How to compliment honey oak cabinets?

Author: Eduardo Barton  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Here are 5 ways to make them look spectacular!
  1. Use black hardware on cabinetry. One of the most effective ways to enhance honey oak cabinets is by pairing them with black hardware. ...
  2. Avoid blue paint colours for walls. ...
  3. Use contrasting decor to balance golden oak hues. ...
  4. Consider oversized area rugs. ...
  5. Embrace the gold.

What color compliments honey oak cabinets?

Cool neutrals paired with crisp whites and sharp blacks are the path of least resistance for *any* honey oak kitchen, no matter the undertone of your cabinet.

How to make honey oak cabinets look nice?

Honey oak cabinets will look the best when paired with warm tones of creams - do a Google search of images and you will see nice combinations. Change your paint, handles, light fixture, countertops and backpslash...that will make a huge impact. Don't go crazy just simple.

How do you downplay honey oak?

Paint the walls a deep color you love, put a very large rug down, you could even take the handles off and paint them black. That would be a cheap updating touch. A new light fixture would not be so expensive and would update the look quickly. I love the honey oak.

What countertop looks best with honey oak cabinets?

Honey oak cabinets and quartz countertops are a combination that rivals all others. The look of multicolored quartz binds with the natural glow of wood cabinets and gives a flattering and cohesive look.

How to Transform Oak Cabinets - Without Painting Them

What hardware goes with honey oak cabinets?

Settle down your Honey Oak with contrasting colours like black and charcoal colours with warm accents OR choose a white countertop with black or grey veins. To finish it off, add contrasting hardware like black to make it come together or a cool metal.

What backsplash goes best with honey oak cabinets?

It is better to use neutral and warm colors for backsplash with honey oak cabinets such as gray, white, beige, or black.

How do you make honey oak cabinets less orange?

Try using a gel stain on those dated orange-yellow honey oak cabinets to give your kitchen a new look. There are a lot of good reasons to gel stain cabinets when you want to refresh the color of wood cabinetry. It's an easy way to give your kitchen or bathroom a new look without sanding or stripping.

What flooring looks best with honey oak cabinets?

Neutral-toned tile flooring is a safe option for kitchens with oak cabinets. Specifically, shades of brown — from a light creamy brown to a dark espresso shade — complement oak cabinetry.

Are honey oak cabinets outdated?

Yes, oak is coming back into style, but it is a paler, softer tone and, in cabinets, the details are much more modern than what we see in older honey oak cabinets: a straight shaker or slab doors, rather than a cathedral-top shape and a pale color instead of a more golden amber finish, which is often just the yellowing ...

How to change the color of honey oak?

Gel staining, lacquering and painting are the options we offer. Painting will show the least amount of grain, gel staining highlights the grain. Lacquer is as durable as paint and happens to be my favorite option.

Does canvas tan go with honey oak cabinets?

Sherwin Williams Neutral Ground or Canvas Tan

These two colors are right next to each other on the color wheel and are fairly light with minimal undertones. They also pair well with honey oak.

What is the difference between honey oak and golden oak?

A: Honey would be closest to the natural wood color. The Golden has a yellowish/orange tint but still close to the natural wood color and Red oak is much darker and a brownish red. Helpful? Thank you for your feedback!

How to modernize honey oak cabinets?

Here are 5 design tips for modern kitchens:
  1. Pair Oak with Black Hardware and Fixtures. Black is modern and industrial, balancing the traditional vibe of golden oak cabinets. ...
  2. Stick to a feature island or accent cabinetry. ...
  3. Try Rift Cut Oak. ...
  4. Contrast Warm Oak with Green. ...
  5. Skip "Real" Oak for TFL or Wood Veneer Cabinets.

What color carpet goes with honey oak trim?

Considering the honey oak trim and gray-green accent wall, a charcoal or darker grey carpet could be a great choice. It offers a modern yet warm look that complements both elements well, providing a less risky option than deep blue while still adding a dramatic flair.

Does natural linen go with honey oak?

This creamy soft beige complements light wood tones seamlessly, and works well with honey oak wood trim found in many homes. And finally…worries about veering into the “too yellow” territory aren't a problem with Natural Linen.

How do you compliment honey oak cabinets?

Here are 5 ways to make them look spectacular!
  1. Use black hardware on cabinetry. One of the most effective ways to enhance honey oak cabinets is by pairing them with black hardware. ...
  2. Avoid blue paint colours for walls. ...
  3. Use contrasting decor to balance golden oak hues. ...
  4. Consider oversized area rugs. ...
  5. Embrace the gold.

Should flooring be lighter or darker than cabinets?

Darker flooring will give your kitchen a dramatic and moody flair, especially when paired with lighter cabinets. Meanwhile, lighter flooring paired with darker cabinets will also add contrast, but the space will feel much brighter and open.

What color pulls for honey oak cabinets?

Contrasting colors will make the new hardware stand out and give some visual breaks in the monotony of overwhelming golden oak (this is the magic power of distraction) - black, dark oil-rubbed bronze and bright chrome offer the best contrast.

How to stop oak from going orange?

Consider Applying a Treatex Finish

We recommend using their Hardwax oil to protect your flooring from stains and damage. They offer a wide variety of Colour Tones that can either darken the oak, keep it lighter shades, or white washed options.

Is oak trim outdated?

Here in the 21st century, golden oak is no longer in demand, and it can immediately make a home feel tired and dated. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to refinish or replace your oak features. Try a few, and I guarantee it'll bring a giant breath of fresh, modern-day air to your space.

How to neutralize oak cabinets?

To neutralize these tones, apply a wash, stain, or paint in its complementary color. First and foremost, apply a stain, wash, or even very light color paint that's opposite on the color wheel. You can always sand down the wood until it's bare, then apply an ashy, neutral stain or repaint the wood.

What kind of countertops go with honey oak cabinets?

The golden hues in honey oak cabinets pair well with lighter-colored or white quartz countertops. This creates a kitchen with a light and airy aesthetic, making the oak's natural characteristics shine.

What color floor goes best with honey oak cabinets?

For your best bets, check out light maple, light cherry, cypress, beech, or potentially even a whitewashed pine. These are all especially suitable when your cabinets are honey oak, which is quite popular among oak cabinet choices.

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