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What Cabinets Go With Birdseye Maple Floors?

When choosing flooring and cabinetry, people often wonder if the cabinets need to match the floors or if contrasting colors can be used. Fortunately, there are many choices when mixing and matching birdseye maple floors with different cabinetry. When choosing cabinets, select finishes, paints or stains that complement the flooring rather than fight with it.
  1. About Birdseye Maple

    • Originally, the birdseye pattern that occasionally occurs in maple and other woods was thought to be the result of diseased, malformed or otherwise damaged trees. However, this was found not to be true but was simply another natural occurrence, such as straight-grained. Furthermore, the birdseye figuring does not always occur throughout the entire tree and typically does not occur beyond the first branch, according to Professors Harry Beals and Terry Davis of Auburn University. Birdseye gets its name from the distinctive pattern that is similar in appearance to birds’ eyes.

    White Cabinetry

    • White cabinets or off-white cabinets work well with birdseye maple flooring. In fact, white is a clean, crisp color that pairs well with any color flooring. White does not necessarily have to be pure white, either. Shades of off-white, such as white with warm cream undertones or cool gray or blue undertones can also be complementary to birdseye maple flooring.

    Deep Colored Woods

    • To complement lighter wood floors, as seen in birdseye maple, use deep, rich colored woods, which could include cabinetry made from woods such as walnut, mahogany or cherry. Cabinets can also be stained to reflect warm, rich colors. Other woods might include hickory, lyptus, oak, maple, pine and birch. When choosing stain colors, opt for shades such as brandywine, ebony, chestnut or harvest.

    Complementary Paint Colors

    • Several complimentary paint colors, aside from white, can work well with birdseye maple wood flooring. For example, warm shades of brown or a striking jet black can help provide significant contrast between the floor and the cabinets. Other complementary colors could include linen, dove gray and almond. More colorful options might include Spanish moss, navy, tidewater or spring meadow green.