5 colors to avoid pairing with oak kitchen cabinets, and what to choose instead

Creating a beautiful kitchen depends on mixing the right colors and materials tastefully and cohesively. And when it comes to wood schemes, there a a few colors to avoid pairing with oak kitchen cabinets for a stylish design.

Wood kitchen cabinet ideas have been falling back into favor recently, offering warmth and enduring appeal. This natural material aids a timeless scheme – but styling is so important if you want your kitchen to exude tasteful design rather than an outdated space.

Here, we turn to the experts to find out which colors you should avoid pairing with oak kitchen cabinets at all costs, and the hues that are better matched with this natural material.

5 colors to avoid pairing with oak kitchen cabinets

While there are no rules, these expert suggestions on the colors to avoid pairing with oak kitchen cabinets will help you create a more attractive scheme. With suggestions for warm and cool-toned oak cabinets, there's guidance for every space here.

1. Blue and gray tones

When you're choosing a paint color to pair with your oak kitchen cabinets, undertones are so important. 'Oak kitchen cabinets tend to have a warmer undertone of yellow or orange,' says Arianna Barone, color marketing manager at Benjamin Moore.

'If you want to tone down those undertones, it may seem counterintuitive, but you’ll want to use similar colors in the space. That doesn’t mean you have to use yellow and orange, but warmer neutrals, beiges, and tans tend to work best and not fight with the undertones of the oak cabinets,' she explains.

Because of these warmer undertones, she suggests staying away from cool blues and grays, as the contrast with the warmer wood not only makes the wood look more orange, but it creates a disconnect that throws of the entire kitchen.

2. Shades of green

Just as blue hues clash with oak kitchen cabinets, cool green tones have the same effect. 'If you bring in cooler greens, it will cause more contrast with the oak cabinets and make the yellow or orange undertones more apparent,' says Arianna.

While it's entirely dependent on the style of kitchen you want to create and personal taste, there are a few alternative colors Arianna says always look beautiful when paired with oak kitchen cabinets.

'I always recommend warmer neutrals or off-whites for the walls when paired with oak kitchen cabinets. This creates a timeless, versatile look. Some of my favorites to consider are White Dove OC-17, Pristine OC-75, and Manchester Tan HC-81. These colors have just a hint of warmth which will help create a cohesive color flow with the oak cabinets.'

3. Bright, citrus hues

When you're choosing which colors to pair with your oak cabinets, any stain that's been applied to the wood will have an effect on the shades to avoid and those that feel cohesive.

'The stain of your oak cabinetry plays a significant role in determining the most complementary colors. For a cool-hued stain, like the one we recently selected for our client’s custom oak cabinetry, soft neutrals work beautifully,' says Virginia Toledo, lead designer at Toledo Geller.

In instances where you've gone cooler on the cabinets, there are some warmer hues Virginia recommends avoiding. 'Pairing bright, citrusy colors like tangy oranges with this stain can be more challenging, as they may clash with the cooler undertones.'

4. Purple, especially violet

If you've got current kitchen trends on your radar, you may have noticed purple emerging in designs. However, it's a color to avoid pairing with oak kitchen cabinets, for the same reasons as blue and green tones, according to Arianna.

You're also more likely to create a kitchen scheme that feels dated with purple, as some hues are heavily associated with trends of bygone eras. While there may be certain shades that work, it's best to avoid them unless you have a color expert at hand.

As an alternative, burgundy can look striking when paired with the right tone of oak cabinets. Its red undertone gives it a warmer appeal that purples, and hits one of 2025's biggest color trends.

5. Yellow

When choosing colors to pair with oak kitchen cabinets, it's important to consider how the colors will work together – will they complement, or will they bring out the less appealing undertones?

You'll want to avoid any colors that bring out the yellow and orange in the oak if your cabinets lean more warm. 'Yellow will make the oak look more yellow than it already is,' says Brieanna Cunningham, of C&C Partners.

While it's a popular color if you want to create a rustic or farmhouse kitchen with a bit of vibrancy, the result will be disappointing. Instead, embrace warm neutrals, or if color is a non-negotiable, try a very soft, warm-toned green, such as olive or sage.

While there are some colors to avoid pairing with oak kitchen cabinets, there are plenty still left to choose from. Whether you embrace warm neutrals or choose a soft, complimentary color, take this expert advice on board when selecting the right shades for your oak kitchen.