Here’s Why Lighter Wood Cabinets are Trending for 2021

A home remodel is the best way to inject new energy and a different aesthetic into daily family life. Even a single room redecoration can have noticeable effects on people’s moods and motivation. As 2021 ends, light wood cabinets are among the trendiest furniture pieces to have. If you’re planning to redecorate in the coming year, here is what you can learn from this year’s most popular designs and how to incorporate them for a perfect-looking home.

Lightwoods are more eco-friendly

One of the critical reasons behind increased lightwood use in furniture is that producing it requires fewer resources and has a lower carbon footprint. Using lightwood has become dominant across industries in a world rapidly turning towards more ecologically friendly production and sustainability.

The lightwood species most commonly used for new furniture are easy to plant and grow faster, allowing for a rapid turnover and better yields from smaller surface areas. By sticking to lightwoods, industries need fewer natural resources to create building or furnishing materials. The ecological benefits of lightwoods also make them more attractive for small- and mid-scale investors, allowing for better industrial growth in underdeveloped areas.

By choosing lightwood furniture, owners can promote more sustainable industrial processes and positively alter their climate impact.

Lighter colors allow for more freedom

2021 has been a darker and gloomier year all-around, and one of the best ways to counteract this is by introducing more light into your home. Lighter wood shades are more uplifting and easier on the eyes, with a more distinct appearance reminiscent of both modern, sleek designs and traditional, dark wood textures.

The lighter colors also showcase a more minimalistic approach, commonly found in Scandinavian and Japanese-inspired décor. Minimalist home designs promote better well-being since they draw people towards a clutter-free lifestyle.

Lighter colors also provide more opportunities for playing with texture and contrast. Owners can make bold statements that reinforce their unique aesthetic choices by outfitting a darker room with a few lighter pieces.

There’s no need to dispose of old furniture

While lighter colors are trending in 2021, that doesn’t mean owners have to throw away their old, dark cabinets for new pieces. If a cabinet is well-maintained and structurally sound, it’s still serviceable for at least a few more years.

Are you interested in wood staining your existing cabinets?

Wood staining professionals can infuse a new aesthetic into your home by bleaching the cabinets. The bleach removes the top-most layer of lacquer, and a new, lighter shade of stain can create a unique, trendy appearance. The bleaching process keeps the original wood texture and doesn’t degrade the cabinet. If you’re looking at overhauling your home’s décor without spending a significant budget on new furniture, bleaching the cabinets might be the best use of time and money.


The Wood Doctor is the leader in wood restoration, refinishing and refacing in the Portland area. Call 503-560-5220 for a project consultation.