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Pros and Cons of White Kitchen Cabinets

Written by Kaylea Kuhlman | Apr 22, 2019 11:08:30 AM

Whether you’re renovating your entire kitchen in Omaha, Nebraska or just updating your kitchen cabinet with a new coat of paint, choosing your cabinet paint color is a critical decision. For most kitchen designs, the kitchen cabinets take the most real estate, and the impact of the color in your cooking space cannot be underestimated.

White cabinets have been the go-to for cabinet painting for years now, and they don't seem to be going away anytime soon. 

At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, NE, we have painted thousands of kitchen cabinets white. With a durable product like the 2K poly we use, the cabinets we paint white can be super durable, easy to clean, and look flawless.

In this article, we will be looking at some of the pros and cons of painting your kitchen cabinets all white. By reading this article, you will be more confident in making the decision of which color is best for your kitchen cabinet painting project.

Pros of White Kitchen Cabinets

1. White Kitchens are Clean and Classic

White kitchen cabinets match with pretty much any style and design –from modern and classy to traditional and vintage. This means you won’t have to spend time wondering which color to use on your countertop, if your wall color clashes with the cabinet color or what kind of hardware to install in your cabinet doors and drawers.

Classic white cabinets will match any color and balance any shade and will go nicely with any hardware finishes or color appliances. Also, if you want to highlight some of your unique décor or kitchen features, white will create a subtle backdrop.

Classic white cabinets will match any color and balance any shade and will go nicely with any hardware finishes or color appliances. Also, if you want to highlight some of your unique décor or kitchen features, white will create a subtle backdrop.

2. White Cabinets Leverage Lighting

Painting your kitchen cabinets white is not only a practical choice but also a design-savvy one. By opting for a crisp white color, you can visually expand your kitchen space and create an airy and inviting atmosphere. Natural light will bounce off the white surfaces, making the room feel brighter and more spacious.

To take this illusion to the next level, consider using glossy white paint on your cabinets. The reflective nature of glossy paint will enhance the light-reflecting properties of white, making your kitchen appear even larger and more open. This combination of white color and glossy finish will give your kitchen a modern and luxurious feel, elevating the overall look and feel of the space.

3. White Cabinets are Simple and Ever-trendy

White cabinets not only offer versatility but also embody a timeless simplicity that transcends fleeting trends. Unlike bold dark colors that may fall out of favor after a few years, white cabinets have a staying power that can endure for decades without losing their appeal. Whether you decide to switch up your kitchen's decor, upgrade its features, or even swap out the cabinet hardware, white cabinets will continue to exude a sense of elegance and sophistication.

The natural hue of white kitchen cabinets acts as a blank canvas, allowing you to experiment with various styles and color schemes while maintaining a cohesive and chic aesthetic. In a world where trends come and go, white cabinets stand as a steadfast and enduring choice that will always remain relevant in the realm of kitchen design.

Cons of White Kitchen Cabinets

1. Dirt & Grime on White Cabinets

You probably saw this coming, right? While dirt doesn’t necessarily favor white cabinets, they tend to easily show spills, dirt, and smudges. To keep them looking spotlessly clean, you will have to do a bit more frequent cleaning than you would darker cabinets.

Depending on the product that was used on the cabinets, this may be extremely difficult to easily clean the wood. While some products like a 2K polyurethane makes cabinets easy to wipe dirt off from, some lock dirt into the surface. If you find yourself scrubbing at an area of the cabinet too long and you can't get it clean, a low-quality product was likely used.

If you want to spare yourself some time of wiping each week, consider a darker color or stain.

2. White Cabinets Can Be Cold and Clinical

Yes, crisp white cabinets look great and classy, but too much of the white can make your kitchen space seem cold, clinical and impersonal. If your sterile white kitchen reminds you of your dentist’s office, you should probably do something about it.

You can change this by incorporating a bit of color and texture in your design –maybe paint your lower or upper cabinets a darker shade to compliment the white.

3. White Cabinets Show Wear and Tear

White kitchen cabinets, while elegant and timeless, are not immune to the wear and tear that comes with everyday use. As your kitchen cabinets age, they may start to show signs of scuffs, scratches, and nicks, especially on white surfaces where imperfections can be more visible. This can be a downside of opting for white cabinets, as they may require more frequent touch-ups and maintenance to keep them looking fresh.

If a low-quality product and minimal prep work was done on white cabinets before painting, wear and tear will quickly become an issue. High-quality products on cabinets are more resistant to scuffs and scratches, allowing white cabinets to look flawless longer. But, they are not indestructible.

On the other side of the color wheel, darker cabinet colors tend to be more forgiving when it comes to hiding these imperfections. The depth of darker hues can help camouflage minor wear and tear, making them a practical choice for those who want a lower-maintenance option.

However, if you love the clean and classic look of white cabinets, a high-quality product, a thorough prep work process, regular upkeep and yearly touch-ups can help maintain their appearance and keep them looking fresh for years to come. It's all about finding the right balance between aesthetic appeal and practicality when deciding on the color of your kitchen cabinets.

Should You Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets White?

If you’re considering a kitchen cabinet repaint in Omaha, Nebraska, white color paint can be a great choice if you believe the pros out way the cons. If you aren't ready to commit to painting all of your cabinets white, you could consider choosing a color for the lower cabinets. Check out more trends for cabinets here.

Hiring professional kitchen cabinet painting and refinishing painters like Brush & Roll Painting can help you with the right color and long-lasting and outstanding results. Book a free quote below.