I’ve spent way too many hours obsessing over paint swatches and fabric samples to coordinate my kitchen, so I wanted to pass along what I’ve learned to spare you the headache!
Now, you may be wondering…why do I care so much about color coordinating my kitchen?
Well, let me tell you, it all started back in high school when I got my first apartment…
I chose a bright red kitchen table that absolutely clashed with the oak cabinets left from the previous tenant.
It was so bad that my friends made fun of me for it!
After that traumatic experience, I vowed to become a kitchen color expert so that no one else would have to suffer kitchen color shaming like I did.
An interesting fact about oak cabinets – they work with both warm and cool colored tables!
So don’t feel limited to just warm woodsy tones.
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Best Tables for Honey Oak Cabinets : Photo Gallery
White
Crisp, clean white is a classic choice that lets the rich beauty of oak cabinets take center stage.
A white kitchen table makes the space feel airy and spacious.
For you minimalists out there, the pairing of white and oak creates a soothing, Scandinavian vibe.
To keep it from feeling too clinical, add some soft textiles on your chairs.
White has a timeless elegance that works in both traditional and modern kitchens.
An all-white table and chair set brightens up the space and makes it feel larger.
The contrast between the white and wood grain provides visual interest.
I’d recommend a matte finish rather than high-gloss, as too much shine can feel sterile and cold.
An off-white like Swiss coffee is soft and warm.
For a distressed cottage look, try white-wash or French linen.
If you’ll be using the kitchen table for crafts or messy kids’ activities, then a durable laminate is a great choice.
My favorite options are the Tavern Square set from Thomasville or the Ellendale set from Martha Stewart, both in lovely soft white hues.
Add some woven jute placemats, a vase of fresh flowers or herbs, and the white table will feel cozy and lived-in.
Black
For a dramatic, glamorous look, try a black kitchen table.
The bold black intricately contrasts with the oak grain for visual interest.
Use a round or oval shape to soften the darkness.
Adds an elegant, contemporary edge to your kitchen!
The striking combination of black and oak evokes modern luxury.
It’s an easy way to transform a traditional oak kitchen into something more edgy and up-to-date.
Matte black finishes look sophisticated, but don’t be afraid to try a glossy lacquered table either.
Black glass tops are another option that allows the oak cabinetry to reflect in the surface.
Go with simple, clean lines and sleek mid-century or Danish-style chairs.
Black frame metals like wrought iron or blackened steel provide eye-catching contrast while keeping things minimalist.
Round or oval shapes help soften the dark color.
For a pop of brightness, bring in accessories like colorful ceramic tableware or metallic pendant lights.
The Project 62 dining set from Target in black mango wood has a chic, modern shape that complements oak beautifully.
Gray
Subtle, stylish gray is one of my personal favorites with honey oak because it’s neutral without being boring.
Choose a warm greige tone that picks up the brown undertones of the cabinetry, avoiding anything too icy.
Gray gives a modern farmhouse style.
Gray and oak create a versatile, transitional look perfect for everything from casual family meals to dinner parties.
The gray adds a touch of modernity while the oak keeps things grounded.
Look for grays with a subtle taupe, brown, or green undertone so they coordinate with the oak cabinets rather than clashing.
Cool grays can appear sterile so aim for softer hues like fog, raincloud or mushroom.
Matte, rubbed finishes have an attractive weathered look.
Grey-washed oak tables are trendy and achieve a cohesive monochromatic effect.
Mid-century modern shapes pair well with the color combination of gray and oak.
Try a Tulip or Z- pedestal base for a retro vibe.
Using faux leather gray chairs gives an edgy, chic contrast.
For traditional kitchens, look for carved Victorian-style chairs.
A chunky woven jute rug underfoot grounds the space.
Some lovely gray dining sets that would suit oak cabinets are the Heron Point set from Joss & Main and the Ludie set from Lulu & Georgia.
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Navy Blue
For a kitchen with a nautical New England cottage feel, you can’t go wrong with navy.
A deep navy table pops against the oak but still feels classic.
So timeless and easy to dress up with some woven placemats!
Navy blue is such a versatile color that works beautifully with oak’s warm wood tones.
It has a timeless, traditional vibe while still feeling current and fresh.
Aim for rich navy hues that complement the reddish-brown oak cabinets.
Matte finishes give a casual coastal feel, while high-gloss is bold and fun.
Navy pairs wonderfully with oak because it has touches of brown undertones in the color that mimic wood grain.
A rough-hewn oak plank dining table would offset sleek navy chairs nicely.
For beach house vibes, use weathered whitewashed oak paired with a glossy navy painted table base.
Navy also happens to be one of the most appetite-enhancing colors, perfect for a kitchen!
Blend blue and white ceramic tableware for a nautical New England cottage look.
Some great navy and oak dining set options are the Mabry set from World Market and the Axel set from Crate & Barrel.
Green
Vibrant green gives you lots of options to show off your personality!
Olive green reads traditional and botanical, sage green is light and airy, while emerald feels rich and jewel-toned.
I’d stick to low-sheen finishes to keep the look refined.
There are so many shades of green to choose from that complement the warm hue of oak cabinets.
Olive green is earthy and natural, mint green feels bright and cheerful, while emerald green injects drama and elegance.
Look for green tones containing yellow undertones that connect back to the golden oak cabinets.
Matte, rubbed finishes help achieve a rustic farmhouse feel.
Using an oak plank-top table reinforced the cohesive look.
Avoid anything too lime green, as that can look dated with oak’s retro vibe.
A carved oak trestle base makes green chairs really pop.
Or introduce contrast with black metal café chairs.
Green glass tabletops like malachite suit the woodsy aesthetic.
For cottagecore vibes, use Queen Anne chairs and a floral tablecloth.
Some perfect green and oak pairings are the Milo set from Anthropologie in sage green linen and the Harlowe set from West Elm in a moody olive tone.
Yellow
Cheery, sunshine yellow is guaranteed to put a smile on your face each morning.
For a retro 1950’s diner aesthetic, use a glossy yellow.
Or try a muted buttercream tone for an approachable farmhouse vibe.
Yellow makes your kitchen feel inviting!
Sunshiny yellow and warm honey oak are a match made in heaven.
The pairing feels fresh and cheerful, perfect for an inviting family kitchen.
Stick to soft yellows like lemon chiffon or daffodil that coordinate with the oak’s brownish-orange undertones.
Distressed yellow finishes give a charming cottage look.
For retro vibes, go with a shiny lacquered yellow – I love the glossy MCM chairs from LumiSource.
Or embrace the farmhouse aesthetic with a washed oak plank table paired with schoolhouse chairs.
A floral tablecloth or runner looks adorable with the yellow and oak combo.
Add white cabinet knobs and a yellow pendant light for a 50s diner style.
Vintage-inspired accents like a farmhouse sink and ceramic canister set lean into the charms of old yellow oak kitchens.
Some great options are the Charlton set from Wayfair in a subdued corn color and the cheerful Marlowe set from World Market.
Blue
For a nautical New England cottage feel, you can’t go wrong with navy.
A deep navy table pops against the oak but still feels classic.
So timeless and easy to dress up with some woven placemats!
Navy blue is such a versatile color that works beautifully with oak’s warm wood tones.
It has a timeless, traditional vibe while still feeling current and fresh.
Aim for rich navy hues that complement the reddish-brown oak cabinets.
Matte finishes give a casual coastal feel, while high-gloss is bold and fun.
Navypairs wonderfully with oak because it has touches of brown undertones in the color that mimic wood grain.
A rough-hewn oak plank dining table would offset sleek navy chairs nicely.
For beach house vibes, use weathered whitewashed oak paired with a glossy navy painted table base.
Navy also happens to be one of the most appetite-enhancing colors, perfect for a kitchen!
Blend blue and white ceramic tableware for a nautical New England cottage look.
Some great navy and oak dining set options are the Mabry set from World Market and the Axel set from Crate & Barrel.
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Red
A crimson red tabletop is a bold punch of color that makes the oak really glow.
Try pairing it with chrome legs and bar stools for a retro diner style that’s fun and eccentric.
Not for the faint of heart!
Red is known to stimulate appetite and conversation, so it’s a lively choice for kitchen tables.
The bold color contrasts beautifully with oak’s mellow earth tones.
Opt for a true red or go deeper with burgundy.
Matte finishes feel sophisticated while glossy lacquer has that retro diner vibe.
A red oak plank table plays up the color connection.
Chrome legs keep the look streamlined.
Red works nicely with oak because it brings out the cabinet’s reddish undertones.
For a farmhouse feel, distressed red pairs charmingly with distressed oak finishes.
Or go modern with sleek mid-century style chairs.
Red glass table tops or tile table insets highlight the oak grain.
Use ceramic dishes in red and white for a punchy contrast.
Some red-hot table options are the Lipscomb set from Overstock with a red base and the Mercer set from West Elm in a muted barn red.
Purple
Regal purple adds flair and drama to your kitchen.
I’d suggest a gray-ish lavender hue rather than anything too jewel-toned, which could feel dated.
Purple gives your kitchen a playful, youthful energy when combined with oak.
Don’t be afraid to bring vibrant purple into your oak kitchen – it looks amazing!
The color combo is bold without going overboard.
Stick with reddish-purple tones like eggplant and plum that relate back to the oak cabinets.
A matte rubbed purple finish gives a sophisticated look.
Paint a vintage oak dining set in a muted lavender chalk paint for a whimsical shabby-chic aesthetic.
Lean into the regal vibe with carved oak Queen Anne chairs in a luxe velvet purple.
Glossy paint adds retro appeal to MCM or molded plastic chairs.
For something neutral, try a weathered oak plank table with bold purple chairs.
Bring in purple accents like art, a rug and pendant light.
Some stellar purple and oak pairings are the Mikai set from All Modern with a purple glass top and the Magnolia set from Overstock with its muted purple chairs.
Pink
Pretty in pink!
A blush pink table feels feminine and romantic, but avoid going too bubblegummy.
To keep it sophisticated, stick with dusty, antique-inspired pinks.
I love the idea of a French farmhouse kitchen with pink and oak.
While pink may seem like an unconventional color for oak cabinetry, they’re actually a match made in heaven!
Blush pink feels soft and romantic, giving your kitchen a charming cottage vibe.
Use pinks that coordinate with the reddish oak cabinets – think ballet slipper, petal pink, and antique rose.
A matte finish is refined while high-gloss pink injects fun retro flair.
Painted oak chairs in a muted pink are adorable.
Or try a weathered oak dining table mixed with bright pink Tolix-style chairs.
Pink glass tabletops like quartz bring all the elements together.
Add green plants to enhance the colors.
Vintage touches like a white apron sink, ceramic knobs and a ruffled curtain complete the dainty French farmhouse look.
Some perfect pink and oak pairings are the Dahill set from Wayfair with pink leather chairs and the Savona set from World Market featuring a pink base.
Orange
For a zesty, citrusy vibe, orange is your go-to.
A coral orange with a brick-red undertone looks especially nice with the warm wood tones of oak.
Glossy lacquered orange has a fun retro flair.
Just add a fruit basket centerpiece!
Vibrant orange injects a sense of playfulness and energy into an oak kitchen.
It’s an unexpected color pairing that really works.
Stick to orangey-reds like terra-cotta and peach that pick up on the oak cabinet’s red notes.
A matte finish makes orange feel a little more sophisticated.
Painting oak furniture in high-gloss orange lacquer has an irresistibly fun retro charm.
Orange works so well with oak because it brings out the wood’s natural warmth.
A reclaimed wood dining table has a rustic charm against bright orange Tolix chairs.
For boho flair, try woven raffia chairs.
Orange bar stools make a cheerful statement.
Introduce orange with accent pieces like a kitchen rug, pendant light, or a fruit bowl centerpiece.
Some stellar orange and oak combos are the Lawton set from Red Barrel Studio with an orange base and the Mory set from Langley Street featuring retro orange seats.
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Turquoise
With its beachy, watercolor hues, turquoise makes an energetic splash paired with oak cabinets.
The combo channelling laidback Santa Fe style.
Use polished ceramic or enamel finishes to amp up the color saturation.
The breezy, beachy hue of turquoise livens up warm honey oak cabinets.
It’s a fun twist from conventional kitchen colors.
Go for tones containing touches of green and gray that connect back to the oak cabinets.
Matte painted finishes are casual while high-gloss enameled turquoise oozes retro charm.
A reclaimed wood oak dining table offset by turquoise Tolix chairs makes a stylish statement.
Or try turquoise wicker or woven raffia chairs for a tropical vibe.
Painting oak cabinets in a matte teal creates a cohesive coastal color story.
Turquoise ceramic tabletops or backsplashes really make the oak pop.
Some perfect turquoise pairings are the Cayman set from Saracina Home with weathered oak and turquoise chairs and the Milo set from Birch Lane with a fun turquoise base.
Brown
Warm chocolate or caramel browns complement oak cabinetry seamlessly, giving you a harmonious monochromatic look.
Contrasting tones and wood grain patterns add visual texture.
A foolproof, classic choice for your rustic farmhouse kitchen.
If you want to play it safe, go with brown.
Rich chocolate browns or lighter caramel and taupe shades effortlessly match oak cabinets.
A brown dining set pulls everything together into a cohesive, blended color story.
Mixing oak and walnut furniture creates appealing contrast through the wood grain patterns and undertones.
Matte rubbed finishes have an attractive weathered look.
Try distressed brown leather chairs for a vintage vibe.
Painted finishes in driftwood or truffle brown work well with oak’s orange undertones.
For texture, pair oak cabinets with a rough-hewn acacia wood table.
Check out the Temby set from West Elm in chocolate brown wood and the Sawyer set from Anthropologie in an earthy Brunswick brown.
You really can’t fail matching brown table to brown oak cabinets!
Cream
For an understated, country-inspired look, try a cream table.
The soft creamy color enhances the richness of the oak.
Use a weathered finish and unpainted base for that timeworn farmhouse charm.
A vintage woven rug would complete the look nicely.
Cream has a soothing effect that really lets the beauty of oak cabinets shine.
It keeps the palette soft and neutral but not boring.
Look for oak dining sets with cream-painted bases or chairs.
that coordinate nicely with the oak without matching exactly.
A distressed cream finish has an antiqued farmhouse charm.
Using cream woven seats makes any oak table feel cozier and more inviting.
Consider a wire-brushed reclaimed oak table for lots of texture.
Pair your oak cabinets with vintage-inspired details like an apron sink, ceramic knobs, and a ruffled curtain.
Cream ceramic dishes tie everything together.
Check out the Aldredge set from August Grove with a cream painted base and the Kimonte set from Andover Mills with a lovely cream woven seat.
Creamy oak and oak go together like peas and carrots!
Beige
Another safe neutral, beige has a similar effect as cream but is a tad warmer with subtle brown undertones.
The oak paired with beige gives off modern yet welcoming vibes.
Like a comfy cashmere sweater for your kitchen!
Beige has that perfect calm, neutral effect while bringing out the richness of oak cabinetry.
It’s a flexible “goes with everything” shade.
Look for beiges with subtle yellow, brown or peach notes that connect back to the oak finish.
Distressed beige oak finishes are on-trend.
Try mixing it up with a reclaimed oak table and modern beige faux leather chairs for an eclectic vibe.
Painted oak chairs in a matte beige whitewash feel airy and casual.
For added texture, weave natural fiber rugs and placemats into your beige and oak dining space.
Some stellar examples are the Coyne set from Mercury Row with a distressed beige base and the Lynnwood set from George Oliver with woven beige chairs.
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Light Blue
Lastly, a pale sky blue table injects a little retro flavor into your oak kitchen.
It reminds me of 1950s diners in the best possible way.
Use glossy finishes and team it with chrome barstools for full diner effect.
Play “At the Hop” and serve up some milkshakes!
Sweet robin’s egg blue adds a playful, retro vibe to oak cabinets.
It’s hard not to smile when you see them together.
Stick with aquatic hues that relate to the warm oak finish.
A glossy light blue lacquer tabletop screams 50s diner.
Pair it with chrome Tolix chairs for a fun, eclectic look.
Distressed oak also complements the light blue charmingly.
For cottage vibes, use weather washed oak chairs in sky blue.
Add matching light blue ceramic tableware or a checkered floor.
Paint the lower cabinets a coordinating robin’s egg color for a whimsical effect.
Some stellar light blue pairings are the Lawson set from Andover Mills with sky blue Tolix chairs and the Shayna set from Beachcrest Home featuring a retro blue tabletop.
Mellow Mint
Mint green is soft and calming, making it an excellent choice for a serene kitchen environment.
It fosters a sense of tranquility and harmony, resulting in a kitchen that feels like an oasis of calm.
Analogy: Your kitchen becomes an oasis of tranquility, a place where you can escape the chaos of the world and find inner peace.
Creamy Ivory
Last but not least, creamy ivory exudes elegance and timelessness.
It’s a versatile choice that pairs seamlessly with honey oak cabinets, creating a kitchen that feels effortlessly sophisticated and inviting.
Tip: To add depth and character to this classic combination, play with textures and materials in your kitchen decor.
Consider incorporating textured ivory curtains, glass pendant lights, and a mix of ivory and wooden chairs.
These elements will elevate the overall look.
Aqua Blue
Aqua blue is like a refreshing breeze on a hot summer day.
It adds a cooling touch to your kitchen and pairs wonderfully with honey oak.
This combination transports you to the beach, offering a coastal vibe that’s ideal for relaxation.
Tip: To complete the coastal look, incorporate ocean-inspired decor like seashells, driftwood accents, or aqua-themed artwork.
These details will immerse you in the coastal ambiance.
Dark Espresso
If you’re aiming for a rich, luxurious ambiance, dark espresso is the way to go.
It’s like a cup of strong coffee for your kitchen – bold and invigorating.
Dark espresso tables pair beautifully with honey oak cabinets, creating an opulent and lavish atmosphere.
Analogy: Your kitchen becomes the equivalent of a high-end coffee shop, where every meal is an indulgent experience.
