The Best Sherwin Williams White Paint Colors for Cabinets

Overwhelmed by all of the white paint color selections available on the market today? To simplify things for you, in this post, I have rounded up the most tried and true Sherwin Williams white paint colors which are not only beautiful on walls, but perfect for kitchen cabinets.

It makes me feel like an old hag to say this, but for the past fifteen years, every home I have owned has included a white kitchen.

However, contrary to what it may sound like, this was actually no coincidence- but a strong design preference.

In fact, other than a new construction home that I owned briefly in the early 2010’s, the majority of my white kitchens originally started off as dark, outdated spaces which I then chose to paint white.

From warm creamy whites to pure bright whites, I have pretty much dabbled around with them all.

Remarkably, every white hue I have ever used on my kitchen cabinets has been a Sherwin Williams color.

With that being said, it’s safe to say that I am pretty damn qualified to curate a list of best Sherwin Williams white paint colors for use on cabinets (and no…this isn’t a plug for the paint company).

What is the best white paint to paint kitchen cabinets?

Now just because I have always stuck with Sherwin Williams for my kitchen cabinet paint selections, there are plenty of other white hues from other manufacturers that look stunning in kitchens (like Chantilly Lace and Swiss Coffee to name a few).

Ultimately what you deem to be the best white for your kitchen cabinets will depend on a combination of factors including: natural lighting conditions, surrounding wall tone, backsplash color and even countertop material.

Because each one of these elements can influence how your paint color will read, before you commit to a paint color for cabinets in your own home, you need to sample that paint against your tile and your countertops. Also be sure to observe the paint sample throughout the day in various natural and artificial lighting conditions.

A really simple tip for weeding out all of the overwhelming possibilities of paint choices is by first determining if you want a crisp bright white or a soft, creamy white. I always suggest clients create a Pinterest board of aspirational kitchens, and then determine if the majority of their inspiration includes white-white or off-white tones.

Now that we’ve gotten the nuances of paint selection out of the way, here are some of the best Sherwin Williams white paint colors for cabinets…

Sherwin Williams Shoji White (SW 7042)-

To match my home’s exterior walls, I recently painted the DIY cabinet doors in my outdoor kitchen SW Shoji White . Classified as a warm, off-white, this color can present tan undertones or even gray undertones- all depending on your unique lighting conditions.

In very bright light, this color can even come off as a deceivingly bright white ( only when there is no true white to compare it to). I say “deceivingly” because its LRV is only 74 (a value of 100 would be that of a true white-white).

Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008)-

Slightly brighter than Shoji White, with an LRV of 82, SW Alabaster blends the best of both worlds- exuding both a welcoming and a clean look with its soft warm tones . Just browse around the web and it becomes apparent this white color has become one of the most popular choices for walls and cabinets alike.

While it does have yellow undertones to give the base its warmth, the finished formula results in a beautiful creamy, balanced white.

While this particular kitchen designed by Studio McGee looks to have lots of natural light, this color might read a bit more saturated and warm in a darker setting.

Sherwin Williams Extra White (SW 7006)-

I have used SW Extra White on my perimeter cabinets in two of my kitchens now (pictured above and below). I have also used the white color for several door and trim projects.

If you are looking for a crisp and reflective look, this might just be the best choice for your needs.

As you can see in the two different spaces photographed, just how bright this hue reads will depend largely on how much natural light your kitchen receives. Personally, I have considered a warmer white for my lake house, but thought the white looked perfect in my more dimly lit 1980’s kitchen.

What I especially love about Extra White is its lack of funky undertones- making it a pretty safe bet for a variety of color schemes. With an LRV of 86, its very reflective of light without being overly sterile.

Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036)-

Ok…I know that beige is not technically white, but if you are feeling into kitchen trends of the future, I am here to tell you that beige is the new white (yes…you heard me right!).

This kitchen by Kathleen Post is gorgeous proof that warmer, more saturated tones on cabinets can still feel fresh and bright when paired with white elements like white walls, light fixtures and countertops. I am totally and utterly obsessed!

Taking the place of your typical white subway tile, earth-toned zellige backsplash tiles are making quite a splash in the world of interior design. Accessible Beige compliments the undertones of this tile impeccably.

With an LRV of 58, Accessible Beige is definitely not for anyone going after the super crisp, reflective vibe. But in certain lighting conditions, it can look like a very earthy, off-white- perfect for a soft, grounding space. While this color is in the neutral family, it can display some grey undertones.

Sherwin Williams Snowbound (SW 7004)-

If your aesthetic leans more coastal, with lots of cool colors in your palette, you may want to consider a cool white paint color like SW Snowbound to match your surrounding color scheme.

While this cool, bright white does have some grey undertones, pairing it with other greys and blues will create a fresh and airy environment.

I love how The Grit and Polish paired the upper white cabinets with dark, navy lower cabinets for a dramatic effect.

Sherwin Williams Pure White (SW 7005)-

If you are looking for the perfect bright, neutral white cabinet color, SW Pure White is a very popular choice.

To keep this paint formula from reading too stark, there are very subtle yellow undertones in it (which also give it some warmth).

With an LRV of 84, many consider this hue one of the best white paint colors for white cabinetry (I mean..that is.. if you are looking for both brightness and softness in your kitchen). Moreover, Pure White is often a popular choice as a trim color.

While this white reads bright and neutral, it is technically considered to be a warm white paint color.

As you can see from the gorgeous example above, this versatile color pairs well with the warm wood tones on the vent hood just as well as it does with the white tile backsplash.

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White (SW 7757)-

Touted as the “brightest and cleanest” white paint color by Sherwin Williams themselves, as kitchen cabinetry is concerned, SW High Reflective White is considered one of the most popular white paint colors of all times

With an LRV of 93 (the highest light reflective value on this list), this paint color is a great choice if true whites give you all the feels.

Void of both cool and warm undertones, many consider this hue the perfect color for white kitchen cabinets…especially if your goal is crisp and bright.

Just keep in mind that if you have warmer tones in your backsplash or counter top surface, in contrast to such a bright white, some of those facets could look dingy when paired with High Reflective White.

That is why is it always advisable to sample your paint next to your surrounding elements before making your final decision.

So… now that I have listed off the best Sherwin Williams’ whites, I just had to squeeze in a Benjamin Moore color because it has seriously become one of my favorite freakin’ whites…

Bonus Color: White Dove by Benjamin Moore ( OC-17) –

I know I promised to only discuss Sherwin Williams white cabinet paint with you, but I just couldn’t leave my dream kitchen out of this roundup.

If you aren’t absolutely hell bent on using a particular brand of paint, BM White Dove is certainly one to consider.

In fact, this stunning off-white is what was used on the cabinets in this dreamboat of a kitchen designed by Becki Owens.

While White Dove does lean warm, in a lot of natural light, it actually comes off as a balanced, classic white. Blending beautifully with wood tones and white marble alike, I can see why this shade has become so incredibly popular.

With an LRV 83.16, it is both bright and soft- a winning combination if you ask me.

Well….I hope this list has simplified all of the overwhelm that is the process of paint selection (trust me…finding the perfect paint is my least favorite part of decorating).

Now that you’ve seen some inspiration, I wanted to address some common paint questions that may arise when it comes to to actually painting your cabinets…

What sheen of paint is best for kitchen cabinets?

While traditional or transitional home design typically calls for a semi-gloss or high-gloss sheen on cabinets, casual modern design and farmhouse styles look best with a matte to eggshell finish. Aesthetics aside, satin tends to be the best compromise between flat and glossy as the finish is slightly more durable than a pure matte finish.

Although gloss is easier to clean, it may not match the vibe of your home.

What is the most durable paint to use on cabinets?

While I can be a major cheap skate when it comes to most things, I refuse to skimp on cabinet paint.

While milk paint and oil-based paints are durable enough for kitchen cabinetry, in recent years, I have found urethane-based paints to not only be the most durable, but the most user-friendly. You can read my kitchen cabinet paint brand reviews in that separate post which includes all the deets on durability.

Are white kitchens going out of style?

White kitchens are such a classic staple in design that they have never truly gone out of style (nor will I foresee them ever going out of style).

What does seem to change with time is the prominence of undertones used (warm vs. cool/creamy vs crisp). Lately, there has definitely been a trend to use much warmer whites (which lean more cream and beige). But overall, you can’t go wrong with a white kitchen.

Whether you prefer bright and crisp or soft and creamy, I say do you, boo!

F*ck keeping up with the trends. This is your home and your rules.

Thank you so incredibly much for stopping by and spending some time with me this week. Hopefully you are now well on your way to the kitchen of your dreams.

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Now get out there and design some good vibes along with a fabulous life!