What Metallic Finishes Go Best with Light Cherry Cabinets?
Brushed Nickel
Brushed nickel is a versatile metal finish that can work well with light cherry cabinets. It has a soft silver tone that doesn’t contrast too starkly with the warm undertones of the wood. Brushed nickel often features subtle brushing marks that give it an appealing texture. It’s generally an affordable option and is easy to coordinate with stainless steel appliances.
Benefits of Brushed Nickel with Light Cherry Cabinets
- Complements the warm reddish-brown tones of the cherry wood
- Provides a modest metallic sheen that isn’t overly shiny
- Affordable and readily available
- Works with a range of decor styles from traditional to contemporary
- Pairs nicely with stainless steel appliances
Brushed nickel has a neutral metallic tone that doesn’t fight against the beautiful cherry grain. It’s a safe choice that can suit traditional to modern kitchens.
Polished Nickel
Polished nickel has a cooler, grayer appearance than brushed nickel. It’s brighter and more reflective, with a smooth shiny surface. The higher shine gives it a dressier, more elegant look.
Pros of Using Polished Nickel with Light Cherry Cabinets
- Provides contrast from the warm wood tones with its cooler gray metallic shade
- The reflective surface catches the eye and adds visual interest
- Well-suited to formal, elegant, or glam kitchen designs
- Works nicely with polished or satin nickel appliances
- Durable metal that is easy to keep looking shiny
If you want to play up the chic side of your light cherry cabinets, polished nickel is an excellent match. Its striking shine pairs nicely with glass cabinet doors for a glamorous look.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze
For a unique, antique-inspired look, oil-rubbed bronze is a great match for light cherry cabinets. This finish has dark bronze undertones blended with metallic brown and black. The metal is treated to gain an aged, weathered appearance.
Benefits of Oil-Rubbed Bronze with Light Cherry
- Provides a bold, dramatic contrast from the lighter wood
- Has an antiqued, Old World aesthetic that complements traditional decor
- The aged look highlights the beautiful wood grain
- Adds a touch of warmth and richness to the space
- Available in satin or polished sheens
Oil-rubbed bronze makes a daring statement and infuses your light cherry kitchen with drama. The darker metal accents make the cherry cabinets really stand out.
Champagne Gold
For a bright, glamorous look, consider pairing light cherry cabinets with champagne gold hardware and fixtures. This finish has a radiant golden tone with subtle metallic sparkle.
Why Use Champagne Gold with Light Cherry Cabinets?
- Provides an eye-catching contrast against the reddish-brown wood
- The warm metallic tone complements and enhances the cherry
- Elegant and luxurious looking while still feeling friendly and inviting
- Works well in glam, transitional, or traditional spaces
- Lovely coordination with gold, champagne, or bronze appliances
Champagne gold hardware and lighting can make light cherry cabinets feel rich and luxurious. The bright metallic finish makes the wood glow.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a versatile neutral that can suit light cherry cabinets in both traditional and modern kitchens. It has a soft grayish-silver tone that pairs nicely with the wood.
Pros of Stainless Steel with Light Cherry Cabinets
- The neutral metallic shade doesn’t compete with the warm wood tones
- Blends well in both classic and contemporary kitchen designs
- Easy to match with stainless steel appliances and fixtures
- Provides an understated, casual elegance and brightness
- Budget-friendly metal option that is widely available
Stainless steel is a popular, safe choice that allows the beautiful light cherry finish to take the spotlight. It has an easygoing vibe that works in casual spaces.
Black Iron
For a dramatic, bold contrast, black iron hardware makes light cherry cabinets pop. The deep charcoal color of the metal draws the eye to each handle and fixture.
Reasons to Use Black Iron with Light Cherry Cabinets
- Creates a bold, eye-catching juxtaposition against the lighter wood
- The deep, dark finish dramatizes the cherry grain
- Sleek and modern looking, great for contemporary designs
- Wrought iron textures add visual interest and dimension
- A budget-friendly option available in satin or matte
Black iron brings a modern, masculine edge to light cherry cabinets. The dark metal boldly frames and highlights the gorgeous wood grain patterns.
Antique Bronze
Antique bronze has an aged, weathered appearance with a greenish tint. When paired with light cherry cabinets, the finish has an Old World, rustic aesthetic.
Benefits of Antique Bronze with Light Cherry Cabinets
- Provides a rustic, unique alternative to basic brass fixtures
- The greenish oxidation contrasts beautifully with reddish cherry tones
- Looks like it has developed a patina over time for an antique charm
- Great for Tuscan, farmhouse, or craftsman kitchen designs
- Available in a range of budget-friendly satin, brushed, and rubbed finishes
For a kitchen rich with Old World character, antique bronze hardware can give light cherry cabinets a timeworn, artisanal look and feel. The verdigris green tint makes a bold, yet warm statement.
Pewter
Pewter is a soft gray metal with a subdued metallic shine. It has a classic, elegant look that pairs nicely with light cherry cabinetry.
Pros of Using Pewter with Light Cherry Cabinets
- Provides an understated metallic sheen that isn’t too bold
- The grayish tone allows the warm wood finish to shine
- Suitable for both traditional and contemporary kitchens
- Has an upscale look at an affordable price point
- Available in satin, brushed, and polished finishes
Pewter hardware brings out the refined nature of light cherry cabinets. It has a sophisticated charm that elevates the beauty of the wood grain.
Copper
For a rich, luxurious kitchen aesthetic, consider copper fixtures and hardware with your light cherry cabinets. Copper has a glowing, golden-orange metallic tone.
Benefits of Copper with Light Cherry Cabinets
- The warm, reddish-orange shade complements the cherry tones
- Provides a striking visual contrast from the lighter wood
- Looks rich, exclusive, and indulgent when combined with cherry
- Makes a bold statement in contemporary or glam kitchens
- Available in brushed, polished, oil-rubbed, and antique finishes
The radiant glimmer of copper makes light cherry cabinets shine. Together, they create an atmosphere of luxury. The vibrant metal energizes the look.
Summary
The best metallic finishes for light cherry cabinets highlight, complement, or contrast the beautiful warm wood tones. Popular options like brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, champagne gold, and antique bronze allow the wood’s grain to take center stage. Stainless steel and pewter have a more understated effect. For drama, black iron and copper provide bold accents. Consider the overall style you want for your kitchen when selecting the perfect metallic finish. With so many options, you can easily create a custom look that fits your aesthetic vision.
FAQ About Metallic Finishes for Light Cherry Cabinets
What is the most popular metal finish for light cherry cabinets?
Brushed nickel is generally the most popular and versatile metallic finish for light cherry cabinets. Its soft silver sheen blends well without competing too much with the warm wood tones.
What metal finish looks best with a glass front cherry cabinet?
For a glass front cherry cabinet, opt for a polished or brightly reflective finish like polished nickel, chrome, polished brass, or champagne gold. These will contrast beautifully with the transparent glass.
What color hardware goes with cherry cabinets?
Some top color choices for cherry cabinet hardware include: brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, antique brass, polished chrome, satin brass, champagne gold, copper, and black iron.
Should I match my cabinet hardware finish to appliances?
It’s generally recommended to match cabinet hardware and appliance finishes for a cohesive look. Popular combinations include stainless steel, black, chrome, or brushed nickel hardware with coordinating appliances.
What finish should I avoid with cherry cabinets?
Avoid very light metals like brushed aluminum or silver with cherry cabinets, as these may look washed out against the richer wood tones. Very dark finishes like matte black can also be overly bold and harsh.
Is bronze a good choice with cherry cabinets?
Oil-rubbed bronze, antique bronze, and bronze with brown undertones are beautiful choices that add a touch of drama and accentuate light cherry cabinetry. Stay away from orangey bronze tones that may clash.
What sheen should I get for metal cabinet hardware?
Satin and brushed finishes reflect some light while still being soft and understated. Polished finishes amp up the shine factor. Oil-rubbed has a muted sheen. Choose based on your preferred amount of reflectivity.
Should all cabinet hardware finishes match?
Having all the same finish creates consistency and flow. But mixing metals is also a popular look, like combining brushed nickel knobs with black iron pulls. Just be sure any mixed metals complement each other.
Can I use silver with cherry cabinets?
Brushed nickel works well with cherry as it isn’t a stark silver. Sterling silver and chrome may look a bit too cool-toned and harsh. Opt for warmer silvery metals instead.
Is black hardware too bold for light cherry cabinets?
Black hardware provides major contrast that can look dramatic and striking against lighter cherry cabinets. Use black judiciously as accents if you want to avoid an overly weighty look.
Conclusion
Light cherry cabinets offer a gorgeous base for any kitchen design. The beauty of the wood grain deserves to take center stage. By selecting complementary metallic hardware and fixtures in finishes like brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, champagne gold, or antique bronze, you can achieve a cohesive and elegant look. Avoid very stark light metals and stick to warm-toned metals that enhance the wood. With the proper metallic accents, your light cherry cabinets will shine as the focal point of your kitchen.
