What Flooring Colors Work Best with Cherry Cabinets? We Have the Answer
Cherry wood brings warmth and elegance to any kitchen. But pairing cherry cabinets with the ideal flooring color can be a decorating dilemma.
Fear not!
Light vs. Dark Cherry Cabinets
Light Cherry Cabinets
Lighter cherry cabinets feature reddish-brown tones, but still let light reflect more brightly than their darker counterparts. With pale cherry cabinetry, flooring in similar wood tones can make it challenging to differentiate where the cabinetry stops and floors begin.
Instead, add contrast. Warm wood flooring options like walnut, hazelnut or lighter hardwoods such as maple, beige, or hickory pair attractively with light cherry. The subtle contrast adds depth without overpowering the cabinetry.
Dark Cherry Cabinets
Rich, deep cherry wood brings drama and elegance. But matching a dark floor risks creating an overly heavy, monochromatic look.
For darker cherry cabinets, stick to wood floors in a lighter shade. Natural hickory or light-hued maple and beige hardwoods offset the cabinets beautifully. A lighter floor draws the eye while still coordinating.
Factors to Consider
Beyond just cabinet color, several other factors impact what flooring works best.
Style of the Room
A kitchen's overall style should inform the flooring choice. In traditional spaces with ornate detailing, darker woods like walnut suit the opulence. For contemporary rooms, lighter floors in maple or beige keep the look airy.
Amount of Natural Light
Consider how much sunlight the space receives. Well-lit rooms can handle lighter-toned flooring, while darker floors help low-light rooms feel cozy rather than gloomy.
Size of the Room
Small kitchens appear larger with light-reflecting wood floors in maple or beige. Darker walnut floors impart a snug, intimate feel that's perfect for expansive kitchens.
Undertones of the Cherry
Study the cherry cabinets' undertones. Reds and darks pair well with like-shaded floors. Lighter floors contrast reddish or darker-toned cherry.
Existing Decor
Factor in existing kitchen decor elements. Rustic, traditional kitchens suit darker floors while modern spaces coordinate with lighter wood tones.
Flooring Materials to Complement Cherry
Hardwood Floors
Hardwood offers timeless appeal. Oak, maple, and hickory stained in vary shades add warmth and complement cherry cabinetry.
With proper installation and care, hardwoods endure for decades.
Tile Floors
Tile resists moisture, stains, and dents while addingvisual interest. Earth tones, oranges, and terracotta tiles pop against cherry cabinets.
Glossy or textured tiles suit varied decor styles. Choose matte tiles fora subtle look or high-shine for drama.
Carpet Flooring
Plush carpeting lends bedrooms or living spaces a relaxed vibe. Neutralsoft carpets complement cherry without competing.
Wool or polyester carpets withstand daily life. Regular vacuuming keeps carpet clean and fresh.
Other Options
For affordable alternatives, laminate or vinyl plank floors mimic wood looks. Or, mix materials like tile with hardwood for a creative combo.
Professional Installation Guidance
Proper installation ensures your new flooring lasts and performs as expected. Consult qualified hardwood flooring contractors to handle tricky installations.
Labor and material costs vary based on factors like flooring type, subfloor prep, and installation method.
When selecting a floor color for cherry cabinets, contrast is key. Lighter floors complement light cherry while darker cherry pops against soft, natural wood tones.
Consider room style, dimensions, lighting and decor details to select a shade that complements both your space and your stunning cherry cabinetry. With some thoughtful planning, you can confidently install flooring that enhances (not competes with) the woodwork you love.