Oh boy, I remember the time I installed cherry wood floors in my first apartment.
I was so excited to pick out a stylish carpet to go with my fancy new floors.
But finding the right color was harder than I thought!
I went to the flooring store and was overwhelmed by all the options – beige, gray, taupe, red, blue – yikes!
I had decision paralysis big time.
After bringing home what felt like 100 carpet samples, I finally settled on a rich navy blue.
I thought the bold color would pair nicely with the reddish-brown wood.
Well, let’s just say that was a decor fail.
The two colors clashed and made my small living room feel dark and cave-like.
Luckily, I’ve learned a lot since that first carpet buying experience.
Keep reading and I’ll share my tips for choosing carpet colors that beautifully complement cherry wood floors.
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Top 20 Carpet Colors for Cherry Wood Floors
| Rank | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Beige | 9.0 | Neutral and versatile, allows wood to stand out |
| Taupe | 8.5 | Subtle warmth complements wood tones |
| Gray | 8.0 | Cool contrast to wood’s warmth |
| Tan | 8.0 | Earthy warmth enhances wood reddish tones |
| Navy Blue | 7.5 | Deep richness accentuates wood elegance |
| Mustard Yellow | 7.0 | Warm vintage vibe livens up wood |
| Moss Green | 7.0 | Organic earthiness complements wood |
| Oatmeal | 7.5 | Subtle beige warmth suits wood tones |
| Rose Pink | 7.0 | Earthy pink enhances wood’s redness |
| Charcoal | 8.0 | Deep richness mirrors wood elegance |
| Ruby Red | 7.5 | Vibrant red amplifies wood reddish tones |
| Spa Blue | 7.0 | Soothing contrast to wood warmth |
| Silver Gray | 8.0 | Sleek modern contrast to traditional wood |
| Multicolor | 9.0 | Mix of hues complements wood beautifully |
| Black | 7.0 | Striking contrast adds modern edge |
| Terracotta | 8.0 | Earthy warmth enhances wood tones |
| Lilac | 7.0 | Soft uniqueness complements wood |
| Sage Green | 7.5 | Organic earthy tone suits wood |
| Brown | 8.0 | Coordinates seamlessly with wood tones |
Go Neutral With Beige
One of my top color recommendations is a light beige carpet.
The soft neutral tone allows the rich cherry wood to take center stage.
Beige has a timeless, classic look that will stand the test of trends.
It’s a safe choice that complements most furniture styles from modern to traditional.
Just stick to lighter shades – a pale beige will keep the room feeling bright and open.
More specifically, look for beige carpets with a warm, creamy undertone.
This type of beige has a subtle yellow/pink base that picks up on the reddish tones in the cherry wood.
It creates a harmonious and inviting look.
A great option is a light camel or biscuit beige.
I’d avoid beiges that are too gray, tan or have a greenish cast as those undertones may clash with the flooring.
In terms of texture and style, a plush or Saxony beige carpet adds a touch of softness that balances out the hardwoods.
Or for high traffic areas like hallways, a low pile berber is more durable.
Tip: Get a beige carpet with some flecks or patterns woven in.
This camouflages dirt better than a solid color.
For families with kids or pets, consider a stain resistant beige carpet made of olefin or polyester.
Try A True Gray
With cherry wood floors, stick with a true gray without yellow or brown undertones.
The cool tone provides an elegant contrast to the wood’s warmth.
Gray is sophisticated yet still neutral enough not to clash with the cherry color.
Just avoid going too dark or the wood may look dingy and aged.
Look for a lighter gray carpet in the warm beige family, sometimes called greige.
This has a subtle tan/pink tone that flatters the cherry wood’s reddish hues.
Or try a cooler gray with a hint of blue or purple undertone to contrast the warm floors.
Stay away from grays with green or olive tones as those can sometimes clash with the red in cherry.
For a foolproof pair, choose a gray carpet with flecks of browns, taupes and creams woven in.
As far as texture, a thick plush or shag gray carpet adds cozy softness to balance the sleek floors in formal living areas.
Berber gray brings casual texture for family rooms.
For durability, go with a very low pile commercial gray carpet in high traffic hallways or basements.
And look for stain resistant gray carpets made of polyester or triexta for a kid or pet friendly option.
Install it wall to wall or use an area rug under couches and chairs.
Pick A Complementary Tan
Similar to taupe, an earthy tan carpet complements the red-brown hues of cherry wood.
Tan has a laidback, casual vibe that’s perfect for family rooms and bedrooms.
It can lean warm or cool depending on the shade.
Look for one with a red or pink undertone to bring out the vibrancy of the flooring.
Tan has rustic cottage charm that works well with the cottage style.
When selecting a tan carpet for cherry floors, look for shades with names like acorn, chestnut, cinnamon or khaki.
These have touches of red and orange that accentuate the wood’s rich coloring.
Avoid tan shades that are too yellow, green or gray.
An ideal pairing is a multi-toned tan carpet with flecks of red, brown and terracotta.
Or try a tan berber with pops of cream and rust woven in.
Tan berber carpet offers a relaxed, coastal vibe next to the cherry floors.
Plush tan saxony is cushy and inviting in bedrooms.
For a playroom or basement opt for durable, low pile commercial tan carpet.
And if you have pets, go for stain resistant tan carpets made of synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon or triexta.
Install wall to wall or use a tan area rug in high traffic zones.
No matter the room, tan carpet brings warmth and coziness to your cherry wood haven.
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Go Bold With Navy Blue
Maybe you’re feeling adventurous and want to pick something bolder like navy blue.
As long as it’s the right shade, blue can accentuate the richness of cherry wood.
Stick with a deeper navy – it has just enough intensity without being overpowering.
The combo is striking and modern for contemporary homes.
Just balance it with lighter woods and off-whites so the room doesn’t get too dark.
When using navy blue carpet with cherry floors, avoid shades that are too bright or have purple undertones.
Look for a deeper blue-based navy, sometimes called Aegean or Mediterranean blue.
This hue has subtle warm undertones that complement the wood’s redness.
Consider a patterned navy carpet with abstract shapes or flecks of light blue and brown woven in for visual interest.
In terms of texture, plush or soft saxony navy carpet prevents an overly sleek look.
For a fun, relaxed vibe try a textured loop navy carpet.
And for high traffic areas there are durable, nubby berber and patterned graphic navy carpets.
Use navy wall to wall or in a large area rug under the living room furniture.
No matter how you use it, navy carpet adds drama and sophistication to your cherry wood floors.
Go Vintage With Mustard Yellow
If you want to get adventurous with your carpet color, consider mustard yellow.
This vintage-inspired shade can add playful retro flair next to rich cherry wood.
The warm golden tone pops against the reddish floors and feels cheerful and uplifting.
Just stick to softer muted yellows rather than bright neon.
Look for mustard yellow carpet shades with names like marigold, sweetcorn or amber.
These warmer versions have undertones that complement the cherry flooring.
Stay away from lemony yellows or shades that are too greenish.
For best results, choose a textured mustard patterned carpet with flecks of rust, brown and terracotta woven in.
The multi colors connect the yellow to the wood’s red hues.
In terms of texture, a loop pile mustard carpet has a casual vibe perfect for family rooms.
Plush saxony mustard carpet looks vibrant and inviting in bedrooms.
For heavy traffic areas, try durable berber or commercial-grade carpeting.
Tip: Use mustard yellow carpet in smaller doses like an area rug or runner rather than wall to wall.
The bold color can overwhelm if overdone.
Get Earthy With Moss Green
Another fun and unexpected choice is moss green carpet.
Contrary to popular belief, the right shade of green can actually pair beautifully with cherry wood floors.
The key is to stick to muted earthy greens that have a brownish-gray undertone.
This earthy quality connects it to the warmth of the wood.
Look for moss green hues like sage, olive or forest green that lean more brown/gray.
Avoid bright grass greens, which could clash with the cherry.
Great options are multi-toned patterned green carpets with flecks of brown, tan and cream.
Or try a nubby berber green carpet with organic texture.
Use green in small doses like a bound runner or area living room rug.
Plush saxony moss green carpet has an inviting, earthy vibe in bedrooms.
For family rooms try casual loop pile green carpeting.
And for durability in high traffic halls and stairs, opt for low pile commercial grade green.
No matter where you use it, earthy moss green carpet brings a breath of fresh air to cherry floors.
Get Cozy With Oatmeal
Want a carpet color that’s warm, natural and cozy?
Consider oatmeal.
This versatile neutral has a soft beige-gray tone that pairs well with rich cherry.
It provides a subtle contrast while still feeling classic and understated.
Stick to oatmeal carpet shades with brown, tan or cream undertones to connect with the cherry floors.
Avoid oatmeals that are too gray.
Great options are tweed-style oatmeals with flecks of brown and beige woven in.
Or try an oatmeal berber with organic texture.
Use wall to wall or in a large living room area rug.
Plush oatmeal carpet is comforting in bedrooms and living spaces.
For a family room try a textured loop pile oatmeal.
And for heavy traffic opt for low pile, durable oatmeal berber or commercial carpet.
However you use it, oatmeal carpet brings a warm, earthy feel next to rich cherry wood.
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Get Playful With Rose Pink
Make a bold, playful statement by pairing cherry floors with blush pink carpet.
The right rosy shade can actually accentuate the red tones in the wood.
Just stick to muted earthy pinks rather than bright neon versions.
Look for rose pink carpet hues named tea rose, mauve pink or blush.
These have subtle orange, brown or purple undertones to complement the cherry.
Steer clear of pinks that are too peach or baby-ish.
Great options are patterned pink carpets with organic textures and flecks of cream woven in.
Use pink in smaller amounts like a shag area rug or runner rather than wall to wall.
Plush pink carpet in bedrooms provides a welcoming focal point.
Try loop pile pink in casual family spaces.
And for kids’ rooms and play areas, look for durable, stain resistant pink carpeting.
Get Sophisticated With Charcoal
For a carpet color that’s sleek and sophisticated, you can’t go wrong with charcoal.
This deep shade of gray has a richness that pairs beautifully with cherry wood’s natural elegance.
Stick to charcoal gray hues with deep blue, brown or purple undertones.
Avoid ash grays, which are too lifeless against the wood.
Great options are charcoal carpets with subtle multicolor flecks woven in.
Or try patterned graphic charcoals for visual interest.
Use charcoal wall to wall or in area rugs in main living spaces and bedrooms.
Plush charcoal carpeting looks refined in formal settings.
Berber charcoal offers textural appeal in casual spaces.
And for heavy traffic, durable low pile charcoal is a smart option.
However you use it, charcoal carpet brings modern swagger to cherry floors.
Warm Up With Taupe
For a neutral option with a subtle touch of warmth, consider taupe carpet.
The earthy gray-brown color has undertones that pick up on the reddish tones in the cherry wood.
This creates a harmonious effect.
Taupe is slightly dressier than beige so it’s ideal for living rooms and other main areas.
Go a shade darker for bedrooms or other private spaces.
When choosing a taupe carpet for cherry floors, look for shades described as mushroom, dusty, warm or sandy taupe.
These have a strong pink or red undertone that complements the reddish-brown wood.
Stay away from taupe carpets that are too gray or beige, as those will compete with the floor’s coloring.
A great taupe option is one with a hint of olive or green in it, which enhances the red tones.
Consider a patterned taupe carpet with flecks of beige, brown and cream for added dimension.
As for texture, taupe berber is always a classic choice with its cozy woven look.
Or try a thick, plush taupe carpet in a high traffic living room or playroom to absorb sound.
If you have pets, look for a synthetic taupe carpet made of polyester or olefin.
These materials are stain resistant and easy to clean.
Tip: When installing taupe carpet next to cherry floors, make sure to get a large sample and view it in the room first.
The varying light can really change how the colors look together.
Make a Statement With Ruby Red
Feeling bold?
Consider making a dramatic style statement by pairing cherry floors with ruby red carpet.
A rich crimson shade can amplify the vibrancy of the wood’s reddish tones.
Just keep it deep and avoid bright reds.
Look for ruby shades with a touch of brown, purple or berry undertones.
Stay away from fire engine reds and lean towards merlot, burgundy or garnet versions.
Patterned graphic or shag ruby carpets add visual flair.
Use wall to wall sparingly or opt for area rugs.
Plush ruby carpet creates an elegant focal point in formal spaces.
Casual ruby berber or loop pile works for family rooms.
And for durability, choose low pile commercial grade ruby carpet in high traffic areas.
Make a bold statement by coordinating your cherry floors with rich, ruby carpet.
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Relax With Spa Blue
Want carpet that’s soothing and serene?
Try pairing your cherry floors with spa blue.
This soft gray-blue shade has a relaxing zen quality that complements the wood’s warmth.
Look for spa blue hues like ice, slate or silver blue that have subtle gray undertones.
Avoid bright or purple-tinged blues.
Great options are multicolored blues with abstract organic patterns.
Or try a nubby berber spa blue for lots of texture.
Use spa blue in small doses like bathrooms or bedrooms rather than wall to wall.
Plush saxony spa blue carpet adds zen tranquility and comfort.
Casual loop pile spa blue is perfect for family rooms.
And berber or commercial grade spa blue provides durability for heavy traffic areas.
No matter where you use it, spa blue carpet beautifully balances lively cherry floors with serenity.
Get Contemporary With Silver Gray
For a super sleek, modern look try pairing cherry floors with light silver gray carpet.
The cool metallic tone makes a sophisticated style statement.
Look for silver grays with subtle blue undertones like lunar, steel or titanium gray.
Avoid warm grays with brown notes.
A great option is a patterned silver gray carpet with geometric shapes and lines.
Use wall to wall or in area rugs in main living spaces.
Plush silver carpet adds uptown elegance and softness.
Low pile berber silver is durable for high traffic zones.
And graphic patterned silver creates a contemporary focal point.
With its chic metallic vibe, silver gray carpet beautifully complements rich cherry floors while feeling ultra modern.
Add Dimension With Multicolor
One fail proof option for complementing cherry floors is a multicolor carpet.
Choose a style woven with a mix of complementary beiges, browns, taupes, creams and grays.
This adds dimension and connects it to the wood’s richness.
Look for carpets described as tweed, mélange or heathered.
Stripes, geometric patterns and organic boho prints also pair well.
The varied colors tie everything together beautifully.
Use multicolor wall to wall or in area rugs in main living areas.
Plush saxony multicolor carpet looks luxe and welcoming.
For casual family spaces try textured loop multicolor.
And for durability, choose low pile multicolor berber or commercial grade carpet.
No matter where you use it, multicolor carpeting is a foolproof complement to lively cherry floors.
