Hardwood is one of the most popular flooring materials since it is not only attractive but also highly durable. But when it comes to shopping for the right hardwood flooring for your house, you have to choose between light-colored and dark-colored options. How can you make this decision objectively? Here are some important factors that you should consider to get your decision spot-on.
Pros and Cons of Light Colored Hardwood Flooring
Light-colored hardwood flooring is known for its bright, modern look. It opens up the living space to create a more spacious feel. Furthermore, light-colored hardwood flooring is easy to clean and hides imperfections such as stains, footprints, dust, and light-colored pet fur.
However, light-colored flooring reflects light, and it might make your room brighter than you would like it to be. Also, light-colored flooring does not go well with some cabinetry colors.
Pros and Cons of Dark Colored Hardwood Floor
Dark-colored flooring is also a common choice for a lot of homeowners. Its sophisticated look can complement a lot of decor styles. The dark tone also hides imperfections, such as gaps between planks. Dark-colored hardwood flooring matches most cabinetry styles and stains, and it does not fade easily.
Unfortunately, dark-colored hardwood floors do show footprints, dust, and light-colored pet fur. Besides, light-colored hardwood flooring can make a room look darker and smaller.
How Varnish or Stain Changes the Color of a Floor
A varnish finish on the surface of a hardwood floor serves as a protective coat that helps your floor resist spills and impacts. Varnish also fills the wood pores to ensure that the floor doesn’t collect moisture and dust. Therefore, a varnish finish will make it easier for you to keep the floor clean. On the other hand, staining your floor is meant to accentuate it and give it the elegance that is associated with some high-end hardwood species. For instance, if your house has a white oak floor, staining it with dark wood could give it the appearance of an ebony floor.
How to Choose a Floor Color
There is no one best floor color for all homes. The right color of hardwood floor for your house depends on several factors. Some of the factors you need to consider when choosing the right color for your hardwood floor include:
The Existing Furniture and Cabinetry
When it comes to choosing the color for your hardwood floor, you need to consider the context of your room. What is the color of the existing cabinetry and furniture? The floor color doesn’t have to be similar to the color of your furniture and cabinets. The color of your floor should complement rather than compete with the color of your furniture.
The Size of Your Room
If the size of your living space is small, you can create an illusion of a more spacious room by allowing in more light and even amplifying the light that gets in. To this end, you need to go for light-colored flooring in addition to painting the walls with bright colors and installing bigger windows.
Consider both Artificial and Natural Light
The amount and type of light falling on your floor will significantly affect its appearance. Therefore, as you test different hardwood floor colors for your house, you need to examine them under both the natural and artificial light in your home.
The Bottom Line
If you are looking for an excellent flooring option, hardwood flooring is the answer. Depending on what you want to achieve, you can choose light-colored or dark-colored hardwood flooring for your house. If you are not sure what will work for your home, call the experts at Dave’s Floor Sanding & Installation today at 763-784-3000 or contact us online.