Antique White Kitchen Cabinets: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

A white kitchen island with drawers in a room that features antique white kitchen cabinets.

For many homeowners, color is priority number one, and the same is probably true for you! How you paint your kitchen cabinets is a personal decision because of many reasons. Apart from the fact that we’re naturally attracted to our favorite shades, it’s also worth mentioning that different colors set different moods.

A kitchen with stainless steel appliances.

You kitchen color can also define your personality, which explains why many renovators strive to meet a homeowner’s painting requirements. In this post, we’ll discuss antique white kitchen cabinets to help you make a better decision.

Trend Alert: A wooden floor complementing mixed cabinet finishes in the kitchen.

What to Consider When Picking a Color(s) for Your Kitchen Cabinets

A kitchen with white cabinets and a large island showcasing classic paint colors.

It’s true everyone has their favorite color. But there are times when you know your favorite shade won’t work. Or you need to go outside your comfort zone and try something different than the usual.

A kitchen with a center island and mixed cabinet finishes.

Here’s a checklist of the things to remember when choosing color;

  1. The darkness (or size) of the space. Bright colors can light up dark rooms while dull painting can make a small room look gloomier.
  2. Existing theme colors. Your home has a theme color, make sure whatever paint(s) you choose blends perfectly with current colors.
  3. Do a blend or Go single? Are you after a single color or a color palette?
  4. Existing appliances. Of course, your color must harmonize with existing appliances unless you are planning to buy new sets to match your new looks.

A kitchen with white cabinets and a large island showcasing classic paint colors.

That said, let’s pros and cons of antique white cabinets to help you make a wiser decision.

Advantages of Antique White Kitchen Cabinets

A white Swedish kitchen with stools and a TV.

1. They brighten a kitchen giving the impression of a larger space

White reflects light. Painting your cabinets white can make your small dull kitchen look roomy and bright. 

Related:
3 Ways to Spice Up Your Kitchen

A vintage kitchen with stools and shelves.

Lighting is vital for a small cooking area, and white cabinetry is one way to complement your pendant lights at night or reflect natural light during the day.

A black and white kitchen with stools.

 2. White is clean and classic 

White cabinets go way back, and are still popular for two reasons. One, they leave you with a bright, tidy, and lively kitchen. And two, they are a design standard, and a smart way to avoid painting mistakes.

A traditional kitchen with white cabinets and a blue island.

 

Lastly, white cabinets serve as a backdrop to a kitchen, allowing other kitchen décors to stand out.

A black and white kitchen with marble counter tops and cabinets.

3. Painting cabinets white can increase the chances of a better resale

If you’re staging your home for a resale, then antique white kitchen cabinets is a profitable way to go. Why? For the simple reason that most homeowners and homebuyers prefer it. 

A kitchen with yellow walls and yellow chairs, decorated with white.

With white, it is easier to figure out where to start with your interior design. 

They are also easier to blend with existing furniture, and many homebuyers want something that harmonizes perfectly with what they already have.

A monochrome kitchen with bar stools.

4. They never fade away

Well, white cabinets are a standard feature in Kitchen Design and a trend that never fades away. You go white; you get it right for many reasons.

A kitchen featuring marble counter tops.

First, you avoid making tough color decisions, and second, you follow a standard trend that will remain relevant until you plan your next renovation. 

A small black and white kitchen with stainless steel appliances.

5. Easy to Modify 

Finally, on pros, you can always tweak your white cabinets to match different moods or prepare for different seasons. It’s easier than when you have to deal with other colors or a palette.

Related:
A Guide to Kitchen Area Design

A kitchen with red chairs and a center island.

Disadvantages of Antique White Kitchen Cabinets

1. Stains and dirt can be a pain in the neck 

Your white cabinets may look clean, bright, and welcoming at first, but dirt can make them stressful with time. They attract as much stain as possible, and dirt can really “stand out” in a white background.

kitchen flooring

While that can keep you on your toes periodically in terms of renovation, but what happens when your budget is constrained? Or you don’t have the time to maintain white cabinets?

A small Swedish kitchen with white cabinets and a microwave.

2. You can see wear and tear as they age

Of course, all cabinets age with time and are prone to scratches. The problem with white is how much it shows off every scuff in your kitchen. 

A white kitchen with black counter tops and khaki stools.

Wearing and tear can make a white kitchen look ugly because one can easily point out mistakes. Dull colors are a better way to maintain your kitchens looks even after a long time.

3. Too many hues

White has many variations, which makes it a tricky choice sometimes. What looks appealing in an image may not meet your expectations at a close glance. For instance, antique white is very different from pearl white.

A white kitchen with a center island and bar stools, perfect for a kitchen remodel.

Lastly, white cabinets can look lonely and cold and give the impression of a healthcare facility, which is not the mood you want in a cooking zone.

Wrap Up

Now that you know the pros and cons of antique white kitchen cabinets, it is easier to make a better decision when it comes to colors. Remember to consider the factors discussed in this post when choosing your kitchen cabinet.

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