Should Quarter Round Molding Match Kitchen Cabinets or the Floors?

About the author

Evan Hill

As President of Creative Cabinets and Fine Finishes, Evan is growing the brand and identifying new opportunities to better serve our customers. He joins the team following his work in Investment Banking at Truist Securities, where he specialized in the Building Products sector. For over 2 decades, CCFF has been dedicated to designing and refinishing kitchens and baths across Metro-Atlanta. Over the years, the company has honed its methods and curated the finest products to ensure a seamless and enjoyable home improvement experience for its clients.

As kitchen cabinet refinishers, we get asked this question quite frequently. There is no right or wrong answer and is more a matter of personal preference.What is quarter round? Also known as shoe or toe molding, it is used at the bottom of baseboards and cabinets to cover a small gap or uneven edge between the flooring and the baseboard. However, if you are still not sure before getting your kitchen cabinets refinished, below is the list of scenarios and recommendations for each. In addition, the pictures below illustrate the different scenarios in order.

Custom kitchen remodel by CC Faux Finishes featuring white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, and modern hardware accents. Refinished kitchen by CC Faux Finishes showing light sage-green cabinets with brass hardware, oak flooring, and white quartz countertop. Screenshot of CC Faux Finishes project presentation, showcasing design layout and luxury home refinishing services.

Scenario: Hardwood floors in kitchen with stained quarter-round throughout surrounding rooms

Recommendation: Stay consistent with the stained quarter-round in surrounding rooms for cohesiveness.

Scenario: Hardwood floors in kitchen with painted quarter-round throughout surrounding rooms

Recommendation: Paint the quarter-round molding the color the kitchen cabinets will be refinished with.

Scenario: Ceramic tile, stone, cement, linoleum or any other flooring (other than hardwood flooring)

Recommendation: Paint the quarter-round molding the color the kitchen cabinets will be refinished with.

As noted above, there is no right or wrong decision when it comes to staining or painting your kitchen cabinet quarter-round molding. It really comes down to what appeals to you and your own personal preference. Contact us today for all your cabinet needs!