What Color Backsplash Goes With Oak Cabinets?

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Oak is a hardwood that is widely used as a cabinet material in many homes. This type of cabinet material was a popular choice for kitchen cabinetry in the 1980s and 1990s but can also be used in contemporary kitchens.

Oak cabinets work best with a neutral color such as grey, white, cream, brown, and beige. If you need a bolder look for your backsplash, consider contrasting colors such as blue, jungle green, or orange. You can go with any color, provided you tone it down a shade so that your space doesn’t look too busy. 

Using the right color backsplash to decorate with oak cabinets will make this material work in your modern kitchen. The backsplash, countertops, and cabinets come together to form an overall appearance. 

Examining the intricacies of your surrounding will help you note what flows and what does not flow. Read on to find out what color of backsplash is best to blend with your oak cabinets. 

Pairing Oak Cabinets with Light Tones on Your Backsplash

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Opt for light color tones in other areas of the kitchen, including the backsplash. For the flooring, countertops, and the walls for white and light colors to brighten the kitchen space.

 Having shiny surfaces and stainless-steel appliances will reflect light and give the room a visual lift.

When the kitchen has white walls and sleek gray accents, it balances the colors in the kitchen and gives it a polished and classy look.

Have Two-Tone Oak Cabinetry

You can paint a block of cabinets in a contrasting accent color. Your backsplash may carry a huge chunk of your color scheme, but two-tone oak cabinetry will help bring in some elegance.

This will add interest and ensure the kitchen is no longer overwhelmed by wood surfaces. In addition to this, you can choose to paint your backsplash a warm white as it will pair with most cabinets.

To have a cohesive kitchen color scheme, you can repeat the shade for the painted cabinets in other kitchen accessories.

Have Different Wood Tones to Match Your Backsplash

You can mix the wood tones in your kitchen. Modern kitchen designs tend to do away with matching customs that were widely used in the past.

 A lot of people have embraced mixed wood tones in their kitchen spaces. You may use rich walnut stain and mix it with rustic exposed wood to deepen the oak.

Colors That Go Well With Oak Kitchen Cabinets

Fortunately, oak cabinets go with most color schemes. Here are a few color suggestions that blend perfectly with your cabinets.

White 

White Oak cabinets have an orange color. Using the color white for the backsplash will neutralize their natural color. Using textured white paint will add elegance to the kitchen and complement the beautiful grain patterns on the oak cabinets. White helps brighten any living space, and this includes the kitchen.

Beige

Using beige color will help downplay the orange’s warm glow on the kitchen cabinets. This color will not compete with the orange on the oak kitchen cabinets. Beige also conveys a sense of warmth when painted on the kitchen walls. It is also an excellent color that will not overpower the ability of eyes to focus on the oak cabinets in the same space.

Blue

The blue color is excellent for anyone who is looking for a neutral tint on their spaces. You can pick a softer tone of blue such as the aqua, as this will complement the dark grain patterns on the oak wood kitchen cabinets.

You can also choose charcoal blue and ash blue if you are looking for darker options. The light version of navy blue will be an excellent choice for anyone who wants to brighten their kitchen space.

Gray 

Different shades of gray can be used to neutralize the orange color on the oak wood. Color gray will tone down the orange’s warmth and also add character to the kitchen. However, light gray is an exceptional choice for anyone who wants to choose the right shade of gray.

Green 

The green color has an earthy tone that perfectly blends with the orange oak wood cabinets. This is a great paint color to have in the kitchen, especially for bold and more adventurous people when it comes to transforming their spaces with colors.

Light purple. 

You may also choose to complement the warm orange color of the oak cabinets by painting the backsplash in light purple. The blue-reddish tinge in the lighter shades of purple will complement the color orange without bumping it up several notches further.

What Backsplash Color Is Easier To Maintain

When choosing a backsplash color, ensure the color will work for the cabinets, the counter, and the floor. If you have a small kitchen space, you need a color that will blend with the oak wood cabinets. 

For a good contrast with the color that you select, choose one that already exists in the kitchen. Personal preference will also play a critical factor in the color that you select. Consider choosing colors that are easy to maintain.

Dark surfaces may hide some stains, but water stains are easily noticeable on such surfaces.

Here are some backsplash colors that are easy to maintain:

  • Grey 

The grey color works best for people with stainless steel appliances. This particular color will give the kitchen a rich and expensive feel and is easy to maintain. This color will keep the room warm and inviting.

  • Beige

This neutral color will match any other color you may want to use in the kitchen. Having beige color gives the kitchen a welcoming feel. It helps create exciting patterns, and stains from different spices may not be readily noticeable. Beige tones are perfect for hiding kitchen stains.

  • Blue

The blue color will cheer up the kitchen. This color is easy to clean and maintain. 

It creates a casual and inviting atmosphere. A blue backsplash in your kitchen will make the space more attractive.

  • Black

Black color will give your kitchen a sophisticated look. This color backsplash is perfect for any coffee lover. It is perfect in hiding coffee stains on the perfect and also easy to clean. However, it may not hide other stains such as those from spices.

How to Decorate Your Oak Cabinets with a Backsplash for a Modern Look

Having a neutral backsplash gives you the freedom to play around with your oak cabinets. You can use this chance to add some beautiful décor to your kitchen. Here are tips to help you decorate your oak cabinets with a neutral backsplash. 

  1. Have a central point

By now, you should know oak cabinets, especially large ones, can overpower other kitchen designs. The best thing to do in this situation is to lessen their appearance by creating a focal point. 

You can do this by having a beautiful tile backsplash installed. You can choose to play around with colors or have it tiled. Additionally, place a matching area rug to help balance the overall look. 

  1. Go slow on the oak cabinetry

Even if you have a neutral backsplash, you may have to tone down on your oak cabinets. Oak furniture usually has an orange hue to the finish. This may make your kitchen look and feel out of fashion. 

Oak cabinets have a warm feel to them. If you want a cool and fresh tone in your kitchen, add some splashes of green and blue to your backsplash. 

You can style your backsplash with different color tiles. Shades of green and blue will look excellent together with your oak cabinets. You can also mix blue and gray tiles on your backsplash. 

  1. Add some accessories to your cabinetry

Despite having yellow undertones, oak cabinets can also serve as neutral bases for your kitchen color scheme. This allows you to accessorize the way you please. 

Accessorizing oak cabinetry is easy. You can put decorative utensils such as glass vases and flowered plates. Add on some planters and some stylish appliances. To add more drama to the ambiance, put up some lights with tiny decorative bulbs. 

  1. Make use of modern oak cabinets

Oak cabinets are beautiful to look at, but lacquered oaks cabinets are more exquisite. Add style to your cabinets with modern styles, bold colored backsplash, and classy countertops. To add oomph, have designed your backsplash with geometric patterns. 

Get rid of any clutter for an overall pristine look. You are free to add some artwork and even framed photographs to style your cabinets. 

  1. Use different types of wood tones

Any interior designer will tell you that wood tones don’t have to match. All you have to do is find tones that match and complement each other. Two-toned oak cabinetry against a cream or white backsplash oozes class and elegance. 

You can also stain your cabinets with a vibrant walnut stain. Combine this with a rustic wood color for a natural look. 

You can style your backsplash any way you fancy depending on your style and preference. Don’t be afraid to play around with colors while at it. 

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