point the undertones and temperature become clearer. Just remember, there are no exact matches between brands (and brands can’t color-match each other’s whites)—each white will have its own unique look.
- Sherwin Williams Alabaster is one of the most popular, softer, warmer whites (close to an off-white)
- Sherwin Williams Greek Villa offers a bit more brightness than Alabaster, while still being a soft, warm white.
- Sherwin Williams Cold Foam is one of their newest shades of white.
White Dove uppers, a gorgeous green-gray paint color on the lower cabinets
Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of White Dove…
FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore White Dove
2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE 7005
Pure White is fantastic and one of my FAVORITE, versatile white paint colors. This super popular white sits between White Dove’s warmth and Chantilly Lace’s simplicity. Pure White is a warm white, but it’s one of the most subtle warm whites on the market.
Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Pure White
99.5% of the photos in my blog are from my Online Color Consulting clients, readers, talented photographers, & friends— because real homes deserve to be celebrated (dirty laundry & all!) While not magazine-perfect, they’re packed with ideas & proven color choices to help you create a home you’ll love.
Whereas some warmer, creamier white paint colors can be challenging to coordinate with white quartz countertops, Pure White is generally the most versatile.
WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO PURE WHITE?
Welllll, nothing compares to Pure White, it’s a creature unto itself. This doesn’t mean there aren’t some great colors to compare with, as some countertops need more warmth than Pure White offers, but no other white is really ‘the same.’
- Benjamin Moore White Dove (a bit warmer)
- Sherwin Williams White Snow (brighter)
Get your Peel & Stick sample of Pure White…
3. BENJAMIN MOORE CHANTILLY LACE OC 65
Chantilly Lace is THE most classic, timeless shade of white. While it does have a touch of softness to it (which we know about thanks to its LRV of 90.04 – if it were a true white, it would be a higher number)…
Chantilly Lace acts like white without being stark or cold.
Many people find TRUE white paint colors a bit too stark for their cabinets or trim – and they can be, depending on the surrounding finishes. Chantilly Lace is popular because it gives a cleaner contrast with finishes (compared to softer, warmer whites), without being edgy or harsh. This is because while Chantilly Lace ‘looks’ pretty darn white, it has a wink of softness to it!
Get your Peel & Stick sample of Chantilly Lace
FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO CHANTILLY LACE
Chantilly Lace is definitely my favorite option for this range/type of white. However, there are a few worth comparing…
- Benjamin Moore Simply White – similarly white, but has a warmer undertone
- Sherwin Williams White Snow is a great comparison
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4. BENJAMIN MOORE CLOUD WHITE CC-40
While Cloud White isn’t one of my TOP 3, it’s a great option for kitchens that need a more obvious warmth. Cloud White can look like a real white UNTIL you place it next to a real white (like paper or my butt cheeks). If you didn’t know it was that type of blog, now you do (wink wink).
Cloud White has a subtle yellow/creamy undertone with a grounded neutral base, making it less stark than traditional white. However, if you already have ‘white’ trim, appliances, or windows, you WILL notice the difference.
See more Cloud White here: A Maple Kitchen Makeover with Cloud White
WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO CLOUD WHITE?
- Sherwin Williams Alabaster – just a wink softer and creamier
- Benjamin Moore Simply White. It has the warmth, but it’s cleaner and brighter, so the yellow can show up at the party a bit more
Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Cloud White…
FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Cloud White
5. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ALABASTER 7008
As it relates to the best paint colors for cabinets (with more warmth), Alabaster is the softest, warmest white. This is one reason it’s a hit with my clients who have homes from the 1990s and early 2000s/Tuscan-style kitchen trend, as it tends to suit many finishes from these times.
See my client, Jenna Christian’s beautiful home and style HERE.
Alabaster has an LRV of 82, so while it’s considered white, it’s a soft, dark shade of white. Will it ‘act like white?’ Yes, as long as your idea of ‘white’ is soft, gentle, and warm. However, if you place Alabaster with a whiter shade of white (i.e., GE Cafe white appliances/most white subway tiles), it will look softer and almost creamy in comparison.
Taj Mahal Quartzite Countertop Review
COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO ALABASTER
- Sherwin Williams Greek Villa
- Benjamin Moore Cloud White
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Alabaster…
FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Alabaster
6. SHERWIN WILLIAMS WHITE SNOW 9541
White Snow is a new shade of white that’s only available in Sherwin Williams Emerald Designer’s Edition (along with eight other NEW shades of white).
Because it’s new and not easy to sample (you can’t get sample pots made of it), I haven’t had many clients use it on their cabinets (yet). It’s also the most expensive line of paint they carry – but damn, does it have a beautiful finish.
Samplize Peel & Stick is the only way to get a sample of White Snow (short of buying a very expensive gallon)…
Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of White Snow…
White Snow is awesome. It looks white and acts like white, but it isn’t stark like true or cold whites or overly warm like some other shades. It could be great in various kitchens, and I can’t wait to see it in action!
COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO WHITE SNOW
I highly recommend comparing White Snow to several other shades. Noticing the difference between whites is what helps you see which one your interior finishes gravitate towards.
- Benjamin Moore Simply White is similar but a bit warmer
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace is similar in depth but not as warm
- Sherwin Williams Extra White is BRIGHTER and whiter
FULL Paint Color Review of White Snow
WHY IS WHITE SNOW SO HARD TO SAMPLE?
You can’t get paper chip samples, sample pots, or quartz of White Snow (Sherwin should REEEALLY remedy this). Aside from Samplize, the ONLY way to see White Snow in action is to purchase a full gallon. At $125 CDN, that’s a huge stretch for the average person. Sampling needs to be EASY.
READ MORE
The ULTIMATE GUIDE to White Paint Colors
SHOULD You Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets White?
The 3 Types of White Kitchen Cabinet Palettes
3 STEPS: Choose the Best White for Your Cabinets, Trims, or Walls
Get the best paint color advice
Check out my affordable Online Color Consulting!
Originally written in 2017, updated in 2025
Hi Moira, Seashell and Feather Down are quite different from each other. Seashell has a more grayed out yellow tone to it whereas Feather Down has a tan/orange feel to it (your cabinets won’t look those colours, it’s just the soft undertones). Seashell can work on cabinets but I think Feather Down is too heavy for a traditional ‘cream’ cabinet. If you’re looking for a cream that isn’t too yellow or pinkish consider Glacier White – one of my faves!
Hope that helps!
Hi Kylie! Is creamy a good color for kitchen cabinets?
Hi Sue, yes, as long as you are okay with the slightly stronger yellow/warm undertone!
I have a black granite. What color would you suggest for cabinets? I love ultra modern, but my husband, not so much.
Hi Tatum! It does depend on your flooring, backsplash, exposure and what not, but generally speaking, for black granite, I might look at SW Pure White which is white, but has just a wink of warmth in it that softness it, so it isn’t cold or icy. 🙂
What do you suggest. I have black granite counters with subway white tiles as backsplash and my flooring is a chocolate wood looking tile. I would like a white that is kinda glossy but not too much glossy??? If you can understand that??? Also something that can be cleaned easily.
Hi Jackie, for questions like yours, I do refer to my E-design services! I try to give as much complimentary info as I can on my blog and if that doesn’t work, it might be time for a closer look! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
I am afraid that I will paint my oak (orangey) cabinets white and then soon….in a year or two, find that painted cabinets are going out and wood is back in! Maybe even warmer colours like orange??
Hi Joan! Well, believe it or not, I do like my readers to keep their oak cabinets when I think they are worth keeping. I’ve had clients hire me to have their cabinets painted and I say ‘hold up, you might want to keep this’. However, there have been MANY times where paint is just the thing! Of the oaks, the orange one (and some of the yellow ones) are the ones that are least likely to come back soon (in my opinion). Some oaks have more of a ‘brown’ look, so they aren’t overly warm, and if any, I think it’s those ones that have a good life to them. As for white cabinets, it seems that trends come and go, and while some go out COMPLETELY, white keeps staying around in some form or another. Generally speaking of the 2, white is a safer bet than the orange oak. I hope that helps!
Hi! I’m wanting to paint my orangey oak kitchen cabinets white. The back splash is creamy white and granite is that multi colored cream, black tan color. Pretty main stream hard to explain without me sending a picture. Trying to decide what color white to get to match that. Also, would we need to paint The pantry door and trim on the windows the same color as the cabinets? Thanks!
Hi Heathr, thank you for asking and you’re right, it’s hard without pictures, otherwise I’m really just guessing. AND I actually have an e-design business just for questions like yours! If you’re interested the link is here, I’d love to help! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
Is it necessary to wax or somehow seal the painted cabinets? I am thinking about hiring this out and was wondering if this step is necessary. Thanks, Lyn
Hi Lyn, not at all! The new cabinet paints are SO hardy and are built to last as long as the prepwork is done properly!
I had my cabinets done two years ago and they used a Behr cabinet paint and did not seal them and within six months we had worn through the paint right down the to cherry wood around all the knobs. I am now having to redo them myself and will be adding a coat of polyurethane. Now, it could be that the painters just did a crappy job, but I’m not taking any chances this time. Just speaking from my own experience, of course. I’m no expert.
Hi! Just wondering… Do you think the yellowing that happens with oil based paints is enough of a downside to go with the less durable water based paints?
Hi again Cristal! They funny thing is that many brands won’t sell oil based paints anymore. The new latex paints are made so hardy and are often called ‘Alkyd Emulsions’ as they spread more evenly than some of the older latex products and have durable finishes. I personally would never do oil again, after using the likes of BM Advance…
I am having the hardest time choosing a white paint. Went with white dove, but worried is not as crisp to make the trim pop. I actually like the color the of the mdf/ pine primed white trim. 😉 I wish I knew what color it was. I want my white to pop. Can you offer any suggestions? What white paint would you choose if you were painting your the trim and cabinets in your house today. We are using aurea stone divine for the countertops. I have kelly moore matched revere pewter on the wall (Funny but the KM matched did not turn out the same as BM’s color, but I actually like it better) .
Thank you so very much for your blog! LOVE reading all your posts!!!
What “type” of paint do you recommend for hardiness. My daughter had hers spray painted by a cabinet maker and they’re chipping like crazy! Thanks.
Hi Linda! When it comes to cabinets, it’s a blend of quality paint and GOOD prepwork. If the prepwork isn’t 100%, there isn’t any paint that will save you. Sanding/cleaning/high quality primer, those are the essentials. From there, I go to BM Advance for a hardy top finish. Any painted finish will chip, but it shouldn’t be THAT bad 😉
I have maple cabinets and alot of them. I have honey oak floors and the countertop is Gallio Ornamental. Typical early 2000 kitchen. I want to paint the cabinets. At first I was thinking Edgecomb Gray and now I’m going back to Dove White. My walls will be a warmer greige either SW Assesible Beige or Edgecomb Gray. I’m fighting with the warm tones in the floor and the granite. Any suggestions? I also have a long buffet in the kitchen that I was thinking of doing a different color… maybe a blue/gray or Chelse Gray or that new blue that I see on pinterest. Thoughts?
Will white dove be a noticeable difference with white windows? I love warm, creamy white but have white windows above my kitchen sink
Hi Brooke, it can depend on the brand of window, but I would expect that you will see a shift – not by much though. I have white windows and White Dove trim and it is a BARELY THERE shift.
Hello!
I have white dove trim and want to paint my orangey oak cabinets white. ( very warm granite countertops and wood beams on the ceiling)
I have poured over your articles but am unsure which white would work. I don’t want to overpower the dove white nor have the cabinets look dirty.
What do you suggest?
Have you worked with painting maple cabinets white where there is a natural oak floor and natural oak trim on windows (old style)? Maybe white dove vs cloud white?
Oooo, that’s a tough one as all of a sudden your cabinets are the odd man out! I would recommend going with a soft warmer off-white rather than a white, just to reduce this a bit :).
Hi Patricia, we have the same combo in a summer cottage and chose to paint the walls Benjamin Moore Simply White. I can attest to the colour being a perfect white without it being stark and looks great on large walls. It might be a nice choice for your cabinets.
HELLO,
I am painting my kitchen and family room Winchester Tan (BM), and i would like to pick the right white to pain golden oak cabinets white, currently I am looking at (BM) Simply White, but what color trim. My granite is black, and oak flooring throughout. Would there be a better Cabinet and Trim color. HElp… i am terrible at this. MAny thanks
Hi Kylie! So much love for all you do for all of us! Quick question – can BM White Dove walls work with SW Extra White cabinets with white subway backsplash? I don’t really want to put Extra White on the walls, I want something warmer but not yellow (that’s what we all say!). Granite is white-black-taupe Verona. Thanks a bunch!
Hmmmm. Makes me a bit nervous in that the warmth of White Dove could set off the cool vibe of Extra White, whereas Extra White will set off the warmth of White Dove. Will this be ‘bad’…no, but i just don’t know if it will be that good as they might just seem like a mismatch – too much the same (being white) but different undertones. Makes me nervous… :).
What white paint will not cast a yellow tone in my kitchen?? I have ultra white trim. I tried ballet white paint on the cabinets and it looked really yellow. My floors are neutral warm..
Thanks… I was thinking chantilly lace???
My kitchen has a lot of natural light and faces south..
Hi Kylie! I am stuck on a white for my cabinets. I just put in LVP flooring in.Med brown color and have granite countertops that are almost blk. We want to paint the island a Chelsea or Cinder gray and will change the island countertop to a white quartz with a bit of gray. Any suggestions for the white paint color? Will Chantilly lace be took Stark.? I am also thinking of simply white or BM Alabaster..
I want to paint my new house in Mindful Gray. I have 13ft ceilings in kitchen and living area open concept with cedar wood beams. I really love Alabaster for my kitchen cabinets and trim. Do you think the Alabaster will go with the Mindful? Thank you!
Oooo, if you mean SW Alabaster, it’s ‘okay’, but I find it a bit warm for Mindful and would lean more into SW Pure White :). And definitely not BM Alabaster!
I’m searching for a creamy white for the exterior of our house and lighter white trim. Would BM linen white work? What are your thoughts about Chantilly white BM and Simply white
Thanks