Kitchen cabinets play a crucial role in any kitchen design. Not only do they provide necessary storage space, but they also set the overall aesthetic tone of the kitchen. When selecting kitchen cabinets, the type of wood and finish are two of the most important considerations. Cherry wood is a popular choice that offers a stunning, rich look. Cherry kitchen cabinets highlight beautiful reddish undertones that add warmth and character to any space.
What Makes Cherry Wood So Desirable for Kitchen Cabinets?
Cherry wood has been valued in furniture making for centuries and brings the same qualities to kitchen cabinetry. Here are some of the factors that make cherry such a smart choice:
Natural Beauty of the Wood Grain
The rich reddish-brown heartwood of cherry has a distinctive, swirling grain pattern. When finished, this creates beautiful visual depth. Cherry has a fine, uniform texture that also enhances its smooth surfaces. The sleek grain paired with warm undertones creates kitchen cabinets that are naturally elegant.
Durability of the Cherry Wood
Cherry wood is dense, strong, and naturally resistant to decay. This makes it an extremely durable choice for cabinetry that will stand up well to years of regular use. The smooth, close grain also allows it to take stains evenly and makes it easy to achieve a consistent finish across all cabinets.
Stain-taking Ability
While cherry wood has beautiful natural undertones, it can also take stains very evenly. This allows cabinets to be easily customized to fit a wide range of kitchen color schemes. From deep espresso to light honey stains, cherry wood adapts well.
Environmental Sustainability
Cherry wood is sourced from sustainable forestry practices. Choosing cabinets made from cherry supports responsible forest management. This reassures consumers that the wood was harvested ethically and responsibly.
Cherry offers a refined, contemporary look perfect for modern kitchen aesthetics. Yet its warm, reddish tones also provide a timeless, traditional feel. This versatility and its many natural assets make cherry wood an outstanding choice.
Selecting the Best Cherry Wood for Kitchen Cabinets
Cherry wood kitchen cabinets showcase the wood’s signature reddish-brown tones and elegant grain patterns. However, color variations can occur between different boards and trees. Here are some tips on choosing the best cherry wood:
Opt for FAS Grade Cherry
Cabinet-grade cherry lumber is categorized by grades. FAS (First and Seconds) refers to boards taken from the first 16 feet of the log. This heartwood lumber has a more consistent reddish coloration and finer grain pattern. Lesser grades have more tan sapwood, knots and other flaws.
Handpick Boards for Consistent Color
The best cabinets come from cherry boards hand-selected for consistent color tones. This achieves the most coordinated look across all cabinet components. Custom shops will take time to match boards, while stock cabinets are more variable.
Ask About the Origins of the Cherry Wood
North American cherry trees produce slightly redder heartwood than European species. The soil, climate and growing conditions all impact the wood color. American black cherry is regarded as the finest. Asking about wood origins can help acquire the richest coloration.
Consider Opting for Knotty Cherry
Knotty cherry retains small tight knots in the wood purposely for a rustic aesthetic. This adds pronounced visual texture and interest to the wood grain patterns. Knotty cherry makes a unique choice for a more casual, countryside-inspired kitchen design.
Evaluate Finish Swatches Before Committing
The same species of cherry stained in different hues can look remarkably different. Review multiple finish swatches on the actual wood to decide on the perfect stain for your space. Custom stains can also be blended to achieve more customized results.
Understanding cherry wood grades, sources, knots and finishes helps ensure your cabinets accentuate the wood’s most desirable characteristics. Careful cherry selection allows its natural beauty to take center stage.
Factors that Influence Cherry Wood Color
Cherry wood is prized for its signature warm, reddish-brown hues. However, the color tones can range from pale tan to deep crimson. What makes cherry wood exhibit such a breadth of reddish colors? Here are the primary factors that influence its varied wood coloration:
Natural Color Variances in Cherry Trees
No two cherry trees are exactly alike. Like any wood, genetics and growing conditions affect the natural color of the heartwood. Some trees will produce richer, redder boards, while other may be more golden brown. Working with multiple sources helps blend these differences.
Origin and Species of the Cherry Wood
As mentioned, American black cherry tends to be redder than European cherry varieties. Even within North America, cherry from different regions exhibits slightly different hues based on climate, soil composition, and more.
Where the Wood Comes from the Tree
The lower portion of the tree near the center produces the deepest red/brown colors. As you move up the trunk, the wood lightens towards a tan/pink hue. Darker heartwood near the core is the most coveted.
How the Wood Has Been Cut or Sawn
The direction the wood grain has been cut impacts color presentation. Rift-sawn boards are sliced to highlight the grain pattern, producing richer tones. Plain slicing yields a more muted coloration.
Oxidation and Exposure to Light
When first cut and milled, cherry wood is a pale yellow/pink shade. Exposure to oxygen causes it to darken to a warm, reddish hue. Further darkening also occurs with exposure to natural and artificial light.
The Finishing Process
Staining, glazing and other finish processes modify the natural coloration of the raw wood. A dark espresso stain will lend a deeper, redder-brown look compared to an untreated or natural stained sample.
Understanding what contributes to the range of hues in cherry provides the knowledge to select boards with your ideal undertones. A reputable cabinet maker will be able to walk you through all these factors that influence the final look.
Achieving Light & Airy to Bold & Dramatic with Cherry Cabinets
The finishing process applied to cherry wood cabinets presents the opportunity to customize their look from light and airy to bold and dramatic. Here are tips on finishing cherry wood to match your preferred kitchen aesthetics:
For a Light & Airy Look:
- Apply a natural, clear wood finish to cherry cabinets to accent the pale tan hues of the raw wood.
- Opt for a light stain wash that adds only a hint of color tint to maintain the wood’s inherent lightness.
- Add paint distressing along edges and drawers to allow the lighter undertones to peek through.
- Replace smaller upper cabinets with open cherry shelving to maintain an open, airy look.
- Whitewash or intentionally distress cabinets for a weathered, cottage-inspired aesthetic.
For a Rich, Warm Look:
- Use a medium-toned brown, caramel or honey stain to amplify the wood’s natural reddishness.
- Opt for an amber shellac that saturates the wood to intensify its darker hues.
- Apply a dark glaze over stained cabinets for added depth and dimension.
- Combine stained lower cabinets with natural, clear-coated uppers for contrast.
- Accent with hardware in antique brass, oil-rubbed bronze or wrought iron.
For a Bold, Dramatic Statement:
- Stain the cherry wood an opaque espresso or charcoal to mask red undertones.
- Ebonize wood with black liming wax and soft grey rub-through for distinct contrast.
- Complement dark cherry cabinets with dramatic features like waterfall edges or inset lighting.
- Incorporate texture with knotty, wire-brushed or reclaimed wood elements.
- Include smoky grey mirror backs or charcoal bamboo wall covering as bold contrasts.
The versatile cherry wood takes on any style with ease. Tailor the finishing techniques to create exactly the type of look, from subdued to striking, that fits your unique kitchen design vision.
Ideal Paint Colors to Pair with Cherry Cabinets
The rich reddish-brown hues of cherry cabinets add instant warmth to any kitchen. Choosing complementary wall colors is key to making sure the beauty of the cherry wood shines. Here are recommended paint colors to pair with cherry cabinets:
Timeless White
A crisp, clean white is a classic pairing for cherry cabinets. The stark white walls allow the wood’s reddish tones to take center stage. White also keeps the space feeling open and airy.
Light Grey
From a soft dove grey to an airy mineral grey, lighter grey walls provide an understated and elegant backdrop for cherry cabinets. Grey with a subtle hint of purple undertones works especially well.
Light, Warm Neutrals
Almond, tan, beige and soft greige (grey-beige) are subdued neutrals that complement cherry’s warmth and reddish hues. These muted tones allow the cabinet’s rich color to stand out.
Sand or Khaki
Earthy tones like a smooth beige-brown khaki or sandy tan add sophistication while also highlighting the wood’s reddish undertones. The natural color pairing is warm and welcoming.
Crisp, Clean Blue
A cool sky blue or refreshing aqua blue brings out the red tones in cherry wood. The contrasting hues makes the cabinetry really stand out while the cool blue keeps the space feeling open.
Black
For dramatic contrast, a rich black paint pairs beautifully with deep, stained cherry cabinets. The bold black backdrop intensifies the wood’s richness.
Pairing the right wall color with cherry cabinets enhances their beauty. Complimentary hues keep the eye drawn to the showstopping wood grain.
Unique Kitchen Backsplash Ideas for Cherry Cabinets
An eye-catching backsplash acts as the perfect finishing touch for a kitchen with rich cherry cabinets. Creative backsplash materials and styles make for the ideal complementary accent. Here are some inspired ideas:
Geometric Ceramic Tile Patterns
Thin brick subway tiles laid in zigzag patterns or herringbone designs provide clean lines that contrast the organic shapes of wood grain. Crisp white or light gray tiles help the cherry cabinets truly stand out.
Natural Stone Accents
Dimensional slate tiles or stacked stone thin veneers add earthy textures. Light beiges, greys and subtle taupe stone hues enhance the wood’s richness. Avoid overpowering red, brown or black stones.
Rustic Wood Backsplash
For a cozy, countryside kitchen feel, use reclaimed barnwood or salvaged wine crate wood. Wire-brushed, whitewashed pine also pairs well for a beachy look. Leave wood unstained to allow cherry cabinets to take the lead.
Smoky Mirrors or Metallics
Antique mirror tiles or brushed metallic finishes like zinc, nickel or copper make the cherry wood really shine. The reflective and luminous qualities contrast the matte, non-reflective wood.
Vintage Glass & Subway Tiles
For traditional charm, vintage-style glass tiles, bubble glass or classic subway layouts complement cherry’s old-world character. Delicate patterns enhance the wood’s bolder grain.
Bold Patterned Tile
Make the cherry cabinets the subdued element by selecting patterned tiles in contrasting tones. For example, bold black and white geometric designs or deep blue Moroccan tiles command attention.
Choose a backsplash that either contrasts or compliments the cabinets to create a complete, harmonious look. The creative possibilities are endless!
Cabinet Hardware that Complements Cherry Wood
The right hardware provides the perfect finishing detail for a kitchen’s cherry cabinetry. Matching the style and finish to the wood’s rich, reddish-brown warmth establishes visual harmony. Here are some great hardware options to complement cherry cabinets:
Oil-Rubbed Bronze
The dark, burnished effect of oil-rubbed bronze brings out luxurious red undertones in cherry wood. The patinaed look has an aged, timeworn quality perfect for traditional kitchen designs.
Textured Black Iron
Formed black iron hardware with natural hammered or hand-forged marks provides an artisanal contrast to the smooth cherry wood. The dark color intensity also enhances the wood’s depth.
Rustic Wrought Iron
Twisted wrought iron hardware in dark finish has an imperfect, handcrafted look befitting natural wood grain. Hammered texture and visible welds continue the rustic, artisanal style.
Antique Brass
The unlacquered, living finish of real antique brass develops a mellow, reddish patina similar to aged cherry wood. The high-end metal resonates beautifully with the cabinets’ richness.
Matte Black Hardware
Simple flat black hardware provides the perfect monochromatic frame for cherry’s visually complex wood patterns. The bold black color heightens the wood’s warmth.
Smoked Chrome or Nickel
Brushed metals like smoked chrome, nickel and iron have an understated sheen that provides just enough contrast without overpowering the star attraction – the cherry cabinetry.
Thoughtfully finished cherry cabinets deserve equally considered hardware that reflects their allure. The options are plentiful for perfectly accentuating this beloved wood.
Creating a Cohesive Look Throughout the Kitchen
Kitchens featuring rich cherry cabinetry must pay special attention to creating an integrated, cohesive look from cabinets to countertops to flooring. Here are some tips for completing the kitchen design:
Select Countertops that Complement Cherry
Quartz in white, beige or black pair well with cherry, as does butcher block. Granite and marble should be vetted to avoid clashing undertones.
Use Natural Stone Flooring
Honed limestone, travertine and marble tiles complement cherry’s organic qualities. If using wood flooring, select a similar tone like hickory or walnut.
Repeat Finishes in Fixtures
Use fixtures like pendant lights, faucets and drawer pulls in finishes that echo the cabinet hardware. Brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, antique brass and matte black work well.
Incorporate Redundant Wood Elements
Add wooden features like open shelving, a butcher block island or reclaimed barnwood wall accents to extend the warmth of the cherry cabinetry throughout the space.
Echo Cherry Color in Upholstery
Upholster barstools or banquette seating in deep red leather. Use area rugs with red and brown geometric patterns or motifs.
Carry Lighting Fixtures into Adjacent Spaces
Extend cohesion by using matching or coordinating lighting fixtures over a connected living space’s bar, breakfast nook or adjacent dining room.
Achieving harmony between the cherry cabinetry, surfaces and finishes results in a kitchen that feels intentional, elegant and thoroughly complete.
Maintaining & Protecting the Beauty of Cherry Cabinets
Cherry wood’s natural beauty only improves with age, as long as proper care is taken to maintain and protect cabinets’ rich finish. Here are tips for keeping cherry cabinets looking their best for years to come:
Use Furniture Polish Regularly
Frequent polishing with a carnauba wax-based wood polish enhances cherry’s glow while sealing pores against moisture and spills. Follow product directions for best results.
Clean Spills Promptly
Immediately wipe down drips, splatters and spills to prevent liquid penetration. For oily stains, clean with a small amount of mild soap on a damp cloth. Thoroughly dry.
Avoid Excessive Moisture
Prevent cabinet damage by promptly fixing any plumbing leaks. Run kitchen exhaust fans to reduce condensation buildup from cooking. Use cabinet doors/drawers regularly to circulate air.
Install Proper Lighting
Excessive light accelerates wood’s natural darkening over time. Install dimmable lighting and sheer window treatments to diffuse harsh light sources.
Limit Direct Sun Exposure
Position small area rugs and decor items on cabinet exteriors to shield from prolonged direct sun exposure. UV rays can dry out and damage wood finish.
Consider Cabinet Interior Lighting
Use small LED puck lights inside glass-front cabinets for accent illumination without exposing interior wood to excessive light damage.
Touch Up Nicks and Scratches
Touch-up markers and finish repair pens in appropriate wood tones easily disguise unavoidable nicks and scratches that occur with everyday use.
Refinish Cabinets as Needed
When cabinet finish becomes irreparably worn, consider sanding and refinishing cabinets. This will restore wood’s vibrancy, color depth and finish integrity.
With proper care, stunning cherry wood cabinets will last a lifetime and the wood’s natural patina will only get better with time. Taking preventative steps protects your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Wood Cabinets
Cherry remains one of the most desirable woods for kitchen cabinetry. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about cherry wood cabinets:
What are the differences between maple and cherry cabinets?
Cherry wood has a more reddish color compared to maple’s pale creamy hues. Cherry stains more evenly while maple shows more color variation. Both offer smooth, fine grain texture. Maple costs less while cherry provides a more distinctive look.
Do cherry cabinets go with stainless steel appliances?
Stainless steel’s neutral silver tones pair quite well with rich cherry cabinetry. The high-contrast look is clean and contemporary. For a more integrated look, some choose to add a stainless steel backsplash.
How do you stain cherry cabinets for an espresso look?
Start with a wood conditioner applied evenly across all cabinet surfaces. Then use an espresso or dark chocolate colored wood gel stain, wiping on evenly with a foam applicator. Remove excess for desired color intensity. Apply a protective polyurethane top coat.
What wall color goes best with reddish cherry cabinets?
The most popular wall colors with reddish cherry cabinets are cream, beige, tan, light grey, sky blue and crisp white. These hues complement the wood’s warmth while allowing the cabinets to stand out.
Can you paint over cherry cabinets?
Yes, cherry cabinets can be painted over successfully if properly prepared. The old finish must be completely s