In this case, opt for light coloured flooring. White is a failsafe option and can have a contemporary look when paired with black cabinets. Alternatively, ash grey provides a subtler contrast, while a pale wooden finish creates a welcoming feel.
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.
Light and Bright: A light, pale laminate or tile can harmonise beautifully with charcoal cabinets, offering a modern, sleek environment. Textured Options: Consider textured vinyl that mimics natural materials but in unexpected colours, adding depth without overwhelming the aesthetic.
Options like oak or maple flooring can bring a timeless look that adds character to your kitchen or bathroom. For a more modern twist, consider a gray-stained wood floor that echoes the color of your cabinets, creating a cohesive look throughout the space.
If you love the look of dark cabinets, choose a hardwood that's at least 1-2 shades lighter than your cabinets. In general, white and grey woods go well with black, dark blue, and green cabinets, while natural woods, like oak and maple, will match dark brown, burgundy, and burnt sienna cabinets.
Typically, kitchens that lack natural light should have bright units to reflect the little light that comes one. In this case, opt for light coloured flooring. White is a failsafe option and can have a contemporary look when paired with black cabinets.
Balance with Lighter Shades: Pair charcoal with lighter colors like white, beige, or soft pastels to create a balanced and visually appealing design. Use Complementary Colors: Match charcoal with complementary shades such as deep blues, rich greens, or warm browns to add depth and interest to your palette.
For example, honey oak cabinets pair beautifully with charcoal or espresso-colored vinyl plank flooring. This combination creates a striking visual interest while maintaining a balanced look. You can even use a matte finish on the vinyl flooring to make it look more realistic.
Natural Bamboo Floors
Bamboo is an excellent flooring choice to pair with dark cabinetry. Because bamboo tends to have a warm undertone, it will pair well with dark red, burnt orange, and warm brown cabinets. Because bamboo is so durable, it's also a great option for the kitchen.
No matter which color wood flooring you choose to go with your dark cabinets, if it's light, it's right. The rest will depend upon your decorating scheme and personal preference. Knowing the options available to you will help nail down the best choice for you personally.
Make your dark kitchen cabinets pop with a contrasting white countertop. White varieties of marble, quartz, or laminate look stunning surrounded by dark wooden or painted brown cabinetry. White countertops are luxurious and tasteful, making them the perfect refresher for a kitchen fitted with brown cabinets.
One of the best ways to create the illusion of a larger space is to choose light-colored flooring that can reflect natural and artificial light. Whether the flooring is tile or engineered wood, opt for a light color, such as bleached wood tones, soft whites, sandy beige, or soft grays.
Dark kitchen cabinets with a light-colored countertop call for a dark-colored floor for balance; alternatively, a medium-toned floor with a dark grain to match the cabinet color will also create balance. Darker flooring works well if the cabinets and countertop have lighter tones.
As a general rule, lighter colours tend to make a space look larger, while darker colours can make a room feel smaller and more intimate. Here's a breakdown of how different shades affect the perception of space: Lighter Shades: Enhance natural light and give an open, airy feeling.
Gray is a fairly forgiving color that will partner with almost any hue. When choosing your gray color scheme, pay attention to the undertones. Cooler grays pair well with blues, purples, and teals, while warmer grays (think mushroom and putty) pair better with reds, oranges, and other warm shades.
Not to be confused with gray, charcoal is one of the most versatile colors. Gray is a mixture of white and black, but charcoal has a hint of blue added to the mix.
Light colours help to create a bright space. And kitchen cabinets in neutral, pale grey and off-white shades reflect available light around a room beautifully. You don't have to wait until you're getting a new kitchen to make your kitchen cabinets lighter.
Additionally, light floors can help conceal dust and debris better than dark floors, which can make cleaning and maintenance easier. Light kitchen floors are also versatile and easier to match with various design styles, which can be beneficial if you're planning on updating the look of your kitchen in the future.
Grey Cabinets
If a rich, warm look and feel is more your style, try a darker brown floor, such as Arbor or Catura from our Modin LVP Collection. And, if monochrome is what you're going for, you can always pair your grey cabinets with grey or black flooring options.
Think About Tone
For example, if you have cool-toned dark gray kitchen cabinets, pair them with a light gray or white wall color. Conversely, warm, rich browns work great with beige and off-white shades. This approach will ultimately give the room a high-end feel.
Grey has become a hot trend for kitchen cabinets, a stylish alternative to white or wood finishes. But choosing the right shades of dark grey and light grey for your kitchen cabinets can be tough—not only do you want a set that fits your overall aesthetic, but you also want materials and designs that will last.