The Best Paint Colors to Make Your Cherry Cabinets Shine
If you're lucky enough to have beautiful cherry cabinets in your kitchen, you may be wondering what the best paint colors are to really make them pop. Cherry wood has such a rich, warm red-brown tone that provides the perfect backdrop for an array of wall colors. Whether you want to make a bold statement or opt for a more neutral, understated look, there are many options that can complement cherry cabinets beautifully.
We'll look at versatile neutrals like white, gray, and tan that allow the cabinets to take center stage. We'll also explore bolder colors like navy, green, and red that can add drama and flair. To help you zero in on the right hue for your space and style, we'll consider important factors like the room's lighting and your color preferences. Let's dive in!
Key Considerations When Selecting Paint Colors for Cherry Cabinets
Before deciding on a paint color, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:
Desired Look and Feel
What overall aesthetic are you hoping to achieve in your kitchen? Do you prefer a light and airy look or something more moody and intimate? Are you drawn to warm neutrals or looking for a cool, high-contrast color palette? The answers to these questions will help guide your paint color selection.
Natural Lighting
The amount and quality of natural light your kitchen receives should inform your color choice. Darker colors like navy or green can feel too heavy and saturating in a room with minimal sunlight. On the other hand, lighter neutrals will get washed out in a brightly lit space.
Countertops, Backsplash, and Flooring
You'll want to pick a wall color that complements, not clashes with, the other elements in your kitchen - especially counters, backsplash tile, and flooring. For example, pairing a cool-toned gray paint with warm oak floors could feel disjointed. Try to strike a cohesive look.
Personal Color Preferences
At the end of the day, choose colors that appeal to your own taste and style. Trends come and go, but you'll be living with your kitchen every day, so pick something you'll love long-term.
Best Neutral Paint Colors for Cherry Cabinets
Neutrals like white, gray, and tan offer versatility and will never go out of style. Here are some of the most popular options:
Whites
An elegant kitchen dominated by white has an enduring, classic appeal. White painted walls also reflect the most light, brightening the entire space. To avoid looking too sterile, opt for soft whites with subtle warmth or depth over very stark options.
Bright Whites: These provide the most contrast against rich cherry cabinets for a crisp, clean look. However, bright whites like Ultra Pure White can clash and feel harsh, so tread carefully. Simply White by Benjamin Moore is a popular alternative with subtle yellow undertones to soften the starkness.
Soft Whites: Try a shade with subtle undertones like Swiss Coffee by Behr or Alabaster by Sherwin Williams for a warm white that flatters cherry's red tones. Soft white draws out cherry's warmth versus clashing with it.
Grays
Gray may be the most versatile, foolproof option for cherry cabinets. However, gray encompasses a vast range from icy cool grays to warm, earthy ones. Pay attention to undertones to find the right match.
Warm grays: Look for beige-gray "greige" options like Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore. The beige injected into the gray nicely complements the warm wood without too much contrast.
Cool grays: Shades like Gray Owl offer more contrast if you want the cherry to truly pop. But stick to mid-tone grays to avoid feeling too austere and cold.
Tans and Browns
As close color cousins to cherry wood, browns and tans are natural complements. Keep colors light so the kitchen doesn't end up feeling too heavy or wood-dominated.
Try a light tan like Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams, a warm sand color that allows the beauty of the cherry cabinetry to come through. Avoid going too dark with browns, which could overwhelm the space.
Best Bold & Vibrant Paint Colors for Cherry Cabinets
While neutrals play it safe, don't be afraid to get adventurous with paint color! Here are some lively hues that pop beautifully against rich cherry.
Blues
From navy to powder blue, the right blue offers the perfect color balance to warm wood tones. To make cherry cabinets truly sing, consider one of the following blues:
Navy: A classic navy like Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore packs a dramatic punch yet also reads as cozy and intimate. The bold contrast showcases the cherry's richness.
Powder blue: For a softer look, try a powder blue like Sky Blue by Behr. This breezy, vintage-inspired shade lightens up the room without overpowering the cabinets.
Greens
Green can feel both refreshing yet earthy, nicely complementing cherry's organic warmth. From sage to olive green, discover harmonious shades like:
Sage green: Colors like Fieldstone by Benjamin Moore offer a soothing, spa-like ambiance. Their gray undertones connect them to cherry wood.
Olive green: A rich olive like Laurel Green by Behr evokes lush landscapes with an organic, nature-inspired look.
Yellows
A pale lemony yellow delivers cheer and brightness to a cherry cabinet kitchen. Opt for soft pastels over loud neon shades for the best results:
A gentle hue like Lemongrass by Behr uplifts without overwhelming the eye. Its creamy quality flatters cherry's ruddy complexion.
Avoid stark brights like Lemon Zest that could clash with the cabinets' warm tones. Soft is key for a harmonious look.
Now that we've explored an array of paint color options for cherry cabinets, how do you narrow it down to "the one"? Here are a few final tips as you seek the perfect hue:
- Get color samples and paint swatches to test colors in your actual kitchen before fully committing to a color.
- Consider lighting and room size. A dramatic navy that pops in a spacious, sun-drenched kitchen could feel overwhelming in a smaller space.
- Browse photos online of cherry cabinet kitchens with different paint colors to find inspiring, real-life examples.
- Choose a matt or eggshell paint finish to let the beautiful cherry grain shine through.
At the end of the day, trust your instincts and choose colors that make you happy and reflect your personal taste. The many shades that flatter cherry cabinets range from soothing neutrals to bold colors with flair. Whether you crave the drama of a navy blue or prefer the softness of an antique white, your cherry cabinets are sure steal the show.