Room Design
Kitchen Design
By
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel has written on design for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Slate, Fast Company, and the international editions of Elle Decor.
Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process
Published on 03/09/25
White cabinets are a versatile and timeless choice that works in kitchens of any style. Pair painted Shaker cabinetry or high-gloss lacquered slab door designs with a complementary or contrasting backsplash, wall color, countertop, and hardware to elevate your decor.
Check out these white cabinet ideas in a range of kitchens for inspiration.
Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!
01of 27
White Quartz Countertops
Combine white kitchen cabinetry with white quartz countertops and a matching backsplash for an elegant modern look. Accent with extra-long cabinet and drawer pulls that function like jewelry and mixed wood tones to add warmth.
02of 27
Blue Patterned Tile Backsplash
Contrast simple white cabinetry with a colorful backsplash. This kitchen features a vibrant patterned tile in shades of blue, with silver hardware to complement the cool-toned palette.
03of 27
Polished Brass Hardware
Add warmth to white cabinets with polished brass kitchen hardware. Match plumbing and lighting fixtures for a cohesive feel.
Are white kitchen cabinets in style?
Yes, white kitchen cabinets are in style. White cabinets are timeless and trend-proof. Choose Shaker cabinets for a classic look, or white flat front slab cabinets for a more contemporary feel.
04of 27
Wallpaper Accent
Build banquette seating into a wall of white cabinets to create an eat-in kitchen. Wallpaper the back of the niche with bold and colorful wallpaper to create a stylish focal point.
Continue to 5 of 27 below
05of 27
Midcentury Modern
Maximize storage in a midcentury modern kitchen with floor-to-ceiling cabinets painted the same white as the walls. Finish with period-appropriate brass hardware, Danish modern lighting, and natural wood seating for a warm minimalist feel.
06of 27
Black Metal Hardware
Finish flat-front white slab cabinet doors with black metal pulls to complement a modern or industrial-style kitchen. Carry the black-and-white kitchen color palette throughout and warm up with natural wood shelving and flooring.
07of 27
Mixed Wall Finishes
Use white kitchen cabinets to keep a kitchen with multiple decorative wall finishes to keep your space from looking overly busy. This space combines black-and-white tile, pink wall paint, and tropical kitchen wallpaper for an eclectic feel.
08of 27
Geometric Backsplash
Mix white kitchen cabinets with a geometric backsplash to give your kitchen an easy makeover. Use black grout to make the shape of elongated hex tiles stand out and complement black kitchen countertops.
Continue to 9 of 27 below
09of 27
Colorful Subway Tile Backsplash
Energize white kitchen cabinets with a colorful tile backsplash. In this kitchen, seamless cabinetry without visible hardware is combined with bright orange subway tiles for a contemporary look.
10of 27
Ceiling Wallpaper
Create a blank canvas for colorful accents with a wall of white cabinetry. Pair it with a colorful kitchen island and patterned ceiling wallpaper like this green-and-white check pattern for a vibrant and signature look.
11of 27
Pair With White Shelving
Pair white cabinets with white open shelving and white walls for a clean, modern feel. Use the same gold-toned accents on kitchen cabinet hardware and open shelving brackets for a cohesive look.
12of 27
Terrazzo Tile Backsplash
Elevate a large kitchen with white upper and lower cabinets with a full wall backsplash of multi-colored terrazzo tile. Paint the base of your kitchen island in a dark color and install some pastel bar stools using shades picked from the backsplash.
Continue to 13 of 27 below
13of 27
Rose Stone Countertops
Give a country-style kitchen a soft and pretty feel by topping creamy white base cabinets with pink marble countertops. Blend with textured wall tiles, reclaimed wood trim, and a lace curtain panel for a vintage bohemian feel.
14of 27
Black Stone Countertops
Pair white base cabinets with black stone countertops to create a clear contrast. Shiny white tiles add subtle variation with the matte white cabinets, while aged brass accents enhance the timeless kitchen design.
15of 27
Silver Hardware
Complement a Scandinavian or modern farmhouse kitchen with silver-toned finishes for a clean and bright feel. From the cabinet and drawer pulls to the pot filler over the stove and the kitchen faucet, they will complement stainless steel appliances.
16of 27
Black Backsplash
Blend white cabinetry with a black backsplash for a bold contrast. A solid slab of stone will create dimension and can be carried onto countertops to break up a wall of upper and lower cabinetry.
Continue to 17 of 27 below
17of 27
Natural Wood Paneling
Juxtapose white cabinetry with natural wood wall paneling and a rich blue tile backsplash to add interest to a coastal kitchen. Mix stainless steel appliances with brass fixtures to keep the space from looking too one-dimensional.
18of 27
Concrete Countertops
Mix white flat-front slab cabinetry with polished concrete countertops for a slightly industrial feel. Swap traditional kitchen hardware for cut-outs backed with natural wood and hang some floating shelves to warm up the cool-toned palette.
19of 27
All-White Finishes
You can never go wrong with an all-white kitchen. This compact space has modern white cabinets, countertops, textured backsplash tile, and open shelving for a cohesive feel.
20of 27
Black Flooring
Pair clean white cabinetry with black stone kitchen floor tile to create a graphic contrast in a small galley-style kitchen. Finish with gold-toned hardware and a natural wood door for a timeless kitchen design.
Continue to 21 of 27 below
21of 27
Statement Backsplash
Create a focal point with a custom backsplash. White upper cabinetry keeps the focus on the main event, and a shiny copper accent on the faucet adds some flair.
22of 27
Mixed Metal Accents
Add interest to a small apartment kitchen with white cabinets and a penny tile backsplash. Mixed white finishes will add texture while blending silver, chrome, brass, bronze, copper, rose gold, and other metallic finishes adds dimension to a monochromatic space.
23of 27
Reclaimed Wood Finishes
If you're working with a space that has original features like rustic reclaimed flooring or a dark stained wood exposed ceiling, choose white cabinets for a modern counterpoint. The juxtaposition will give your space a sense of history with an updated feel.
24of 27
Full Wall Backsplash
Complement a full wall of backsplash tile with simple white base cabinets for a balanced look. Match the range hood to the cabinets for a polished feel.
Continue to 25 of 27 below
25of 27
Black Range Hood
Pair white cabinetry and a matching backsplash with a black range hood. Paint the kitchen island black and incorporate black pendant lighting and kitchen hardware for a balanced feel.
26of 27
Whitewashed Stone Wall
Highlight original finishes like exposed brick or stone with understated white base cabinets. Whitewashing the walls will help original and new features to blend together harmoniously.
27of 27
Heritage Tile Pattern
If you're renovating an older home, stick to white Shaker base cabinets for a timeless look. Top them with a heavily veined black-and-white marble countertop, antique-style plumbing fixtures, and a wall of heritage tile like the Celtic cross pattern seen in this Maine kitchen for a fresh look with a nod to history.
What Looks Best With White Kitchen Cabinets?
White kitchen cabinets can be combined with other neutrals on walls, backsplashes, and countertops for an understated look. They can lighten up a kitchen with dark wood finishes or moody wall paint, or help balance a colorful or patterned backsplash. Pair white cabinets with hardware ranging from black metal to polished brass or chrome.
What Paint Color Is Best for White Kitchen Cabinets?
Go-to paint colors for kitchen cabinets include Simply White by Benjamin Moore, a crisp color with a hint of warmth; Pure White from Sherwin-Williams, an off-white softened with subtle yellow undertones; and School House White from Farrow & Ball, a warm white that suits traditional spaces.
Are White Kitchen Cabinets a Good Idea?
Yes, white kitchen cabinets are a great idea. White kitchen cabinets are timeless, versatile, and classic. While they show dust and dirt more than darker colors, this makes it easy to know when they need to be wiped clean or touched up. To keep white cabinets from feeling too stark, warm them up with a colorful backsplash or brass hardware.