Cherry Furniture

Cherry Wood Furniture - Decorating, Color Combinations, and Other Modern Tips

A popular hardwood type for Amish furniture makers, real Cherry is known as being one of the best all-around woods for its iconic coloring, classic beauty, and natural workability. Have a look at our guide for details, color-pairing advice, and product offerings.

Solid Cherry Wood Furniture Overview

Decorative trends in solid wood furniture come and go, but the attractiveness and practicality of solid Cherry have always made it a popular hardwood choice for centuries. Given its eye-catching color, strength, and lasting popularity, Cherry hardwood is definitely one option you should keep into consideration when choosing new furniture, , regardless of whether it’s modern or traditional.

Stylish: Out of all the various species of hardwoods, Cherry is most coveted for its elegant, timeless style while also being effortlessly modern. The natural red coloring of Cherry creates an attractive glow, no matter if you are working with light sapwood pieces or darker, deeper heartwoods. Cherry is used in many decorative furniture styles, most notably, Shaker and Queen Anne pieces.

Strong and Durable: Cherry wood is extremely durable and resistant to decay, which is why furniture made from this material is designed to last for more than one lifetime. It is easy to cut, carve and mold, and is used for many different applications due to its flexibility.

Naturally Beautiful: Naturally, warmly beautifully colored, Cherry is a hardwood that doesn’t necessarily need any extra enhancements, but does take staining very nicely. When left natural, it comes in two varied “colors”: sapwood and heartwood. Sapwood comes from the exterior of the tree and is known for its light, yellowish tint. Heartwood, on the other hand, comes from the center of the tree and has a signature rich, darker red tone. 

Better with Age: Cherry furniture is renowned for its color and aging process. It begins light pink and darkens over several years to a rich reddish hue. The color change of Cherry wood is caused by oxidation (exposure to air) and UV light. With Cherry wood, you will find that your furniture will only get better with time.

Exclusive and elegant, a dining room from the Waterbury Set is an inspiring salute to old world craftsmanship in a contemporary, captivating design.

Proving that cherry furniture can be plenty modern, the Waterbury Dining Set contrasts the warmly colored wood with dark leather for a handsome contrast rooted in natural materials. This set offers two different tables and chair styles, as well as a server. 

Key Features

  • Solid wood construction
  • Solid top & expanding tables
  • Mortise & tenon joints
  • Hardwood & stain options
  • Optional chair upholstery
  • Amish made in the USA

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Different Cherry Wood Furniture Colors and Stains

Popular in both modern and classic furniture designs, natural and stained Cherry is a beautiful and durable hardwood for decorating your home or office. 

If you prefer a natural Cherry, the wood will not be treated with a stain to alter its color. However, we offer several Cherry wood finishes if a deep, richer furniture color is desired. Cherry is unsurpassed in its finishing qualities as its uniform texture takes a finish very well. At Countryside, we offer complimentary finish samples to ensure you receive the perfect look for your furniture, as shown with the cherry wood stain color chart, below. 

Hand-Rubbed Cherry Stains

Mixing different shades of Cherry wood and different styles of furniture will definitely liven up and give your living quarters a timeless elegance no other species of wood is capable of supplying.

 

Countryside Amish tip: If you currently own real Cherry furniture and are interested in adding to the collection, matching the stain color can prove to be tricky. At Countryside, we recommend going 2-3 shades (stains) lighter to allow for the darkening of the Cherry wood as it ages.

 

Even cooler finishes like our Sand Dollar and Gray Stone will be warmed by the intrinsic natural warmth of the Cherry wood. Keep in mind, all real wood furniture will change color slightly with age. Some will darken, some will lighten and just about every species will warm. Cherry wood is often the most dramatic and beautiful transformation as it develops its signature patina.

 

Industry expert tip: When pairing cherry wood with other woods, I suggest choosing pieces with similar undertones and grains to create a cohesive look. For example, walnut or mahogany can complement cherry wood nicely, while lighter woods like oak may create too much contrast. -- Jacky Chou from Archute.com.

Choosing Color Schemes to Complement Cherry Wood

There is no singular way to choose a room’s color scheme in response to cherry wood. However, to increase your likelihood of success, we suggest applying one or more of the following tips:

  • Embrace earthy tones – Olive green, terracotta, and warm browns enhance the natural warmth of cherry wood, creating a harmonious and grounded environment. These colors evoke a sense of nature and tranquility, making your space feel cozy and inviting. 

  • Mix cherry wood with cooler colors for a modern look – Combining cherry wood with cooler colors like soft blues, teal, or navy can create a striking contrast that adds a contemporary edge to your space. This modern aesthetic brings out the richness of the wood while providing a fresh, balanced feel.

  • Proceed with caution if choosing stark or intense colors – Stark or bold colors, such as bright reds or dazzling yellows, can overpower cherry wood and clash with its natural tones. It's essential to test these colors in small areas first to ensure they complement rather than compete with the wood's beauty.

  • Choose colors that let your cherry wood be the star – Avoid bold prints or intricate color combinations that could overwhelm the cherry wood, potentially causing it to blend into the background rather than stand out as a focal point.

Tips for Decorating with Cherry Wood Furniture

One of the reasons that Cherry furniture doesn’t go out of style is because this furniture comes in so many colors and can be paired well with many different modern accent styles. 

While Cherry is great for achieving an antique, classic look, it can also supply a tasteful modern appeal. If you’re looking for a piece to add to your home that will help create a stylish look and complement your existing pieces, Cherry wood furniture is definitely what you’re looking for.

When choosing color schemes that go with your Cherry furniture, first determine if you want to coordinate or contrast your pieces. Coordinating options include warm colors such as beige, brown, or soft reds. Contrasting options may include cool colors like blue or green. In short, warm colors help Cherry pieces blend while cool colors will make your furniture pop. Choose this option if you have furniture that you want to highlight or that is worthy of standing out. 

When decorating a modern room with Cherry, you may also want to consider:

  • Layered window treatments
  • Limited accessories 
  • Light wall colors
  • Real or artificial foliage
  • Contrasting flooring
  • Mixing in painted pieces
  • Interesting rigs or textiles
  • Ambient lighting

No matter what the prevailing style of your home, there’s a way to welcome decorative Cherry wood furniture into the space. Whether you remake an entire room with a Cherry theme or awaken a space with a few modern accents, a well-chosen item of Cherry wood furniture will give you years of enjoyment and may become something you pass on to the next generation.

Image: Bessemer Industrial Dining Table
 

The Sonoran Bedroom Set is shown in a rustic cherry that exhibits the warm color for which this American hardwood is celebrated. This particular bedroom set comes with two styles of beds and storage options large and small. Pick and choose which pieces best serve your needs, as well as the specific wood, color, and furniture features. 

Key Features

  • Solid hardwood construction
  • Mortise & tenon joinery
  • Full extension, soft close slides
  • Multiple wood & finish options
  • Beveled glass on mirrors
  • Handcrafted by Amish artisans

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How to Identify Solid Cherry Furniture

Cherry hardwood is widely known for its delicate grain pattern, natural luster, smooth texture, and rich reddish-brown patina. Cherry wood has a smooth, closed grain pattern, much like that of Maple wood. 

Although the heartwood is a light pink when freshly cut, the wood darkens with time and sunlight. When it reaches maturity, Cherry furniture will have a rich reddish-brown color.

Each piece of modern furniture is made from natural solid hardwood and just as the trees in our forests are not identical, each individual piece of furniture has its own unique markings. It is not uncommon to find several grain variations in the same piece of furniture.

Shaker Cherry Desk

Here are some of our favorite pieces (pictured in Cherry):

Tips for Care for Solid Cherry Wood Furniture

Protection: Use coasters, pads, cloths, or runners (avoid using rubber, vinyl, and plastic items such as some placemats) to protect against spills and water rings, and always keep your wood furniture indoors. Extremely hot and cold items should not be placed directly on the finish. This could damage the wood and the finish.

Humidity Changes: Wood is also very sensitive to changes in relative humidity. As the weather changes, so do the relative humidity in your home and in the moisture content of the wood in your furniture.

Keep Cleaning Simple: Avoid the use of cheap, oily polishes or waxes. They will collect dust and over time leave a waxy build-up or film of grime. We've compiled our favorite hardwood cleaning products in our Countryside's Wood Furniture Cleaning Kit.

Direct Sunlight: The ultraviolet rays of the sun can damage a finish and bleach the wood underneath after prolonged exposure. However, moderate, indirect sunlight can beautifully ripen your table into a unique color of cherry, so make sure the entire surface is exposed evenly. For the first three months, it is best not to place objects on cherry surfaces for prolonged periods of time. To correct these light areas, leave the spot uncovered and the color will “catch up” to the darker surroundings.

Chemical Exposure: Keep solvents such as nail polish remover, alcohol, and paint thinner away from wood furniture because they can harm the finish. Stick to natural products when cleaning cherry wood.

Find a new way to get down to business with solid wood office furniture. Our Marfa Office Set is carefully crafted in your preferred hardwood and finish.

Key Features

  • Amish handmade in the USA
  • Solid hardwood construction
  • Dovetailed full extension drawers
  • Soft close undermount slides
  • Letter-sized file drawers
  • Finished desk backs
  • Adjustable wooden shelves
  • Hardwood & finish options
  • Catalyzed conversion varnish

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Cherry is a deciduous hardwood common to North America and is routinely harvested for its intricate grain patterns and inherent beauty. All woods used at Countryside Amish Furniture are considered hardwoods.

Cherry is a domestic hardwood, harvested sustainably. While most of the furniture industry relies on imported wood, we source our Cherry wood from sustainably managed forests in North America, which cuts down on transportation costs and helps to reduce deforestation in ecologically at-risk regions across the globe.

Any type of wood furniture will deteriorate with outdoor elements over time. We do not recommend using Cherry furniture outdoors. Instead, we recommend recycled plastic lumber (polyethylene) for our outdoor furniture. It’s all still made in the USA by our expert artisans, and with the tradition, style, and charm of our wooden indoor furniture—but with so many more outdoor-focused benefits.

Construction is one of the most important things to consider, as this determines how long your Cherry furniture can last. When properly cared for, solid Cherry furniture will last for generations.

Rustic wood species are going to have more intensified natural characteristics such as knots, mineral streaks, sapwood, and wood color variation. Because there is less waste using Rustic Cherry, the cost is less than regular Cherry.

Cherry wood is moderately hard, falling in the middle range compared to other hardwoods commonly used in furniture making. It has a Janka hardness rating of approximately 950 pounds-force (lbf), which means it offers good durability and resistance to wear and tear. Cherry wood is solid enough to withstand everyday use in furniture applications, making it suitable for various pieces such as tables, chairs, and cabinets. However, like any wood, it can dent or scratch under heavy impact, so care should be taken to maintain its appearance over time.

Why Order Your Solid Cherry Wood Furniture from Countryside Amish Furniture

 

Countryside Amish Furniture offers heirloom quality, solid wood furniture, all made in the USA. Our carefully curated pieces are expertly crafted from the solid American hardwood of your choice. We take pride in crafting fine furniture from a variety of woods, but Cherry is one of our most popular choices. We offer a full spectrum of stains, enabling you to achieve the perfect color for your cherry wood furniture. Not sure which stain to choose? Our team can provide recommendations and even send samples so you can order with confidence. 

Our Cherry wood furniture is constructed to provide generations of use and enjoyment; the furniture’s natural patina will deepen with age, giving it a beauty that will always complement your home.

Natural wood furniture, especially domestic Cherry, is a truly evolving and special investment. If you have further questions about Cherry or any other wood species, don’t hesitate to contact our sales team.

Begin your modern design process by browsing these Cherry wood furniture pages:

Author, Baileigh Basham

Bailiegh Basham is Lead Sales & Marketing Strategist at Countryside Amish Furniture. She's been a team member since 2014. Bailiegh is deeply passionate about furniture design and home decor.