5 Stunning Ways to Pair Wood Kitchen Cabinets with White Countertops

Pairing wood cabinets with white countertops is a versatile and timeless combination that we adore. Your kitchen countertops and cabinets are a powerful design duo, so selecting the right pair is vital. They cover the most surface area, handle the most daily wear, and set the tone for your style making them a smart place to start when narrowing down your vision for a kitchen remodel. You’ll want to make sure you invest in high-quality materials that pair well together. We’ve selected our favorite wood cabinet and white countertop pairings so you can start your journey to making this style your own.

Wood cabinets introduce organic textures and rich, earthy tones, making them a great option for any kitchen style from farmhouse to coastal to modern. White quartz countertops like Cambria pair well with nearly any shade or species of wood. The depth and movement of the quartz complement the tone and texture of wood cabinets, while a range of white hues contrast the cabinets to brighten and visually expand the space. Many of Cambria’s white countertop designs offer the look of marble without the maintenance, creating an elegant mix of materials when paired with wood kitchen cabinets.

Should You Keep or Replace Kitchen Cabinets?

Deciding whether or not to keep or replace your wood kitchen cabinets? If they’re in good shape, it can be a smart budget saver to keep or refinish your cabinets. If you have wood cabinets that feel a bit dated, you’d be surprised at how replacing your countertops can give a new look to existing cabinets. Upgrading both your cabinets and countertops will have an even bigger impact on both the beauty and function of the space. It gives you a chance to improve the layout, incorporate smart storage ideas, and find the materials and styles that suit you best.

1. Light Blonde Wood Kitchen Cabinets with White Countertops

We love the look of lighter woods in open, minimalistic spaces. Birch, ash, beech, and light maple cabinets offer an organic element for homeowners that brighten the environment without overpowering the design. Combining light wood with white countertops creates an inviting and airy space. Whitney Leigh Morris of The Tiny Canal Cottage chose to keep her existing wood cabinetry, but replaced the dark granite with versatile Torquay quartz countertops to complement her beach bungalow home.

The rustic look of reclaimed wood cabinets is perfect for this Scandinavian-style mountain house kitchen from Emily Henderson. White Cliff Matte™, Cambria’s purest white quartz countertop design, offers a crisp contrast to the textured beechwood. See more of how the space incorporates matte black accents and a statement island below.

Some woods can also be stained to appear lighter. Jaclyn Peters Design uses this technique to give a faded but fresh look to a white oak island. Ella™ quartz countertops add movement that flows with the intricate grain of the wood cabinets, while its cream undertones and gray veins keep the space from feeling stark. Brass accents, including custom feet on the island, add warmth and style.

2. Warm Wood Cabinets with White Countertops

Incorporating darker elements into a compact kitchen can make the space seem smaller, which is why it isn’t always practical to match your countertop tone to that of the cabinetry. This galley kitchen features low-sheen Swanbridge Matte™ tops paired with glass tile backsplash and light paint to keep things bright. The wood kitchen cabinets and quartz countertop offer contrast and organic texture to complete the look. Upgrading the countertops in a compact kitchen or galley kitchen is a small but impactful change that can help the space feel larger as well as more functional.

See more ways to add space to a small galley kitchen.

3. Dark Wood Cabinets with White Countertops

Many woods can be stained to appear darker to make the grain texture more apparent. Whether you like the look of a reddish cherry wood or a more saturated color, darker cabinets may be the best option. This tone of kitchen cabinetry can offer a more traditional feel, while still maintaining modern elegance, especially when paired with a white bold movement or marble-alternative countertop.

An open-floor-plan kitchen with natural light can play with darker stained cabinets while still having the feel of a large space. Thanks to finishing techniques and stains, walnut looks much darker in this kitchen from Studio Grey and Sustainable 9 Design + Build. Ella Matte™, with thin horizontal veining, mimics the grain in the wood, creating a stylish parallel between countertop and cabinetry.

4. Gray-Tone Wood Cabinets with White Countertops

Gray-tone wood cabinets can have a variety of undertones and base hues. This look is achieved by staining the cabinetry which can be done to any type of wood. Stains can alter the look of the wood and change its undertones from blue to taupe to silver as well as reveal the wood’s intricate grain.

Kitchen cabinets with these various tones make excellent pairings for white and gray designs like Skara Brae™ in this open-concept loft kitchen, while an almost-black kitchen island is made bright with an Ella countertop. Pairing stained wood cabinets and white quartz countertops creates unlimited, versatile combinations to fit any style for a homeowner that loves a dark polished look.

Both brown and gray hues in these flat panel kitchen cabinets are accentuated with a combination of Cambria designs: Torquay countertops, Darlington™ floor tiles, and Hollinsbrook™ bar top. These three designs feature a spectrum of neutrals that pair perfectly with the rich details in these stained wood cabinets.

5. Weathered Wood Cabinets with White Quartz Countertops

Weathered kitchen cabinetry gives an earthen luxe look with a variety of options like white-washed, bleached, or driftwood. These staining techniques give the impression of weathered wood but use a sturdier material like oak or birch.

We love this style in a coastal kitchen, but also see it in farmhouse and traditional kitchens. Anne Sage’s minimalistic California coast kitchen uses weathered gray cabinets with Ella Matte countertops, keeping a monochromatic palette interesting with the textured cabinetry. Using a subtle white and gray quartz design like Torquay for your countertops allows the intricate grain of the wood to be revealed by this stain to act as the focal point in this space. A charming farmhouse kitchen gets an elevated barn wood look with whitewashed ash kitchen cabinets.

Explore Additional Cambria Combinations

If wood kitchen cabinetry doesn’t fit your style, painted cabinets are a chic way to showcase saturated hues or classic neutrals. Check out Cambria’s Paint Match Tool to visualize your perfect combination. Cambria’s expansive design palette offers unlimited combinations to complement or contrast the cabinets of your choice.

From light to dark and uniquely stained, wood cabinetry should not be overlooked as a beautiful feature in any kitchen. When paired with Cambria quartz countertops, these traditional cabinets can take on a new style and fresh feeling. Find your perfect pair by ordering samples of Cambria and see how each one looks with your cabinets. If you’re doing a full remodel, many cabinet retailers will offer samples of their products, too. Design a moodboard with your samples of wood cabinets and white countertops, or simply see how they look side by side.

For more Cambria and cabinetry inspiration check out our Perfect Pairings Pinterest board.

[Updated on 12/5/2023]