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Pros and Cons of White Kitchen Cabinets

White kitchen cabinets are timeless, beautiful, and almost always on-trend. However, that may not mean they’re a great choice for you. If you’re debating between wood cabinets, white cabinets, grey cabinets, or other options, we’re here to steer you in the right direction. Check out the pros and cons of white kitchen cabinets, courtesy of O’Hanlon Kitchens, Inc.

Pro: White Cabinets Make the Kitchen Feel Bigger

White tends to make a room feel bigger. It reflects light well, making the whole room feel brighter and more open. Since the cabinets take up most wall space in a kitchen, having white kitchen cabinets can help your space feel bigger. If you have a small kitchen or limited lighting options, this is a great solution for you.

Con: White Cabinets May Make the Kitchen Feel Too Big

Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to interior design. Sometimes a space can feel too large, as if it has no definition or source of grounding. If space is not an issue in your kitchen, you may go with a darker color to bring a sense of coziness to your kitchen.

Pro: White Cabinets Are Easy to Repair

For the most part, white kitchen cabinets are easy to repair. If you get a chip on a cabinet door, you can paint it with matching white paint. If the caulking around your cabinets shrinks or separates, you can re-apply white caulking. You do not need a specialty caulk that matches the color of your cabinets.

Con: White Cabinets Are Difficult to Clean

Perhaps the biggest complaint about white cabinets is that they are hard to keep clean. White shows fingerprints, food splatters, grease, and other dirt more easily than other colors. If you have ornate white cabinets with multiple trim depths, they may be even harder to clean.

To combat this issue without sacrificing the white aesthetic, consider getting two-toned cabinets. Choose a different color for your base cabinets, and reserve white for your upper cabinets. This will make the lower cabinets easy to maintain, but it will still allow you to brighten up your kitchen.

Pro: White Kitchen Cabinets Are Neutral and Versatile

White cabinets go with nearly every design style. If you are selling your home in the future, the white will appeal to most buyers. If you change your kitchen design in the future, the white cabinets can transition from traditional to modern to rustic and beyond. You’ll get a lot of options with this investment.

Con: Not All Shades of White Are the Same

Just like all colors, white comes in different shades. Some shades have different undertones, which may not fit well with other elements in your kitchen. For instance, if your granite has cream accents, stark white cabinets may not look right. You’d be better off with a slightly warmer white that corresponds with the cream. Think about this when you design your kitchen to ensure cohesion throughout the space.

Pro: White Kitchen Cabinets Are Great for Resale

When it comes to adding value to your home, you can’t go wrong with white kitchen cabinets. This appeals to a wide pool of buyers, and it can help your home sell fast. White looks fresh and clean, which shows that you care about your home. Buyers and appraisers alike will make note of that.

Con: White Cabinets May Lack ‘Pizzazz’

If you want kitchen cabinets with a lot of personality, white may not do the trick. You may want a fun pop of color, like navy blue or mustard yellow. Before choosing colorful cabinets, consider adding ‘pizzazz’ with tile or kitchen accessories. You could install open shelving in one area of your kitchen and fill the shelves with decorative objects. White creates a neutral canvas you can add to and change over time.

Choosing the Right Color for Your Kitchen Cabinets

Need help choosing the right kitchen cabinet color for your home? Contact O’Hanlon Kitchens, Inc. at 443-285-0558 or 717-755-5555 to schedule your free consultation. One of our knowledgeable kitchen remodelers near you will gladly discuss your options and create a custom design plan for you!

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