White oak works magnificently with cherry wood, especially when you are wanting to emphasize your cabinets because it creates a nice contrast with the light flooring and darker cabinets.
Cherry and maple are good combinations. Cherry and curly maple, curly cherry and maple, ambrosia maple and cherry, and spalted maple and cherry are all better combinations. Cherry and holly is good as well. Walnut and holly is as well. Not even mentioning the classic mahogany and holly.
Good pairings
white oak and walnut. cherry and maple. red oak and white ash.
The best colors with cherry cabinets are going to be the opposite of red, orange and purple on the color wheel. So basically yellows, blues, and greens. Try to stay with these undertones as well. Do not choose colors with red or purple undertones.
Cherry and Oak Wood Comparison
Both are strong hardwoods, but oak is stronger and does not have to be watched over as much. Both are rich with beautiful colors.
Many people think that cherry cabinets might be going out of style because they've been around for so long, but the answer to that is that they're here to stay. Designers have even found ways to incorporate them into the modern and contemporary style.
Cherry wood is typically more expensive than oak due to its popularity and longer growth time.
It can be versatile and work in so many homes. As I mentioned earlier- as long as you don't have pink undertones. For example it would not pair well with Cherry wood or Mahogany.
Colors that complement cherry wood include pure white, olive green, light gray, soft pink, and charcoal. These shades harmonize well with the warm tones of the wood.
Cherry: Pairs well with almond, apricot, black pepper, caramel, chocolate, cinnamon, citrus (especially lemon), nectarine, peach, plum, sage, and vanilla. It will do especially well in drinks with amaretto, bourbon, brandy, crème de cassis, Grand Marnier, kirsch, rum, sweet vermouth, and vodka.
While you may not think you'd couple red oak with a reddish-brown wood (cherry), most find the union heavenly.
If you want your oak woodwork be part of your colour palette, then stick to earthy tones. Oak sits perfectly next to stone greys, terracotta, and creams. This can then be accented with golds or coppers. Then add some colour to the room with big green leafy plants like a Rubber tree or a Ficus.
When it comes to contrasting our woods, we tend to keep it bold to avoid competing visual points. For example, if we have a light oak piece or finish we want to contrast, we'll likely pair it with a dark wood like walnut or stained maple.
For a coordinated look, stick to shades of beige, rusty red, or a rich brown. Cool colors like green and blue look lively when contrasted against the cherry wood furniture. You can do this by painting your bedroom walls a different color, such as a light sage green or a deep navy blue.
Look for lighter colors, such as hickory or maple, which will seem lighter next to a dark cabinet. Avoid deeper shades, such as walnut, which won't provide enough offset. These colors can make the room seem smaller. You can clean hardwood with ease, and clean floors will look better next to the deep cherry grain.
Industry expert tip: When pairing cherry wood with other woods, I suggest choosing pieces with similar undertones and grains to create a cohesive look. For example, walnut or mahogany can complement cherry wood nicely, while lighter woods like oak may create too much contrast.
Pair with grilled pork, duck, or pate for a balance of sweet and savory. Top frozen yogurt granola bars with fresh cherries for a refreshing summer snack. Make roasted balsamic cherries and add to either a salad with greens or serve over vanilla ice cream. Cherries are a popular ingredient in cocktails and mocktails.
Neutral Tones: Neutral colors like white, beige, cream, and gray provide a classic and balanced contrast to cherry red. They help tone down the intensity of cherry red and create an elegant and timeless look.
"Pale Oak is a chameleon," says Godwin. "It can work in so many different spaces and will complement a range of flooring colors. It's a quiet, sophisticated neutral that creates a warm and inviting feel.
The best way to ensure that your cherry wood bedroom furniture stands out is to use lighter-colored accents. Top your cherry wood bed with soft linens featured in pastel tones of green, blue, yellow, or a nice creamy white.
Upholstery: For a cohesive look, consider upholstery fabrics that easily complement the rich tones of your cherry wood furniture. Cream, beige, and light gray offer a timeless elegance. Leather upholstery in colors like camel or tan is also a good option to pair with cherry.
Harder isn't always better. Cherry's relative softness contributes to its excellent workability – the highest rated among common North American hardwood species. The disadvantage to using cherry is that the material is more easily dented and scratched than oak, maple and other denser lumber.
Ash is a great alternative to white oak in nearly every application. Elm, similar to Ash, takes beautifully to colour thanks to its natural neutral tone.
For many homeowners looking to build or remodel their homes Cherry cabinets can be thought of as an outdated or even expensive option, but the truth is they are very much still “in,” most notably with today's stain offerings that help to reduce the redness of the wood.