At a Glance:
Are White Appliances Coming Back?
Matching White Kitchen Appliances with the Right Designs
Understanding Appliance Finishes & Kitchen Size
Pros and Cons of White Appliances
The Latest Looks in White Kitchen Appliances We Love
Are white appliances still popular? It’s a question many homeowners ask, and it makes sense. With enticing new colors to shop, including customizable finishes and panel-ready options, the thought of an all white kitchen can come across as outdated, but any visit to an appliance store will show that white appliances are everywhere—and with good reason!
Why? We reveal the popularity of white appliances, including tips for when and where to use the appliance finish, plus a look at the latest appliances that take the timeless look of white and give it an update to suit the taste of modern homeowners.
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Shop NowAre White Appliances Coming Back?
There’s no point in circling around the topic. The fact of the matter is white will always be a popular color in the home, and even to this day white kitchen appliance trends are reemerging as interior designs change. The biggest moment white appliances had was with the farmhouse movement, where white was used alongside neutrals and earth tones for a “lived-in” look that is welcoming and detachment from urbanism. And while farmhouse design might not have the dominion it used to have, variations on the look—including modern farmhouse and coastal farmhouse—make great canvases for white kitchen appliances.
Of course, a kitchen doesn’t need to follow farmhouse trends for it to be compatible with white appliances. The color is versatile enough to be the standard in any kitchen, but it works especially well in:
- Smaller kitchens because white helps a place look larger.
- Kitchens with light countertops and floors.
- Cooking spaces with natural or lightly stained cabinets.
Matching White Kitchen Appliances with the Right Designs
Since white kitchen appliances are versatile enough to suit various kitchen styles, kitchen ideas with white appliances abound. White kitchen appliances particularly shine in designs aiming for a classic or farmhouse aesthetic, to name a few examples. Their clean, crisp hue enhances the airiness of minimalist and modern kitchens, creating a fresh, open ambiance. Their ability to bridge the gap between contemporary and classic styles makes white appliances a versatile choice for a spectrum of kitchen designs.
However, white kitchen appliances might not be the ideal fit for certain design styles, such as industrial-themed kitchens seeking a rugged, raw aesthetic. In these spaces, the stark contrast between the appliances' brightness and the overall rugged, utilitarian vibe might clash. Similarly, kitchens with darker cabinets might find white appliances challenging to integrate, as the sharp contrast can sometimes disrupt the warmth of the wood.
Farmhouse & Modern Farmhouse Kitchens
Farmhouse and modern farmhouse designs blend rustic elements with contemporary touches, creating a cozy yet refined ambiance. Both can be seen featuring shiplap walls, exposed beams, natural wood textures, and vintage-inspired accents alongside clean lines and modern amenities. White appliances seamlessly complement these styles by offering a crisp, clean backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the warmth of wooden elements. Their simplicity allows them to integrate effortlessly into the farmhouse aesthetic, enhancing a kitchen's bright and airy atmosphere while maintaining a timeless charm that aligns with the rustic yet sophisticated appeal of the design.
Modern Kitchens
Modern kitchen designs showcase sleekness, clean lines, and minimalism, mainly with smooth surfaces, streamlined cabinetry, and a focus on functionality. White appliances seamlessly complement this style due to their understated elegance and ability to blend effortlessly with the minimalist color palette often present in modern kitchens. Their clean, unobtrusive appearance contributes to the overall sense of openness and simplicity.
Learn More: Modern Kitchen Design Ideas: Appliance Edition
Traditional Kitchens
Traditional kitchens typically showcase rich wood cabinetry, intricate details, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. In these settings, white appliances work exceptionally well due to their ability to create a harmonious contrast against the classic use of wood tones. The appliances' neutral appearance complements the traditional elements without overpowering the intricate designs or ornate details. This contrast highlights the beauty of the cabinetry and accents, contributing to a balanced and timeless aesthetic within the traditional kitchen theme. Plus, if your kitchen is not large, white tends to be the best color appliances for small kitchens, as they tie the room together and give an illusion of more space.
Understanding Appliance Finishes & Kitchen Size
Appliance colors play a crucial role in influencing the perception of space within a kitchen, and kitchen designs with white appliances are popular choices for homeowners for a reason.
In smaller kitchens, white appliances tend to work better than their black counterparts because they reflect more light, creating an illusion of a larger, more open area. White appliances visually recede into the background, making the space feel less cluttered and more expansive. On the other hand, darker appliance colors absorb more light and can appear more dominant, potentially making a smaller kitchen feel even more confined. The reflective properties of white appliances contribute significantly to a sense of airiness and openness, making them a preferred choice for compact kitchen spaces.
Pros and Cons of White Appliances
Overall, here’s the main takeaway if you’re on the fence about whether or not to choose white appliances in your kitchen.
✅Timeless Appeal: White appliances have a classic, timeless look that can adapt to various kitchen designs and trends.
✅ Versatility: Kitchen appliances with white finishes blend well with different color schemes, cabinetry styles, and countertops, offering a versatile option for diverse kitchen aesthetics.
✅Perceived Space: In smaller kitchens, white appliances help create an illusion of space, making the area feel larger and more open due to their light-reflective properties.
✅Widely Available: White appliances are typically more readily available than some of the less common color options, making them easier to find and replace.
✖ Susceptible to Stains: White surfaces might be more prone to showing stains, smudges, or discoloration compared to darker appliance finishes, requiring more frequent cleaning.
✖ Matching Challenges: While versatile, white might not perfectly match certain kitchen designs or color schemes, especially those centered around darker tones or industrial aesthetics.
✖ Not the Most Modern Look: In some cases, white appliances can be associated with older, outdated kitchens—although this perception has been changing with evolving design trends.
The Latest Looks in White Kitchen Appliances We Love
Still not convinced white kitchen appliances can work with today’s homes? Take a look at our roundup of the best white appliances on the market, which take the classic look of a white appliance and give it a modern update.
Café™ 27.6 Cu. Ft. Matte White 4-Door French Door Refrigerator
This gorgeous French door white refrigerator boasts a sophisticated finish ideal for larger kitchens. Its matte surface, one of the most popular appliance finishes, minimizes light reflection, preventing an exaggerated sense of space that can make a room feel empty. The look is beautifully accentuated with custom hardware, and it performs just as great as it looks with a convertible middle drawer, an Energy Star rating, and nearly 28 cubic feet of capacity—one of the largest in its class.
★ Featured Cafe CVE28DP4NW2 Review:
“We love this refrigerator! It has so much useable space and we can see everything in it. The organization of the drawers is amazing, but the autofill feature may be our favorite part!”
Samsung Bespoke 30 Cu. Ft. White Glass 3-Door French Door Refrigerator with Beverage Center™
Shop This Samsung Refrigerator
This shiny, innovative refrigerator introduces an exclusive white finish that amplifies modern kitchen aesthetics. Equally compatible in small and large kitchens, its glossy finish adds sophistication while effortlessly integrating into contemporary designs, accentuating spaciousness without overwhelming the visual balance. If upgrades like a Beverage Center, Twin Plus cooling for independent climate control in the freezer and fridge, and an Energy Star-rated performance sound enticing, you’ll love having 30 cubic feet of storage to explore all those features in.
★ Featured Samsung RF30BB660012 Review:
“Very sleek design and features that work for our family. Lots of space to organize items and have a clear view of everything.”
KitchenAid® 24" White Top Control Built In Dishwasher
Shop This KitchenAid Dishwasher
Think a white dishwasher is boring? This model from KitchenAid with its “Professionally Designed” build begs to differ. The right amount of refinement, the only thing more attractive than this dishwashing machine’s design are the results it provides with ProWash technology equipped with water sensors, triple water filtration, and heated drying. That’s on top of a spacious third rack and adjustable rack placement, making this an all-around winner in the looks and performance department.
★ Featured KitchenAid KDTE204KWH Review:
“Quietest and cleanest dishwasher I ever owned. Highly recommend.”
Viking® 5 Series 30" Frost White Professional Chimney Wall Mounted Range Hood
This timeless white oven hood exudes modern sophistication with its sleek stainless steel finish. Its polished exterior seamlessly integrates into contemporary kitchens, adding a touch of professional elegance. This hood becomes a focal point, enhancing the space with its seamless blend of style and functionality, making it a standout feature in any modern kitchen design, while up to 1500 CFMs of power, heat sensors, and overhead lighting make it a helpful addition to your cooking routine.
LG Studio 1.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over-the-Range Microwave
A white microwave from LG Studio could be the pièce de résistance that brings the look of your kitchen together. Its polished surface not only exudes modern elegance but also seamlessly integrates into contemporary or transitional spaces. We love it’s no-handle design that emphasizes this model’s clean presentation, plus digital touch controls a modern touch. With nearly 2 cubic feet of space, a 300-CFM fan rating, and an Air Fry setting, function and form are what his over the range microwave is all about.
Samsung Bespoke 30" White Slide In Gas Range
This white stove redefines kitchen elegance with its pristine, bespoke white finish. It’s part of Samsung’s exclusive line of custom kitchen appliances, this model seen featured in a beautiful white finish complemented by illuminated knobs and brass burners. As far as cooking appliances goes, this gas range has all the bells and whistles, from Wi-Fi connectivity to an Air Fry mode to speedy Convection+ technology—and it’s all at your demand with voice-enabled controls for even more convenience.
★ Featured Samsung NX60BB871112 Review:
“I simply love my range. It does everything and works great. I simply love all the amenities that comes with stove. I didn't have to by an air fryer, wok or grill as well as other amenities. My husband is cooking more. I love it!”
Frigidaire® 30" White Single Electric Wall Oven
If you have a separate cooking and baking zone, a white oven that matches other appliances throughout the space can help balance the setting. This pick from Frigidaire offers a classic approach to the look with all the essentials to bake every meal. Enjoy preparing meals with convection baking inside more than 5 cubic feet of cooking space, and when all is done, run the self-clean mode for quick and simple cleanup.
★ Featured Frigidaire FCWS3027AW Review:
“Great oven, easy to use controls and love the sleek design. A great addition to our newly renovated kitchen.”
TL;DR—white kitchen appliances are here to stay, and with manufacturers reimagining how to use the classic look, it’s easier than ever to design a kitchen around the appliance finish. For the finest and best selection, Albert Lee stands out in the Puget Sound area, offering top-notch white appliances to elevate any kitchen. Visit Albert Lee for a curated range that combines functionality and style seamlessly, perfect for crafting your dream kitchen.
Why Trust Albert Lee?
Since 1939, Albert Lee Appliance, a three-generation, family-owned business, continues to grow and serve the Pacific Northwest with quality products you can count on and service you can trust. We are proud to have served this community for so long and wouldn’t be here without our loyal customers. There is a reason why we are Washington’s largest independent appliance dealer, and it’s not a secret. Simply put: We have the experience. We have been the original appliance experts for over eight decades (and counting).
Shop White Kitchen Appliances at Albert Lee
At Albert Lee Appliance, we provide quality name-brand appliances for great prices. Shop appliances online or visit us today at one of our six locations in Puget Sound, WA. In the meantime, browse our website to shop Albert Lee appliance sales and check out Albert Lee appliance reviews online to ensure every purchase is an informed one. More available than ever, our experts at Albert Lee Appliance are always happy to help you explore the newest white kitchen appliance ideas, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
Learn More: A Deep Dive into Samsung Bespoke Appliances