Popular Kitchen Paint Colours to Work With White Cabinets

Kitchens with white cabinets are a popular choice. Generally affordable and incredibly versatile, white cabinetry makes a stylish addition to any home. However, it’s easy for a kitchen with white cabinets to look washed out if you’ve opted to paint your kitchen walls in the same shade. 

While white paint is a go-to choice for many, white walls aren’t your only option. Bright white cabinets can be enhanced by embracing dark colours when painting your walls. If your kitchen has off-white cabinets with cool undertones, think about experimenting with blue hues or a warm grey colour.

You don’t even have to stick to the same colour when decorating kitchen walls with white cabinets. Use warmer tones to paint most of your space, then opt for something a bit darker to create an accent wall. 

Whether you’re thinking about starting with a neutral palette or mixing things up with darker colours, you’ll find plenty of gorgeous colour options in Tikkurila’s extensive range. Why not explore the full collection and order paint sample pots to try out yourself today? 

What to Consider When Choosing a Wall Colour to Go With White Cabinets

If you prefer a simple aesthetic, it’s tempting to stick to neutral kitchen paint colours when decorating around white kitchen cabinets. If you’re thinking about wall colours that won’t compete with white cabinet paint, this is definitely a good approach. 

If your space is kitted out with warm white cabinets, turn to a warm tone when painting your walls. If your units have a cool white finish, a neutral shade will leave your space feeling crisp and airy. However, you can play around with cooler tones as well, especially if you want to bring blue or grey into the mix in a more contemporary kitchen. 

While lighter shades will pair perfectly with all-white kitchen cupboards, they’re not your only option for making a kitchen seem bigger than it is. For a more refined finish, think about using beige. If you're looking to compensate for a lack of natural light, choose a paint colour that’s enriched with yellow undertones. 

Sometimes, darker shades can be effective. If you’re dealing with too much square footage or have a kitchen you’d like to make more intimate, a darker palette can deliver the goods. Navy blue walls are a good choice, but you can even consider red, purple and mocha hues. 

Need some help pairing the most popular kitchen paint colours with white cabinets? We’ve picked out some of our favourite shades from our range for you to consider. 

No matter whether your kitchen is furnished with crisp white or neutral white cabinets, a neutral palette can be a stylish choice. A low-key wall colour will help maximise space while leaving your kitchen feeling fresh and contemporary. 

If you’re a fan of grey and beige hues, think about using Castle J484. This warm greige adds instant depth to any kitchen wall. You can up the style credentials of your space by adding marble countertops or brass accents to your cabinetry. 

Alternatively, there’s Mulberry H484. This stunning off-white has a warm character, while its grey undertones make it a welcome addition to any kitchen, no matter how contemporary or traditional your cabinets are. 

Eager to bring a little sunshine to your kitchen? Try Coconut Y456. This creamy hue works well with soft white cabinets, while its yellow undertones will lift your space and your spirits. 

Grey paint colours are a solid alternative to traditional white or more muted neutrals. They’re the obvious choice for a more modern kitchen, but they work equally well in a more traditional space with white cabinets. 

Try something like Bungalow G500. Although this paint colour has plenty of grey character, there are also pale blue undertones that will bring a cool tone to your interior. 

If you like the combination of grey and blue, there’s also Agate N500. This one is a little darker, making it perfect if you’re looking to create some subtle contrast. 

For a more dramatic kitchen makeover, try Cloak M499. This mid-grey paint colour might look fairly dark, but it exudes a warmth that makes it ideal for kitchens of any size.

Generally speaking, light blues work well in smaller kitchens, while darker shades can transform a larger space. However, it’s up to you how you incorporate this classic colour family into your kitchen interiors. 

If you want to brighten things up, try Cumulus Y354. One of our finest light blue paints, this stunning shade has a calming influence that makes it perfect for anyone who’s looking to strip the stress from their kitchen. 

For something more traditional, try Forget Me Not H353. This quintessential pastel blue works beautifully along white base and upper cabinets. It’ll also work nicely alongside marble countertops and wooden surfaces. 

Thinking about making a statement? Try Indigo L429. Deep and intense, this inky blue will create instant contrast that makes it an ideal fit for more contemporary kitchens. 

Green is the go-to colour for bringing a sense of serenity to an interior. It’s also a good fit for kitchens. Lighter hues with soft green undertones will freshen up a smaller kitchen, while more saturated shades will elevate a larger space. 

Try something like Silk Road S440 if you’re after a green with plenty of complexity. This medium green works well in spaces of any size, while a hint of blue means you have the perfect springboard for introducing complementary colours to your kitchen. 

If you’re a fan of botanical-inspired paint colours, you’ll love Waterlilly. This mossy green is on the darker side, but it works well with white cabinets and exposed wood alike. 

Looking for a more modern take on green? Try Fjord M442. With its misty character and the perfect balance of green and grey, it will make a welcome addition to any kitchen wall. 

Sometimes, the most low-key transformations are the best. Rather than stick with overwhelming emulsion, go with a versatile off-white paint colour instead. 

Seagull F496 is a standout choice from our collection. Thanks to a subtle hint of blue, it’ll bring some cool character to your kitchen that pairs nicely with chrome and metallic accents. 

If your space is lacking in natural light, try Arctic Fox S503. This pure white will instantly refresh a tired-looking kitchen, with a gentle hint of yellow bringing the sunshine. 

Finally, there’s Lotus F448. Although it looks fairly muted, there’s a dynamic undercurrent of soft green in the mix here, making it a great way to add complexity to your kitchen interior.