Let me tell you a funny story about the time I tried to match carpet and wood furniture.
I had just bought this gorgeous cherry wood dining table and I was so excited to style it.
I rushed out to the store, grabbed the first carpet I saw that looked kinda reddish and brought it home.
When I laid it out next to the table…yikes!
It clashed like crazy.
That’s when I learned my lesson – you really need to pay attention to undertones when matching carpet and wood furniture.
Don’t make my mistake!
The best carpets for cherry wood furniture are ones with warm, reddish-brown hues that pick up the reddish undertones of the wood.
Stay away from orange, yellow, or pink toned carpets, which will look mismatched.
Rich chestnut browns, deep burgundies, and earthy terracottas are all great options.
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Matchmaking Your Cherry Wood Furniture with Carpets
| Rank | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Chestnut | 9.5 | Rich brown with red undertones complements cherry wood beautifully |
| Burgundy | 9.0 | Deep reddish purple tone picks up red undertones of cherry wood |
| Terracotta | 8.5 | Earthy red-orange hue complements the reddish tones of cherry |
| Merlot | 8.5 | Deep red-purple has sophistication that complements cherry grain |
| Ruby | 8.0 | Vibrant red energizes and highlights the cherry wood’s richness |
| Russet | 8.0 | Earthy orange-red hue plays up warmth of cherry wood |
| Cranberry | 8.0 | Red-purple tones complement the nuances of the cherry finish |
| Oxblood | 8.0 | Deep reddish brown lets the beauty of cherry wood shine |
| Sienna | 7.5 | Rusty red-orange hue picks up warmth of cherry tones |
| Taupe | 7.5 | Subtle warmth contrasts and enhances cherry wood |
| Ivory | 7.5 | Warm cream nicely complements cherry wood’s richness |
| Navy | 7.5 | Unexpected deep blue makes cherry wood pop |
| Charcoal | 7.0 | Warm grays contrast beautifully with cherry wood |
| Mocha | 7.0 | Brownish red mirrors cherry wood’s warmth |
| Olive | 7.0 | Earthy greenish brown complements cherry’s organic vibe |
| Amber | 7.0 | Warm golden orange hue accents cherry tones |
| Emerald | 7.0 | Vibrant green beautifully contrasts cherry’s warmth |
| Slate | 7.0 | Cool gray provides modern contrast to cherry |
Warm Brown Tones
Warm brown toned carpets are a foolproof option for cherry wood furniture.
Look for rich shades like chestnut, cocoa, or mahogany that have subtle red undertones.
These earthy hues will beautifully complement the reddish color of the cherry wood.
Specifically, a chestnut brown berber carpet would look gorgeous, picking up the reds in the wood while still providing good contrast with its darker brown tones.
Or try a carpet with flecks of cranberry and rust woven throughout for added visual interest.
I’d steer clear of carpets that are too light or have an orangey cast, as these will clash with the deeper red tones of the cherry wood.
Stick to those deeper, brownish reds.
If you want to add some pattern into the mix, a Persian style rug with chestnut, chocolate, and ruby tones would tie in beautifully with the cherry furniture.
The small touches of ruby will draw out the red of the wood.
Just make sure the background hue of the rug is in the chestnut family for cohesion.
You could also do a Moroccan style carpet with a diamond or geometric pattern in terra cotta and brownish red – this will add vibrancy while still complementing the cherry wood.
Navy
Though an unexpected choice, navy makes a gorgeously dramatic pairing with cherry wood.
Consider a vintage Tabriz rug in navy, ivory and ruby – the ornate patterns and color scheme beautifully complement cherry’s warm tones.
Or make a statement with a solid navy carpet underfoot.
When using navy, look for shades with subtle brown or purple undertones to tie in with the cherry woodwork.
Accent with metallics like silver or soft ivory and cream.
Navy creates contrast that makes the wood’s rich color pop.
Just avoid pairing the cherry with bright blues or cool undertones.
Stick to warm, brownish navy hues for perfect harmony.
Classic Neutrals: Beige and Tan
Overview: Beige and tan carpets are the timeless, versatile basics of interior design.
They harmonize seamlessly with nearly any color scheme, including cherry wood furniture.
Why They Work: These neutral shades serve as a warm and inviting backdrop for your cherry wood pieces, allowing your furniture to be the star of the show.
It’s akin to having a beautifully clear sky as the backdrop for a dazzling fireworks display.
Example: Envision your cherry wood dining table and chairs set atop a soft beige carpet.
It creates a cozy, inviting ambiance, letting the warm undertones of both the wood and the carpet dance in harmony.
The room feels like a snug cocoon, reminiscent of wrapping yourself in a soft, warm blanket on a chilly winter night.
Tip: If you want to introduce a touch of contrast and depth, consider a beige or tan carpet with a subtle pattern, like delicate geometric shapes or a herringbone weave.
These patterns can add visual interest without overwhelming the space.
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Cool & Calm: Gray
Gray has swiftly risen as the new neutral, and it’s no secret that it pairs beautifully with cherry wood furniture.
Why It Works: The cool undertones of gray provide a striking contrast to the warm tones of cherry wood, creating a harmonious visual symphony.
It’s akin to pairing a cool, refreshing cucumber salad with a hearty, spicy bowl of chili – the contrast heightens the experience.
Example: Picture a sophisticated gray carpet gracing your cherry wood bedroom furniture.
The gray provides a modern, elegant canvas against which the wood’s reddish-brown hues truly shine.
It’s akin to strolling through a contemporary art gallery, where each masterpiece is brilliantly framed by neutral walls.
Tip: To enhance the synergy, select a gray carpet with undertones that resonate with the cherry wood’s hue.
If your wood leans more towards rich red undertones, opt for a warm gray.
Conversely, if it’s closer to brown, a cooler gray will complement it beautifully.
Green & Blue
Green and blue carpets introduce a natural element into your space, creating a harmonious connection with cherry wood.
Why They Work: These colors establish a serene atmosphere, transforming your room into a tranquil forest glade.
It’s like bringing the serene calm of an early morning by the lake into your home, a perfect complement to cherry wood’s warm richness.
Example: Imagine a deep forest green carpet beneath your cherry wood bookshelves and cabinets.
The green infuses the space with a sense of serenity and beautifully complements the wood’s reddish-brown tones.
It’s akin to stepping into a lush forest, where the greenery enhances the inherent beauty of the surroundings.
Tip: When selecting green or blue, be meticulous about the shade you choose.
Deeper, richer shades can introduce a sense of sophistication, while lighter shades foster a more open and airy ambiance.
Experiment to discover the perfect balance for your unique space.
Burgundy
Burgundy is practically a match made in heaven for cherry furniture.
This deep reddish purple tone picks up the red undertones and pairs beautifully with the brownish red hues of the cherry wood.
From plush wall-to-wall carpeting in a rich burgundy to area rugs with touches of deep wine, this color is a winner.
A faded vintage Persian rug in muted burgundy and navy tones would also complement the cherry while adding some visual interest.
One tip if using burgundy: make sure the undertones of the burgundy match the wood.
Stay away from burgundies with blue/purple undertones, which could clash with the warm redness of the cherry.
Instead, look for burgundies with reddish or brownish undertones.
And don’t be afraid to add some tonal variety – incorporating different shades of burgundy can keep it from feeling flat.
Try pairing a dark oxblood rug with touches of lighter, more faded burgundy accents.
Terracotta
For a slightly different take, terracotta is an earthy tone that works well with cherry wood.
The muted orange-red hue complements the reddish cast of the wood while providing contrast with its lighter clay color.
A vintage Oushak rug with a terracotta background and touches of navy and ivory would look stunning against rich cherry furniture.
Or opt for a simple broadloom carpet in a warm, reddish-clay terracotta hue.
Just be careful not to go too orange or pink-toned, or the carpet will clash instead of complementing the furniture.
You could also layer terracotta with other earth tone rugs for additional visual interest.
Try pairing a large area rug in faded terracotta tones with a smaller Moroccan or geometric pattern rug that incorporates the terracotta with chestnut browns and deep ruby reds.
The mix of patterns and colors will keep it fresh while still tying back to the cherry wood.
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Merlot
Merlot is a rich, wine-inspired hue that pairs beautifully with cherry wood furniture.
This deep red-purple color has a sophistication that highlights the elegance of cherry wood’s natural grain.
Consider a plush merlot-colored broadloom carpet in a living room anchored by cherry wood furnishings.
Or make a statement with a merlot and cream Persian rug adorned with ornate decorative motifs.
The reddish undertones of merlot mirror the cherry wood while the purple notes add striking contrast.
When choosing a merlot carpet or rug, opt for grayish-purple undertones rather than blue to avoid clashing with the warm cherry wood.
Incorporate tonal variety by layering in merlot accents in a range of lighter and darker shades.
And don’t be afraid to add metallic touches – gold or silver embellishments on a merlot rug will really make the cherry wood pop.
Just steer clear of overly busy patterns that compete with the beautiful natural grain of the wood.
Ruby
Few colors complement cherry wood better than ruby.
This vibrant red tone brings energy while highlighting the rich reddish hues of the cherry finish.
A solid ruby carpet adds a bold, luxurious feel that lets the woodwork take center stage.
Or make a statement with a Moroccan trellis pattern rug in ruby and terracotta – the diamond motifs tie in beautifully with the wood’s natural grain.
When using ruby, stick to clear, true reds with blue undertones to avoid clashing with the warmer cherry tones.
And feel free to incorporate lighter ruby accents, like throw pillows or a kitchen runner.
This allows you to build on the color without it feeling overwhelming.
Just avoid pairing the cherry wood with hot pinks or oranges that can look jarring.
Stay in the red family for a coordinated elegant look.
Russet
With its earthy reddish-brown color, russet makes a gorgeous pairing with cherry wood.
Consider a vintage-style Tabriz area rug in russet, cream, and navy – the medallion motifs paired with the rich color complement the wood furniture perfectly.
Or opt for a simple broadloom in a muted clay-based russet hue.
The red-orange undertones pick up the color of the cherry beautifully.
When using russet, stick to brick or clay-based reds to avoid clashing with the cherry wood’s warmer undertones.
Incorporate creams, navies, or chestnut browns to add contrast and pull the whole palette together.
You can also layer in touches of terracotta or burnt orange for added visual interest.
Just don’t overdo these brighter colors or the russet and cherry wood could compete instead of complementing each other.
Cranberry
From deep wine hues to brighter reds, cranberry offers a twist on basic red that pairs gorgeously with cherry furnishings.
Consider a Persian-style area rug with a cranberry background and touches of navy and gold ornamentation.
Or make a statement with a solid cranberry broadloom carpet in a formal living room with cherry furniture.
The mix of red and purple undertones in cranberry perfectly picks up the nuances of the wood.
When pairing cranberry and cherry, stick to cranberry shades with subtle purple or brown undertones to tie in with the cherry wood.
Incorporate light cream or navy accents to keep the palette from feeling too heavy.
And feel free to layer in tones like russet or garnet to build on the red theme.
The key is keeping the cranberry undertones more purple than orange to complement the cherry wood’s warmth.
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Oxblood
For an elegant, sophisticated look, oxblood is a rich complementary color for cherry furnishings.
A vintage Oriental rug in oxblood, navy, and ivory makes a striking floor covering when paired with cherry wood cabinetry or furniture.
Or keep it simple with a solid oxblood carpet – this deep reddish brown hue lets the beauty of the woodwork take center stage.
The key when using oxblood is sticking to brick or brown-based reds, not pure orangey shades that would clash with the cherry wood.
Incorporate metallics like pewter or silver throughout your space for an extra pop of glamour against the oxblood and cherry pairing.
And feel free to layer in navy or charcoal accents to create depth.
Oxblood’s mixture of red and brown makes it a perfect match for accentuating the beauty of cherry wood.
Sienna
With its earthy, rustic vibe, sienna makes a gorgeous complement to rich cherry wood.
Consider an area rug in warm sienna tones accented with ivory and sage motifs.
Or make a design statement with a vintage kilim carpet in sienna, amber and charcoal stripes.
Sienna’s red-orange hue plays up the reddish tones in the cherry wood beautifully.
When using sienna, stick to brick and clay-based shades that pick up the warmth of the cherry finish.
Incorporate cream, sage, or even pale blue accents to create a relaxed, livable vibe.
You can also layer in terracotta or burnt orange rugs and pillows to build on the earthy theme.
Just avoid pairing cherry wood with bright oranges or reds that might clash instead of blend.
Keep the sienna rooted in red-browns for harmony.
Taupe
For an unexpected neutral pairing, taupe carpet beautifully complements cherry wood’s rich hue.
Consider a nubby wool broadloom in warm mocha taupe to contrast with the wood’s reddish tones and grain.
Or make a statement with a Moroccan trellis rug in creamy taupe and chocolate brown.
Taupe creates the perfect neutral backdrop.
When using taupe, stick to shades with subtle red or brown undertones to tie in with the cherry wood.
Incorporate accents in deeper colors like chocolate, charcoal and ruby to create interest.
Taupe can help ground the wood’s richness without competing with it.
Just beware of going too grey or cool-toned with the taupe, which could seem mismatched against the cherry’s warmth.
Ivory
Creamy ivory is a timeless neutral that pairs beautifully with rich cherry wood.
Consider a vintage Aubusson rug in ivory with burgundy and navy ornamentation.
Or keep it simple with a solid ivory carpet underfoot – this lets the beauty of the cherry woodwork take center stage.
When using ivory or cream, look for warm, subtle undertones that complement the cherry finish.
Incorporate accents in deeper hues like chestnut, merlot or navy to create contrast and dimension.
Ivory creates an open, airy feel that spotlights cherry’s depth and richness.
Just avoid going too stark white, which could compete with the drama of the wood.
Stay in warm, creamy ivory tones.
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Charcoal
For a mod, luxe pairing try rich charcoal carpeting with cherry wood furnishings.
A broadloom carpet in a warm gray charcoal perfectly grounds a space and spotlights cherry’s dramatic grain.
Or layer a graphic black and white rug over charcoal carpeting for eclectic flair.
When using charcoal, avoid stark grays with cool blue undertones.
Instead opt for warmer charcoals with subtle brown, purple or red undertones.
Accent with metallics, creamy ivories, or even pale sage green to create livability.
The depth of charcoal beautifully contrasts with and enhances the elegance of the cherry woodwork.
Mocha
With its rich, coffee-inspired hue, mocha makes a warm, welcoming pairing with cherry wood furnishings.
Consider a plush mocha-colored broadloom carpet in a living room anchored by cherry wood cabinetry.
Or make a statement with a vintage Persian rug in mocha, cream and ruby tones.
Mocha’s brownish-red undertones mirror the cherry wood while adding a dose of cozy comfort.
When selecting a mocha carpet or rug, look for shades with subtle orange or purple undertones to complement the cherry wood’s warmth.
Incorporate tonal variety by layering in mocha accents in lighter and darker shades.
Adding cream or ivory motifs and borders keeps the palette fresh and inviting.
Just avoid overly busy patterns that compete with the beautiful natural grain of the cherry woodwork.
Olive
An unexpected choice, rich greenish-brown olive beautifully complements cherry’s ruddy hue.
Consider a nubby wool area rug in olive, cream and chestnut – the earthy tones bring out the wood’s natural beauty.
Or make a statement with a trellis-patterned rug in olive and terracotta.
Olive’s nature-inspired vibe feels perfectly at home with organic cherry.
When using olive, opt for shades with yellowish-green undertones to avoid clashing with the cherry wood’s warmth.
Incorporate metallic accents like antique brass or gold for an extra pop of glamour.
Olive’s unexpected greenish tone adds livability and flair.
Just don’t overdo it – use olive as an accent versus the main carpet or rug color.
Amber
With its warm golden-orange hue, amber makes a gorgeous complement to cherry furnishings.
Consider a vintage Oriental rug in amber, ivory, and ruby – the ornate patterns paired with the rich color beautifully accent the wood.
Or opt for a simple broadloom in a muted, earthy amber tone.
Amber’s mixture of orange and brown tones play up the cherry wood perfectly.
When pairing amber with cherry, stick to shades with subtle red or brown undertones to tie in with the wood’s warmth.
Incorporate creamy ivories or soft muted blues to add contrast and pull the palette together.
You can also layer in touches of terracotta or ochre to build on the earthy color scheme.
Just don’t overdo the bright oranges or yellows or the pairing could become more clashing than complementary.
Emerald
Vibrant emerald green makes a striking, unexpected pairing with rich cherry wood.
Consider a Moroccan trellis rug in emerald, ivory and navy – the diamond motifs tie in beautifully with the wood’s natural grain.
Or make a bold statement with a solid emerald carpet.
The cool green hue complements the warm reddish tones perfectly.
When using emerald green, incorporate metallics like antique brass and cream accents to soften the palette.
Varying the tones and shades of green adds dimension while preventing the color from feeling too flat or matchy-matchy with the cherry woodwork.
Emerald makes a gorgeous, eye-catching contrast that spotlights the beauty of the cherry finish.
Slate
For an edgy, modern look, try pairing sleek slate grays with cherry wood’s traditional warmth.
Consider a graphic Greek Key rug in slate gray and ivory – the geometric patterns feel current against the wood detailing.
Or make a sophisticated statement with a solid broadloom carpet in warm slate gray.
When using slate grays, avoid stark, cool undertones.
Opt for shades with subtle hints of brown, purple or green to complement the cherry woodwork.
Incorporate metallic accents like silver or soft creamy ivories for balance.
The slate gray provides the perfect neutral contrast to let the beauty of the cherry finish take center stage in a fresh, fashionable way.
Desert Sand
Earthy desert sand makes an unexpectedly perfect pairing with rich cherry wood.
Consider a braided wool rug in warm desert sand tones accented with terracotta and rust stripes.
Or make a design statement with a vintage kilim carpet in desert sand, cream and charcoal geometric patterns.
Desert sand’s subtle orange undertones play up the warmth of the cherry wood beautifully.
When using desert sand, stick to shades with a brick or clay base that pick up the redness of the cherry finish.
Incorporate blue and purple accents like indigo pillows or amethyst accessories to create a relaxed, bohemian vibe.
You can also layer in terracotta or ochre area rugs to build on the earthy color scheme.
Just avoid pairing cherry wood with bright yellows or tans that might clash instead of blend.
Plum
Rich jewel-toned plum makes a striking pairing with cherry wood’s ruddy hue.
Consider a vintage Persian rug in plum, cream, and charcoal – the ornate patterns and regal color beautifully complement the wood.
Or make a bold statement with a solid plum carpet underfoot, letting the cherry furnishings take center stage.
When using plum, incorporate metallic accents like pewter or silver to add glamour and contrast.
Creamy ivories and beiges help soften the palette, while deeper shades like eggplant or mulberry can provide tonal variety.
The key is keeping the plum tones more blue-based to avoid clashing with the warm undertones of the cherry finish.
Plum adds drama and elegance.
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Mint
Cool mint green makes an unexpected, invigorating pairing with cherry’s warm, woody hue.
Consider a Moroccan diamond motif rug in mint green, ivory and navy – the geometric patterns feel current and crisp against the traditional cherry wood.
Or make a cheerful statement with a solid mint broadloom carpet.
When using mint, opt for soft pastel shades rather than neons, which could overpower the cherry woodwork.
Incorporate neutral accents like cream or light gray to create balance.
Varying the mint tones from pale to deeper seafoam green adds visual interest and dimension.
Mint’s cool green energizes cherry’s rich warmth in a fresh, vibrant way.
Buttercream
Warm vanilla-toned buttercream makes a beautiful complement to rich cherry wood’s ruddy hue.
Consider a cozy braided wool rug in buttercream, chestnut and ivory – the creamy color allows the wood grain to shine.
Or make a statement with a vintage Oriental area rug in buttercream and ruby, letting the cherry detailing take center stage.
When using buttercream, avoid stark whites in favor of warm, subtle beige undertones that tie in with the cherry finish.
Incorporate accents in deeper tones like chocolate, navy or plum to create contrast and dimension.
Too much cream can look washed-out, so use it thoughtfully to spotlight cherry’s dramatic flair.
The key is keeping buttercream warm, never stark.
Lilac
Soft powdery lilac makes a sweet, romantic pairing with rich cherry wood’s warmth.
Consider a vintage Aubusson rug in lilac, blush and cream – the floral patterns look darling against the wood’s organic grain.
Or make a statement with a solid lilac carpet underfoot, letting the cherry furnishings stand out.
When using lilac, stick to soft, pale hues with subtle blue undertones to complement the cherry woodwork.
Incorporate pearlescent metallics like champagne or rose gold for an ethereal, feminine feel.
Varying the depth of purple from lavender to mauve creates dimension while preventing the pairing from feeling too saccharine.
Lilac’s pale purple prettily enhances cherry’s elegance.
