The 6 Worst Paint Colors for Oak Cabinets—and the 7 Stunning Shades You Should Try Instead!
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“We’ve seen a very noticeable transition from white kitchens to white oak cabinetry. Pale white oak is the most popular, but darker tones are starting to crop up, and walnut has always been popular,” says designer Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn.
Choosing the correct oak cabinet paint colors can mean all the difference when renovating your kitchen or living room. Oak is lovely and warm, but there are colors that clash and cause the room to feel dated or visually unappealing. Here are the 6 worst oak cabinet paint colors and seven amazing shades to replace them.
Orange
Oak cabinets are warm and earthy due to the grains, and orange is like a daring, adventurous color but tends to clash instead of compliment.
As the design professionals quoted in Better Homes & Gardens suggest, orange takes over oak’s understated sophistication, making the kitchen or cabinet appear daring or old-fashioned. Lighter, neutral shades work better with naturals, keeping it elegant and classic.
Red
Natural oak colors just don’t work so well with flamboyant reds: it’s a visual shocker instead of a complement.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that people who were exposed to areas painted with bright red were more likely to feel stressed and anxious than those who were exposed to areas painted in cool colors.
Yellow
Yellow is a cheerful idea to do your oak cabinets, but hang on to your brush! Oak, with its grainy texture and warmth, is odd with yellow, which clashes and dominates its beautiful textures.
Bright shades can overwhelm the kitchen, leaving little room for future changes. And that’s it – yellow may be alluring where it’s appropriate, but in this situation, with oak, it’s a touch too much!
Blue
Blue may be the color of choice for peace and quiet, but unfortunately, it works against the warmth and veining of oak, leaving the room less homely and more of a design splurge.
Oak cabinetry sparkles in its caramel undertones and the use of blue can erupt in an odd temperature imbalance that will give a very unfriendly room appearance.
Neon green
So say your beautiful oak cupboards with all the lovely warm colors turned into a bright green delirium. This electric color ruins the natural, earthy appeal of oak and crowds a room, leaving your kitchen or living room a glaring dungeon rather than a warm home.
Bold colors aren’t a bad thing but only use them with caution and sparingly, particularly in a room for relaxation and comfort. The next time you pull out that can of neon paint, try to keep in mind that a little is a good thing, and maybe, maybe, just maybe, use it as a runner for something rather than those amazing oak cupboards!
Purple
Purple, though magnificent when placed in the right context, might not be as glamorous on oak cabinets. Oak’s characteristic grain and mellowness do not go well with purple’s full royal feel.
In the kitchen, colors must complement, not conflict, to preserve the vibes.
Here are seven beautiful shades to try:
Light Grey
A versatile neutral, light grey instantly transforms your kitchen, making it seem open and light. Light grey plays off oak’s grain well, adding depth without overwhelming it. Start from scratch by sanding the cabinets in detail.
Prime them for a flawless look and then go for an acrylic or latex paint to achieve that beautiful smooth finish. Taking a cue from design experts on HGTV, you can add brass or copper-colored hardware to your light grey cabinets and instantly update your kitchen.
Tan
Tan is an elegant, warm neutral with a timeless feel and pairs perfectly with the grain of the oak wood. Tan has a muted finish which allows your kitchen to look contemporary and expansive without obscuring the texture of oak.
If you’re using tan paint, opt for a semi-gloss finish to give it a flat cleanable look while still showing the grain of the wood. Firstly, prime those cabinets with a good primer that helps the paint to stick and provide a lasting finish.
Bright White
White provides a sleek and timeless appearance and creates the illusion of bigger, welcoming kitchens. “White kitchen cabinets remain popular in modern cabinetry design, offering a clean canvas for diverse kitchen styles, Next Day Cabinets says.
First, choose a good primer that will allow the paint to stick to the wood. Choose a semi-gloss or satin finish to give your cabinets that balance of strength and gleam that will keep them clean and slick for years.
Neutral Grey
Neutral grey is the little black dress of interior design. It is versatile, sophisticated, and ever-trending. Selecting this color for oak cabinets not only changes the style but also gives the beauty of the wood a pop without being overpowering.
The perfect way to paint neutral grey is with a good-quality primer and paint that will stand up to the clamor of a busy kitchen. Pair with brass or matte black hardware for a little personality.
Muted Lime
This lovely shade combines the stimulating energy of traditional lime with a less strong hue that perfectly matches the rich natural tone of oak wood.
It’s quick and simple to start painting oak cabinets a shade of muted lime. First, sand your cabinets carefully to allow the paint to stick. Make sure you choose a good quality latex paint that provides maximum coverage and longevity.
Greige
Greige’s warm but refined tones play nicely against the oak’s grain, making it distinct but easily adaptable to various interior styles. “Greige strikes a perfect balance between warm and cool tones. Its neutral nature allows it to effortlessly blend with the warmth of golden oak,” The Panel Hub explains.
In practical terms, experts recommend putting a small paint test on your oak cabinets and observing how the light interacts with them in daylight. Work over any stains with a quality primer, filling in with a uniform application that will make greige’s gentle softness radiate.
Creamy Off-White
Creamy off-white is a smart paint choice to apply on oak cabinets, not only because it looks good but because of the useful advantages it offers.”Cabinets in off-white shades are excellent for small kitchens as they not only bring a welcoming warmth but also give the illusion of more space, “Royal Home Painters says.
To get an impeccable look on your oak cabinets, begin with a good primer, one that will allow the off-white paint to stick well to the wood. The next step is to get a semi-gloss or satin finish, which not only makes them even more durable but also easy to clean.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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