Let me tell you about the time I helped my sister Jenny pick out a new kitchen table.
She had just installed beautiful black shaker cabinets in her farmhouse kitchen remodel.
They had a lovely smooth matte finish that looked so sharp.
But she was totally stumped when it came to picking a color for her kitchen table.
Should she go neutral?
Bold?
Modern or traditional?
So many options!
That’s where I came in to save the day.
I came armed with paint swatches and my fabric samples kit.
We looked at her existing elements like the stainless steel appliances and white subway tile backsplash.
I had her pull out dishes, art, pillows, and other items she planned to use in the space.
After mixing and matching for what seemed like hours, we landed on the perfect soft blue-grey finish from Sherwin Williams.
It had just enough sheen to play off the cabinet finish, and subtle blue undertones that worked with her cool palette.
The color felt open yet grounded.
When we brought in the finished table, the whole kitchen came to life!
Jenny was so thrilled she could finally envision herself cooking and entertaining in her dream kitchen.
Now anytime someone compliments her table, she proudly tells them “Thanks to Madison!”
When choosing a table color for black cabinets, contrast and tone are key.
You’ll want enough contrast from the cabinets so the table pops, but a complementary tone that feels cohesive.
Let’s dive into my top 17+ table color recommendations in detail, with specific paint colors and finishes to consider:
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Pink
A pink dining table injects a playful, feminine element against dark dramatic black cabinets.
Soft blush pinks like Wickham Gray by Farrow & Ball evoke a romantic charm, perfect for cottage or boho spaces.
Matte chalk paint finishes keep the look airy versus too slick and glossy.
Pair a pink table base with transparent acrylic chairs to maintain sightlines and lightness.
Or opt for a muted pink wood stain on oak or pine for a more natural look.
Deep magenta and fuchsia pinks make bolder statements.
Try Vibrant Violet by Behr for a striking pop of color.
Bold pinks look fantastic with black and white checkerboard floors or in retro vintage spaces.
Avoid flat Barbie pinks in favor of soft, complex hues with gray, peach or coral undertones for depth.
Orange
Vibrant orange dining tables inject a fun burst of energy against black cabinets.
For natural warmth try wood finishes that pick up orange undertones like mahogany, rustic pine, or butternut.
Distressed reclaimed wood in oak or walnut can also take on an organic orange hue.
Matte lacquered finishes in tones like peach, melon and terra cotta add color while avoiding plastic-y gloss.
Copper and brass accents pick up on the orange tones beautifully.
Include natural details like rattan chairs, jute rug, and wood pendant lighting to keep the look grounded.
Just steer clear of bright creamsicle or traffic cone oranges.
Stay muted and earthy for a more sophisticated orange dining table with black cabinets.
Purple
What luxury!
A rich purple dining table ups the elegance against black cabinets for a glamorous royal effect.
Deep eggplant purples like Night Fall by Benjamin Moore add drama and sophistication.
Soft matte lacquered finishes reinforce the moody vibe.
Or go for lighter lilac purples like Wisteria by Sherwin Williams for a pretty, ethereal look.
Metallic details like brass inlays, gold trim, and crystal chandeliers play off purple beautifully.
Dark purples feel decadent and striking against the black backdrop.
Pale purples create a pretty contrast.
Just avoid flat grape jelly purples.
Go for depth and dimension with layered painted finishes in complimentary tones.
Turquoise
Make a vibrant statement with a turquoise dining table against black cabinets.
From Tiffany blue to aquamarine, the cool blue-green tones pop brightly against black.
Try a weathered driftwood table with turquoise inlays for texture and interest.
Or opt for hand-painted finishes in muted sea glass hues to avoid neon brights.
Include natural elements like rattan chairs, linen cushions, and reclaimed wood accents to balance the vibrancy.
Matte lacquered turquoise tops with hammered metal bases add dimension.
Turquoise makes a lively splash in beachy, boho, or eclectic spaces.
Just stick to muted, mineral-inspired hues over flat primary turquoises for a sophisticated look.
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Sunflower Yellow
For a joyful, summery vibe try a sunflower yellow dining table with black cabinets.
It’s brighter than buttery yellow but more natural than bright yellow.
Farrow & Ball’s Jitney or Benjamin Moore’s Glory Yellow hit that happy medium sunflower tone.
Matte lacquered or softened pickled oak finishes keep it from feeling too plastic-y and cheap.
Rattan, linen and reclaimed wood accents add warmth and reinforce the sunny color story.
Sunflower yellow exudes cheeriness against serious black cabinets.
It’s lively and playful but avoids being too primary school yellow.
Cream, brass and wood accents create balance.
Sunflower yellow dining tables feel perfect for cottage, farmhouse or eclectic spaces yearning for a dose of summer.
White
Try Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for a bright white with the subtlest hint of warmth.
For high contrast try glossy finishes like lacquer or enamel in satin or semi-gloss.
Or go with a matte finish like chalk paint for a softer effect.
Add wood tones in your seating to warm up an all-white palette.
White works with all styles from modern to farmhouse.
Beige
For an earthy, subtle neutral pairing, beige is a foolproof option.
Try Farrow & Ball’s Slipper Satin in a smooth mid-tone beige with a satin finish.
Or go for natural wood finishes like oak or rustic pine that have beige undertones.
Soft matte beige adds a calm, grounded look.
Add some wood grain or knots for organic texture.
Match your seating to the undertones so it flows.
Gray
Gray is a sophisticated go-to that comes in many shades perfect for pairing with black cabinets.
Try Sherwin Williams Repose Gray for a light, greige tone.
Or Benjamin Moore’s Gray Cashmere for a deep charcoal with brown undertones.
Green-grays like Sagebrush by Behr blend beautifully with black.
Focus on gray tones that coordinate, not contrast, with the cabinets.
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Navy
For major drama, navy blue contrasts gorgeously with black cabinets.
Try Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy for a classic navy with green undertones that pops against black.
Or Sherwin Williams’ Naval for a deeper shade with a bit of gray.
Matte finishes create an elegant, velvety look.
Navy feels fresh and current versus basic black and white.
Ground it with wood, marble, or brass accents.
Green
Green offers a lively, nature-inspired look.
Try soft sage greens like Joanna Gaines’ Silent Night or deeper shades like Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog.
Lean into organic materials like rattan seating and reclaimed wood.
Avoid neon greens and stick to softer, muted earthy green tones for a subtle look.
Red
For drama, vibrant red makes a bold statement against black cabinets.
Benjamin Moore’s Caliente is a nice mid-tone red with warm orange undertones.
Or try deeper oxblood shades like Behr’s Twisted Cedar.
Lean into the bold look with metal chairs or touches of black and white.
Stay away from hot pinks or fire engine reds.
Blue
Varying shades of blue pair beautifully with black cabinets.
Try soft powder blues like Duck Green by Behr for a dreamy vintage vibe.
Or deep navy tones like Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore for drama.
Robin’s egg blue adds a cheerful, playful look.
Keep undertones complementary.
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Brown
Chocolate and coffee-colored brown tones blend seamlessly with black cabinets.
Try a dark java stain or a driftwood finish on reclaimed wood.
Matte finishes reinforce the warm, earthy look.
Include iron accents and leather seats to deepen the woodsy vibe.
Cream
Cream is an airy neutral that works well against dramatic black cabinets.
Benjamin Moore’s Cream Brulee has a nice subtle warmth.
Or try Farrow & Ball’s Slipper Satin which picks up beige undertones.
Use cream to soften a modern black and white palette.
Pair with woven seats or textured metals.
Black
Want an ultra-sleek, monochromatic look?
Try matching your black cabinets with an ebony black table.
To keep it from feeling too dark, add in wood tone chairs, metallic pendants, or bright white accents.
A few complementary colors go a long way in a black palette.
Distressed Wood
For lots of depth and dimension, try a distressed wood table finish.
Black will contrast beautifully with the variation of grays, browns, and splintered texture.
Try finishes like “weathered” or “reclaimed” in oak, walnut, or pine.
Pair with industrial metal chairs to reinforce the rustic charm.
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Glass
A clear glass tabletop allows your floor and other surfaces below to show through for an airy look.
Try mixing finishes like a black metal base with clear glass top.
Go for textured glass like rain, frosted or wire mesh for added dimension and sparkle.
Silver
A sleek silver table adds an eye-catching metallic element against rich black cabinets.
Opt for silver finishes like brushed stainless steel, chrome, or nickel that complement the sheen of the cabinets.
Try pairing a silver table base with a clear glass top for an ultra modern vibe.
Or go for hammered silver tones that pick up an artisanal, handcrafted look.
Silver reflects light beautifully and feels clean and bright against all that black.
For maximum sparkle, try diamond-patterned wire mesh metal finishes.
Just beware highly polished chrome can feel sterile, so add in wood chairs or accents for warmth.
Silver walks the line between cool and warm nicely, tying into stainless steel appliances while also pairing with brass lighting.
It’s a versatile neutral that suits both modern and traditional spaces.
Copper
Warm, earthy copper makes for a striking pairing with cool black cabinets.
The high contrast pops, while the metallic sheen feels cohesive.
Try genuine copper tables for a natural patina that evolves beautifully over time.
Or lacquered finishes in deep salmon hues for a budget-friendly faux copper effect.
Matte textures will feel more modern, while hammered and riveted styles add dimension.
Copper has an artisanal, handcrafted look and feels fitting for farmhouse or industrial designs.
Include wooden chairs with copper accents to really drive home the palette.
You can also highlight copper pots, lighting and hardware throughout the rest of the kitchen.
As a bonus, copper has antimicrobial properties to help eliminate bacteria on this high use surface.
Just avoid highly polished orange-y copper tones, which can feel dated.
Stick to muted, earthy coppers for a more sophisticated look.
Terracotta
For an organic, grounded look, try a terracotta table with black cabinets.
Terracotta is a type of earthenware clay pottery fired into a distinctive orangey-red hue.
The color adds warmth against the cool black cabinets while the matte texture prevents it from feeling too glossy or plastic-y.
Look for true terra cotta pottery imported from Spanish or Italian artisans for a natural, handcrafted look.
Alternatively, faux terracotta finishes like chalk paints and stains capture a similar earthy orange tone on a budget.
Distressed wood finishes in oak, mahogany and walnut can also pick up terracotta hints.
Include natural materials like jute rug, woven seating and wood accents to reinforce the organic vibe.
Terracotta feels fitting for Tuscan, Mediterranean, or farmhouse design.
Just beware going too bright or glossy with this bold hue.
Olive Green
Deeper olive greens pair beautifully with black cabinets for an earthy, nature-inspired look.
Try Farrow & Ball’s Studio Green for a sophisticated dark olive tone that contrasts just enough without competing.
Or go for muted raw pine wood finishes that pick up olive undertones.
Match olive dining chairs and include live edge wood details on the table base for an organic look.
Olive green has a grounding, calming effect and avoids feeling too bright and primary against the black cabinets.
Go for matte, textured finishes to prevent it from feeling too slick and glossy.
Olive green pairs well with marble, terrazzo, brass and wood material pairings.
It feels fitting for traditional, farmhouse and eclectic spaces.
Just steer clear of factory-looking hunter greens, which can feel dated.
Stick to softer, earthier olives for a more sophisticated take.
Coral
A pop of coral instantly energizes this dark palette while still feeling sophisticated.
Try Benjamin Moore’s Caliente for a muted orange-coral hue with warm peach undertones.
Or Sherwin-Williams Fire Coral for a deeper, more vibrant tone.
Coral adds a fun, tropical vibe against the moody black cabinets.
Include woven rattan chairs in natural hues to match the coral table.
Textured corals like hammered metal finishes or hand-painted lacquer effects add artistic flair.
Matte and soft watercolor-style finishes keep it tasteful and avoid glossy plastic looks.
If coral feels too vibrant as an all-over table, use it as an accent color on the base or chairs instead.
Copper accents and warm wood tones reinforce the orangey coral color scheme.
It’s festive enough for a beach house, but still works in urban modern spaces as well.
Just don’t go too neon bright or pink-hued with your coral selection.
Marigold
For a cheerful burst of color, marigold yellow pairs beautifully with black cabinets.
It’s brighter than buttery yellow but more toned down than neon yellow.
Try Farrow & Ball’s Jitney or Benjamin Moore’s Glory Yellow for a happy medium marigold tone.
The color is reminiscent of marigolds, sunflowers, and daffodils.
It feels playful and sunny against the dramatic black backdrop.
Matte lacquered finishes or softened wood stains help prevent marigold from feeling too plastic-y.
Include natural wood dining chairs and accents like rattan pendant lighting.
Marigold adds a cottage or farmhouse warmth against sleek, modern black cabinets.
It’s lively but still sophisticated.
Just avoid school bus yellows and opt for muted, organic hues.
Cream, wood and brass accents keep marigold grounded versus looking too bright and primary.
Emerald Green
Jewel-toned emerald green makes a striking, luxurious statement against black cabinets.
Benjamin Moore’s Henderson Green is a sophisticated muted emerald with gray undertones.
Or Farrow & Ball’s Studio Green is darker and moodier.
Emerald works well in glam, art deco and maximalist spaces.
Metallic accents like brass, gold and mirrored tables make emerald pop even more.
Opt for lacquered wood or multi-layer painted finishes to achieve depth and dimension.
You can also use emerald on just the table base or chairs as an accent hue against a neutral tabletop.
Pair emerald with marbles, terrazzo, stone and travertine to reinforce the rich color story.
Just avoid flat, cheap-looking greens.
Vary the finishes and textures so emerald reads elegant versus dated.
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Rose Gold
Metallic rose gold instantly glams up a black kitchen.
Warm, pinkish rose gold feels brighter and more feminine than traditional gold.
Try a hammered metal table base in a rose gold finish paired with a white marble tabletop for lots of contrast and texture.
Or lean into the glam with a black table base and rose gold painted tabletop.
Include details like rose gold hardware and metallic dining chairs.
Blush and cream accents reinforce the soft pink tones.
Rose gold feels playful and stylish against serious black cabinets.
It works in modern, boho and eclectic spaces.
Just stick to muted, antiqued rose gold finishes to avoid feeling too pink or flashy.
Rose gold offers just enough warmth to offset an all-black palette.
Forest Green
Deep forest greens complement black cabinets beautifully for an earthy, nature-inspired look.
Benjamin Moore’s Pacific Forest is a sophisticated dark green with gray undertones.
Or try Farrow & Ball’s Studio Green for a moodier evergreen tone.
Matte lacquered wood tabletops reinforce the rich green hue.
Pair forest green with natural textures like jute rugs, rattan pendants, and linen chairs for lots of dimension.
Brass accents warm up the cool forest green tones.
It feels woodsy, fresh and grounded against black cabinets.
Avoid neon or cheap-looking greens.
Go for depth, dimension and muted forest tones instead.
White marble or stone tabletops offset forest green bases stunningly.
Top 15+ Kitchen Table Colors with Black Cabinets Ranked
| Rank | Why it is a Good Match | |
|---|---|---|
| Navy | 9.5 | Bold contrast and color that complements black beautifully. Sophisticated and dramatic. |
| White | 9.0 | Crisp, clean and brightens up the space. A classic and timeless combination. |
| Gray | 8.5 | Gorgeous range of hues from light to dark that pair seamlessly with black. |
| Green | 8.0 | Earthy, nature-inspired colors like sage and olive green feel grounded. |
| Yellow | 8.0 | Cheerful sunny tones liven up the dark cabinets beautifully. |
| Red | 7.5 | Pops of vibrant red make a dramatic, bold statement. |
| Pink | 7.5 | Gorgeous feminine hue, from soft blush to vibrant fuchsia. |
| Purple | 7.5 | Luxurious jewel tones, from eggplant to lilac, complement black so well. |
| Blue | 7.0 | Gorgeous range, from sky blue to navy, with great contrast. |
| Turquoise | 7.0 | Lively pop of color with a beachy, tropical vibe. |
| Orange | 6.5 | Bright and energetic yet earthy with woody undertones. |
| Brown | 6.5 | Rich coffee and chocolate hues complement black so seamlessly. |
| Cream | 6.0 | Soft and airy neutral that adds warmth against the black. |
| Black | 6.0 | Sleek, monochromatic and seriously dramatic. |
| Distressed Wood | 6.0 | Rustic weathered wood adds cozy contrast and dimension. |
| Glass | 5.5 | Light and airy look allows floors and rugs to show through. |
| Silver | 5.0 | Sleek metallic sheen complements the cabinets nicely. |
| Copper | 5.0 | Warm earthy tones contrast beautifully against the black. |
