What Is the Right White for Kitchen Cabinets?

Whether you're remodeling your kitchen or decorating the space for the first time, you'll want to choose the perfect cabinet color. And if you've already decided that you want your cabinets to be white, the right shade of white for your kitchen cabinets may depend on the other decorative accents you've chosen for your kitchen, as well as your personal decorating style.

Colors

• If you've chosen other bold accent colors for your kitchen, such as red or orange, bright white kitchen cabinets give the space a bright and welcoming feel. Subdued decorating colors, such as tan and beige or pastel shades, look best against off-white.

Size

• The size of your kitchen cabinets can help to determine how "white" they should be. If you have a small kitchen with limited cabinet space and want to give the area some "warmth," whites with a yellow undertone are best. In a larger kitchen, white cabinets with blue or green undertones give the room a refreshing and slightly intimate feel.

Considerations

• If your kitchen is connected to the living room or dining room, it's a good idea to choose a shade of white that matches the adjoining room. For example, if your living room is decorated with variations of pink and brown, a white with a pink or rose undertone makes a beautiful accent.