Chances are, you've got some cherry wood furniture or maybe even cherry wood floors in your place—and you're on a mission to freshen things up. That's exactly why you're here right now. You need some assistance in choosing the colors of paint and decor that complement this beautiful hardwood. We're here to help!
Understanding the Tones of Cherry Wood
Now, there are so many wonderful varieties of cherry wood from across the world. But in this article, we're focusing on Black Cherry or American Cherry Tree, scientifically known as Prunus serotina.
With its warm reddish color and fine grain, cherry has long been a popular choice of wood for furniture and flooring. Aside from its natural beauty, cherry is also a durable hardwood with a notable hardness rating. It's strong enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
Cherry tends to darken over time. It typically has a light pink or a bright reddish brown color when freshly cut. With more exposure to natural light and oxygen, it turns into a richer reddish brown with warm tones.
Note that we're talking about natural wood, without stained finishes.
The darkening of cherry is a natural process, and this change is something you can't prevent or undo. But it's a unique trait that enhances the wood's beauty and makes it even more valuable.
Finding a Color Match for Cherry Wood
While cherry's darkening is something to account for, there's no need to overthink when choosing colors for cherry wood. There's a good chance that your cherry furniture or flooring has already settled into that warm color of reddish brown that it is known for.
Now, it's time to brush up on your hidden knowledge of the color wheel and pick out the best decor and wall color that matches natural cherry wood.
1. Neutral Colors for a Fresh and Clean Look
It's hard to go wrong with neutral tones for the wall paint color. Soft neutrals like beige, cream, and greige are timeless choices that easily go well with wood in rich tones like cherry. These colors provide a clean backdrop that allows cherry to shine.
Warm neutrals such as taupe, caramel, and soft brown work well as secondary colors. They help enhance the warmth of cherry wood, making them excellent choices to create a cozy living space.
Neutral wall color examples: Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray, Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter, Benjamin Moore Bracken Cream
2. White Is Okay But Choose Wisely
Light colors are a quick match for cherry, but a stark white wall might be too sharp to go with its rich reddish brown color. But if you really prefer white, go with a gentler variation, particularly one with a warm undertone.
Benjamin Moore's White Dove is an example. It's a classic warm creamy white with a very subtle cool undertone. So depending on the lighting, it can appear either a cool or warm white.
You can also go for a white paint color with a slight hint of a pink undertone, which complements cherry with its warmth. A good example of such color is Benjamin Moore's Mellow Pink.
3. Complementary Colors Cool the Warmth of Cherry
Sometimes, the best way to find a match for a color is to look across the color wheel. Since cherry wood's color is a rich or deep reddish brown, its complement is a shade of green or blue.
These cool colors beautifully contrast cherry and balance its warmth. Light blues and greens can make your space softer and calmer, while bolder shades add a dramatic punch.
- Soft Blue Wall Color: Benjamin Moore's Galt Blue, Woodlawn Blue, Blue Haze
- Gentle Green Paint Colors: Benjamin Moore's Light Pistachio, Tea Light, Green Cast
4. Add Red to Red
Using red to work with another shade of red might seem too much. Indeed, red is an intense color, but it's a good option to consider for accent shades. For example, an area rug in bright orange-red with subtle hints of blue can complement cherry wood floors.
When pairing red with cherry, it's important to consider the tone of the wood to balance the colors well. Here are some shades of red that can match cherry:
- Muted reds like terracotta, brick red, and burgundy work well with cherry without overpowering the space with red.
- Crimson red is a deep purplish red that can cool the warmth of cherry.
- Rosy red, in delicate shades like blush or dusty rose, pairs well with lighter cherry.
Parting With More Tips to Find the Perfect Color for Cherry
To find the best match for your cherry furniture and floors, it's important to consider the room's lighting. Light significantly impacts the effect of paint colors. If a room has limited natural light, it's best to go for lighter colors as cherry is already rich and deep enough.
Paint samples are your best friend, and it's especially helpful when choosing a match for cherry wood. Just order paint samples online then swatch it on the wall to see how it looks in different lighting conditions. When in doubt, use the 60-30-10 rule as a color scheme guideline. As an example, it can work this way: 60% neutral colors, 30% secondary colors such as warm neutrals, earthy tones, or lighter shades of blue and green, and 10% accent shades such as dark blues, bright greens, and orange-reds.
Lastly, enjoy the whole process. It's easy to overthink when choosing a color scheme, but if you relax and have fun, your creativity will shine.
Related Posts
- Colors That Work Really Well With Walnut Wood
- Ideal Color Palettes for Every Interior Style You Love – T.Y. Fine Furniture
- Top Accent Furniture Picks to Add Character to Your Space – T.Y. Fine Furniture
Featured Photo by cottonbro studio via Pexels