Deciding on the right colour for your kitchen cabinets can be a challenging task, especially when you have so many options to choose from. Tan colour kitchen cabinets are a popular choice thanks to their warmth and versatility, but it can be difficult to know what colours to pair them with and how to complete the look.
Avoid costly interior design fails with our comprehensive guide full of ideas for your tan colour kitchen cabinets, as well as the styles you’ll definitely want to avoid! Whether you prefer a bright and airy vibe, a cosy farmhouse feel, or a sleek and modern look, these ideas will help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams.
Our Top Three
2. Best for Modern Minimalism
3. Best for Contemporary Farmhouse
Why is Tan So Popular in 2023?
Tan kitchen cabinets appeal to many people thanks to the warmth that this neutral tone provides. It offers the perfect starting base for a welcoming kitchen space and its versatility means it can be paired with a variety of styles and colours to create a striking space.
Not only is it a visually-attractive shade, but tan is a highly functional colour that offers durability as it can hide stains and wear and tear better than lighter colours. Tan cabinets in your kitchen offer a modern alternative to more traditional neutrals, such as beige and cream, making it a super stylish choice for those looking to renovate their kitchen in 2023.
10 Tan Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
1. Rustic Charm
For a warm and cosy vibe, use a more traditional tan kitchen cabinet with a rustic feel. Keep walls neutral in a soft cream or with a textured beige tile. Finish the look with natural wood elements, such as a wooden countertop or shelving, to enhance the overall look.
Pros
- Perfect for rustic style homes
Cons
- Can look dated if not styled well
2. Modern Minimalism
For a sleek and contemporary look, choose tan cabinets in a minimalist design with limited or no hardware. Keep the space clutter-free in line with minimalistic style, and pair with brushed silver countertops for an ultra-modern finish.
Pros
- Contemporary
- Clean feel
Cons
- Stainless steel worktops are easily damaged
3. Earthy Elegance
If you’re after an elegant, earthy feel then try pairing your tan kitchen cabinets with a green shade. Sage green is a classic kitchen colour that would perfectly complement the warm caramel tones of your cabinets but consider tiles for more depth. For a bolder colour pop with more contrast, use a dark green.
Pros
- Warm
- Nature inspired
Cons
- Lighter shades of green can make the room lack depth
4. Coastal Cool
Create a breezy and relaxed coastal atmosphere in your kitchen with tan cabinets paired with a soft blue shade. Complete the look with grey flooring as well as beachy decorative touches including woven baskets, distressed wood and seashell décor.
Pros
- Calming
- Casual kitchen feel
Cons
- Some cooler shades of blue can clash with warm tan cabinets
5. Warm Industrial
Add an edgy feel to your warm tan cabinets with a contemporary, industrial theme. Keep the walls white and play with textures by introducing materials such as marble, concrete and exposed brick. Finish the look with black appliances, hardware and light fixtures.
Pros
- Modern
- Edgy
Cons
- Black accents required for an industrial style can darken the space
6. Bold Contrast
Make a statement with tan cabinets by pairing them with a bold colour, such as deep blue or forest green. Keep the rest of the space simple, with subtle hardware, and let the cabinets be the centre of attention.
Pros
- Statement look
- Allows cabinets to shine
Cons
- Can overwhelm darker spaces
7. Soft and Sweet
For a soft and romantic feel, choose light tan painted kitchen cabinets and combine with a pastel pink shade. Add some depth to the room by introducing a darker tone, as shown here, with black accents. Keep the countertops white to avoid overwhelming the space.
Pros
- Unusual
- Delicate
Cons
- Black accents can darken smaller spaces
8. Traditional Touch
For a classic look, opt for tan cabinets in a traditional style. Just because you opt for traditional style cabinets, doesn’t mean you can’t have a contemporary edge. Use a modern tile for texture, with sleek silver hardware and marble countertops. Finish off with LED strip lights under the counters to brighten the space.
Pros
- Classic style
- Can add modern twists
Cons
- Some traditional cabinet styles can look dated
9. Bright and Airy
For a bright and airy space, keep your tan cabinets to the lower half of the kitchen as a visual anchor and keep the upper half of the room white for a clean, bright finish. Add pops of green through potted plants, some rustic wood accents and black hardware for a contemporary finish. For a room that feels even more light and airy, use lighter tan kitchen cabinets that still offer warmth but in a more subtle manner.
Pros
- Bright and airy
Cons
- White can lack depth
10. Modern Farmhouse
Farmhouse-style homes are increasingly more popular and the trend isn’t dying down in 2023. Create a stylish and cosy modern farmhouse vibe with white and tan cabinets that lend themselves perfectly to this style. Pair with natural wood elements, such as a wooden island, or a butler sink. Finish the look with rustic style accessories and farmhouse-style lighting.
Pros
- Popular style
- Classic
Cons
- White can show dirt easily
What Should You Avoid With Tan Kitchen Cabinets?
When it comes to designing a kitchen with tan cabinets, there are a few things to avoid in order to keep the space looking stylish and cohesive. These include:
1. Overloading on Wood Tones
While wood accents can complement tan cabinets nicely, too much can make the space feel overwhelmed and cluttered. Stick to one or two wood elements, such as a wooden island or shelves, and opt for lighter wood tones to avoid overpowering the space.
2. Choosing the Wrong Hardware
The right hardware can make a big impact on the overall look of your kitchen, so consider your options carefully when choosing handles and knobs for your tan cabinets. Avoid hardware that clashes with the cabinets in colour or style, and opt for pieces that complement the overall aesthetic; we love black or an oil-rubbed bronze.
3. Ignoring Lighting
Avoid installing harsh or bright lights that can wash out the warmth of the tan, and opt for soft, warm lighting to enhance the cosy feel of the space. Further enhance task-based areas with LED strip lights hidden under the cabinets.
Summary
There can be no doubt that tan kitchen cabinets offer warmth and versatility for your kitchen, with a plethora of styling options available. It can be hard to know which style to choose, though, so be sure to consider your room in terms of size, space, and lighting.
You’ll want to choose an idea that suits your personal tastes as well as the aesthetic of your home. Finish with the right hardware, lighting and accessories, and you’ll be left with a kitchen that’s both functional and stylish that you’ll love for years to come.
