12 Paint Colors That Go Beautifully With Cherry Cabinets

Cherry wood cabinets had their heyday in the 90s and early 2000s, when they were beloved for their rich red color. Nowadays, they're a less popular choice and are often seen as outdated. If you're not happy with your cherry cabinets — whether you're a renter or are saving up for a remodel — a fresh coat of paint can transform your kitchen design, making your cabinets look beautiful and modern.

But what wall colors will best complement this wood finish? Whether you prefer neutral colors (think light gray and beige) or statement-making shades, most natural wood cabinets can support any palette. We'll help you pick the best paint color for your cherry cabinets with ease.

The colors that work with cherry wood cabinets range from muted grays to creamy whites and sophisticated reds. If you like cook spaces with vintage charm, go for soft yellows and greens that will bring out your cherry cabinets' warmth. If you prefer a sleeker, more minimal look, turn to cool whites and pale blues. Since paint is your least expensive decorating tool, your options for coordinating colors are nearly limitless.

There are few rules to follow. Take time to play with the colors that catch your eye, test paint swatches on the wall, and hold them against the wood to ensure you will be happy with the end result.

Below, find inspiration from 12 of our favorite paint colors to pair with cherry wood cabinets.

1. Greige

A soft neutral like greige, cream, beige, or taupe will always work with cherry wood. As you can see in this space by Aidan Design, light greige contrasts beautifully with dark cherry cabinets. Gray stone countertops, white tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances also help balance the rich wood, keeping the room looking bright.

​Get the look:​ Farrow & Ball Tallow

Chloe Berk

There's nothing wrong with going the safe route when it comes to kitchen color. A classic gray shade that doesn't lean too blue will make your cook space look more modern, even if your cherry cabinets are an older style, as in this kitchen by Chloe Berk. To really accentuate the gray color palette, look for stainless steel kitchen appliances and polished chrome cabinet hardware.

​Get the look:​ Clare Paint Seize the Gray

Patrick Ahearn

Not all white kitchen walls are boring or lack imagination. In fact, when cherry cabinetry is the star in your cook space, white walls can be the perfect backdrop. In this kitchen by Patrick Ahearn, the cherry wood cabinets and island are the star of the show, surrounded by black stone countertops and backsplash. White walls, ceiling, and moulding add welcome brightness, and distinguish the kitchen from the pale blue dining room.

​Get the look:​ Backdrop Supermoon

Sherwin-Williams

Who said you have to go with different colors in your cook space? Simply accept the red undertones of your cherry cabinetry, and paint the kitchen walls a rich, warm sienna or red. The end result will feel a little monochromatic and a lot special. We recommend this pairing in spaces that are on the larger side, however. Otherwise, your cook space could look small and busy instead of well decorated.

​Get the look:​ Sherwin-Williams Sierra Redwood

Artistic Designs for Living

Green is a complementary color to red, so it sets off cherry cabinetry beautifully. And while there are plenty of verdant shades to choose from, a pale green adds intrigue while looking calm and minimal. In this kitchen by Artistic Designs for Living, the light green comes in the form of a tile backsplash, but you can still see how the colors work together.

​Get the look:​ Farrow & Ball Pale Powder

Lowe's

Want your kitchen to feel sunny and bright even when the weather outside is dull and gray? Try painting your kitchen walls a pale yellow hue. When used in combination with cherry cabinets, this color will feel energizing, not overwhelming. Accent with copper pots and ceramic dishware for a French country vibe.

​Get the look:​ Valspar Lemon Twist

Patrick Ahearn

Now, the trick with choosing the right color of soft blue is to avoid any shade that looks too primary or fit for a nursery. Go for a hue with cool undertones that won't clash with your cherry kitchen cabinets, like the icy blue in this room by Patrick Ahearn. To really bring on the cohesion in your cook space, add backsplash tiles in a similar shade of blue.

​Get the look:​ Dunn-Edwards Dreamy Blue

Lowe's

Olive green is definitely an "it" accent color in the kitchen design world right now. It's both sleek and bohemian, and when combined with cherry cabinets, it really shines. If you're worried that the olive shade might clash with red-toned cabinetry, simply keep all other colors in your cook space minimal.

​Get the look:​ Valspar Brisk Olive

Home Depot

Different from pale yellow, lemongrass is more of a soft green hue with hints of yellow. While this color idea might be a little uncommon, it will work beautifully in a cottagecore kitchen that's filled with dark cherry cabinets, well-loved wood furniture, and quaint art. Even if you have a small kitchen with limited floor space, this earthy shade will make the heart of your home feel warm and cozy in the best way.

​Get the look:​ Glidden Essentials Lemongrass

Arcadia Design Group

For a rich, dramatic kitchen look, go for navy paint and cherry cupboards. Yes, this color combination will create a bit of moodiness, but you can balance the effect with bright elements — like the white cabinets and hanging copper pots in this kitchen by Arcadia Design Group. You could even consider painting only the lower half of the walls with an inky blue and then bringing in a white tile backsplash. The end result will feel intentional and timeless.

​Get the look:​ Graham & Brown Brave

Walmart

Black looks striking against cherry cabinets, providing the perfect contrast to bring out its warmth. This works best in larger spaces with ample natural light. If you're working with a smaller kitchen, consider an accent wall that will let you incorporate black paint at a more manageable scale. Lighter-colored accents — like the white sink and curtains and gray backsplash shown here — can also provide balance.

​Get the look:​ Glidden Black Magic

Home Depot

Embrace the sweet, vintage look of your cherry wood cabinets by painting your kitchen walls pink. A couple of coats will bring out the red undertones of the wood and give you an unabashedly retro vibe. Play it up even further with aged hardware and antique accent pieces.

​Get the look:​ Glidden Essentials Powder Pink

There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for your paint color, especially if you have striking cherry cabinets. The shade you choose will help set the tone for the whole kitchen, so you'll want to select carefully. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Overall home aesthetic
• Undertones
• Color and material of countertops, appliances, and other accents
• The size of your space
• Lighting — spaces with little natural light work best with lighter colors, while brighter spaces can handle darker colors

In the end, you can paint your kitchen whatever color makes you happy. Whether you prefer neutral walls, like the white ones in this space by Aidan Design, or a statement-making powder pink, your cherry wood cabinets are sure to shine. For some of the best coordinating paint colors, consider the following:

• Greige
• Gray
• White
• Sienna
• Pale green
• Pale yellow
• Soft blue
• Olive green
• Lemongrass
• Navy
• Black
• Light pink