What Color Countertops Go With White Cabinets?

ProSource Wholesale | 1/28/2025

Tricks of the Trade is an article series dedicated to providing answers to commonly asked questions. The interviews are conducted with ProSource Wholesale^® trade professional members, offering their insights and experience to these thoughts that arise during the building or remodeling process.

Susan Corvo is the owner of Susan Corvo Redesign, an interior design firm based in Norwalk, Connecticut and a member of ProSource of Stamford, Connecticut.

 

 

With over 20 years of ProSource membership, Susan specializes in designing beautiful and functional kitchens, drawing on her passion for cooking and baking to create spaces that stand the test of time.

Pairing Countertops with White Cabinets

When selecting countertops for white cabinets, Susan emphasizes that the choice should harmonize with the home’s overall design. “You’re going to be looking at that countertop for a long time,” Susan advises. “It’s much easier to change a backsplash than a countertop, so I recommend picking something neutral and building around it.”

• Neutral Quartz Options: Quartz provides a wide range of soft, neutral tones like beige, gray, and cream that pair seamlessly with white kitchen cabinets, creating a timeless look without feeling stark.
• Bold Contrast with Dark Quartz: For homeowners seeking contrast, darker quartz countertops, such as black or charcoal, add depth and elegance to white cabinets with dark countertops, enhancing visual interest.
• Blended Raw Materials with Veining: Engineered options with subtle veining mimic the look of natural stone, delivering style and durability while perfectly complementing white cabinets.
• Marble: Classic and timeless, particularly Calacatta marble, which offers elegance but requires upkeep. Marble remains a favorite for those seeking timeless countertops that pair perfectly with white kitchen cabinets.

Balancing Neutral and Bold Countertop Options

The choice between neutral and bold countertops often depends on the homeowner’s personality and existing decor. “For conservative clients, I suggest neutral tones,” Susan explains. “For bolder personalities, granite, marble, quartzite or quartz with vibrant veining or unique patterns can make a stunning focal point, especially on an island.”

Susan shares an example of a recent project: “We chose a striking marble with subtle blue veining, paired with a light blue backsplash, to transform a simple white kitchen into an eye-catching space.”

Trends and Timeless Pairings

Susan notes the enduring popularity of white cabinets with marble or marble-look quartz. “People want that timeless, elegant look,” she says. However, she also tracks trends such as bold island colors paired with neutral perimeters. “Adding color to the island while keeping the perimeter neutral allows for flexibility over time,” she explains.

This approach often complements designs featuring dark kitchen cabinets with white countertops, a trend that continues to grow in popularity.

Lighting’s Impact on Countertop Selection

Kitchen lighting—both natural and artificial—plays a critical role in countertop selection. “Lighting affects how colors and veining appear,” Susan points out. She recommends incorporating under-cabinet and pendant lighting to highlight countertops and backsplashes while ensuring functionality and ambiance.

Susan emphasizes that lighting can dramatically influence the appearance of white kitchen cabinets with dark countertops, ensuring the space feels warm and inviting rather than stark.

Affordable and Durable Countertop Options

For those balancing budget and durability, engineered material like quartz is popular for its resilience and affordability. Quartz offers a wide range of styles that are budget-friendly and easy to maintain. Homeowners and pros who are looking for affordable countertop ideas can also explore blended raw materials, which combine durability with versatile design options.

Avoiding Pitfalls in Countertop Selection

Susan advises against choosing all-white countertops in all-white kitchens, which can feel overly sterile. “If someone insists on white-on-white, I suggest adding subtle veining to break up the monotony,” she says. She also cautions against overly trendy options that may not age well.

For those seeking the best countertop color for white cabinets, Susan recommends exploring options that balance aesthetic appeal and longevity.

The ProSource Advantage

Susan praises ProSource for its selection, pricing, and customer service. “The variety is phenomenal, and the pricing is competitive,” she says. She highlights the value of their resources, sharing, “I love the one-stop shop. I can go in and pick out all my flooring, tile, cabinets, and even area rugs. Having a showroom set up with kitchens and showers allows clients to visualize their projects better. Sometimes I even bring samples directly to my clients because ProSource’s sample checkout makes it so easy.”

With ProSource’s support, Susan has been able to provide her clients with beautiful and functional spaces that reflect their unique styles and needs.

Ready to create your dream kitchen? Visit your local ProSource showroom or create a free account to get started today.

Tagged: Countertops Cabinets Kitchen Faucets Kitchen Sinks Cabinet Hardware Kitchen