The kitchen requires that you are able to see things clearly because it’s an area for cooking food. Consequently, good lighting is paramount.
Unfortunately, if you have cherry cabinets, you know they don’t help in lighting the area.
Does that disqualify cherry wood for kitchen cabinets?
Not at all. Cherry wood is smooth, satiny, and excellent as a staining wood. Do you know Cherry wood Changes Color? YES – I know the answer fascinated you. However, it’s true that as Cherry wood ages, it alters color and becomes warmer and richer, making it a darling to many homeowners.
With these strong positive factors, it’s no wonder that cherry rates are among the highest priced woods, as shown in the table below.
Material | Average Material Cost per Square Linear Foot |
MDF | $300 – $400 |
Maple | $300 – $400 |
Birch | $300 – $400 |
White Oak | $400 – $600 |
Cherry | $500 – $700 |
Steel | $1,000 – $1,500 |
Although Cherry is dark wood, the good news is that you can also lighten your kitchen.
In this article, I will discuss several options that you can consider to lighten your kitchen.
JUMP TO: Ways to Lighten Up Cherry Cabinets | DIY Steps for Brightening Cherry Cabinets | Color Schemes for Kitchen with Cherry Cabinet
Effective Ways You Can Use to Lighten up Your Kitchen with Cherry Cabinets
I have selected for you some of the best methods you can lighten up your kitchen without compromising on the decor.
Let’s dive in and look at each of them.
Paint them With a Lighter Color
source: loveremodeled.com
To lighten cherry wood cabinets, paint is a simple and effective solution.
If you choose to go by this method, consider using bright colors. Among your options might be:
- white
- off-white
- yellow
- gray
You can offset the dullness of cherry wood kitchen cabinets with light colors that reflect more natural light.
Tip: Choose a color that complements your sense of style and personality.
Use Brighter Bulbs to Add More Lighting
Does using brighter bulbs create an impact?
Yes, it does.
Changing your kitchen bulbs to brighter models will do the trick if you are working on a budget.
LED lights and fluorescent tube lights are brighter than traditional bulbs. Better yet, they are energy-saving. Overhead lighting is yet another budget-friendly option that you can to your plan.
Consider purchasing bulbs with 80 to 100 watts rather than those with 60 watts or lower.
Brighter bulbs even out the darkness of cherry wood kitchen cabinets.
Tip: The higher the wattage, the brighter the bulb.
Bulb Wattage (w) | Bulb Brightness (lm) |
150 | 2600 |
100 | 1600 |
75 | 1100 |
60 | 800 |
40 | 450 |
Installing a Light-Colored Backsplash
Have you ever thought of a light backsplash behind your kitchen cabinets?
It’s another sure way to brighten and add flair to your cherry wood kitchen cabinets.
Light-colored backsplash can be in various colors and creates a soft background. Consequently, choose a color that blends well with your kitchen’s interior.
Most importantly, ensure that you install it on a reflective surface where light can bounce.
But how do you achieve the greatest effect?
The simple answer is to pick a backsplash that matches the hue of your cherry wood kitchen cabinets.
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Tip: Backsplashes also come in handy when you want to add color to your kitchen.
Use White Trim Around Cabinets
Did you know you can brighten your cherry kitchen cabinets without sacrificing warmth?
Adding white trim around the cabinets lightens your kitchen without sacrificing its charm of natural wood. What’s more, it also gives your kitchen a modern look.
Light-colored trims come in various options. As such, you can choose that matches your other kitchen finishes. This way, you will have a beautiful, cohesive look.
Install Lighter-Colored Countertops
Choose light-colored countertops if your kitchen cabinets are cherry.
Light colors reflect more light, making your kitchen look brighter and more prominent. Moreover, they help to offset the dark cherry cabinets and create a welcoming, balanced space.
Some great options you can choose from include:
- white quartz
- white marble
- light gray granite.
Hanging White Curtains Over the Cabinets
White curtains could be all you need to lighten up a kitchen with dark cherry cabinets.
White color is naturally bright, and light reflects off it, bringing life to any space.
Does your kitchen have large windows? This method would prove most effective in lightening your kitchen’s dark wood cabinets.
Reflect More Light on the Cabinets
Source: oregonlive.com
I love this method because it is easy to implement and mask the dark color of my cherry wood cabinets.
Mirrors are the most effective way to reflect light to your dark cherry cabinets.
If your kitchen windows are small, place mirrors across from them. This way, the mirrors will reflect more light into the room, making it brighter.
Another excellent way to reflect more light on the cabinets is by installing recessed lights in the ceiling.
Also Read: How to Make Kitchen Cabinets Look Glossy?
Replace Dark-Colored Appliances with Lighter Ones
If you have cherry wood cabinets, consider replacing your dark-colored appliances with bright ones. Doing so will lighten cherry wood cabinets without sacrificing the natural warmth of cherry.
You can go with white, cream or any other bright color.
Add Plants that Contrast or Match the Color of the Cherry Cabinets
Source: Pinterest.com
You that plants help to purify the air, right?
You can also use them to brighten your cherry cabinet even as they purify the air inside.
Adding plants and flowers is a great way to lighten cherry wood kitchen cabinets and make them more cheerful.
Choose plants or flowers that match or contrast the colors of your kitchen.
Homeowners commonly use the following plants:
- Pothos
- ZZ plant
- Calathea
- Spider plant
- Philodendron
- Aglaonema
- Fiddle leaf Fig
Consider Under-the-Cabinet Lights
Source.hgtv.com
Under-the-cabinet lighting is a creative way to lighten up your dark or cramped kitchen. Many people highly recommend this method, thanks to its efficacy.
You can use fluorescent tubes or LED light bars under the cabinet, which will have a spectacular effect.
Consider Open Shelving
The other method involves integrating more open shelves into the cherry wood cabinets.
This method allows you to display some bright and colorful utensils, which can help reflect a bit of light.
Besides, open shelves enhance the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen.
Using a Bright Accent Color
You can brighten your kitchen by adding an accent detail in a light color. The accent will contrast your cherry cabinets, thus lightening up the space.
Vibrant shades like yellow, red, light green, blue, white, and gray are perfect for the job.
You can also warm up your kitchen with artwork pieces, ceramics, and vases in these light colors.
Choose Light Tones for the Kitchen Walls
Painting your kitchen walls a lighter color will go a long way in offsetting the darkness that comes with cherry cabinets.
Some light tones like butter yellow will help reflect off the cabinets, making them appear brighter.
Use Glass Doors on the Cabinets
I love the glass doors on my cherry wood cabinets.
The glass helps to reflect light to the cabinets, making the entire kitchen appear brighter.
Glass doors come in clear and frosted varieties. Both serve the same purpose.
Add Something Metallic That Will Reflect Light
You can integrate a metallic detail in your kitchen in the form of:
- Stainless steel fridge or sink
- Cabinet hardware
- Utensils with a touch of gold, silver, copper, or bronze
- Appliances with metallic finishes
DIY Steps for Brightening Cherry Cabinets
Cherry wood darkens with time because of exposure to elements. You can choose to brighten them when you notice this color change.
The process is super-easy, and you can do it yourself. No need for a professional.
Easy DIY steps for brightening cherry cabinets
Thorough Cleaning
Grease and dirt residues can accumulate on your cabinet surface, causing it to appear darker.
If this is the case, thorough scrubbing is all you need to brighten your cherry cabinets.
Bleach Your Cabinets
Apply some sodium hydroxide to your cabinets, followed by hydrogen peroxide.
Caution: Sodium hydroxide can darken the cherry wood cabinets if left alone for too long. Therefore, apply hydrogen peroxide immediately to neutralize this effect.
Make sure you read the package instructions before using it.
Again, test out your bleach on a small portion of the cabinet, preferably a hidden area, before applying it to the whole cabinet.
Strip Off the Cabinet’s Finish
Some oil-based finishes are responsible for dark cherry wood.
Get a quality stripping solution and remove all the old coats. Then, apply a clear finish to seal and keep your cabinets protected.
Beautiful Color Schemes for Kitchens with Cherry Cabinets
Cherry cabinets are naturally beautiful. However, finding the correct color palette to compliment them can be challenging if you don’t know what to look out for.
Creating unique and beautiful color schemes starts with inspiration. Here is a simple guideline of great color schemes you can choose from.
Color Scheme | Description |
White + A Pop of Color | Consider white walls plus any pop of color such as red. |
Gold + Black | Consider black appliances blended with gold or soft yellow backsplash for a luxurious, welcoming appeal. Gold prevents the black color from feeling too heavy. |
Bright White + Silver Accents | It mainly involves stainless steel appliances combined with white counters, walls, and backsplash. The accent furniture and accessories come in gray or silver. |
Dark Brown + Soft White | Consider shades of dark brown as it could be through the kitchen fixtures or countertops. Add a patterned backsplash with both light and dark tones. Paint the walls soft white |
Beige + Gray | Consider pale beige or soft white paired with gray. Incorporate gray on the counters or backsplash. You can also consider very pale gray for the walls. Dark gray will only make the room duller. |