Hardwood flooring is a timeless and versatile choice that can enhance the beauty and value of any home. However, with the wide variety of wood species, colors, and styles available, choosing the right hardwood flooring to complement your home's unique style can be overwhelming. This guide will provide valuable tips and considerations to help you make an informed decision and create a cohesive and stylish look for your home.
Consider your home's architectural style
The architectural style of your home can provide valuable clues when choosing hardwood floors.
- Traditional homes: Classic wood species like oak, maple, or cherry with warm, rich tones and traditional plank widths often complement traditional homes.
- Contemporary homes: Sleek and modern designs often call for lighter wood species like ash or bamboo with wider planks and minimal graining.
- Rustic or farmhouse styles: Reclaimed or hand-scraped wood with knots, character marks, and varying plank widths can enhance the rustic charm of these styles.
Think about your existing décor and color scheme
Your hardwood flooring should harmonize with your home's existing colors and textures.
- Neutral décor: If your furniture and walls are predominantly neutral, you have more freedom to experiment with bolder hardwood colors and patterns.
- Bold décor: If your home features vibrant colors or patterns, opt for a more understated hardwood color that won't clash with your existing décor.
- Warm or cool undertones: Consider the undertones of your existing décor and choose a hardwood with similar undertones to create a cohesive look.
Factor in the size and lighting of the room
The size and lighting of the room can influence how different wood flooring colors and styles appear.
- Small rooms: Lighter hardwood colors can help make a small room feel more spacious and airy.
- Large rooms: Darker hardwood colors can add warmth and depth to a large room.
- Natural light: Rooms with abundant natural light can handle darker hardwood colors, while rooms with limited natural light might benefit from lighter shades.
Consider your lifestyle and practical needs
Think about your lifestyle and how you use the space when choosing hardwood floors.
- High-traffic areas: Opt for durable hardwood species like hickory or oak with a hard finish for high-traffic areas.
- Active households: Consider wood species with a more forgiving grain pattern, such as hickory or oak, that can hide scratches and dents more easily.
- Maintenance: Choose a hardwood species and finish that aligns with your desired level of maintenance.
Samples are your best friend
Before making a final decision, always order samples of the wood flooring you're considering. View the samples in different lighting conditions and compare them to your existing décor to see how they look in your home.
Your experts on hardwood floors
By considering your home's style, décor, size, lighting, and lifestyle, you can confidently choose hardwood flooring that complements your space and enhances its overall aesthetic appeal.
Paulson's Floor Coverings—PFC proudly offers a wide selection of hardwood products. We have showrooms in Portland, Tigard, OR, and Vancouver, WA, and we also offer shop-at-home services for your convenience.
