The Design Differences Between Dark and Light Hardwood Floors

Cortney Lindquist

Installing hardwood floors in a room or your entire home always brings up several choices: long or short boards, wide or narrow planks, what type of hardwood, etc. The same thing can be said about dark vs. light hardwood floors.

In this article, we wanted to show you the main differences in design between the two, so you can have an easier time deciding which one is the best choice for you. Let’s take a look:

What Makes Dark Floors a Great Choice?

  • The most popular dark color at the moment is Jacobean – the second darkest color. However, there are plenty of other colors you can choose from, and it’s up to you to find the one that’s best for your needs. Remember that the species of wood, its grade, and the lighting in the room play a big part in how your floor will end up looking.
  • Dark floors create the illusion that the room is smaller than it is, making them a perfect fit for when you’re looking to make larger rooms appear smaller.
  • If you have mahogany or red-toned furniture, then you should use brown-toned, dark hardwood floors. Make sure the colors are not exact matches as you want the floor to complement the furniture, not compete with it.
  • Dark hardwood floors go great with lighter kitchen cabinets.
  • If you’re looking to achieve a formal look, dark floors are your best choice.

What Makes Light Floors a Great Choice?

  • Light floors create the illusion that the room is larger than it is. So, if the rooms in your house look small and you want to make them look larger, it’s best to opt for light hardwood floors.
  • When choosing the exact light color, many homeowners prefer a natural look that shows off the wood’s characteristics.
  • All hardwood floors can scratch and get visible dents in them. However, lighter floors generally show these less than darker floors.
  • Most designers want to pair light floors with neutral-colored and light-colored elements.
  • Light hardwood floors go great with darker kitchen cabinets.

Which Should You Choose?

There are no exact rules when it comes to aesthetics. It’s always up to you, depending on what kind of style and the overall look you prefer.

If you want to learn more and see the difference for yourself, we invite you to visit our showroom.

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