How to Choose the Right Colour Wooden Floor for Your Home

“How to choose the right colour wooden floor for your home” is, we think a near-perfect blog topic. Why? Because with over 25 years’ experience in flooring, there are – to re-word a famous phrase, two truths universally acknowledged in the world of interior design: 

• The colour of a floor will make a significant impact on the look and feel of a room. 

• Wooden flooring is a considered investment, so you’ll want to get it right first time.

Natural, dark, light – or something in between? Classic, neutral or contemporary? 

Home is where the heart is; your sanctuary, and it’s where you relax at the end of a busy day. So, you’ll want everything to “work” as well as it can.

It’s Up…To You

Here at MyWoodFlooring, we’re full of enthusiasm and expert advice, so do feel free to ask us lots of questions when we first come to see you. Not least about the most popular choices in hardwood floors, as why we think they’re top of the pops. 

However, the final decision will be down to you. We’ll bring along some samples to leave with you, but they’re a small percentage of what’s available. You would be, quite frankly, amazed. 

It’s easy to get a bit baffled and overwhelmed by the endless possibilities. 

Don’t be. How to choose the right colour wooden floor isn’t too hard, if you follow a few simple guidelines

We’ve put together this guide to point you in the right direction with some key points to bear in mind 

First Things First

Think about the size of the room. 

Of course, the more floor space you have, the more people will notice the floor. 

Yes, we really DO specialise in the completely obvious, but it’s ALL about how a particular space makes you feel. For example, a hardwood kitchen floor in a wider open-plan area can look nothing short of spectacular. And, make you feel like you’ve arrived.

Generally, the old rule applies: 

Lighter, natural colours such as beiges or oaks can open up a smaller room without you having to jettison furniture. Warmer or darker tones in a large, wide kitchen – walnut shades perhaps, could make the room feel cosier; just what we need as the nights draw in. 

Your Lifestyle

You don’t want your lovely new hardwood floor to show scratches and dents, so steer away from dark wood if you have children, pets, high heels – all that kind of thing. Natural colours are best here, as they’ll be less noticeable. (Plus, any dinks will  more or less look like they belong there, and no one will be able to tell the difference.)

Are you mad about vacuuming? Probably not, we’ve never met anyone who is. So, take heed: a lighter colour floor may make you feel that it needs daily attention to keep the dirt under control. Darker colour options could suit your life better.  Having said this, wooden floors aren’t hard work to look after in general 

In contrast, if you have a black cat, look forward to his or her presence all over your light-coloured floors. 

You see? It’s all about balance, and what you can put up with!

Your Furniture and Décor

Let’s not go all matchy-matchy here. 

If you harmonise your floor with your tables and chairs, it could all look rather strange. Uncomfortable, even. Definitely boring.

And, counter-intuitively, your room could start to look a bit cluttered. Equally, our wooden floors should speak for themselves. What we mean is, high-quality hardwood flooring is stunning and should be judged as such. Your visitors will be drawn to its luxe look. Don’t let your wooden floor disappear.

Better to have colours that contrast with one another, so that they can be stars in their own right.

Likewise, think about the broader style of the room. For instance, natural flooring colours could help highlight some high-design furniture, acting as a neutral canvas. Similarly, you may have some striking rugs, that would look great against more muted tones to celebrate your star act.

Cottage style is a cosier, softer look; think natural rustic with a touch of farmhouse sensibility. How about darker brown tints for countryside chic?  

The Psychology of Colour

OK, this is a topic for a whole blog, rather than just the headlines. So much has been written about the emotional impact of tones and hues, it’s hard to know where to begin.

If we’re talking more “out there” shades, rather than more or less what nature has given us, shades of yellow could give a sense of fun, while white flooring evokes coolness and serenity. Perhaps openness and purity. Grey tones are about timelessness, while drastic black is luxury, chic and class – with a touch or two of severity. 

However. You have to live with these sorts of colours, so beware.

Let the Light In

As the earth goes around the sun, the lighting in your room changes gradually. So, make some comparisons at different times during the day before making your final choice.  

Each room has its own lighting needs. For example, your heavy-traffic kitchen will need extra consideration, vs. a night-only bedroom.

Painting, Staining and Finishing

Unfinished wooden floors offer some scope for individualisation if that’s what you’re after. What are the differences?

Painting hides imperfections, but can also make the grain of the wood considerably less obvious – and the latter is what gives wood its distinctive character.

Staining changes the colour of the floor completely. It’s quite a common technique and allows you to mimic any type of wood without investing large amounts in the more exotic or unusual woods that you may have set your heart on. 

Finishing is something different again. Read all about our hardwood floor finishings on this site. This is highly recommended as it can help seal and protect your floor, reducing wear and tear and the risk of water damage. (We’ll always mention this: water and wooden floors DO NOT MIX, so keep them apart.)

Glossy, matt, or a subtle sheen? It’s up to you.

Timeless Styles for Your Home

We can’t predict the future but if there’s one thing we do know, it’s this: your beautiful hardwood floor could be a key feature should you decide to sell your property in the future. Everyone loves beautiful wooden flooring, and it could enhance a home’s resale value.

Therefore, sticking to tradition to a certain extent is an excellent domestic strategy. That is, natural tones, neutral browns and warm shades. 

Just remember:

The perfect choice is the one that makes you and your family happy. 

Ready for some floor shopping? You’re in the right place. Get in touch with MyWoodFlooring at 07788 582 782.