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Best Kitchen Countertops for White Cabinets: Quartz, Granite, Colors & More

Homeowners often pick white for cabinets because of its classic, timeless appearance and ability to go with any design style. White cabinetry is also a very safe choice for homeowners looking to sell their home in the near future, because of its appeal to a wide range of buyers.

What many people don’t talk about, however, is what countertop goes best with your kitchen cabinets. Should you pick quartz, a natural stone, or a wood countertop? What is the best color countertop for white cabinets?

The good news is that white kitchen cabinets will match with any countertop material or color. The choice really comes down to your preference and the kitchen style you are looking for. You may also want to consider what existing patterns or colors you need to match, such as flooring, paint, or tile.

Whether you are looking for an all-white kitchen or white cabinets with contrasting countertops, or something in between, there are many countertop options for you to consider when planning your new kitchen.

Selecting the Perfect Countertop Color

Neutral Choices: For those who prefer a subtle look, consider neutral options like whites, grays, and beiges. Light stained wood can also provide a soft, harmonious appearance that complements white cabinets beautifully.

Contrasting Statements: If you’re inclined to make a bolder statement, darker stones or woods can offer striking contrast. Cement or even laminate can infuse modern flair to your setup, creating a focal point in the kitchen.

Consider Undertones and Lighting: Remember, the undertones and the lighting in your kitchen can drastically affect how colors appear. Pay attention to these subtle elements to ensure your countertops enhance the overall ambiance.

Functionality and Maintenance: Beyond aesthetics, think about the qualities you want in your countertops. Are you seeking elegance, rustic charm, or something easy to clean and maintain? Each material offers different benefits.

Budgeting Wisely: Countertops can be a significant investment in your kitchen remodel. Weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully to make a choice that fits your budget while satisfying your design aspirations.

Ultimately, choose a countertop that not only complements your white cabinets but also brings joy every time you step into your kitchen.

How Different Shades of White Affect Your Countertop Choice

While white cabinets offer versatility, the specific shade of white can significantly influence your countertop decision:

  • Cooler White Shades: If your cabinets have a cooler white tone, consider countertops in gray or white with gray veining. These options highlight the sleek qualities of cooler whites and add a modern touch to your kitchen.
  • Warmer White Shades: For cabinets painted in a warmer white, countertops with warmer beige flecks or even wood can bring natural warmth and freshness to the space. This combination creates a welcoming and cozy atmosphere.

Quartz Countertops With White Cabinets

a kitchen remodel featuring white shaker cabinets and a large island with a bold quartz countertop

Arguably the most popular countertop options of the last five years, quartz has nearly the same durability of granite, without the need for annual sealing. Quartz countertops are a manufactured product made up of over 90% natural quartz, bound by resin and pigments.

As a manufactured product, quartz is available in virtually endless color and style options, from more subtle to bold & colorful statement pieces.

One of the main drawbacks to quartz countertops is that they tend to be more expensive than a granite or a laminate countertop, although the price depends on the color you choose.

Popular Quartz Colors With White Cabinets

cambria brittanicca quartz sampleBrittanicca

quartz countertop sample - AriaAria

Calacatta Gold quartz countertop by Silestone
Calacatta Gold

Charcoal soapstone black quartz countertop by Silestone
Charcoal Soapstone

quartz countertop color Lusso by Silestone
Lusso

Choosing Soapstone, Granite, or Marble for White Kitchens

When it comes to pairing countertops with white kitchen cabinets, soapstone, granite, and marble each offer distinct advantages and considerations.

Soapstone: The Affordable and Rustic Alternative

  • Cost and Maintenance: Soapstone is generally more budget-friendly than granite and marble. Its maintenance is less demanding, providing an appealing option for those seeking style without a hefty price tag.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Soapstone brings a unique charm with its slightly rustic appearance, making it ideal for casual kitchen settings. The soft, natural dark surface stands in beautiful contrast to white cabinets, creating a warm yet sophisticated look.
  • Durability Concerns: While soapstone can scratch more easily than granite and marble, minor blemishes are often manageable. They can be buffed out, keeping your countertops looking pristine with minimal effort. However, potential staining is something to consider.

Granite: The Durable Classic

  • Strength and Versatility: Known for its robust nature, granite withstands heavy use without scratching or staining easily. It’s available in a wide array of patterns and colors, which harmonize seamlessly with white cabinets for a timeless kitchen design.
  • Investment Appeal: While pricier than soapstone, granite’s durability and luxurious appearance can add significant value to your home.

Marble: The Elegant Statement

  • Luxurious Look: Marble is synonymous with opulence. Its bright and elegant veining adds an air of timeless sophistication that pairs exquisitely with white cabinetry.
  • Higher Maintenance: Like all natural stones, marble requires regular sealing, making it a more high-maintenance choice. Its surface is prone to etching and staining, especially in busy household kitchens.

In conclusion, the choice between soapstone, granite, and marble largely depends on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and willingness to maintain the countertops. Soapstone stands out for its affordability and rustic allure, granite for its durability and range of colors, and marble for its unparalleled elegance.

Pros and Cons of Marble Countertops with White Cabinets

Pros

  • Aesthetic Appeal: Marble countertops offer a timeless elegance that perfectly complements white cabinets. With a range of styles and veining patterns, from subtle to dramatic, marble provides a versatile look full of character. This versatility allows it to seamlessly blend in both modern and traditional kitchen designs.
  • Value Addition: Installing marble can potentially increase your home’s market value. Its widespread appeal makes it a preferred choice for many homebuyers, adding a luxurious touch to your kitchen that can impress potential buyers.
  • Statement Pieces: Beyond countertops, marble can be a striking choice for backsplashes, creating a cohesive and visually stunning kitchen space. Its natural beauty can serve as a centerpiece in larger kitchen areas.

Cons

  • Porous Nature: Being a natural stone, marble is porous, which means it requires regular sealing to prevent stains and damage from heat exposure. Without proper maintenance, it can become vulnerable to discoloration and etching.
  • Maintenance Requirements: While a well-sealed marble surface can hold up well under heavy use, achieving this requires consistent care. Owners must be diligent about cleaning spills promptly and resealing regularly to maintain its pristine appearance.
  • Cost Considerations: Although marble can be less costly than some other high-end materials like quartz, it still represents a significant investment. Budget considerations should include ongoing maintenance and potential resurfacing.

By weighing these pros and cons, homeowners can make a well-informed decision about integrating marble countertops with their white cabinets.

Granite Countertops With White Cabinets

close up of fantasy brown granite kitchen countertop with a bowl of anjou pears

A wide variety of materials are available for your kitchen countertops. Some of the most popular materials include granite, quartz, laminate, and wood. Each material possesses a distinct set of traits that may make it a more or less viable option for your kitchen remodel.

Granite countertops are a popular, natural stone countertop option for today’s kitchens and baths, primarily because of its balance between affordability and market availability.

Granite is an exceptionally durable material when cared for properly, boasting high heat & scratch resistance. Mined from all over the world, granite has thousands of naturally beautiful color options to choose from.

The best part about granite is that each slab is inherently unique, making your kitchen truly one-of-a-kind. Keep in mind, however, that a granite countertop will need to be sealed on a semi to annual basis to maintain optimum appearance.

Popular Granite Colors With White Cabinets

fantasy brown granite countertop sample
Fantasy Brown

Absolute Black granite countertop sample
Absolute Black

Alaska white granite countertop sampleAlaska White

Bianco Antico granite countertop color sampleBianco Antico

Silver Cloud granite countertop color sample
Silver Cloud

Laminate Countertops With White Cabinets

laminate countertop with white shaker cabinets

Known as one of the more affordable countertop options, laminate countertops are made by gluing a veneer to a piece of particleboard.

While laminate does not have the heat, scratch or water resistance of other countertop materials, some homeowners prefer laminate for its affordability, and there are many color options available to give your kitchen design an appealing look at an affordable price. The most well known brands of laminate countertops are Wilsonart & Formica.

Laminates have come a long way in terms of colors and style options. However, many homeowners tend to think of laminate as a dated material. If you are planning to sell your home soon, you may want to consider low-cost granite or quartz colors instead, to attract more buyers.

Sample Laminate Colors for White Cabinets

Italian White Di Pesco laminate countertop color sample
Italian White Di Pesco

Calacatta Marble laminate countertop color sampleCalacatta Marble

Classic Crystal Granite laminate countertop color sampleClassic Crystal Granite

Formica Fantasy Marble laminate countertop color sampleFantasy Marble

Formica Nero Marquina laminate countertop color swatchNero Marquina

Wood Countertops With White Cabinets

white kitchen cabinets with a raised breakfast bar and a wood countertop

Wood countertops, also known as butcher block, is an appealing countertop option with white cabinets because of its inherent ability to add warmth & nature to any kitchen design. The most well-known brand of butcher block is John Boos & Co. (Boos Block), but there are many options available to choose from.

The type of wood you choose will have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your wood countertops, so be sure to look samples of all your options before purchasing. Many retailers offer wood countertops in your choice of maple, cherry, red oak & walnut.

Keep in mind that wood countertops will require regular sealing and maintenance to maintain their initial appearance. Wood is also susceptible to high heat, moisture, and scratches.

For these reasons, we many homeowners choose to use wood countertops sparingly, as an accent piece, with their white cabinets, and a more durable material for the main part of the kitchen. Popular choices for wood countertops include islands, hutches, and dry bars.

Light vs. Dark Kitchen Countertops

Having white cabinets gives you the flexibility to pick any color countertop for your design.

The question is, what style of kitchen are you looking to achieve? The color you pick for your countertops has a substantial impact on the overall look and feel of your kitchen. Do you want a subdued, yet stylish look, or something dramatic and flashy?

Light Countertops With White Cabinets

Light countertops, by definition, reflect more light than dark countertops.

When you are considering whether to choose light or dark countertops, think about your space. Is it bright and open with plenty of light? Or is it smaller, with less lighting?

If you fall in the latter category, light countertops may be the best choice to pair with your white cabinets, as it will make your space feel bigger, cleaner & brighter. To keep the space from feeling too “clinical,” consider adding some contrast with colored specks, veining, or even an eye-catching tile backsplash.

a vintage white kitchen with white cabinets and a granite countertop

This vintage white kitchen is paired with an off-white granite countertop. The white countertops do not exactly match the white cabinets, instead offering a warmer tone to complement & highlight the vintage finish of the cabinets. Brown specks throughout the natural stone complement the warm wood flooring, giving the room a cohesive look and feel.

White Quartz Countertops With White Shaker Cabinets

a kitchen featuring white slim shaker cabinets, white and gray quartz countertops and a waterfall edge on the island

This white quartz countertop by Cambria offers a neutral white and gray design that serves as a focal point without bringing too much contrast to the kitchen design. The simple, classic appearance of the white shaker cabinets allows for a more dramatic countertop design to draw the eye and pairs nicely with the brown & gray tile on the floors.

Dark Countertops With White Cabinets

Larger, brighter kitchen spaces may benefit from a darker countertop, adding balance, warmth, and contrast. However, dark countertops tend to show dust, smudges, and scratches more prominently than lighter countertops. They may also require more frequent cleaning & maintenance.

Dark Countertops with White Kitchen Cabinets

A potential solution? Consider a leathered or honed finish for your stone countertop.

For example, these white shaker kitchen cabinets are paired with a dark gray granite countertop in a leathered finish. Leathered is a matte, textured countertop finish, and can be more forgiving with scratches and dust than the traditional polished look.

Other Design Considerations

Do you have a secondary cabinet color within your design? Or maybe you plan to add a tile backsplash once the cabinets and countertops are installed?

The best countertop for your white kitchen cabinets is one that ties the whole room together. For example, if you are pairing your white kitchen cabinets with a blue island, you may want to choose a countertop with hints of blue, like Cambria® Portrush.

cambria portrush quartz slab

Your tile backsplash also plays a factor in your countertop selection. A bold countertop choice may require a more subtle backsplash, so the design does not look too “busy,” and vice versa.

Flooring, hardware, appliances & home décor are other factors that you should also consider when choosing the best countertop for your white cabinets. You want your kitchen to blend with the rest of your home, not stick out like a sore thumb.

Need Help Choosing the Best Countertop for Your White Cabinets?

Norfolk Kitchen & Bath is here to help!

We offer thousands of white cabinet and countertop combinations for your kitchen or bath project. Our expert design team will help you sort through the thousands of countertop combinations to find the ideal choice for your remodel. Norfolk offers all the most popular countertop options, from granite, quartz, laminate, wood and so much more.

Stop by one of our six design showrooms in Massachusetts & New Hampshire or schedule your free design consultation to get started today!

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