Cherry wood furniture has long been admired for its rich, warm tones and timeless appeal. However, with changing interior design trends, homeowners seek ways to make these traditional pieces fit into modern spaces. While cherry wood can often be associated with classic or rustic décor, with the right techniques, it’s possible to give it a fresh and updated look. In this article, we will explore practical tips and strategies for making cherry wood furniture look modern. Whether you want to restyle an antique cherry wood dresser or refresh your living space, you’ll discover valuable ideas that blend old-world charm with contemporary aesthetics. We’ll cover everything from color schemes to hardware updates, ensuring that your furniture enhances the modern style of your home.
Embrace Neutral Colors for a Modern Look
One of the easiest ways to make cherry wood furniture appear modern is by pairing it with neutral color schemes. The deep, rich tones of cherry wood can be overwhelming in a space filled with dark or saturated colors, so opting for light, neutral hues will help balance the intensity of the wood. Neutral colors like soft whites, greys, and beiges create a clean, airy environment that modernizes cherry wood furniture.
Consider repainting your walls or adding neutral-toned décor items to update your space. Light grey walls, for instance, will provide a striking contrast to the darker cherry tones without clashing. Soft, neutral-colored cushions, rugs, or curtains can also lighten the room’s overall mood, giving it a fresh and contemporary feel. These modern, understated backgrounds help highlight the beauty of the wood while toning down its traditional appearance.
In addition to neutral wall colors, you can introduce metallic accents to modernize the space. Silver, chrome, or brushed nickel can add sleekness and sophistication, contrasting with the natural warmth of cherry wood. Choosing modern lighting fixtures and accessories made of these materials will elevate the overall look and create a cohesive, updated aesthetic.
When working with cherry wood, it’s important to keep the surrounding décor simple. Too many bold or traditional elements can make the furniture feel dated. Minimalistic designs and clean lines help balance the richness of the wood, resulting in a space that feels both elegant and modern.
Upgrade the Hardware for a Modern Touch
Change Outdated Handles and Knobs
Updating its hardware is one of the quickest and most effective ways to modernize cherry wood furniture. Traditional cherry wood pieces often come with ornate or antique hardware that can make them feel outdated. You can instantly transform the furniture’s look by swapping out these elements for sleek, contemporary designs.
Opt for Modern Finishes
When choosing new handles or knobs, consider finishes like brushed nickel, matte black, or chrome. These materials offer a modern, clean look that complements the rich tones of cherry wood without overwhelming it. Their minimalist design will also reduce the furniture’s traditional vibe.
Consider Geometric Shapes
Modern furniture often features geometric or simple shapes. Instead of curvy or decorative hardware, opt for straight lines or sleek, cylindrical shapes. This contrast in design will make the furniture feel more contemporary without altering the wood itself.
Add Soft Close Hinges
Upgrading the functionality of your cherry wood furniture is another way to bring it into the modern age. Soft-close hinges are not only practical but also add a touch of luxury. They’re particularly effective for large cabinets or dressers, preventing the heavy wood from slamming shut.
Opt for Push-to-Open Mechanisms
Another way to modernize the piece is to use push-to-open mechanisms, removing the need for external hardware altogether. This minimalist approach aligns with contemporary design trends and creates a seamless look.
Incorporate Modern Décor Elements to Enhance Cherry Wood Furniture
To make cherry wood furniture look modern, it’s essential to pair it with décor elements that bring a fresh, contemporary vibe. Here are some key ideas:
- Minimalist Art: Choose abstract or geometric art in neutral tones. Large, simple pieces with clean lines can create a modern focal point while balancing the richness of cherry wood.
- Textured Throws and Cushions: Soft fabrics like linen and wool in neutral shades can add warmth and contrast to cherry wood. A textured throw or a few cushions can instantly modernize the look without overpowering it.
- Glass and Metal Accents: Incorporate sleek materials like glass and metal, such as metallic candle holders or glass vases. These accents introduce a contemporary, light feel that complements the wood’s natural warmth.
- Potted Plants: Large, leafy plants in minimalist planters add a modern touch. The fresh green hues work well with the deep tones of cherry wood, making the space feel more vibrant and up-to-date.
- Contemporary Lighting: Modern lighting fixtures, like pendant lights or metal floor lamps, with clean lines and metallic finishes, can make a big difference. They help brighten the space and add a modern edge to the overall look.
Refinish or Paint Cherry Wood Furniture
- If you’re willing to make more permanent changes to your cherry wood furniture, refinishing or painting it is an excellent option for a modern update. Cherry wood is prized for its deep, natural color, but sometimes, a modern touch requires a lighter or more neutral finish.
- Refinishing cherry wood furniture involves stripping the current finish and applying a new stain or varnish. A light or matte finish can make the furniture feel more contemporary. Matte finishes, in particular, offer a modern, sophisticated look that pairs well with minimalist décor.
- Also, consider painting your cherry wood furniture for a bold change. While this may seem drastic, painting the furniture in a modern color like white, grey, or even navy can give it a completely new look. Painted cherry wood furniture retains its solid structure and quality while blending more efficiently with modern décor.
- Before you paint, consider testing a minor area or using temporary methods like chalk paint, which can be removed later if desired. This approach allows you to modernize the furniture without permanently altering it.
Use Bold Accessories to Modernize Cherry Wood Furniture
Cherry wood furniture can sometimes be overwhelming in its classic design. Using bold accessories is a great way to update the overall look without permanently changing the furniture.
Add Modern Lighting Fixtures: Modern lighting can drastically change a room’s ambiance. To complement cherry wood furniture, opt for fixtures with clean lines, geometric shapes, or metallic finishes. Pendant lights or floor lamps with industrial designs also work well.
Use Statement Rugs: A bold, contemporary rug can balance the deep tones of cherry wood. To modernize the space, look for patterns like chevrons, geometric shapes, or abstract designs in neutral colors.
Decorate with Modern Art: Placing modern art above cherry wood furniture can also help to modernize the room. Choose large, abstract pieces with neutral colors or metallic frames to keep the aesthetic cohesive.
Conclusion
Making cherry wood furniture look modern is all about balance. You can transform classic pieces into contemporary pieces without losing their inherent beauty by choosing the right colors, décor, and accessories. Whether you refinish, repaint, or update the surrounding décor, your cherry wood furniture can seamlessly blend into a modern home.
FAQs
Q. Can I paint cherry wood furniture to make it look modern?
A. Painting cherry wood in neutral or bold modern colors like grey, white, or navy can give it a contemporary feel.
Q. What colors go best with cherry wood furniture for a modern look?
A. Neutral colors such as light grey, beige, and white work well with cherry wood for a modern look.
Q. How can I update cherry wood furniture without refinishing or painting it?
A. You can update the look by changing the hardware, adding modern décor, or incorporating contemporary lighting and accessories.
Q. Does cherry wood furniture fit in modern homes?
A. with the right décor, color palette, and accessories, cherry wood furniture can look stunning in modern homes.