What Shade of White for Cabinets?

Contemporary

• Think of snow white cabinets as you're decorating a modern or contemporary kitchen. Pure white lends itself to the clean lines of these uncluttered styles. Go without handles or add simple, unfussy hardware.

Antique

• Off-white cabinets that look as though they've been aged in tea will add to the "authentic" feel of antique cabinets. These are the cupboards you might see in an old Georgian mansion or centuries' old family farm.

Shabby Chic

• White mixed with a touch of yellow lends itself to a shabby chic room. You can rough the edges of these cabinets for a more authentic touch. Fill the room with pale pink and mint green accessories to round the look off.

Cottage

• White on white evokes thoughts of a summer cottage. Choose the same white you might use to paint a picket fence for the cabinets. Add hand-painted hardware, and layer in more white through window treatments, dish towels and a tablecloth.

Early American

• Choose a white shade with brown undertones in an Early American-style room. The undertones will add warmth to the space without being overwhelmed by the sometimes ornate style.

Vintage

• A vintage-style kitchen can be "kitsched up" by adding a touch of a primary color in the white paint of the cabinets. For example, a bright blue refrigerator can be complemented by a touch of blue tint in the white paint that covers your cabinets.