Can White Kitchen Cabinets Look Nice With Red Oak Floors

Can White Kitchen Cabinets Look Nice With Red Oak Floors
  • Author: Amanda Arnold
  • Posted On: October 8, 2022
  • Updated On: September 29, 2023

It makes sense that homeowners would want to highlight their oak flooring in kitchen remodels since oak is one of the most well-liked, long-lasting, and attractive kitchen flooring materials. How can you make your oak flooring stand out by coordinating the colors of your walls, cabinets, and natural lighting?

Since many years ago, homeowners have used honey oak wood extensively in cabinetry and floors. Honey oak wood is durable, timeless, and has a distinct aesthetic that shouts sophistication and refinement. They work well with straightforward yet opulent kitchen concepts and are primarily employed in traditional kitchen decor settings.

The main design elements of the area will be the floor and the kitchen cabinets. Understanding how to choose the appropriate cabinet color for oak floors is crucial. The best color for cabinetry to complement oak floors has been thoroughly considered.

Things to Consider Before Selecting White Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets can be designed with various hues since oak and other natural wood species are adaptable. White cabinets are the best choice for minimalist design however, there are some things you should consider. 

Other Elements Color 

Kitchen fixtures have their own appearance. Take a look at the other elements that may complement the kitchen cabinets. Countertops, appliances, and flooring are some of the most common elements. Cabinet layout can also impact the use of white color that accent the countertops among other elements. 

Due to its natural neutrality, you can include lighter or darker color hues. 

Color Contrasts

Understanding the oak wood species’ natural appearance is crucial before choosing the color for your kitchen cabinets. When choosing cabinets that complement your oak floors, it is easier to visualize the colors and designs together.

If this is a DIY project, gather wooden examples from your local home improvement store, or ask a professional painter or refinisher for gallery samples of previous work. Pink and crimson tones are typical of red oak wood. On the other hand, white oak frequently features a variety of beige and brown tones.

But the hues of white oak also fluctuate widely, from medium brown to almost white.

Kitchen Lighting 

Little do people know that colors are receptors that make any place look lively and airy or congested. When installing cabinets that are white in color, you can add low lighting, along with natural radiant bursts. 

The whiter the shade of kitchen cabinets, the more accentuated organic brightness will be. 

Cabinet Style 

Different cabinet types and style options are available in white shades. You can choose from multiple white hues for cabinet refinishing. Usually, white cabinets are matte in style. But a variety of different refinishing options are also available in the market. 

The assorted glaze is yet another popular option utilized for a perfect looking cabinet. It gives much unique look to the cabinet doors and drawers. 

Best Cabinet Color Combinations With Red Oak Floors

Gray Cabinets

Gray Cabinets

The cooler but neutral grey is a nice replacement for black cabinets. Although it is not as icy as black, grey cabinets will have the same versatility as other neutrals. Black might appear to recede and absorb all hues, which explains why. Instead, grey can be cooler while having brighter colors. It is the best small galley idea on a budget, to paint grey cabinets. 

Above your oak floors, this will produce a striking contrast. Gray can be connected with wood, even if modern interior designs employ it more frequently.

There are many types of wood that might have grey undertones or surfaces. Numerous rustic architectural designs, such as farm buildings or country residences, frequently adopt this appearance.

Cream Cabinets

Cream Cabinets

A bright, open kitchen that appears larger than it is produced by white or cream kitchen cabinets, natural lighting, and light oak flooring.

White or cream paint colors go nicely with various types of countertops and polished stone materials if you choose to preserve your countertop instead of replacing it. Your kitchen cabinets and oak floors will clash if the color you chose for them doesn’t have enough contrast.

Darker color placement often draws the eye to a particular area. For example, the flooring will be overshadowed if your kitchen cabinets are painted a darker color than your oak flooring. Your kitchen cabinets should be painted a color lighter than your oak floors if you want to keep your space open and cheerful.

Paint your kitchen cabinets a few shades darker than your oak floors to give the impression that the space is smaller and more concentrated.

Light Yellow Cabinets

Light Yellow Cabinets

Although these hues are frequently regarded as excessively strong, they are ideal for kitchens, which should feel more vivacious and airier. Combining stronger colors with natural wood, such as red, makes employing them much simpler.

These hues are perfect for the cabinets because red and pink tones are frequently present on red oak floors. And if you use lighter white oak floors, you may use a gentle yellow for the cabinets. The furnishings and appliances in the room can be used to muffle any particularly vibrant hues.

For instance, the right countertops or backsplash can help the space feel balanced.

Wood Cabinets 

Wood Cabinets 

Redundancy results when two objects are completely identical, which is rarely good for matching. Working with natural wood may make this seem especially accurate because there won’t be as many choices for interior design.

Wood floors and wood cabinets can still be used together, however. Other designs, like cottages and other rustic types, genuinely welcome much natural wood into the picture. Although oak wood comes in various hues, wood floors, and cabinets can also be stained.

This describes a top layer that can significantly alter the color of the wood. Wood stain penetrates deeply into the fibers of the wood, coating the interior and exterior. Additional ingredients that will shield the wood may be present in the stain.

This opens up a wide range of options that can heighten or diminish the impact of the kitchen’s abundance of natural wood.

Conclusion

Every paint color option can seem like a high-stakes financial decision in your kitchen because oak floors and kitchen cabinets take up much area. Although all hardwood floors are pricey, oak floors might occasionally be the most affordable option. Consequently, it is best to prepare in advance before installing oak floors.

Finding the right colors for your kitchen cabinets will ensure that no further decorating is required. Oak floors respond differently to various cabinet colors, affecting the room’s focal point and drastically altering its overall aesthetic.

Working with the appearance and temperature of oak wood flooring requires knowledge of certain techniques.

FAQs

  • Is It Easy to Maintain White Cabinets?
    Some homeowners prefer white cabinets for their timeless simplicity and easiness to match any decor and element. However, they require more maintenance as compared to other cabinet combinations.
  • Do White Cabinets Make the Kitchen Look Bigger?
    A high gloss white cabinet, if paired with a textured design can make the kitchen look bigger. You can use accent colors to paint cabinets to pop up the space illusion.
  • Is a White Cabinet a Good Combination with a Red Oak Floor?
    Yes, the white cabinet will accent the red oak floor especially if you have certain budget limitations in mind or have a small galley kitchen.
Avatar photo
Author: Amanda Arnold

Amanda has been working with ConstructionHow since 2021. Her experience spans over 5 years in the creative niche such as home decor and trends, landscaping, renovations, and custom architectural values. As a home designer expert, she has a keen eye for the latest home improvement trends with accurate facts that readers find impossible to ignore. Being invested in home-building trends is how she has gained her lucrative expertise exploring more to bring a positive ambiance for all homeowners (and even tenants!). Currently, she lives in a beautiful beach home, a source of fascination for her.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE