Oak Cabinet Paint Colors: Choosing The Perfect Match

Oak cabinets, popular in the 80s and 90s, are known for their distinct orange or yellow-orange undertones. While the trend has faded, oak is a beautiful wood that can be modernised with the right paint colours.

The best way to determine the right paint colours is by understanding colour theory. Honey oak can either be downplayed or enhanced. To downplay the orange or yellow-orange undertones, analogous colours can be used to help the honey oak blend into the surroundings. To enhance the honey oak, a complementary colour can be used to create a focal point and intensify the colour.

For example, analogous colours such as beige with yellow or orange undertones can be used to downplay the orange or yellow-orange undertones of honey oak. On the other hand, complementary colours such as blue or green can be used to enhance the honey oak and create a beautiful focal point.

Ultimately, the best paint colours to use with oak cabinets depend on whether the goal is to downplay or enhance the orange or yellow-orange undertones.

Neutral colours, such as white, can brighten up a room and complement oak's grain patterns

One option is to embrace the warmth of the oak cabinets by choosing neutral colours with warm undertones. Cream, beige, and brown paint colours can work well, as long as they have similar undertones to the oak. For example, if your oak cabinets have yellow-orange undertones, a shade of cream with a similar undertone, such as Benjamin Moore Navajo White, can help soften the effect of the orange. Subtle tan paint colours, such as Sherwin Williams Canvas Tan, can also work well with yellow-stained oak.

On the other hand, if you want to downplay the warmth of the oak cabinets, opt for neutral colours with cooler undertones. Muted beige blends, warm greys, and warm grey with violet undertones can all help to balance the warm tones of the oak. For example, Sherwin Williams Kilim Beige has pink undertones that add a softer look to oak cabinets. Benjamin Moore Collingwood, a warm grey with subtle purple undertones, can also look beautiful with oak.

When choosing a white paint colour to go with oak cabinets, it's important to select one that is not too stark or too creamy. Benjamin Moore White Dove is a popular choice, as it is a soft, warm white that is not overly yellow. Sherwin Williams Alabaster and Benjamin Moore Simply White are also good options, as they have subtle warm undertones that can complement the oak without feeling too orange.

Beige paint colours will convey a sense of warmth without clashing with oak cabinets

Beige paint colours with similar undertones to the oak cabinets can help to create a cohesive and subtle look. For example, if your oak cabinets have yellow undertones, a beige paint with a hint of yellow or orange can help to complement the cabinets without clashing. On the other hand, if your oak cabinets have red or pink undertones, a beige paint with a touch of orange-pink or red can help to create a harmonious look.

It's worth noting that the lighting in your space can also impact the appearance of the paint colour. Natural light tends to make colours appear brighter, so if you have ample windows, you may want to opt for a darker shade of beige. Additionally, artificial light can bring out the yellow in oak cabinets, so it's generally best to avoid it.

When choosing the right shade of beige, it's a good idea to order samples and test them out before making a final decision. This will help you see how the colour looks in your space and ensure that it complements your oak cabinets.

• Sherwin-Williams Kilim Beige SW-6106: This shade has pink undertones rather than orange or yellow, adding a softer and more welcoming look to your space.
• Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige SW-7036: This warm, gray-tinted beige resembles the colour of clay and pairs beautifully with earthy colours like sage green or terracotta red.
• Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen SW 9109: This modern shade of beige has warm, flexible undertones that make it a soft and subtle partner to many types of wood stains, including most oaks.
• Benjamin Moore Gentle Cream OC-96: Also known as Barely Beige, this colour creates a warm and inviting atmosphere without looking overly golden. It has almost 'butterscotch' undertones, making it a neutral choice that won't camouflage or accent the oak cabinets.

Blue paint colours can neutralise the orange hue of oak cabinets

Oak cabinets, particularly those with a honey oak finish, are known for their orange or yellow-orange undertones. To neutralise these warm tones, you can opt for blue paint colours that will provide a cool contrast.

Blue paint colours can be used to either neutralise or enhance the orange hue of oak cabinets, depending on the shade and intensity of the blue. If you're looking to tone down the warmth of the oak, it's best to avoid bright blues, which can clash with the orange and create an unbalanced look. Instead, opt for blues with a more muted or grey base, such as blue-grey or blue-green shades. These colours will provide a subtle contrast that can modernise the space without overwhelming the orange tones of the oak.

For example, a light blue-green shade like Sherwin-Williams Rainwashed can add a crisp, serene look to a kitchen with oak cabinets. Benjamin Moore's Horizon OC-53 is another great option, offering a hint of grey-blue that will temper the warmth of the oak without completely overpowering it. If you're looking for something a little bolder, Sherwin-Williams Comfort Gray is a tranquil blue-grey shade that will cool down the orange tones of the oak and give the space a relaxed, serene feel.

When choosing a blue paint colour to neutralise the orange hue of oak cabinets, it's important to consider the lighting in the space. Natural light can make colours appear brighter and lighter, so if your space has ample windows, you may want to opt for a darker blue to create a striking contrast. On the other hand, artificial light can bring out the yellow in oak cabinets, so it's generally best to avoid colours that are too bright or intense. Ordering peel-and-stick samples and testing them out in your space is a great way to find the perfect shade of blue to complement your oak cabinets.

Grey paint colours tone down the warmth of oak while adding character to the kitchen

Grey paint colours are an excellent choice to tone down the warmth of oak cabinets while adding character to the kitchen. Grey paint can help to create a modern and sophisticated look, especially when paired with the right colours and materials. Here are some grey paint colours that can work well with oak cabinets:

Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray

A calming and light warm grey that plays well with the warm tones of oak cabinets. It provides a contrasting tone to keep the yellow and orange hues from dominating the space. It is a versatile colour that can be paired with countertops that have grey veining for a cohesive look.

Benjamin Moore Horizon

This paint colour offers just a hint of grey with subtle cool blue-grey undertones. It is perfect for tempering the warmth of oak cabinets and creating a fresh and crisp look when paired with white trim.

Benjamin Moore Abalone

A soft, light grey paint with a hint of mauve, Abalone adds a modern and sophisticated touch to oak cabinets. It strikes a balance between the warm tones of oak and the cool, sleek feel of grey.

Sherwin-Williams Comfort Gray

A tranquil green-grey that gives off a romantic and pretty vibe. It cools down and contrasts the honey oak cabinets, resulting in a more relaxed and serene kitchen atmosphere.

Sherwin-Williams Colonnade Gray

A soft, light-medium warm grey with a hint of green undertones. It complements yellow and orange-hued woods while also working well with red tones. Colonnade Gray adds a subtle accent to the wood without being overwhelming.

When choosing grey paint colours to pair with oak cabinets, it is important to consider the undertones of the oak and the overall atmosphere you want to create. Grey paint can help tone down the warmth of oak while adding character and a modern touch to the kitchen.

Green paint colours with an earthy tone complement the orange-brown hue of oak cabinets

Oak cabinets have a distinct orange-brown hue due to the wood's natural grain. To complement this colour, you can opt for green paint colours with earthy tones. These shades of green can either enhance the warmth of the wood or provide a contrasting cool tone.

For a harmonious pairing, consider sage greens, moss greens, and soft mushroom greens. These calming shades of green are heavy on grays and blues, creating a subtle and tranquil atmosphere. Examples of such colours include Sherwin-Williams Clary Sage, Behr Royal Orchard, and Benjamin Moore Vintage Vogue. These colours can be used to create a peaceful and inviting ambiance in your kitchen.

If you prefer a bolder statement, opt for deeper shades of green with earthy undertones. Colours like Sherwin-Williams Thunderous, Benjamin Moore Essex Green, and Behr Oakmoss can provide a comforting and invigorating warmth to your space. These shades pair exceptionally well with warm wood tones and crisp white accents.

When choosing a green paint colour, consider the lighting conditions in your kitchen. Natural light can make colours appear brighter, so you may want to embrace darker shades of green. On the other hand, artificial light will accentuate the yellow undertones of oak cabinets, so a cooler shade of green may be more suitable.

Before making a final decision, it is recommended to order samples and test the colours in your space. This will ensure that the green paint colour you choose complements the orange-brown hue of your oak cabinets and creates the desired atmosphere in your kitchen.

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