Credit: Alexander James Interiors via Pinterest
Some will say dark floors are more sophisticated some will say that a lighter shade is more modern and fresh. However, there are pros and cons to both shades, and one should carefully think twice before choosing the colour of the floor; as it will not only determine the style but also the atmosphere. But as everything in art and design, your first factor should be one’s own taste.
. Dark wooden floors:
Credit: Architectural Digest
Pros:
– Less stainable. You will worry less about dark marks or colored food stains.
– Looks great in sun-filled rooms; it will reflect the sunlight.
– Looks more sophisticated, but you better opt for a satin finish to perfect the look.
– Timeless and versatile; it looks great in both a contemporary interior and a more classic one.
– Looks great in a large room, open floor plans and houses. – If your cabinets are of light/natural color, dark floors will stand out.
– Looks better if you have a dark or reddish shade of wooden furniture and/or cabinetry *
Source: cover.dk / Design : Tina Seidenfaden Busck
Cons:
– Darkens a room, so better to consider another option if you have poor exposure to natural sunlight.
– Also not too great in a small space as the space might appear smaller*.
– Dust and light food stain will be more obvious.
– Although it is less stainable than light hardwood floors, deeper damages such as scratches and dents will be more visible on dark wood.
– Consequently you might need to screen or rebuff and recoat more often than light wooden floors; as dark hardwoood floor tend to look “outdated”if they are not in good condition.
*If reddish-brown wooden furniture and/or cabinets, go for a darker shade of wooden floor; as it will not look so great if the floor matches.
*If you really prefer dark hardwood floors and have a small space, then make sure you go light with the colour of the walls and the furniture. And maybe add a light coloured rug to add brightness.
Credit: Katty Schiebeck via Pinterest
. Light hardwood floor:
Credit: Elle Decor
Pros:
– Works wonders in spaces with no natural light; it will make it look brighter.
– Will make a small space look larger; therefore it is perfect in a space with lots of small rooms or in apartments.
– Looks more contemporary but also looks looks great to perfect a vintage, rustic chic or French country style.
– Adds softness and complements well pastels colours for a shabby chic interior.
– Ages better than darker floors as scratches and dents are less visible on the light wood.
Source: noiretblancunstyle.blogspot.com/ Design: Double G
Cons:
– Although it ages better than darker wood floors, it does stain and dark marks will be more obvious.
– It can look “cheap”, if poor quality and colour.
– it does not look so great if you have reddish wood cabinets and furniture.
Worried about resale?
Again, everyone’s taste is different and I think that as a buyer you see what works best in the space. However, whether you choose to go dark or light; try to avoid red woods, as they tend to look outdated and are therefore harder to please; or you can tone it down by mixing different shades of brown… I usually advise to change the colour to either a very dark shade or grays, if you want to opt for dark wooden floors; or for a very light and natural shade of wood if you opt for light floors. Personally, I have a crush on natural coloured wooden floors with white stains for a French country chic and authentic style.
Source: homebunch.com via pinterest
La Maison by Elle 