Selecting the right wall color to go with metal white kitchen cabinets can totally transform the look and feel of your kitchen. The wall color you choose will set the tone for the whole space, impacting the ambiance, aesthetics and functionality of the room. With so many paint options to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to settle on the perfect color.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of choosing the ideal wall color for your metal white kitchen cabinets. We’ll provide color combinations, visual examples, expert tips and things to consider to help you make the best decision for your unique style and space. By the end let’s make your kitchen walls work in perfect harmony with those sleek metal white cabinets!
Factors To Consider When Choosing Wall Color for Metal White Kitchen Cabinets
When selecting a wall color to complement metal white kitchen cabinets, there are a few key factors to take into account:
The Amount of Natural Light
The quantity and quality of natural light your kitchen receives will impact the wall color options suitable for the space. North-facing rooms with limited sunlight can handle deeper, warmer and more saturated paint colors. South or west facing rooms awash in natural light look best with lighter, cooler wall colors to avoid appearing too dark and dramatic.
The Room’s Size
Smaller kitchens feel even more cramped with dark wall colors, while larger kitchens can comfortably accommodate deeper shades. Lighter wall colors tend to make rooms look bigger and more open.
The Look You Want
Consider the overall look you want for your kitchen – modern, traditional, farmhouse, minimalist, etc. Then choose a wall color that aligns with that aesthetic. Cool grays work for contemporary. Warm whites suit farmhouse style. Etc.
Adjoining Rooms
Think about adjoining spaces like a dining room, living room or hallway. Choosing a wall color that complements the adjoining room’s color palette will allow for a cohesive flow.
Your Plan For Countertops and Backsplash
Knowing what materials you’ll use for the countertops and backsplash will inform your wall color selection. You’ll want your wall color to complement rather than compete with these elements.
Best Wall Colors for Metal White Kitchen Cabinets
Here are some of the most popular, on-trend wall colors that look beautiful with metal white kitchen cabinets:
Light and Airy Neutrals
Neutral whites, creams, and pale grays are fail-safe choices. They keep the space feeling open, airy and illuminated. Barely-there hues like:
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
- Sherwin-Williams Pure White
- Behr Silver Drop
-Valspar Windswept Smoke
Let the cabinets pop while also allowing room for bold splashes of color in accessories and decor elements.
Crisp, Vibrant Whites
For a sharper, high-contrast look, opt for bolder whites like:
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Sherwin-Williams Extra White
- Behr Ultra Pure White
- Valspar Clean Canvas
Super white walls look incredibly fresh and contemporary with metal kitchen cabinets.
Light Grays
For a slightly less stark but still neutral contrast, soft gray hues like:
- Benjamin Moore Pale Oak
- Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray
- Behr Ashlar Slate
- Valspar Lexington Gray
Add visual depth while maintaining an airy, open vibe.
Warm Off Whites
Warm off whites provide subtle contrast and give the space a cozy, welcoming feel. Great options include:
- Benjamin Moore Simply Cream
- Sherwin-Williams Shoji White
- Behr Creamy
- Valspar Off Kilter
The hint of color makes this a flexible option across styles.
Popular Accent Wall Colors
Rather than painting all four walls the same color, consider using a neutral hue on three walls and then making one wall an accent with bolder color. This creates visual interest and depth. Popular accent colors include:
Navy Blue
A dark navy blue accent wall adds a stylish punch. Try:
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Sherwin-Williams Naval
- Behr Rustic Blue
- Valspar Deepest Navy
Forest Green
For an earthy, organic feel try a rich green accent wall like:
- Benjamin Moore Cumberland
- Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog
- Behr Backwoods
- Valspar Fir Tree
Charcoal Gray
A dark charcoal gray wall adds modern drama, like:
- Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere
- Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black
- Behr Slate Gray
- Valspar Charcoal Smoke
Brick Red
For traditional or farmhouse kitchens, a red accent wall adds a bold punch, like:
- Benjamin Moore Caliente
- Sherwin-Williams Brilliant Red
- Behr Celery Stick
- Valspar Scarlet Curtain
Wall Color Combinations For Metal White Kitchen Cabinets
Below are some stunning, on-trend wall color combinations for metal white kitchen cabinets:
Metal White Cabinets + Light Gray Walls + Navy Blue Accent Wall
This look is stylish and modern. The light gray provides an airy neutral base while the navy blue accent wall adds an elegant, dramatic pop of color.
Metal White Cabinets + White Gray Walls + Forest Green Accent Wall
For a nature-inspired vibe, pair fresh white walls with an earthy green accent wall punctuated by the bright white cabinets.
Metal White Cabinets + Off White Walls + Brick Red Accent Wall
Warm off white walls complement the cabinets, while the red accent wall gives this traditional kitchen bold character.
Metal White Cabinets + Crisp White Walls + Charcoal Gray Accent Wall
High contrast white walls make the cabinets gleam, balanced by the moody charcoal gray accent wall for contemporary flair.
Metal White Cabinets + Light Warm Gray + Navy Blue Backsplash
Soft cool gray walls allow a vibrant blue backsplash to really stand out behind the crisp cabinets.
No matter what color combinations you choose, stick to a cohesive palette for a professionally designed look.
Tips for Painting Your Kitchen Walls
Once you’ve selected the perfect color palette for your metal white kitchen cabinets, here are some tips to ensure paint perfection:
- Use high quality paint – Investing in premium professional grade paint will give you better coverage and a more durable finish.
- Properly prep – Clean walls thoroughly, fill holes, sand glossy areas, and apply primer and/or sealer if needed. Proper prep prevents imperfections.
- Apply painter’s tape – Use tape to cleanly define edges along trim, ceilings, and corners. This prevents drips and smears.
- Use a mini roller – Rollers create a smooth, consistent finish. Use a mini roller made for cabinets to paint accent walls.
- Maintain a wet edge – Maintain a wet edge as you paint to prevent lap marks and color variations. Work in sections.
- Work top to bottom – Paint ceilings first, then walls from top to bottom. This prevents drips ruining your finished paint job.
- Do the doors last – Paint cabinet doors offsite or after finishing the walls to avoid drips and smears.
Following these best practices will result in a flawless, professional paint job that perfectly complements your metal white kitchen cabinets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wall Colors For Metal White Kitchen Cabinets
What is the most popular wall color for white kitchen cabinets?
Light neutral colors like white, cream, pale gray, and light beige tend to be the most popular. They make the space feel bright and airy. Crisp white is the top choice for a modern, high-contrast look.
What color walls go with off white cabinets?
Softer neutrals like almond, light tan, warm gray, and light sand complement off white cabinets well. If your cabinets read more cream, try a crisp white for the walls.
What wall color makes white cabinets pop?
Bold white walls make white cabinets really stand out and look their whitest. Navy blue, charcoal, black, and even bright red accent walls make the white cabinets pop dramatically.
Should wall color match or contrast cabinets?
It’s generally best to stick with either matching or complementary hues rather than clashing contrasts. However, one brightly colored accent wall can contrast dramatically for visual interest. Just keep the other walls matching.
Should backsplash match wall or cabinets?
Traditionally the backsplash color matches either the wall or cabinet color. Modern designs sometimes use the backsplash as a contrasting accent color instead. There are no set rules – just choose colors that coordinate pleasingly together.
What is the most popular backsplash color for white kitchen cabinets?
White and off-white subway tile and marble are classic. Gray and blue glass tile have also become very trendy backsplash pairings for white cabinets.
Should kitchen cabinet colors match throughout the house?
Cohesion between rooms is nice, but not essential. Having different cabinet colors in the kitchen versus bathrooms or laundry room is fine. Just aim for an overall coordinated feel.
Conclusion
The wall color you choose for your new metal white kitchen cabinets can make all the difference in creating your dream kitchen aesthetic. While off whites, light grays and accent blue walls are stunning choices, be sure to also consider factors like natural light, room size, overall style and adjoining spaces when selecting your color scheme. With so many gorgeous options, you can confidently choose wall colors that enhance and complement your sleek metal white cabinets for a fully unified, beautifully designed kitchen space.