Warm White Paint Colors: Right for Your Kitchen?

New year, new paint projects! I’m still assisting homeowners daily with paint colors. By now, you may already be tired of reading trend reports! As if with a world on fire in 2025, there’s some horrible mistake we may make with paint! Kidding aside, it can be frustrating to choose badly. There’s considerable work and expense involved. Also, calm colors seem more important than ever with the sheer amount of anxiety-filled moments we experience. Let’s consider whether these warm white paint colors are right for your kitchen.

BM PALE OAK on kitchen cabinets in a lovely European inspired kitchen by AKB Design. #benjaminmoorepaleoak #warmwhitepaint — AKB Design – **Benjamin Moore PALE OAK** is a warm white paint color on cabinetry

Warm White Paint Colors for Your Kitchen

How to Use This Paint Guide

A word of caution before falling instantly for a color appearing in an image here…Post-editing, natural light, time of day photo was snapped, and even digital screen variations skew perception of a color. For example, it’s actually a very cool white in my former kitchen below, but with a filter, it looks warm:

Hello Lovely's breakfast nook with Belgian linen slipcovered chairs and window seat. #hellolovelystudio — Hello Lovely – **BM OC-151** on walls, trim, and ceiling

Should you find “the look” you’re after here…yay! PIN favorites for ideas. But bear in mind the right color may require sampling at least 3 different ones in your unique lighting to find the closest approximation. We won’t always notice undertones in a white color simply by viewing a swatch or photo alone.

Quiet Luxury Understated Neutral Decor Mood Board - Hello Lovely Studio.

1. Botanical Study Set

2. Mirror

3. Table Lamp

4. Schumacher Chenonceau

5. Floor Lamp

6. Candle Holder

7. Pillow Cover

8. Basket

9. Blanket

10. Chair

11. Marble Top Table

12. Muted Grey Paint Color

It’s why ai images like this kitchen one below may be helpful for scoring ideas for color stories. (The exact paint color is not as important as how you perceive the effect and going from there.)

@caldwellandcastello AI kitchen design with warm white cabinets and dark chevron wood floors. #aikitchen — @caldwellandcastello – AI Design (try **SW Agreeable Gray** for a similar warm white paint on cabinets)

It’s when you see several whites side by side you begin to perceive subtle temperature and undertone variances. Since painting cabinets is a more complex labor-intensive process than painting walls, detective work, pinning, testing, and sampling will be well worth it.

French country warm white kitchen with gorgeous limestone floors and black island topped with Calacatta marble - the Enchanted Home. — The Enchanted Home – the warm white finish on cabinets is custom – peek at **BM Linen White** for a similar look.

Benjamin Moore PALE OAK OC-20

Pale Oak is such a versatile color for cabinets or walls if you like putty, white oak, mushroom, limestone, and warm greige-y beige tones.

BM Pale Oack OC-20 - a gorgeous Benjamin Moore warm white beige paint color swatch. #paleoak #bmpaleoak — **Benjamin Moore PALE OAK OC-20**

With its warm gray undertones, this versatile neutral conjures the quiet majesty of white oak and has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 68.64. Not too light yet still reflects lots of light back into the space.

AKB Design kitchen with Pale Oak (Benjamin Moore. #whitekitchens #warmwhitepaint #paleoak — AKB Design – **Benjamin Moore PALE OAK** is a lovely warm white paint on cabinetry

What a bonus to see this color in a kitchen with white oak to notice the relationship with that wood species and also with warm antique brass hardware finishes.

Benjamin Moore Pale Oak in a gorgeous warm white kitchen with wood door to pantry and farm sink - AKB Design. #warmwhitekitchen #kitchendesign — AKB Design – **Benjamin Moore PALE OAK** – Warm white paint colors for kitchen cabinets and walls

Here’s the color on cabinets in another project with bright white subway tile for the backsplash.

Pale Oak Benjamin Moore OC-20 kitchen cabinets with glossy subway tile - @linenandpinehome. #warmwhitekitchen — **BM Pale Oak OC-20** – @linenandpinehome

Pale Oak is also a lovely neutral for walls for off-white or cool white cabinetry.

Pale Oak Benjamin Moore OC-20 paint in farmhouse kitchen with gilded pendants, subway tile, and open shelves - @americancolorks. — @americancolorks – **BM PALE OAK** on walls

Maybe I am partial to Pale Oak since it reminds me so much of BM White Sand. I used this warm white throughout the interiors of the French country manor house we built in 2007.

Benjamin Moore WHITE SAND

I loved it with the white oak hardwoods throughout that home, and I used BM Dove Wing on all of the doors and trim.

White Sand is a muted, easygoing creamy beige that looks appealing in both traditional and modern spaces with an LRV of 66.95. It’s just a tad darker than Pale Oak.

Warm white French country kitchen with white oak hardwood floors and quartz counters - Hello Lovely Studio. #benjaminmoorewhitesand — **BM White Sand** – Hello Lovely – White Paint Colors For Kitchen Cabinets and Walls

The cabinets had a custom finish that was a creamy antique white (but not at all yellow-y). Believe it or not, images of my kitchen from 2007 are still trending on Pinterest…18 years later. Crazy and proof that trends are trends…timeless wins.

White Sand (Benjamin Moore) in Hello Lovely's living room with Belgian linen egg chair. — **BM WHITE SAND** – Hello Lovely – White Paint Colors For Kitchen Cabinets and Walls

If you love Belgian linen as I do, you’ll probably like White Sand.

White Sand in our French country dining room with antique grainsack runner and rustic planter with hydrangea - Hello Lovely Studio. — **BM White Sand** on walls – Hello Lovely – White Paint Colors For Kitchen Cabinets and Walls

The dining cabinet is painted BM White Dove in case that helps you to note the contrast with White Sand. And if it’s just a touch too dark for you, BM Ballet White may be perfect.

White Sand paint color in my Belgian style living room - Hello Lovely. — Hello Lovely – **White Sand** on walls – White Paint Colors For Kitchen Cabinets and Walls

This mood board captures the warm, European luxe, coastal feel of White Sand:

Timeless cozy opulence design elements for a bedroom to soothe - Hello Lovely. #cozyopulence #timelessbedrooms #moodboard #shopthelook

1. Candle, Jenni Kayne

2. Thomas O’Brien Sconce

3. Beach Scene Print

4. Stikwood (White Hamptons) Paneling

5. Seagrass Lidded Basket Set

6. Wingback Upholstered Bed

Sherwin-Williams GREEK VILLA 7551

If you are after a white more muted than Pale Oak and White Sand, you could peek at Greek Villa.

Sherwin Williams GREEK VILLA paint color swatch. #sherwinwilliamsgreekvilla #warmwhitepaintcolor — Sherwin -Williams GREEK VILLA

This is described as a sunny white come to life in natural light. Sherwin Williams says to use it to brighten any space or on trim to make other colors pop.

SW GREEK VILLA on kitchen cabinets - @cabinet_creations_nc (Mara Bagnal Gardner). — SW GREEK VILLA – @cabinet_creations_nc

Since the LRV is 84, it is going to reflect a lot of light should your space be dim.

Shannon Bowers Designs - SW GREEK VILLA painted walls in MILIEU (photo: Peter Vitale). #sherwinwilliamsgreekvilla — MILIEU – Shannon Bowers Design (Photo: Peter Vitale)…**SW Greek Villa** paint color

Love the idea of using it for Old World style European-influenced interiors where you want the walls to suggest creamy old plaster?

Sherwin-Williams GREEK VILLA in timeless interior - @handry.home. #sherwinwilliamsgreekvilla #warmwhitepaintcolors — @handry.home – **SW GREEK VILLA**

Because the right paint color can truly change the mood, character, and even age of a room. There aren’t many other design elements more affective AND effective at this price point!

Sherwin-Williams GREEK VILLA on a brick tudor-style exterior - @clarkandcohomes. #sherwinwilliamsgreekvilla #whitehouseexteriors #whitehousecolors — @clarkandcohomes – **SW GREEK VILLA**

You may want to keep Greek Villa in your back pocket for any exterior paint projects ahead…isn’t it stunning on brick (above)?

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Sherwin-Williams MARSHMALLOW 7001

Searching for a bright white to emulate a pillowy embrace? Ooh la la. Marshmallow with its slight pink undertone may just be the right vibe. (SW describes its mood as a warm hug). Below, you can see it on the kitchen walls contrast softly with cool white trim.

SW MARSHMALLOW on walls and OYSTER WHITE on kitchen cabinets - M House Development. — M House Development – **SW Marshmallow on walls**, **Oyster White** on cabinets

For an earthy pairing with Marshmallow, try a dark warm neutral like Foothills, and in the above kitchen, Oyster White was selected for cabinetry.

Sherwin-Williams MARSHMALLOW paint color swatch. #sherwinwilliamsmarshmallow #warmwhtiepaintcolor — **Sherwin-Williams MARSHMALLOW**

I love Marshmallow’s atmospheric feel, and it is very close to one of my more recent favorites…Sherwin Williams Eider White. It covers the walls of our kitchen and laundry room:

Hello Lovely's breakfast nook in a kitchen with modern French style - come shop the look! #modernfrench #frenchkitchen #breakfastnook #hellolovelystudio

1. Similar Woven Placemat Set

2. Everlasting Hydrangea Vase Filler

3. Slipcovered Dining Chair

4. LVP Flooring

5. Wall Paint Color

6. Similar Modern French Vase

7. Thomas O’Brien Elizabeth Chandelier

8. Similar Pedestal Table

At the risk of repeating myself, that drop of magenta/pink in the formula works magic within this muted greige. Here’s Marshmallow on a gorgeous exterior:

MARSHMALLOW on a brick house exterior - @thehomeyhouse. #sherwinwilliamsmarshmallow #whitehouseexteriors — @thehomeyhouse – **SW Marshmallow**

Afraid of pink or purple undertones in some whites? That is why sampling matters. You may be more likely to favor Snowbound.

Sherwin-Williams SNOWBOUND 7004

Like so many of the best neutral paint colors, you can’t easily narrow down Snowbound’s character and temperature. The lighting conditions of your room will influence your perception of it.

Sherwin-Williams Snowbound SW 7004 paint color swatch. #swsnowbound #sherwinwilliamssnowbound #sw7004 — **Sherwin Williams SNOWBOUND**

With its slight gray undertone, this versatile cool white pairs well with other gray-influenced colors. Like stepping into a snowy glade.

SW Snowbound in kitchen with Shaker cabinets, wood floating shelves, and black range hood - @wifeonadime. — @wifeonadime – **SW Snowbound** – How to Choose Trustworthy White Paints

Don’t forget to check out white paint colors without “white” in the name! Light gray colors are often the right white.

Snowbound 7004 white painted brick exterior with medium gray shutters, topiaries, and brick floor. @brandiolivarealty — @brandiolivarealty – White brick facade painted **SW Snowbound 7004**

While we don’t know the exact paint for the grey shutters above, sample Farrow & Ball Manor House Gray No. 265 which is called a cool architectural grey.

Snowbound SW white paint color on house exterior - Coats Homes. — Coats Homes – How to Choose Trustworthy White Paints

Should you paint kitchen walls the same color white as the cabinets? Plenty of people keep it uniform, but you’ll use a different sheen for each.

Snowbound (Sherwin-Williams) in classic kitchen with black dome pendants over island - @hawkes.landing — **SHERWIN-WILLIAMS Snowbound** in a kitchen by @hawkes.landing

Satin or semigloss for trim and flat or eggshell for walls. Cabinets are often painted with enamel and other specialized formulas which will stand up to use.

Sherwin-Williams SHOJI WHITE SW 7042

When you want a color for cabinets, walls, trim, or doors that is light yet cozy, here’s a warm, creamy white that borders on greige.

Sherwin-Williams Shoji White paint color swatch. #swshojiwhite #shojiwhite #whitepaintcolors — **SW Shoji White**

The reason I am showing these paint colors on walls in rooms beyond the kitchen is because it helps to see the same color in various contexts. On cabinets in this kitchen, you can see the contrast of Shoji White with the white ceiling and backsplash:

Shoji White kitchen cabinets in a farmhouse design by @weepingwillow.farmhouse. — **Shoji White** – @weepingwillow.farmhouse

In this bedroom context, you can see it with cool greys in a wash of natural light:

Shoji White bedroom walls in a serene design by @brightsmilinglife. — **SW Shoji White** – @brightsmilinglife – How to Choose Trustworthy White Paints

And suddenly this warm white looks bright and washed out on an exterior below.

White brick house exterior with Shoji White (Sherwin Williams), design by @mrsparanjape and photo by Kristen Mayfield. — White brick house exterior painted **SHERWIN WILLIAMS Shoji White** – @mrsparanjape; photo: Kristen Mayfield.

While there are no rules, for exteriors, it is often helpful to stick with a white where the LRV (that’s the percentage of how much light is being reflected back) is less than 80. Sometimes a too-bright white will feel less than welcoming in terms of curb appeal.

Sherwin Williams Shoji White living room paint color in design by @whitewillow_cullman. — **SHERWIN WILLIAMS Shoji White** paint color in living room by @whitewillow_cullman

Benjamin Moore SIMPLY WHITE OC-117

If you’re unsure where to begin in your paint sampling, Simply White is one of those designer favorites you could start with.

Benjamin Moore Simply White 2143-70 paint color swatch. #bmsimplywhite #bestwhitepaintcolors — **BM SIMPLY WHITE 2143-70**

Simply White (Benjamin Moore) on kitchen cabinets - @sweetshadylane. — @sweetshadylane – BM Simply White

Simply White has worked for so many interiors, exteriors, and projects that its name simply says it all!

@avalonconstructiondesign - Benjamin Moore Simply White house exterior color. — @avalonconstructiondesign

The slightest hint of warmth makes this clean, crisp white a favorite to use anywhere in the home.

Simply White (Benjamin Moore) shiplap in a beautiful bath - Gendron Painting. — Simply White painted shiplap in a bath – Gendron Painting.

BM Simply White and shiplap seem to go together like a snow on a white picket fence, and you’ll find plenty more examples on Pinterest here too. Need an idea for a high contrast neutral to use with it?

Herringbone flooring and beautiful paneled walls painted Benjamin Moore Simply White. The Fox Group. — The Fox Group – Front door paint color: **BENJAMIN MOORE Galveston Gray**; wall and trim: **BENJAMIN MOORE Simply White.**

The Fox Group loves Simply White, and so much of their work includes architectural details such as paneled walls.

Benjamin Moore Simply White painted paneling and trim in a beautiful traditional stairway landing - Susan Joyce Design. — Susan Joyce Design

I can’t imagine being tasked with the job of choosing the perfect white for an area like this…so much work to ever change it!

Entry in English farmhouse style home by The Fox Group with BM Simply White. — Wall and trim color: **BENJAMIN MOORE Simply White** – The Fox Group

Psst. Need an idea for a cool white to contrast with the warm white you choose? In our last home, I painted the walls, trim, and ceilings BENJAMIN MOORE White OC-151.

You can see a good amount of it here:

BM OC-151 in living room with rustic oak Belgian antique cupboard - Hello Lovely Studio. — Paint color on walls, ceiling, and woodwork is **BENJAMIN MOORE White** OC-151

Walls were painted with a flat finish, and semigloss was used on the trim.

Belgian style in my living and dining rooms painted BM White OC-151 - Hello Lovely Studio. — Paint color on walls, ceiling, and woodwork is **BENJAMIN MOORE White OC-151.**

While it is certainly not always in order to paint trim the same white, we wanted ours to mostly disappear.

Modern French dining room and French doors to kitchen with window seat - Hello Lovely Studio. — Hello Lovely – **BENJAMIN MOORE White OC-151**

Our alder doors (left natural with no stain) contrast with the casings.

Knotty alder door in serene white bedroom painted BM White OC-151 - Hello Lovely Studio — Hello Lovely

Shop my home right here.

Brilliant Choice for an Off White: Benjamin Moore WHITE DOVE

Have a Pinterest board reserved for paint colors? It can keep you organized.

Ridiculous quote about what sign are you on Hello Lovely Studio. #whatsyoursign

Easiest way to see if a paint color is right in your space? Order samples with Samplize and have them delivered straight to your door.

Ridiculous humor tweet from @apsullivan about anxiety on Hello Lovely Studio. #anxietyquotes

A Few Favorites for Fans of WHITE

Lefebre Wingback Chair — White Slipcovered Arm Chair

Hello Lovely - traditional kitchen with black island, white custom cabinets, Taj Mahal quartzite, farm sink, Bluestar range, and Chippendale stools. #traditionalkitchens #twotonekitchen

1. Paint Color

2. Backsplash

3. Sink

4. Faucet

5. Flooring

6. Similar Pendant

7. Hardware

8. Exact Counter Stool

9. Similar Runner

Tall Broderieck Slipcovered Bed - Serena & Lily — Tall Broderick Slipcovered Bed

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

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