13 Best Cabinet Colors For Dark Flooring (Stylish and Balanced Combinations)

Written by : Andre A & Roomdsign.com Editors | Last Updated : April 22nd, 2024

Achieving harmony between your kitchen’s flooring and cabinets is crucial, this is because those two are the major elements inside the kitchen. While choosing cabinet colors for light-colored flooring can be a pretty easy task, things are a bit more complicated for those who are using dark flooring inside the kitchen.

Fortunately, we’ve already done an extensive experiment and tested a wide spectrum of potential cabinet colors to discover the perfect matches for dark flooring.

Based on our experiment, some of the best cabinet colors for dark flooring include white, cream, light olive, light yellow, and light gray. Those cabinet colors will soften the bold tone of the flooring, creating a brighter and lighter appearance for the entire kitchen space. Furthermore, the striking contrast between these cabinet colors and the dark floors effortlessly makes the cabinetry stand out, and becomes one of the statement-making features to lift up your kitchen design.

Read on to see all the amazing cabinet colors for dark wood flooring.

1. White

Kitchen with white cabinets and dark floors

This is the best cabinet color when it comes to dark floors. Going with white not only helps brighten the visual of your space but also provides a captivating contrast, making both the cabinets and the floors shine.

The pristine look of the white cabinets will act as a canvas, allowing the dark hardwood floors to reveal their intricate textures and rich hues.

Furthermore, this combination will be a sophisticated foundation, help the other elements like countertops or kitchen appliances to stand out, and elevate the visual appearance of the entire space.


2. Cream

Kitchen with cream cabinets

Cream cabinetry comes with a gentle infusion of yellow or brown undertones, bringing a wealth of warmth that effortlessly transforms the ambiance into one of uplifting tranquility. The subtle hues within the cream not only add a touch of sophistication but also establish a harmonious connection with bold, dark wood flooring.

This pairing creates a captivating synergy between elements, where the cream cabinets serve as a delightful counterpoint to the rich and robust tones of the flooring.

Combining cream cabinets with dark flooring goes beyond aesthetics, contributing to a space that harmonizes style, warmth, and a timeless sense of comfort.

Recommended Cream Paint Colors

Pearly White by Sherwin Williams
Simply White by Benjamin Moore

3. Light Wood

Kitchen with light wood cabinets

Adding other wood elements with different tones can provide a different layer of organic sophistication, adding depth to the overall visual composition.

The light wood cabinets and dark hardwood flooring will blend as a fresh, natural connection, while at the same time creating a stunning contrast to enhance the charming allure of the light wood and the boldness of the dark wood.

This dynamic combination works best inside kitchens adorned with plenty of neutral tones within the color schemes. Whether your kitchen palette leans towards the understated elegance of gray, the timeless warmth of beige, or the pristine simplicity of white, this pairing seamlessly integrates with a spectrum of neutral hues, creating a cohesive and balanced aesthetic.


4. Olive

Kitchen with olive cabinets

Comes with a rich, natural effect, this unique shade of green will elevate your kitchen to a new level of sophistication. It warmth perfectly complements the dark wood floors, evoking a welcoming and inviting ambiance, without disrupting the floor’s boldness and elegance.

Furthermore, olive green introduces a unique allure that evokes the refreshing sensation of being outdoors, transforming your kitchen into a fresh and relaxing culinary space.

Recommended Olive Paint Colors

Relentless Olive by Sherwin Williams
Dark Olive by Benjamin Moore

5. Light Gray

Kitchen with light gray cabinets

When it comes to a modern or contemporary interior design, light gray is surely one of the best options for cabinet color. Moreover, the cool tone of the light gray neutralizes the boldness of your floors, creating a more balanced visual.

The light gray cabinets introduce a sense of openness and sophistication, striking a perfect equilibrium with the darker foundation.

This combo will craft a stunning kitchen that exudes both modern flair and a timeless sense of balance, showcasing the versatility of light gray as an ideal cabinet color to complement and enhance the allure of dark flooring.

Recommended Light Gray Paint Colors

Pearl Gray by Sherwin Williams
Sidewalk Gray by Benjamin Moore

6. Light Yellow

Kitchen with light yellow cabinets

Elevate your kitchen’s ambiance by strategically countering the potential enclosure caused by dark floors with the vibrant charm of light yellow cabinets.

In spaces with limited natural light, opting for a light yellow cabinet color proves to be a transformative decision, creating not only a spacious and airy ambiance but also a fun and joyful vibe.

Recommended Light Yellow Paint Colors

Daybreak by Sherwin Williams
Winter Sunshine by Benjamin Moore

7. Sky Blue

Kitchen with sky blue cabinets

Introduce a breath of fresh air into your kitchen design by choosing sky blue as the cabinet color. When paired with dark floors, sky-blue cabinetry counterbalances the potential heaviness of the flooring, bringing a sense of openness and tranquility to the overall ambiance.

This pair also creates a visually pleasing contrast, making the entire kitchen look much more interesting.

Recommended Sky Blue Paint Colors

Iceberg by Sherwin Williams
Morning Sky Blue by Benjamin Moore

8. Black

Kitchen with black cabinets

This option is surely not for everyone, but if you have a bright kitchen with plenty of natural lights, then you can consider black to make a bold and dramatic statement against the dark-colored flooring.

You can brighten up this bold duo by adding plenty of contrast using bright neutral elements, such as white marble countertops, white subway tile backsplash, or white-painted walls.

Recommended Black Paint Colors

Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams
Midnight by Benjamin Moore

9. Beige

Kitchen with beige cabinets

Another great choice to soften the starkness of dark wood flooring is beige. Its understated charm effortlessly calms down the bold flooring, creating a more balanced aesthetic. The natural warmth of beige will promote a comfy and cozy ambiance, making the entire culinary space feel more welcoming and inviting.

Furthermore, beige cabinets can be a versatile canvas, allowing for a wide range of design possibilities and color accents. This flexibility empowers you to seamlessly craft a kitchen that resonates with your individual style and preferences, ensuring a personalized and aesthetically pleasing culinary haven.

Recommended Beige Paint Colors

Warm Beige by Sherwin Williams
Shaker Beige by Benjamin Moore

10. Terracotta

Kitchen with terracotta cabinets

If you need to lift up the mood of your kitchen and add a splash of vibrant hue, then we highly recommend you try terracotta. The warm and earthy tones of terracotta not only create a visually captivating atmosphere but also provide a striking contrast to the deep hues of the flooring, evoking a well-balanced visual.

Terracotta cabinets bring a touch of the Mediterranean into your kitchen, evoking a sense of rustic elegance, and ultimately crafting a kitchen that exudes warmth, character, and enduring style.

Recommended Terracotta Paint Colors

Cavern Clay by Sherwin Williams
Baked Terra Cotta by Benjamin Moore

11. Sage

Kitchen with sage cabinets

Comes with muted and soothing appeal, sage will instantly soften the look of any dark flooring, from dark hardwood to black tile flooring. At the same time, the earthy tones of sage create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere, transforming the entire space into a refreshing and tranquil kitchen.

Sage can also become a versatile color for kitchen cabinets that blend easily with almost any design style and color scheme.

Recommended Sage Paint Colors

Clary Sage by Sherwin Williams
Saybrook Sage by Benjamin Moore

12. Emerald Green

Kitchen with emerald green cabinets

Another great bold option, but this time, it comes with some vibrancy to create a rich and lively space. The dark emerald green cabinets will be a stunning match to the dark flooring, adding plenty of drama and bold sophistication to the kitchen.

To boost the velvet look of the cabinets, you can complete it with luxurious hardware, such as metallic, brass, or gold handles/knobs.

Recommended Emerald Green Paint Colors

Cascades by Sherwin Williams
Hunter Green by Benjamin Moore

13. Sapphire Blue

Sapphire blue kitchen cabinets

Sapphire blue is a vibrant yet tranquil hue that can look amazing when used for kitchen cabinets. The lively tone of the sapphire blue enriches the flooring and makes it look brighter and more alive.

Furthermore, sapphire blue cabinets will be a new striking focal point, that elevates the entire space with its elegant sophistication and vibrant aesthetics.

Recommended Sapphire Blue Paint Colors

Hyper Blue by Sherwin Williams
Brilliant Blue by Benjamin Moore