White kitchen cabinets are to kitchen design what a little black dress is to fashion. They go everywhere. The way you complement them and choose the details make them fit perfectly in any kitchen style or design. Many people choose white kitchen cabinets because it makes the kitchen light and bright and because white looks clean.
In terms of price, white kitchen cabinets are more expensive than some other cabinet styles, but the price is actually determined more by the wood used to make the cabinets than the white paint or vinyl siding. For example, at a home improvement store, a 36″ sink base cabinet will cost $116 in oak, $125 in white, and $154 in maple. However, there are wide variations in the cost and quality of white cabinets.
Paint or siding on white kitchen cabinets can hide the wood used to build the cabinets. For example, the cabinet can be constructed of particle board, pine, oak, hickory, maple, or just about any other type of wood. It could even be built from plywood. This is an important factor in determining the quality of the workmanship on the cabinets.
Choosing white cabinets can be a way to save money by opting for a lower quality material and a good exterior finish. However, you should keep in mind that stoves generate a lot of heat and steam. Be sure to choose a material that won’t warp or peel.
They are also available in a wide range of styles, making them suitable for any kitchen style. But it’s important to match the cabinet door style and construction style to the style of your kitchen. Here are some tips to help you choose.
- White (or ivory) cabinets are very common in traditional-style kitchens, especially French and Southern styles. Cabinets in a traditional kitchen usually have a raised panel door design. Traditional southern-style kitchens also often include glass-paneled doors. Keep in mind that traditional kitchens tend to be elegant and somewhat formal.
- White kitchen cabinets are also popular in country-style kitchens, although natural wood finishes are often preferred. White is most popular in an English country style or Victorian bungalow, but it is also very common in American country houses. Country kitchens by design look worn and well lived in, so white cabinets can also be freely mixed with other finishes.
- White can also be used freely in an eclectic style kitchen where absolutely anything goes and woods, finishes and stylistic characteristics are often very mixed.
- Contemporary style kitchens, whether futuristic or retro, also often use “classic” white. However, in a contemporary kitchen, the cabinet doors will have flat, smooth surfaces to produce a sleek look. Glass door panels, particularly frosted or textured glass, are also commonly used.
White kitchen cabinets can be perfect in any kitchen. In a very small kitchen, white cabinets can create a feeling of more space and light. But with attention to door and construction details and care in selecting the right hardware, white cabinets can be an ideal choice for any kitchen renovation or remodel.