The Best Wall Colors to Match Cherry Color Kitchen Cabinets

There’s something about cherry colored kitchen cabinets that feels… grounded. Maybe it’s the way they warm up a room without trying too hard. Or maybe it’s that hint of vintage charm they carry, like they’ve seen a few birthday cakes and Sunday roasts and still have more memories to make.

If you’re lucky enough to have them in your kitchen, or you’re considering bringing them in, here’s why cherry cabinets might just be the unsung hero of your home’s heart.

1. They Age Like Fine Wine

Cherry cabinets change gracefully with time. That bold red-brown glow softens into something deeper, think spiced cider or burnished copper. It’s not just a look, it’s a slow burn. One that adds character, the way laugh lines add charm to a face.

Unlike trendy finishes that start to look tired, cherry wood gets better. It evolves with the kitchen, with the seasons, with you.

2. They Play Well With Others

At first glance, cherry color kitchen cabinets might feel a little… opinionated. But give them the right supporting cast, creamy whites, deep blues, brushed metals, and they shine. They anchor a room, giving contrast and context to every other design choice.

And fun fact? They’re stunning next to both warm and cool tones, which makes them one of the most flexible “bold” cabinet colors out there.

3. They Welcome a Good DIY

If you’re like me, someone who finds joy in sanding down a stubborn drawer front, cherry wood is your friend. It responds beautifully to a refresh: a little oil, new hardware, maybe a touch of beeswax, and boom. Instant glow-up.

You don’t have to strip or paint or beg for miracles. Cherry just needs a little attention and a few thoughtful tweaks.

 Are Cherry Color Kitchen Cabinets Still in Style?

They never really left. In fact, as design moves back toward earthy, story-rich interiors, cherry’s having a quiet comeback. Not loud. Not flashy. Just steady, like the best kind of home.

5 Simple Ways to Brighten Up Cherry Color Kitchen Cabinets

Okay, so you’ve got cherry color kitchen cabinets and you’re feeling… a little boxed in. Been there. I remember walking into my own kitchen one winter morning and thinking, Why does it feel like I’m standing inside a loaf of bread? Cozy, sure, but maybe a little too toasty.

The good news? You don’t need a full reno. Just a few low-lift changes can wake up the space and let those warm red tones breathe again.

1. Change the Jewelry

Old knobs and handles can date a kitchen faster than a flip phone. Swapping them out for something with a cleaner line, like brushed brass or matte black, doesn’t just add contrast. It makes everything feel more intentional, like you meant for this mix of old and new to happen.

I once found antique bronze pulls at a garage sale and, no joke, they made my cherry cabinets look designer-level.

2. Layer In the Light

Cherry loves light—it just doesn’t get along with shadows. If your overhead fixture is doing all the work, it’s time for backup. Stick-on LED strips under the cabinets are cheap, easy, and they highlight the grain in a way that feels… expensive.

Suddenly, your countertop doesn’t look dull, it looks curated.

3. Rethink the Walls

You don’t have to repaint your cabinets to make a big visual shift. Sometimes it’s what surrounds them that makes the most difference. Try a soft neutral, something like creamy oatmeal or a whispery sage. It calms the intensity of the wood and gives your eyes a place to rest.

4. Break Up the Block

If it feels like there’s just too much wood, you’re not imagining it. Replacing a few upper cabinet doors with glass or swapping them for open shelving can add a bit of negative space. Let the cabinets frame your prettiest mugs or a stack of recipe books.

It’s less about showing off and more about giving the wood room to breathe.

5. Decor Details Matter

Think linen curtains. A pale woven runner. Maybe a potted herb or three on the windowsill. You don’t need to gut your kitchenyou just need to soften the space around your cabinets. The right textiles and tones can lighten the mood without a drop of paint.

Do I Have to Refinish Cherry Cabinets to Make My Kitchen Feel Brighter?

Not at all. In fact, a gentle touch, strategic lighting, smart color play, and some fresh hardware can do more than a full-on overhaul. Sometimes it’s not the cabinets that need changing. It’s the story you tell around them.

Cherry Color Kitchen Cabinets and Color Magic: 4 Palette Combos That Sing

Color matching can feel weirdly personal. Like, what looks rich and dramatic to one person might scream “basement rec room” to another. But if you’ve got cherry color kitchen cabinets and you’re trying to figure out what plays nicely with all that warmth… you’ve got more options than you think.

Let’s dig into four color combos that don’t just work, they hum.

1. Cream + Soft White = Bright, Not Bland

You know those kitchens that feel like a warm hug? They’re usually playing with tone-on-tone neutrals. Creamy whites (think antique linen or soft ivory) don’t fight the cherry wood; they lift it up. I once painted a kitchen nook in Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee, and the way it glowed next to the red grain? Pure cozy.

Plus, it’s the safest bet if you’re craving light without going stark.

2. Sage Green = Earthy Balance

Cherry cabinets already bring heat, so bringing in a cool, dusty green adds natural balance. Think of it like pairing a deep red wine with something herbal. They ground each other.

Try this for wall color, fabric curtains, even a painted island if you’re feeling bold-but-calculated. Bonus: Sage plays well with both brass and black hardware.

3. Navy or Teal = Instant Depth

Want something a little moodier? Go dark. Deep navy or muted teal adds contrast without making the room feel smaller. Instead, it draws attention to the red tones in the wood in a way that feels, somehow, intentional and a little luxe.

This combo shines especially with open shelving or matte finishes nearby.

4. Mustard or Ochre = Happy Accent

Now, I know what you’re thinking: yellow? Really? But hear me out. A muted mustard or warm ochre can add just the right touch of brightness without clashing. It’s like tossing a cheerful throw pillow on a serious leather sofa. Unexpected, but it works.

This one’s perfect for accessories: a kettle, dish towels, even framed prints.

What’s the Worst Color to Pair With Cherry Color Kitchen Cabinets?

Grays with cool blue undertones can clash hard. They can make cherry wood look muddy or oddly purplish, especially under artificial light. If you want gray, stick to warm grays or taupe tones that lean brown.

3 Tricks to Make Cherry Color Kitchen Cabinets Feel Light & Airy

Cherry cabinets get a bad rap for being “too dark.” But that’s not really fair, is it? Most of the time, it’s not the wood—it’s the stuff around it dragging the space down. If your kitchen feels more like a cozy den than a fresh, open space, here are a few tricks to shift the mood without changing the cabinets themselves.

1. Reflect the Light You Already Have

This one’s simple but often overlooked: bounce the light. Add a glossy subway tile backsplash, a high-sheen quartz countertop, or even a few metallic accents (copper, stainless, brushed gold—take your pick). Reflective surfaces help break up the visual weight of darker cabinets, letting them glow instead of absorb.

Even something as low-tech as a large mirror or a glossy-framed print can make a difference, especially if you’re short on windows.

2. Embrace Open Space

Too many upper cabinets? You’re not alone. Try removing just one or two doors—or go all-in and swap for open shelving. Exposed shelves let the eye travel, which makes the whole kitchen feel less boxed in.

And don’t worry about styling them perfectly. A few neutral plates, a stack of cookbooks, maybe a plant trailing down—it’s not about perfection. It’s about breathing room.

3. Use Color to Stretch the Room

Light paint colors can visually raise ceilings and widen walls. But beyond that, think vertical. Hang curtains high above the window frame. Add long, vertical art. Use a striped runner that draws the eye forward.

Even the way you style things, like stacking rather than spreading, can shift the vibe from heavy to light.

 Can I Make a Small Kitchen with Cherry Color Cabinets Feel Bigger?

Absolutely. You don’t need to knock down walls, just be strategic. Use light strategically, open up visual lines, and keep clutter off the counters. The cabinets aren’t the problem. It’s how you stage their story.

Cherry Color Kitchen Cabinets on a Budget: 5 Thrifty DIY Upgrades

Let’s be real, most of us don’t have a spare $15K lying around for a cabinet makeover. And honestly, with cherry color kitchen cabinets, you don’t need it. The characters ’ already there. You just need to coax it out a little.

These are the five budget-friendly tweaks I’ve tried, or watched my more daring friends attempt, that gave tired cherry wood a whole new vibe.

1. Clean (Like, Actually Clean)

Not the wipe-with-a-sponge kind. I mean a deep, hands-in-the-grease clean. Years of cooking build up this invisible film that makes cherry wood look flat. I used a mix of warm water, a dab of Dawn, and a soft brush. The difference? Way bigger than I expected.

After that, rub on a little wood oil or conditioner. No need to overdo it, just enough to make the grain pop again. Suddenly, the cabinets don’t look old. They look seasoned.

2. Upgrade the Knobs (Even If You Think It Won’t Matter)

I used to roll my eyes when people said “hardware changes everything.” But it kinda does. Swap dated brass or overly ornate knobs for something simple, matte black, brushed nickel, maybe even ceramic if you’re into the cottagecore thing.

You’d be surprised how much “new” shows up when you spend under $40 on handles.

3. Add Trim, Cheat a Little

Crown molding or bottom trim can make stock cabinets look custom. It doesn’t have to be complicated—I used pre-cut trim from the home store and stuck it up with a nail gun and caulk. Painted it to match the wall, and voilà. No one asks if the cabinets are original anymore.

4. Line the Insides, Nobody Talks About This

Drawer liners or shelf backing with pretty contact paper? Game-changer. You open a cabinet, and suddenly it’s got a little personality. I went with a linen-textured beige in mine, and it feels like a tiny surprise every time I reach for the pasta.

5. Rework the Room Around Them

Honestly, sometimes it’s not the cabinets, it’s the clutter. I swapped a bulky toaster for a slim one. Hung some pale linen curtains. Found a $5 thrift-store runner that somehow made everything feel lighter. None of that touched the cabinets, but it changed the vibe completely.

Is There a Truly Cheap Way to Update Cherry Cabinets?

Yes, and it doesn’t involve tools. Clean them, oil them, change the knobs. That combo alone can shift the look from “dated” to “quietly cool.” You don’t need a sledgehammer. Just a fresh eye.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Color Kitchen Cabinets

Are cherry kitchen cabinets still in style?

Totally. While they may not dominate design blogs, cherry cabinets have carved out their own quiet corner of classic charm. With the right surroundings, lighter paint, modern hardware, and intentional styling, they look less “dated” and more “grounded.” Think timeless, not trendy.

What color goes best with cherry cabinets?

It depends on the mood you’re going for. Creams and soft whites brighten them up. Sage or olive greens give a natural, earthy vibe. Navy adds drama. Just steer clear of cool-toned grays; they can clash and make the red tones look off.

Is cherry good for kitchen cabinets?

Yes, and not just because it looks beautiful. Cherry wood is durable, easy to work with, and ages gracefully. The color deepens over time, which means it actually gets more interesting the longer it’s in your kitchen. It’s a smart, soulful material.

What countertop looks best with cherry cabinets?

Lighter countertops, like creamy quartz, soft beige granite, or even butcher block, tend to pair best. They help balance the depth of the cherry without competing. Bonus points if there’s a little veining or texture to echo the wood grain.

Final Thoughts: Let Cherry Color Kitchen Cabinets Be the Story

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from working with cherry color kitchen cabinets, both in my own space and others, it’s this: they don’t need to be “fixed.” They just need a little context. A little breathing room.

It’s easy to chase trends and feel like every red-toned cabinet is a relic waiting to be covered in beige, but sometimes, what feels outdated just hasn’t been seen clearly in a while. Cherry wood has a richness, a glow, a soul that doesn’t fade; it deepens.

So before you sand, strip, or paint, maybe sit with them a moment. Open a drawer. Let the afternoon light hit the grain. Try one change. Then another. See what shifts, not just in the kitchen, but in how you feel inside it.

Your cabinets have stories. They’ve seen you burn toast and perfect soup. They’ve been there for early mornings, late-night snacks, and everything in between.

They’re not in the way. They are the way.