Finding the right wall color that goes with oak cabinets can add an aesthetic punch to an outdated kitchen and can turn a tired kitchen into a showpiece for your dream kitchen design. If you want to add a splash of freshness to your kitchen, use your walls as the canvas.
If you are updating your kitchen and need some guidance, we are here to help. These are some important things to consider before choosing wall paint colors for a kitchen with oak cabinets:
- Observe the undertones– Sometimes it is hard to figure out if a particular wall color would pair well with your oak cabinets. The streaks of wood in the oak cabinets have various brown undertones that can give you the perfect answer to your wall color choice.
- Establish a color theme throughout your home– If your home has a closed kitchen, it gives you more room to play with your kitchen colors but if you have an open kitchen design, you might want to consider establishing a cohesive theme throughout your home. If you have an open kitchen and want the wall color to blend well with the adjoining rooms, you may want to consider using different shades of the same color to add depth and distinguish between spaces. You can then decide on the right paint color that also matches your oak cabinets without looking odd.
- Keep kitchen accessories in mind– Don’t skip the importance of these little kitchen accessories when selecting the right paint color. If your oak cabinets have a countertop with glass accessories, it is best to pair the natural wood with neutrals to bring out a contemporary look. However, if your kitchen has steel furnishings, you can go with dark, warm browns as your paint color to bring out the shine in your accessories.
We have compiled a list below of our suggestions on the best wall paint colors for a kitchen with oak cabinets.
What Color Wall Goes with Oak Cabinets?
Warm White
Warm white painted walls bring out a fresh, contemporary appearance of a kitchen with oak cabinetry. This color offers the ideal contrast and makes the subtle hues in the oak stand out due to the warm color variations in the natural wood.
Warm white walls are reflected and make a kitchen appear more spacious and is the pitch-perfect backdrop for a serene and vibrant kitchen.
Light Gray
Light gray mixes effortlessly with the warm hues of oak cabinets. If your light oak cabinetry has gray tinted grains, you can opt for this soft cool gray to bring out the elegance of the cabinets.
Different shades of gray can be used for a timeless appearance with oak cabinets, for example, charcoal gray granite countertops with stainless steel appliances and light gray walls can establish a cohesive color theme throughout the kitchen.
Beige
Beige color walls are a very popular choice with oak cabinetry. This ideal neutral is the best gentle backdrop for your oak cabinets.
Beige is a great coordinating color for the brown tones in the oak cabinets and conveys a sense of warmth without overpowering the eyes toward the cabinets.
This creamy, soft color works well with most of the kitchen décor making it easier to design your space.
Pale Yellow
Pale yellow is a muted wall paint color that will accent your oak cabinets and draw attention to your walls instantly.
Pale yellow is a harmonizing color that will make bring the entire kitchen together. To brighten and expand your kitchen, pale yellow is the best option.
Pale yellow is a cheerful and pristine addition to a kitchen with oak cabinets and is just the color you need for an energizing feeling upon entering.
Taupe
Taupe paint color has soft faint hues of blue, grey, and green. This light combination of undertones has enough depth that makes a statement in the room without making it appear smaller.
Taupe is a light-medium shade that accentuates the warm tones in the oak cabinets.
If you want to go for a subtler and more earthy approach for your kitchen walls, Taupe is the gorgeous color you need.
Charcoal
Charcoal wall color is a rich shade of gray that offers the perfect contrast for light oak cabinets. This dark color works incredibly well with an extensive range of contrasting materials such as light and bright finishes.
Charcoal paint color is a decadent shade and is ideal for rooms that receive plenty of natural light so that it doesn’t appear too dark or enclosed.
Dark Brown
Dark brown wall paint color accentuates the dark wood grains in the light oak cabinets. This dark color adds visual weight and depth to the kitchen giving it a distinctive appearance.
When paired with oak cabinets, the kitchen has a seamless blend of earthy tones bringing out a classy, traditional overall appearance.
This color combination improves mood and adds creativity to a rather boring space.
Choosing the right wall paint color for a kitchen with oak cabinets requires an understanding of the wood’s undertones.
You can use the same color with several variations to design your kitchen. For a warm, contemporary edge you can pick soft, creamy tones like beige or you can go for dark brown to counterbalance the dark, warm, color attributes of the oak to give your kitchen style.