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seashell456

Choosing a cabinet white

8 years ago

Hello all! Another kitchen cabinet question from me, this one more design-related. Any tips on choosing a shade of white? When I search for advice, I come up with debates on which specific paint color to use (Simply White, Dove White, etc). However, we will be ordering cabinets from a bigger cabinet line, where we only have a choice between 3 white/offwhite shades. I'm struggling with whether to go with the really pure white, and whether this will be too stark, or the offwhite, and whether this will look dirty. Our kitchen I'd say has medium natural light. I know it's hard to say without seeing in person, but any general advice? If needed I can post other color details. Thanks!

Comments (10)

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    What color is your flooring? Dark wood, honey toned, red-toned? If the floor is warm, go with an off-white; if it's very dark you can go cooler. If you go with the brighter, cooler white, you can offset with color in your countertop or backsplash.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Choose a different cabinet line if there are only 3 whites available. That is code for virtually builder grade.

  • 8 years ago
    The floor will be a light French oak with a small bit off gray tones.

    Also... this cabinet maker will paint in a color we choose but it costs significantly more.
  • PRO
    8 years ago

    I would look at all 3 white swatches in your kitchen with the new floor sample and share photos w us. Looking at everything in your unique lighting is key because even "pure white" can do crazy tricks in the showroom vs. home.

  • 8 years ago

    Here is offwhite 1 next to the bright white, with a countertop sample:

    and here is offwhite 2 next to the bright white:

    I don't know if this helps at all, as it's so hard to tell from photos. Also the reno will include removing a wall, so the lighting in the space will change a little bit. I'll note that we are looking at a marble-look quartz for countertops, and wall color in BM Balboa Mist or it's lighter version Silver Satin. Also here is a design board I've been messing around with, might give an overall idea of what I'm looking for in the entire open kitchen-dining-great room space:

    Thanks all!

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    My vote goes to offwhite 1.

  • 8 years ago
    Do you know what color your trim will be? I think independently off-white 1 looks best but if you have bright white trim then the cabinets will look dirty. I have a strong preference for matching trim and white kitchen cabinets.
  • 8 years ago
    Cac456, we haven’t selected a trim color yet but thanks for the comment, I’ll keep that in mind when we pick one.
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I suggest you pick your trim now when selecting cabinets. The bright white or off-white 2 look best w/your counter imo. Have you considered a light grey vs white cabinets--- you could still keep trim white.

  • PRO
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I'd say in general, off-whites look more traditional/rustic/country, while crisp whites lean to a more modern or transitional style. So looking at your selections, I'd say you like the transitional/modern look. And if you're going with gray walls, maybe the crisper whites would work better.

    You are absolutely correct that it is very hard to tell in photos. For example, the bright white in the second photo looks a lot less bright than in the first. You need to look at all of them in your space during different times of the day and night to get a true picture of what they'll look like. Just curious, what line of cabinetry are you going with?

    However, that being said, mixing white with cream is a great look, as described in this blog post: http://homeglowdesign.com/2016/08/27/cream-white-kitchens-stroke-genius/