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Dark vs Light wooden flooring

7 years ago

I am currently in the process of deciding on flooring for the yellow highlighted areas of my house. Initially I wanted grey flooring and neutral decor but I am now considering dark wooden flooring. help! the kitchen will have white units and black granite worktops and we are thinking stone coloured tiles but still not sure. any tips/help are welcome.

Featured Answer

jacklin55

7 years ago

Just love a dark floor, if you have sufficient light. Grounds the room, and feels classy.

Comments (7)

Juliet Docherty
7 years ago
I think you should try to match the wooden flooring with the tone of the tiles, this will be more harmonious.
PRO
The Unbusy Home
7 years ago
Hi Jen,

A dark floor always feels more natural to the eye and gives you the feeling of "normal" and safe because this is what mostly surrounds us by nature and we are used to that pattern - dark on the ground, light in the sky. It also gives you many options for your wall colours & decoration; and it is less sensitive, easier to maintain.
A light floor on the other hand, gives you significantly less options with walls & furniture (anything significantly darker than the shade of the floor will look really awkward and unrealistic - just imagine a dark grey sofa of a light wooden floor or black on the white). It also requires more frequent cleaning. However if you match all the colours ahead it can look beautiful.

Hope this helps! :)
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Hi Emily. In terms of the floor it depends on a couple of things. Dark floors are hard to keep looking clean so would consider upkeep. If the room isn't large a dark floor may also make it look smaller if you have light walls/skirting boards (the less contrast there is the bigger the room will feel). If the room doesn't get much light then a dark floor could make it feel dark although if it has a glossy/shiny finish it will bounce the light. For the kitchen units try and work with the light. What way does the room face and how much light does it get? Light worktops are much more on trend. Again if the room is dark I'd avoid a dark Matt finish worktop although something glossy will reflect the light. Depending on the room you could find lighter units may make it feel more spacious. I'm not sure if that helps but more details are probably needed!
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kikiamack
7 years ago
I like the first floor you have posted as a variety of tones are included. However, am I reading the plan correctly in that I can't see an external window into the living area? If so, you need to consider how dark that room will be and if that is the mood you're going for.
PRO
User
7 years ago
I'd have the same lovely dark wood flooring throughout, including the kitchen and dining. Have you considered any of the LVT products? I can personally hightly recommend Karndean for it's infinite washability and longevity. When you have the same flooring everywhere it adds to the illusion of space, gives great flow etc The third pic that you've put up looks like LVT.

I think that Australian Walnut is a great colour from Karndean, although there are many other alternatives Karndean flooring
Jen Lance
Original Author
7 years ago
I love the idea of the dark flooring however we don't have much light in the hallways and no windows in the living room. it's hard to imagine and of course we don't want to make an expensive mistake. I like the idea of right the way through to the kitchen and diner. what colour would ppl suggest then for units and worktop. I'd like to keep the house light and airy with still maintaining a cosy feel.
PRO
Woodpecker Flooring
7 years ago
Hi Jen, what colours are you going for on the walls of this space? And do you have a lot of light coming in? Just remember that dark flooring can make a space feel smaller whereas light flooring can create an open, airy feel. We think your kitchen might lend itself to a lighter floor too - letting those black worktops really take the limelight. Here are some ideas below, a range of light ashen and warmer shades. Hope it all goes well for you.

Raglan White Smoked Oak: https://woodpeckerflooring.co.uk/product/raglan-white-smoked-oak/

Salcombe Moonbeam Oak: https://woodpeckerflooring.co.uk/product/salcombe-moonbeam-oak/

Harlech White Smoked Oak: https://woodpeckerflooring.co.uk/product/harlech-white-smoked-oak/

Berkeley Washed Oak: https://woodpeckerflooring.co.uk/product/berkeley-washed-oak/

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