How to Choose Cabinet Colors That Work with Your Flooring

Tony Thomas July 23, 2025

Selecting the right cabinet colors to complement your flooring can make or break your kitchen’s design. The key is balance—whether you’re going for bold contrast or subtle harmony.

Cabinet Colors & Flooring – How to Find a Match Made in Heaven

1. Identify Your Flooring Undertones

Start by determining whether your floor has warm (gold, red, orange) or cool (gray, blue, ash) undertones. This will guide your cabinet color choices. Warm floors pair well with creams, taupes, or rich wood tones. Cool floors lean toward grays, whites, or muted hues.

2. Go for Contrast or Coordination

Want your cabinets to stand out? Choose a color that contrasts your floor—like navy cabinets with light oak floors. Prefer a seamless look? Match tones closely, but vary the shade or finish for visual interest.

3. Mind the Material & It’s Impact on Cabinet Colors

Flooring texture can impact the color’s appearance. Matte tile floors pair beautifully with painted cabinets, while hardwood might call for complementary wood grain in the cabinetry.

4. Keep Lighting in Mind

Natural and artificial lighting can shift how both cabinet and floor colors look. Always test samples in your actual space before committing.

Choosing cabinet colors that work with your flooring helps anchor the entire kitchen design. A harmonious palette creates a sense of flow and cohesion you’ll appreciate every day.