Kitchen Table--What Color Blends With My Ktichen Cabinets?

by Anonymous

We have been updating our colors and doing some decorating. We don't really want to change our cabinets at this time(due to cost). We currently have an oak table, which is a traditional oval table with grainy oak, and oak chairs with padded beige cushions. Our cabinets are dark oak, the floor is white, and the counters are dark (multi-coloured). The walls will be a sage green. I would really like to get a pub style kitchen table which is an espresso color. Will this look okay with the cabinets? If not what kind of table should I get. Thank you.

Answer:

I think the answer to your table question is dependent upon your future plans for your cabinets.

You mentioned that you do not plan on replacing your cabinets right now, which is fine. But you would need to consider if you plan on replacing them in the future. If the answer is yes, then it's perfectly fine to go with the table that you describe. However, if you don't think that you'll ever replace the cabinets, you might look into getting something that blends a bit better.

I'm not suggesting that the wood needs to match. Of course, there's no need to make all of the woods in a room match. However, I do generally like for the woods to blend.

There is one other option. If you're not ready to replace your cabinets just yet, you can always consider refinishing them for now.

I know that the thought of refinishing cabinets often strikes fear in the hearts of most people, but it's really not as difficult as it sounds. There are products available today that make the job much easier than it used to be.

The basic steps are:
1. Sand your cabinets to give some "tooth", and to smooth out any rough areas. There's no need to remove all of the existing finish!! Doing so will only cause you to do more work than is necessary!

2. Use GEL STAIN in your choice of color, and apply with a sponge brush. Apply with smooth, even strokes. Let dry completely (at least 24 hours).

3. If necessary, apply a second coat of stain. Let dry completely.

4. Apply one or two coats of polyurethane to the cabinets, and let dry completely.

Gel stain is a much easier product to use than standard stain, as it goes on like paint, but you can still see the grain of the wood, so it looks like stain. The best part? You can get the effect of brand new cabinets for about $30!!! Now THAT'S amazing!

Hope that helps! Happy decorating,

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