There are some reasons why people are interested in dark wood floors for their home living. It is clear enough that the dark wood floors indeed look stunning and elegant in terms of aesthetics. It can even be really luxurious as well, just like what the ceramics and marble usually have.
More than that, it also brings out a sense of nature and simplicity to your house interior. The price is also affordable enough and is available in many shops in various sizes, colors, and patterns.
Are Dark Wood Floors Out of Style?
Dark wood flooring has been on the market for a while now and is becoming less common. Many people say that this type of wood flooring is out of style and has been replaced by lighter, brighter floors.
These types of floors tend to make a room brighter and have more depth. However, if you are looking for other alternatives for your home, you should keep in mind a few things.
First off, dark wood floors can stay in style for years. Many people still like them, even though they might be out of style.
And if you want to try something a little different but want to avoid the brighter styles of wood floors, there are alternatives such as weathered wood or concrete.
When you choose darker wood flooring, you can actually create a cozy, warm, and comfortable room. This means that the light wood floors have their advantages, but dark floors have their benefits.
Tips for Choosing Dark Hardwood Floors
Achieving a great-looking dark hardwood floor starts with picking the right type of wood for your project. Here some tips to help you decide what dark wood floor is best for your home.
-
Plank width
If you choose to go with dark wood floors, you will need to pay attention to the plank width. Most people look at it because it makes the floor look better, but it also has other advantages.
If you go with a wider plank width, your floor will be more comfortable. This is because they are harder and smoother compared to the narrow size.
And if you have narrow planks, it can make your floor feel ‘spongy.’ The wider the wood, the harder it will feel.
The reason why people choose to go with narrow planks is that they are tried and true. They are going to be more durable and harder than wider planks.
The wider planks will last longer, but they might not be as hard. This all depends on what you are looking for out of your wood flooring.
-
Solid vs. engineered
Another thing to consider is whether you want to go with a solid or engineered hardwood floor.
Engineered wood floors can be made up of two or three layers of wood glued together. This means that it is going to be cheaper, but it will not last as long.
The main disadvantage of engineered wood is that it can feel slightly ‘spongy.’ The wood burns out quickly, but it is also more expensive.
On the other hand, solid wood floors last forever and are naturally beautiful. They will never burn out or end up looking old.
When compared to engineered wood, solid wood floors are more expensive. However, they are worth the cost because they will last for decades.
-
Gloss level
Another thing to consider is the gloss level of the wood floor. Many people like to have high gloss wood because it looks very nice, but it can also feel uncomfortable.
It is highly recommended to choose a wood floor that has a lower gloss level to feel comfortable.
The gloss level will usually vary on the type of wood. Some woods look better with lower gloss levels, and some look good with a high gloss level.
Shiny floors can also be much easier to keep clean compared to matte floors. In general, the higher the gloss level, the harder it will be to clean.
-
Wood species
If you want to add a touch of natural beauty to your home, wood species are one of the best options to choose from.
The most common species comes from the North American hardwoods. Chestnut, maple, oak, yew, and walnut are among the top ones.
These woods are easy to work with, and they do not warp or shrink when they come in contact with moisture. They have a nice red color, but the color can vary depending on what part of the tree you choose.
These species are also tough and durable. You can use them in various ways, such as wood flooring, cabinets, window frames, staircases, and doors.
If you want to go with a natural look for your home, choosing these materials is the way to go.
How do You Take Care of Dark Hardwood Floors?
- Take your shoes off,
- Wear socks to reduce footprints,
- Select a good hardwood cleaner and dry dust mop,
- Get in an extra coat of polyurethane,
- Invest in a good quality hardwood vacuum,
- Set up a regular cleaning schedule,
- Periodically buff and recoat the floors (every 3-4 years).
Dark Wood Floor Design Ideas
To apply this kind of floor, there are, of course, some considerations that need to take. Here are then some ideas of dark wood floors to make your house area more attractive.
1. Dark Wood Zigzag Plank Flooring
Applying the big square tiles may feel too common and conventional. It is so good then if you can find some other ideas to make the floor look stunning.
One of them is with the long tiles that are arranged to form the zigzag. It is so unique for sure.
2. Long Dark Wood Tiles for the Floor
To make your kitchen look more elegant but still natural, wooden furniture is a good answer. To fit the idea, wooden tiles in darker colors are just stunning.
Just apply something different like the long tiles to avoid the interior looking too monotonous.
3. Dark Wood Flooring for an Elegant Living Room
It is so interesting that the dark wood flooring idea can match any home interior style. It is no matter whether your living room adapts the contemporary or classic style.
When the wall and furniture are already in light colors, the wooden tiles in the darker vibe may make the atmosphere more balance.
4. Wooden Tiles for Vintage Bathroom
There are already a vintage bathtub and vanity inside your bathroom. Then, windows with sunshades are also installed.
To make the nuance more relaxing and refreshing, having the floor from wooden tiles makes it perfect.
5. Dark Wood Floors for the Retro Look
Old is gold. This statement is indeed real. Well, if you prefer applying something retro in your home living, it doesn’t mean that the wooden floor cannot match it well.
It even deepens the retro look as long as it is applied well. Make sure to choose certain dark colors to fit the retro interior design, commonly in pastel and neon colors.
6. Floor and Furniture in the Same Color and Idea
When you want anything in your home, look in line, you can match the colors and ideas of the floor and the furniture. An example is in the picture above.
It is when the cabinets under vanities and the floor are designed with the same idea. It is just simply good.
7. Wooden Tiles for Contemporary Interior
The modern or contemporary interior is signed by minimalism. So, make sure that the decoration alongside the furniture should show this idea.
Meanwhile, a kind of wooden tile with a natural pattern is a good idea that adds a minimalist sense inside the home living.
8. Dark Wood Floors for More Relaxing Atmosphere
Due to its natural vibe, the atmosphere looks more relaxing and refreshing with only the dark wood floors.
Just imagine, after the hectic schedule, you can feel more relaxed and refreshed when going back home. Your stress may fade away.
9. Wooden Tiles on the Floor and Wall Decoration
Interestingly, the wooden tiles are not only to be applied to the floor. If you want to strengthen the natural atmosphere more, it is also good as the wall decoration.
When anything there is already on the dark wood idea, sweeten the home interior with furniture in lighter colors like white or beige.
10. Dark Wood Idea for the Classic and Luxurious Look
Classic interior design is shown by the implementation of more details and bold colors. Undeniably, wooden tiles indeed look simpler than other materials like marble.
But of course, you can still use it in your classic interior without making it look less luxurious.
11. Victorian Interior design with Dark Wood Floors
After talking about classic design in general, let’s move to the more specific one. It is the classic Victorian.
It is so good since the dark wood floors application in this interior design can make it look more glamorous and elegant. It even warms the interior atmosphere also.
12. Dark Wood Floors in the Bedroom
A bedroom must always be the most comfortable place in the world. To make it feel more comfortable, the dark wood floors are undoubtedly an amazing idea.
It tends to make the bedroom feel warmer but not stuffy. Match it with your favorite furniture.
13. Wood Application in the Modern Kitchen
Dark wood is not something new for kitchen furniture and also the dining table. The dark wood floors are worth applying to add an elegant vibe to the kitchen with wooden furniture.
Make sure that the colors of both parts are the same or at least complete each other.
14. Minimalism in the Bathroom with the Wooden Tiles
Today’s wooden tiles are designed and layered well to make it possible to be applied in wet areas like the bathroom.
Well, for the minimalist and contemporary bathroom, wooden tiles are also always necessary.
Match it with minimalist furniture and maybe a big window to enable you to see anything outside.
15. Black and White Interior with Wooden Tiles
Black and white are two neutral colors and also contrasting each other. They are so good to put together and create such a unique design.
To make this idea look more vibrant, add dark wood floors with rustic brown color.
It makes the interior less monotonous without lessening the main concept, black and white.
16. Dark Wood Floors for the Bright-Colored Interior
The same idea is also good to prevail in the interior with bright colors application. The bright colors here refer to red, orange, and even yellow.
Since those colors seem too striking, be sure to balance and cool it down using a more neutral color like the rustic brown on the floor.
17. Wooden and Marble Tiles Put Together
When you have applied the wooden tiles on the floor, the marble or ceramics should be used on other areas like on the wall.
Mainly for the bathroom, use the marble tiles on the shower stall area. In general, both create an atmosphere of luxury inside.
FAQs
What is the darkest natural hardwood?
American walnut is the darkest natural hardwoods available. However, those tend to be very expensive. For a more affordable option, look for Brazilian walnut and African mahogany.
What is the most popular hardwood floor color?
The most popular wood color is probably dark red maple. It has a warm, deep color that enhances the beauty of any room.
What furniture goes with dark wood floors?
Light, neutral furniture will go well with a dark hardwood floor. If you have a lot of darker furniture in your room, try a lighter color on the walls and interior to offset the floor.
What color rug for dark wood floors?
Light-colored rugs with geometric patterns are a great choice. They will help you complement the floor while still adding dimension to the room.
Do dark hardwood floors make a room look smaller?
Dark wood floors can make a room look bigger than it actually is. The dark wood creates a lot of contrast, so you will not notice the small size.
