7 Best Paint Colors for Cherry Cabinets: Transform Your Kitchen Today!
Are you looking to refresh your kitchen with cherry cabinets but can’t decide on the perfect wall color? Cherry cabinets have rich, warm tones that make any space feel cozy and elegant. Choosing the right paint color can bring out the best in your cabinetry and tie the whole room together beautifully.
Discovering the best paint colors for cherry cabinets is crucial to enhancing your kitchen’s aesthetic. You’ll find a variety of stunning shades that complement the reddish-brown hues of cherry wood, creating a harmonious and stylish environment. Whether you prefer bold colors or more subdued tones, there’s a perfect match for everyone’s taste.
1. Simply White by Benjamin Moore
Looking for a warm, clean white paint for your cabinets? Simply White by Benjamin Moore could be your answer.
This color is clean and crisp without being too harsh. It’s perfect for kitchens with cherry cabinets. It helps brighten up the space while balancing the dark, rich tones of the wood.
Simply White has become popular for its versatility. You can use it not only on cabinets but also on walls and trim. It pairs well with many colors, making it easy to coordinate your kitchen decor.
2. Repose Gray by Sherwin-Williams
Are you looking for a versatile paint color that pairs beautifully with cherry cabinets? Look no further than Repose Gray by Sherwin-Williams.
Repose Gray is a popular choice for good reason. It is a perfect blend of gray and beige, known as greige. This makes it incredibly versatile and a fan favorite.
You’ll love how Repose Gray complements the rich, warm tones of cherry cabinets. It creates a balanced look that feels both modern and timeless.
This paint color is also great in different lighting. Whether you have lots of natural light or rely on artificial lighting, Repose Gray will look stunning.
3. Pale Oak by Benjamin Moore
Pale Oak by Benjamin Moore might be just what your cherry cabinets need. This paint color is a soft, warm beige with a hint of gray. It’s versatile and pairs beautifully with cherry wood tones. You’ll love how it brightens up the kitchen without overwhelming the rich cherry cabinets.
This color, Benjamin Moore OC-20, has a welcoming vibe. It can lighten up your space, making it feel more open. Pale Oak’s warm undertones complement the reddish hues of cherry cabinets, creating a balanced and cozy look.
Pale Oak is especially great in kitchens with lots of natural light. The light bounces off the warm beige, making the space look airy. If you prefer a neutral palette, this color is perfect, blending effortlessly with other decor elements.
4. Sea Salt by Sherwin-Williams
Sea Salt by Sherwin-Williams is a popular choice for kitchens with cherry cabinets. This color is a mix of green, gray, and a hint of blue. It’s known for giving a fresh and calming feel.
Cherry cabinets often have rich, warm tones. Sea Salt’s cool undertones create a nice balance. It helps in softening the boldness of cherry wood.
The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Sea Salt is around 63. This means it reflects a moderate amount of light, making your kitchen feel bright yet cozy.
A big plus of Sea Salt is its versatility. It works well with various styles, from traditional to modern kitchens. If you want a touch of color without overwhelming the space, Sea Salt is a great go-to.
5. Agreeable Gray by Sherwin-Williams
Agreeable Gray, SW 7029, is a popular choice for pairing with cherry cabinets. This versatile greige (gray + beige) paint color has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 60, making it work well in various lighting conditions.
Cherry cabinets have a rich, warm tone. Agreeable Gray complements that by providing a nice, neutral background. It doesn’t clash with the warm reds and browns of the wood.
In rooms with more natural light, Agreeable Gray looks warm and inviting. In darker areas, it may appear a bit muted or flat, but it maintains its elegant and subtle charm.
You’ll also find that Agreeable Gray works great with white trim. Sherwin-Williams’ Pure White, with an LRV of 84, pairs especially well. This combination ensures your room looks fresh and modern.
6. Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams
Looking for a soft, warm white to go with your cherry cabinets? Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams is a perfect choice. This creamy white has subtle yellow undertones, giving a cozy feel to your kitchen.
Alabaster’s versatility is a huge plus. It can work on walls, trim, and cabinets, blending beautifully with the rich red tones of cherry wood.
This color is popular for a reason. It’s often chosen by designers, homeowners, and contractors alike. It’s a best-seller because it pairs well with almost any color scheme while keeping your kitchen light and welcoming.
Give Alabaster a try if you want a timeless look that complements your cherry cabinets perfectly.
7. Balboa Mist by Benjamin Moore
Balboa Mist by Benjamin Moore is a lovely warm gray color, often called “greige” because it blends gray and beige.
You might wonder why it’s great for cherry cabinets. Balboa Mist offers just enough contrast without being too stark. This balance helps your cherry cabinets stand out while adding a modern touch to your kitchen.
This color also pairs well in different lighting conditions. Whether your kitchen gets a lot of natural light or is on the darker side, Balboa Mist can adapt and maintain its soft, inviting look.
The subtle violet undertones in Balboa Mist also work well with the reddish tones of cherry wood. These undertones enhance the warmth and richness of the cherry cabinets, creating a cohesive and elegant look in your home.
Understanding Cherry Cabinets
Cherry cabinets add a touch of elegance and warmth to any kitchen. Their rich, reddish-brown hues are naturally inviting, making them a popular choice for homeowners.
Characteristics and Appeal
Cherry wood boasts a smooth, fine grain and a rich color that can vary from light brown to a deep, reddish-brown. Over time, cherry wood darkens, giving it a mature, luxurious appearance. This natural aging process makes each piece unique.
Durability is another key feature. Cherry is a hardwood, making it resistant to scratches and dents. The wood’s smooth finish adds to its high-end look. Because of these qualities, cherry cabinets are often seen as a long-term investment.
The appeal isn’t just about looks. Cherry wood’s versatility allows it to fit both traditional and modern designs. Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse style or sleek contemporary, cherry cabinets can match various aesthetics.
Why Paint Color Matters
Choosing the right paint color for your kitchen walls is crucial. The color you pick can either enhance the beauty of your cherry cabinets or clash with them. Since cherry wood has strong red undertones, selecting complementary colors can make your kitchen look polished.
Light colors like whites, creams, and greiges are popular for making the space feel brighter and more open. These colors create a soft contrast that highlights the wood’s rich tones. For example, Benjamin Moore’s Navajo White or Sherwin Williams’ Creamy are excellent choices.
Rich colors like browns and earthy tones can blend seamlessly with cherry wood, creating a cozy and cohesive look. Paints like Sherwin Williams’ Terra Brun are known for their low LRV (Light Reflectance Value), making them perfect for pairing with cherry cabinets. This helps in balancing the visual weight of the wood’s dark tones.
Choosing Complementary Colors
When choosing paint colors to complement cherry cabinets, it’s essential to consider the principles of color theory, the lighting in your space, and your desired aesthetic. Getting these right will ensure a harmonious and visually pleasing kitchen.
Color Theory Basics
Color theory can seem a bit intimidating, but don’t worry; I’ve got you covered.
First, understand your cherry cabinets. They typically have warm, rich tones, often with hints of red or brown. To make these colors pop, you’ll want to use complementary colors. These are colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel.
For cherry cabinets, soft neutrals like cream, beige, or light gray work wonders. They create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. If you prefer bolder choices, think greens or blues. These colors offer a striking contrast without clashing.
Having a basic grasp of warm and cool tones also helps. Warm tones (reds, oranges) create a welcoming vibe, while cool tones (blues, greens) offer a calming effect. Mixing these wisely with your cherry cabinets can give you the desired look.
Assessing Room Lighting
Lighting is a game-changer when it comes to paint colors. The way light hits your cabinets and walls can drastically alter how colors appear.
Natural light varies throughout the day. Morning light can make colors look soft, while afternoon light can be harsher. If you have a lot of natural light, cool colors might look more washed out, while warm tones will glow.
With artificial lighting, the type of bulbs you use matters too. Incandescent bulbs give off a warm, yellowish glow, great for making your cherry cabinets and neutral paints look vibrant. On the other hand, LED bulbs tend to be cooler and can make certain colors look stark.
Test your paint colors first. Paint small patches and see how they look at different times of the day under different lighting conditions. It’s an extra step, sure, but it can save you from costly mistakes.
Styling Tips for Different Aesthetics
Styling your kitchen to match your desired aesthetic is the cherry on top.
For a modern look, pair cherry cabinets with crisp white or gray walls. Add stainless steel appliances and sleek countertops. A simple, monochromatic palette with a pop of cherry creates a clean and uncluttered space.
If you’re into a rustic vibe, go for earthy tones like browns or olive greens. These colors enhance the natural warmth of cherry wood, creating a cozy, cabin-like feel. Use natural materials like stone and wood for countertops and flooring.
For those loving a traditional aesthetic, rich creams or beiges can create an elegant and timeless kitchen. Pair these with ornamental details like crown molding and classic hardware for a truly classic look.
