Choosing paint colors when you varnished oak woodwork

Question

Our home is a 100+year old craftsman. Luckily all of the woodwork is original.  Beautiful, but it tends to have a hint of orange to it. Having trouble choosing paint colors. RIght now it is a pale yellow, but it looks washed out.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

In my opinion I would choose your wood color based on the style of the rest of the house. Wall colors,floor colors.Perhaps if you submit photos it may help point you in the right direction.

Shari · Answer

So many people try to use yellow (or red) with oak and all it does is bring out more of the yellow or orange tones in the oak. As you have discovered, yellow does absolutely nothing to enhance the color of oak. Personally, my favorite color to use with oak is a pale or medium shade of sage green. My daughter used to live in an apartment that had oak kitchen cabinets and she painted her walls a pretty sage green called 'Mountain Haze' (Behr/Home Depot). It was gorgeous with the oak. (I wish I had a picture to show you.) The color, one shade darker on that Mountain Haze paint strip, 'Restful,' is very pretty too. If you're not particularly fond of green, or would like some other ideas, you might find this post helpful for other suggestions. Although she is specifically talking about oak kitchen cabinets, her suggestions for paint colors would work for a house full of oak woodwork too. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/5-top-wall-colors-for-kitchens-with-oak-cabinets-2389914

Valerie Fahey · Answer

Yes - sage green is a very good choice and may have been the original color.

Jim L · Answer

Why not use a mid-gray or a dark gray? This way the walls will not compete, but will compliment the woodwork. I have done this for a client and it looks great. (Naturally, I would say that about my project!)

Pam Bednar-Huff · Answer

We just finished painting the living room, literally! I chose a pale sage green to compliment the furniture and the oak trim. It turned out gorgeous!

Kat C · Answer

Look for the undertones in your wood. Yes, a lovely light blue green brings out the liveliness of the wood grain. Pale coral works nicely too. Light smoky blue would also work. Raid your paint store, bring home all colors that appeal to you. Tape them up next to your woodwork and see what livens up the wood.

Deb K · Answer

Hello Gail, hope this helps you out,

https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/the-best-paint-colours-to-go-with-oak-wood/

Choosing paint colors when you varnished oak woodwork

5 Top Wall Colors For Kitchens With Oak Cabinets

Suggested Project Book

26 Stunning Ways to Use Mod Podge in Your Home

Other

More

Choosing paint colors when you varnished oak woodwork

5 Top Wall Colors For Kitchens With Oak Cabinets

Suggested Project Book