Color selection for hardwood flooring
The role of flooring in color schemes is as important as walls and furniture. For hardwood flooring, you don't have to choose just one color. Wooden flooring comes in multiple shades, so choosing a color that complements your decor is quite easy. When determining which color is most suitable for you, you need to consider the following points.
Room size
Light wood tones are often most suitable for very small rooms, as dark colors make the room appear square. Nevertheless, dark wood tones are sometimes very suitable for small rooms. One scenario is when the space is connected to another larger room or corridor with similar flooring. The continuity of the floor actually helps to draw attention beyond the room walls, making the room look bigger. Dark wood tones are usually very suitable for very large rooms as they make the space look smaller and more comfortable. However, the presence of dark cabinets or decorations may make dark flooring appear oppressive, in which case medium or light tones would be better.
style
Generally speaking, dark wood colors are considered more formal and therefore very suitable for restaurants and living rooms. Light colors are considered informal, which is why they are often chosen as children's play rooms. When choosing, you should not only consider the purpose of the room, but also other furniture and fixtures in the room, providing contrasting tones as much as possible. For example, a kitchen with dark cabinets may look better when paired with light wood flooring, and vice versa. Try to avoid using all dark or light colors as mixing them will bring you better aesthetics.
maintain
Light colored wood is better at hiding dirt and dust than dark colored wood, and the scratches are also less noticeable. Therefore, unless you are planning to regularly mop and wax the floor, you should avoid installing dark wood in areas with high foot traffic, such as lobbies or kitchens. On the other hand, if you want the floor to look slightly worn, dark wood may be more suitable for you because dark wood boards will wear out faster. Some people consider this to be an ideal feature, especially when laying wooden floors in rural or historic houses.
cost
Some wood varieties have higher prices than others, which can affect your choice. Cherry wood and walnut wood are both dark colored varieties, often more expensive than light colored poplar or mountain poplar. The cost of wood varies by geographical region, depending on supply conditions, drying costs, demand, and many other factors. Prices are constantly fluctuating, so you should try to lock in costs with contractors as much as possible to avoid sudden price increases.
These are just a few points to note when choosing light and dark hardwood flooring. There is no right or wrong choice, so you are also free to consider your personal preferences.
