Should You Lighten Honey Oak Cabinets?

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Are you one of the lucky ones who has honey oak cabinets in their kitchen? They were the peak of sophistication in the ’90s, so if this is you, you are not alone,. But now? They’re the home decor equivalent of shoulder pads and carpeted bathrooms—yikes!

The question is, should you lighten them, or let them bask in their golden glory?

Spoiler alert: It depends! Let’s dig in and find out if this is the refresh your kitchen needs or if it’s time to embrace the retro vibes.

The Case for Lightening

First, you need to know why you might want to lighten those cabinets. For starters, did you know that lighter kitchens are associated with higher resale values? Yep, Zillow reports that homes with light, neutral kitchens sell for an average of $1,500 more than their darker counterparts. If that’s not motivation, I don’t know what is!

Lightening Brightens Your Space

Honey oak cabinets can make a kitchen feel warm, sure, but they can also make it feel… heavy. By lightening them, you’re introducing brightness and a sense of openness. Even small kitchens can look bigger when the cabinets don’t weigh the room down.

It’s Budget-Friendly Compared to Replacement

Want a fresh look without gutting your savings account? Lightening is far cheaper than replacing your cabinets. Depending on your method (we’ll get to that), you could spend as little as $100.

Goodbye, Orange Undertones

Honey oak has a love affair with orange undertones. But let’s be honest: it’s not a good look for everyone. Lightening those cabinets can neutralize the orangey hue and bring a more modern, muted tone to your kitchen.

Reasons to Keep Them Golden

Okay, before you grab a paintbrush, let’s play devil’s advocate. Honey oak cabinets have their charms too.

The Warmth Factor

That warm, golden hue is cozy and inviting. In the right setting, honey oak can complement rustic, farmhouse, or even boho styles beautifully.

The Effort (and Mess)

Lightening cabinets isn’t a weekend project. It’s more like a “clear your calendar and stock up on caffeine” kind of project. Between sanding, priming, and painting, it’s a commitment.

Durability of the Finish

Honey oak is like the Teflon of cabinet finishes. It’s practically indestructible. When you paint or lighten them, you risk losing some of that resilience.

Use Samplize Peel & Stick Paint Samples for a mess-free way to test paint colors!

If you do decide to keep them, there is no shortage of paint colors to choose from that will complement those golden beauties to help them look better then ever.

I have a post dedicated to the best paint colors that go with honey oak wood. There are some goodies in there. If you are struggling for a color check it out and get some inspiration.

While you are at it, if you feel like a countertop upgrade is what will bring your cabinets to life, check out some fantastic countertop colors that work wonders.

Pros and Cons of Lightening Honey Oak Cabinets

Pros:

• Brightens the Space: Lightened cabinets make the kitchen feel larger and more open.
• Modernizes the Look: Neutral tones are timeless and on-trend.
• Increases Resale Value: Light kitchens often appeal to buyers.
• Budget-Friendly: Cheaper than replacing cabinets entirely.
• Customizable: Offers flexibility in choosing the perfect shade or finish.

Cons:

• Time-Consuming: Sanding, priming, and painting take significant effort.
• Messy: Be prepared for dust and paint splatters.
• Potential for Imperfections: DIY jobs may result in uneven finishes or chips over time.
• Loss of Durability: Painted finishes may not be as tough as the original oak.
• Not Reversible: Once painted, it’s challenging to return to the original wood.

How to Lighten Honey Oak Cabinets

If you are dead set on changing your cabinets, here’s a step-by-step guide to lightening your cabinets without losing your sanity.

1. Start With a Deep Clean

Honey oak cabinets love to hoard grease and grime. Before you do anything, grab a degreaser and scrub like your kitchen’s reputation depends on it. Trust me, you don’t want to trap years of bacon grease under your new finish.

2. Choose your perferred Method

You’ve got a few different options to pick from:

• Whitewashing: This process involves diluting white paint with water or glaze and applying it to the cabinets. It’s perfect if you want a lighter, slightly distressed look. It’s great for farmhouse style kitchens.
• Staining: For those who prefer to keep the wood grain visible, consider a lighter stain. This requires more prep but gives a natural, polished finish.
• Painting: Want full coverage? Painting is the way to go. Choose a high-quality cabinet paint for durability. Make sure you read how to paint your cabinets the right way before you start!

3. Sand Like a Pro

Sanding is the key to a smooth finish. Use a medium-grit sandpaper to remove the glossy topcoat, then follow up with a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth things out. And yes, it’s going to get dusty. Wear a mask unless you want to breathe in your cabinetry’s past life.

4. Prime Time

Please do not even think of skipping this step! Primer ensures your new finish sticks like peanut butter to toast. Opt for a stain-blocking primer if you’re covering those orange undertones.

5. Apply Your Finish

Whether you’re staining, whitewashing, or painting, this is the fun part! Use a high-quality brush or roller, and take your time. Thin, even coats are your friend.

6. Seal the Deal

Finish with a clear topcoat to protect your hard work. This step is especially important for high-traffic kitchens.

Styling Tips for Your New Look

Once your cabinets are lightened, you’ll need to rethink your kitchen décor. Here are some ideas to tie everything together:

• Hardware: Swap out those dated knobs for sleek black, brass, or brushed nickel pulls.
• Backsplash: A subway tile or geometric pattern will complement your lighter cabinets beautifully.
• Accents: Bring in pops of color with dishware, rugs, or countertop décor.

To Lighten or Not to Lighten: The Verdict

So, should you lighten your honey oak cabinets? That’s all on you. I gave you some information to help you decide. This is yur kitchen and you need to love it.

If you’re craving a brighter, more modern space and don’t mind putting in the work, go for it! The transformation can be downright jaw-dropping. But if you’re a fan of the warm, nostalgic vibe or want to avoid a DIY marathon, there’s no shame in sticking with what you’ve got.

Whatever you decide, remember this: your kitchen, your rules! And if all else fails, you can always distract guests with freshly baked cookies. (Seriously, who’s going to critique cabinets when they’re busy inhaling chocolate chip goodness?)

Happy DIYing!