How to Choose the Right Color of Wood Floor

Published on Monday, June 14th, 2021

It’s a big decision to choose the right color of wood floor. After all, you don’t want to have to refinish your floor several times if you are not satisfied with the wood color. 

We know this decision can be a difficult one, especially if you are not familiar with all the different wood colors. If you need to choose a new wood color, let Scottsdale Flooring America help! Our flooring experts will compare light and dark floors not only in terms of how they interact with one another, but also in terms of how they look. Let us help you pick the perfect color for your new wood floor! 

Hardwood flooring is an investment, and we know how important it is to be satisfied with the color. There are a lot of color choices, and you might feel overwhelmed by them all. We’ll go through some pointers to help you choose the right color for your home down below.

How to Choose the Right Color of Wood Floor

As with any major home project, choosing the right color of wood floor requires a bit of forethought and planning. Here are some considerations you should keep in mind as you decide on your new floor color. 

Consider Your Home’s Color Scheme

One of the first considerations should be the color scheme of your furniture and decorations. In general, the color of your wood floors should not exactly match the color of your furniture or décor. If you match all your furniture, the room will appear cluttered and flat. Instead, choose colors that are in stark contrast to one another. Dark floors may be used to create either a formal or more rustic and informal atmosphere. Many people automatically associate dark wood flooring with formality, but this is not always the case. Many floor designs, in reality, have a dark stain to make the floor appear older.

Dark Wood or Light Wood?

Some homeowners may struggle to decide between dark wood and light wood for their floors. We know the choice can be difficult when there are so many different shades of wood, all with their own beautiful finishes. Here are some considerations for choosing light wood or dark wood. 

Dark Wood

Many homeowners aspire to have beautiful wood flooring, especially in wide-open rooms where the flooring is the focal point. Deep, rich colors are a good choice for open rooms because they allow the character of the floor to show through. If you have light-colored walls, choosing a darker wood for the flooring will produce a sleek and contemporary look. The most popular flooring option for art rooms or home offices is black or deep red. However, if you have a small space with minimal natural lighting or if the room already has darker colored walls, it’s best to avoid dark wood. A space with too much dark flooring may feel cramped and uninviting.

If you do decide to go with a dark wood floor, stick to boards that are at least 8 inches wide. The larger surface will show fewer seams, which will help to even out the dark color of the floor. If you’re running dark wood floors next to very dark woodwork, such as cabinets, you may want to think twice about it. Color matching is important to certain people, but too much of the same color can make the room look flat, boring, and cramped. When working with a dark wood floor, it’s often easier to contrast rather than match.

Light Wood

Light wood floors present many design solutions for your interior. They create an impression of space and provide a light palette that you can build off from to create a variety of looks. Floors with a white finish go with almost everything. A light burlap-like color is a great choice because you still get a light floor, without installing a truly “white” floor.  You can use a variety of wood species to create a light floor.

In general, there aren’t many cases in which a light wood floor isn’t appropriate. Light wood floors make it harder to see dust, dirt, and damage, but you should still maintain your floors regularly to ensure their long lifespan. When it comes to cleaning, if you use the right sealer, the floor should be simple to clean and maintain no matter what spills happen.

Scottsdale Flooring America has a variety of light and dark wood colors that suit a range of homes. With our expert assistance and knowledge of the best choices, it will be easy to choose the right color of wood floor for your home. 

Wood for High Traffic Areas

High traffic areas and areas where pets and children play are more likely to get scratches and dents on your hardwood flooring. For these rooms, it’s best to choose a natural color wood floor that does not have a shiny finish. Natural floors are more easily able to hide flaws like scratches and dents. 

Keep in mind wood floors need regular cleaning and maintenance to retain their beauty. Cleaning dirt and debris frequently will help prevent damage from everyday wear and tear. Everyone has their own expectations about how often they can vacuum their floors. Some people are even more open to the presence of “wear” as their floor ages. If you have pets, children, or a busy house in general, you can expect to see more dirt, dust, and debris on a regular basis. You may be tempted to clean more often depending on your personal preferences.

It’s also a good idea to use furniture glides or felt furniture pads to prevent chairs, tables, and other furniture from scratching the floor. For more tips about how to maintain your wood floor, don’t hesitate to reach out to Scottsdale Flooring America! 

Request Wood Samples

The color of your wood floor may change slightly based on the time of day and the amount of light in the room. That’s why it’s a good idea to request samples to compare in your home. You’ll be able to match the color of the samples to the color of your furniture by holding them up to your walls. Without samples, you won’t know how the flooring would look in your house, and you may be shocked when it comes time to install it. Bear in mind that no two floors are exactly the same, so allow for a shade lighter or darker when choosing a floor for your home.

If you’re having trouble deciding on a color for your hardwood flooring, keep the tips above in mind. And when in doubt, you can always talk to an expert! Our team at Scottsdale Flooring America can help you choose the right color of wood floor. Give us a call at 480-451-9600 or contact us online if you need assistance or would like to see some hardwood flooring samples.