What Laminate Counters Do I Put With Cherry Cabinets?

Matching Browns

• In a kitchen with cherry cabinets, laminate counters that match the cabinets’ wood as closely as possible can create a unified look for the space. Chocolate brown laminate is an ideal option because it has a warm, rich look, but you can also opt for a reddish brown to pick up the red tones in the cherry wood. However, if you choose a dark brown shade for your laminate counter that matches the color of the cabinets, paint your walls a light color like white, cream or ivory to keep the space from feeling too dark or dreary. If you like the idea of a monochromatic look but want to brighten your kitchen at the same time, opt for brown laminate countertops that are a shade or two lighter than the cabinets.

Light and Contrasting

• To showcase your cherry cabinets, choose a light color for your laminate countertops that contrasts with the wood. White provides a crisp, clean look that can brighten your kitchen. However, if you prefer a warmer look, opt for cream or ivory laminate, which has slightly yellow undertones. When choosing light-colored laminate counters, opt for a mid-tone shade for the walls to tie the room’s look together. A tan or taupe color is an attractive option that picks up the warm brown undertones of the cherry cabinets but isn’t dark enough to overpower light-colored laminate countertops.

Mid-toned and Cool

• Because cherry wood has warm undertones, pairing your cabinets with cool-toned laminate countertops creates an interesting contrast that can add dimension to your kitchen. Opt for a mid-toned, cool shade that can stand up to the darkness of the wood. Blue-gray laminate provides an elegant look, and you can pair it with a variety of wall colors, including cream, light blue, gray and tan. You may also opt for jade or jungle green laminate, which has blue undertones that give it a soft look. Pair it with white, moss green or tan walls to balance out the dark look of the cherry cabinets.

Rich and Warm

• With their reddish undertones, you can also pair cherry wood cabinets with warm colors for a rich, cozy look for your kitchen. Choose laminate countertops in a warm red shade, such as wine or cranberry. Terracotta and rust are also attractive options, but eggplant-colored laminate may provide the most striking look of all. Pair one of these warm shades with cream, ivory or tan walls to keep the room’s look warm and inviting while brightening the dark cherry wood.