Oak furniture is the interior trend that will never die. Over the last few years, we’ve seen homeowners turn towards classic, traditional and country-inspired décor, and with that, oak furniture design schemes thanks to the material’s ability to harmonise with practically every design scheme under the sun. Because of this versatility, many don’t know where to start when it comes to what colours go with oak furniture.
Fortunately, in this inspiration-laced guide, we’ll help you consider your colour scheme in depth, so you pick out the right shades for each room.
The beauty of oak furniture
The natural qualities of oak make it easy to choose between wooden furniture. As well as having a beautiful, old-timey aesthetic to its name, oak furniture is wonderfully versatile. Something of a chameleon, oak furniture can blend into any interior design concept, however longstanding the trend, and it works well with practically any colour scheme. It’s all about marrying up the oak’s natural undertones with the surrounding environment.
What colours go with oak furniture? How to match undertones
Quality oak furniture doesn’t come cheap – and that’s for a good reason. It’s a beautiful material that requires a lot of love and attention from its manufacture right up until its use. With this in mind, you’ll need to know how to match your oak furniture undertones with your backdrop – after all, you don’t want to make its beauty defunct.
Generally speaking, you will be working with one, or a combination of the following:
- Dark oak furniture – perfect for dramatic, sophisticated and rich shades, especially those cool in tone.
- Mid-tone oak furniture – mid-tone oak furniture is enhanced when coupled up with similar undertones to the wood or a slightly cooler backdrop.
- Light oak furniture – ideal for minimalist and classic décor themes, light oak furniture is well-matched with pale, fresh and airy colours.
- Painted oak furniture – depending on the finish, this might suit a more shabby chic-inspired aesthetic or a sophisticated farmhouse chic. Soft colours work well here.
Other materials and accents
One final thing to think about are the accents or detailing of your furniture pieces. If you’ve upcycled your oak furniture, you might have opted for brassy handles or a mixture of bespoke knobs. And you don’t want these materials and details to clash with the rest of the plan.
A good starting point is to think about the undertones of these additional materials. Are they warm-toned brass hinges? Or are they silvery cool-toned chrome? Determining this will allow you to find a canvas that brings out their charm.
8 oak furniture colour schemes by room
1. Ground yourself with earthy tones
Earthy tones are unstoppably grounded. If you’re seeking a fairly neutral yet intimate interior, look no further than the earthy oranges and reds that remind us of sunsets, clay and terracotta. Known for being unpretentious, humble as well as practical, earth tones allow oak furniture to adopt a rustic, nostalgic look.
Best for: living rooms
In the living room, what colours go with oak furniture? Well if you’re aiming for a traditional country-style décor or something a little more boho, warm earth tones can really elevate the ambience of a seating area decked out with
2. Cool down the look with blues
Step away from uninspired interiors by pairing a soothing blue tone with your oak pieces. Taking inspiration from clear skies and crystalline rivers, you can achieve a wonderful and enduring harmony.
Best for: bathrooms
When you have a tiny bathroom or small understairs toilet, splashing them with blue tones can work a treat. Pair slimline oak furniture with a duck egg blue and you can make the most out of those tiny dimensions.
3. Refresh with sage green
Sage green backdrops paired with features such as panelling, oak display cabinets and open shelving have become the norm on our Instagram feeds. Not unsurprisingly, the wonderfully rejuvenating and life-affirming qualities of a soft green wall and detailing have the nation transfixed – us included!
Best for: kitchen diners
Ideal for open kitchen diners, sage green commands a fresh and airy feel, ideal for plant lovers or those who want to create a culinary space that feels natural yet sophisticated.
4. Gear up for a dramatic statement
While it’s nice to tone down a room, sometimes it needs a new lease of life. Bold colours invoke a sense of confidence, modernity and style – all three making for a gorgeous colour scheme.
Best for: oak furniture kitchens
We all love a bit of drama and what better place than the kitchen? A deep and regal blue or purple set against an oak dining table paints a picture of countryside living.
5. Stay neutral with off-whites and beige
Neutrals are an obvious choice for mid-tone oak furniture. By opting for similar undertones to your oak pieces you can angle towards a softer, more understated look that exemplifies sophistication.
Best for: open plan spaces and corridors
Open plan spaces and corridors are an excellent option for this colour pairing. We’re picturing soothing, airy spaces kitted out with hallway units and cabinets, crafted from stunningly grained oak.
6. Nod to the ‘barbiecore’ look
‘Barbiecore’ interiors have taken the décor scene by storm. Of course, you don’t have to go crazy and replicate the neon and hot pinks of Barbie’s dreamhouse, but a dash of blush pink can act as a defining motif when set against oak furniture.
Best for: bedrooms
Often bedrooms are just calling out for a feminine touch. Paint an accent wall in a playful pink or add a touch of blush with textiles and your bedside cabinet, bed frame and dressing table will tie everything together.
7. Entice with strong contrasts
We’re talking about opposites on the colour wheel here: blues and oranges, yellows and purples, reds and greens. By creating a canvas with bold contrasts, you can build up a décor scheme that reflects your unique personality and allows your oak furniture to sing.
Best for: living rooms and guest rooms
Ideal for living rooms in need of an energy boost or guest rooms that pack a punch, these bright colours are fun, boisterous and will definitely leave an impact.
8. Infuse with pastel power
Pastels are a clever pairing for white-painted furniture or cool-toned oak. Providing a soft and angelic balance between warm and cold, they can make a room feel more restful and safe.
Best for: offices or studies
Whether you’re looking for ideas for a garden office or a converted loft study, pastels work beautifully. Allowing you to get in the zone and absorb those calming vibes.
Are there any colours to avoid with oak furniture?
In short, not really! The full rainbow is at your disposal. The only thing we’d suggest is potentially avoiding a colour overload in rooms fully kitted out with oak furniture, particularly with primary colours.
Often these saturated shades (think reds and yellows) will create joy at the expense of your furniture – it can look quite flat against a colour-drenched backdrop or particularly bright colour swatches – which isn’t ideal if you’ve shelled out a fortune for your hardwood pieces.
However, this isn’t to say you can’t satisfy your inner child with a backdrop that pops, just make sure to pick a selection of colours from the same family to decorate the space. Gradually introducing colour changes and subtle complementary tones will add depth and character to the room whilst combatting the flattening effect.
Any other design considerations?
Still uncertain about what colours will go with your oak furniture? If you’ve come to a standstill and can’t settle on a colour scheme to bring together the entire room, pare back your design and try a feature wall. This way you can create a natural focal point, without committing to a single colour or overwhelming the space.
In rooms with hardwood flooring, oak on oak might tip the scales away from aesthetic balance. So make sure to soften things up with natural textiles such as a rug, throws or a sofa showcasing lush materials. This will prevent things from feeling too flat and give an extra sense of comfort.
Ready to put these ideas to the test?
Now we have a good grasp on what colours go with oak furniture – all of them! – you can start building your oak furniture lookbook and get started on this fun interior décor project. Whichever colour scheme route you go down, remember to balance your furniture’s undertones and you’ll create a harmonious, personality-filled space.
