Do Hardwood Floors Need to Match Cabinets?

When it comes to choosing hardwood floors for their homes, one of the most common questions homeowners have is whether the hardwood floors need to match the cabinets. The simple answer is no; they don’t have to match, but they do need to complement each other. Let’s explore creating a balanced and aesthetically pleasing look by choosing suitable hardwood floors to pair with your cabinets.
 

Harmonizing the Look: How to Pair Hardwood Floors with Cabinets

Hardwood floors and cabinets play significant roles in defining the style and feel of a room. While you don’t need them to match exactly, creating a cohesive look is essential. Here are a few tips to help guide your decision-making:

1. Consider the Room’s Style: The style of the room should be your priority when selecting hardwood floors to go with cabinets. You might opt for lighter hardwood flooring to create contrast and balance if you have dark wood cabinets. On the other hand, if your cabinets are light-colored, a darker hardwood floor can add warmth and depth to the space.

2. Focus on Undertones: Pay attention to the undertones in your cabinets and hardwood floors. Cabinets may have warm (yellow, red) or excellent (gray, black) undertones; the same applies to wood flooring. To create a harmonious look, match the undertones of your cabinets with the wood flooring, even if the shades differ. For example, pair golden oak cabinets with warm honey or amber-toned hardwood, and a cool-toned cabinet like a gray maple can complement a light ash or gray oak wood floor.

3. Choose a Complementary Contrast: If you want your cabinets and hardwood floors to stand out, focus on creating a complementary contrast combining deep, rich wood flooring with light-colored cabinetry for a more striking, contemporary look. Or, choose wood flooring with a slightly different grain pattern or texture than the cabinets to create a subtle contrast without overwhelming the space.

4. Use the Room’s Natural Light: Natural light can significantly impact how the colors of your cabinets and hardwood floors interact. If your space receives a lot of sunlight, lighter hardwood floors and cabinets might brighten the room, making it feel airy and open. Conversely, darker floors and cabinets can add a cozy, intimate feel to spaces with limited natural light.

5. Take the Grain into Account: Hardwood flooring can have varied grain patterns, and this can add texture and interest to your design. If you have cabinets with a very prominent grain pattern, select a hardwood floor with a more subtle grain to avoid visual clutter. Conversely, if your cabinets are simple and flat, you can choose wood flooring with a more defined grain to add a touch of character.
 

Finding Your Perfect Match: Visit Our Showrooms

At Harpat Carpet & Flooring, we understand the importance of choosing hardwood floors for your home. Whether you’re looking for light, dark, or somewhere in between, we offer a wide selection of hardwood flooring options to suit any style. Our flooring store in Havertown, PA, serves the more excellent Eastern PA, New Jersey, and Delaware areas, and we’d love to help you find the perfect wood flooring installation for your home. Visit our showrooms or contact us today to learn more and get started on your flooring project!