Dark Timber Flooring Tips and Ideas
Many people are drawn to the rich, deep hues of dark timber flooring. It can create a sense of luxury and sophistication in any home. From deep reds, to warm chocolate and even black, there is a wide range of stunning darker timber flooring options to choose from. However, there are also some important factors to consider before making the switch to dark timber. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of dark timber flooring and reveal some designer tips so that you can make the most of your space.
The Appeal of Dark Timber Flooring
Dark wood flooring has a timeless appeal that adds an air of sophistication to any room. The warmth and character of wood creates a natural look, while the dark shades can lend distinctness to minimalist decor. No matter what aesthetic you desire, dark wood flooring can provide a unique and classic addition to your home. Below are some of the benefits of darker wooden floors:
- Dark timber flooring adds a sense of luxury and sophistication, which in turn adds value to your home.
- A dark floor stain will reveal the grain of your wood more readily than a light wooden floor, enabling its natural patterns and grooves to fill the room.
- Dark floors are very versatile and can be used in various design styles, from traditional to contemporary and everything in between.
- Floors in darker colours tend to disguise dirt, making them ideal for homes with pets or small children. As with all timber floors, keeping it clean will help prevent scratches and scuffing.
- Because they absorb more light, dark floors can help to make a room feel warmer. Consider the climate you live in and whether added warmth is something you are seeking.
- Darker-coloured floors can be used to create a striking contrast in a room with white or light walls and home decor pieces.
- Dark timber floors are more resilient to the effects of sunlight than lighter shades, making them far less likely to fade and discolour over time.
Dark Flooring Design Tips
Consider the Space
When choosing dark flooring for your home, it is important to consider the room in which it will be installed. Dark floors can make a small room feel even smaller, so they are best suited for large rooms with plenty of natural light.
If you do choose to install dark floors in a small room or hallway, use a wide plank to balance out the darker tones and make the space feel more welcoming.
Choose the Right Shade
There are many different shades of dark flooring available on the market, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your space. The colour of timber flooring you choose will drastically alter the atmosphere in any space. For an intimate, moody feel opt for deep chocolate tones. However, if its a smaller space or doesn’t receive much natural light, a warm brown could be the best option. Back to Timber offer a wide range of shades in different flooring materials, so you can find the one that complements your design aesthetic.
Finish with the end in mind
The finish of your dark flooring is also an important consideration. A glossy finish will reflect light and make the room appear brighter, while a matte finish will absorb light and create a more intimate atmosphere.
Walls and Ceilings with Dark Floors
The trick to making darker wooden floors pop, is creating contrast. By pairing dark timber floors with lighter walls and ceilings, you can create the illusion of spaciousness. Wall and ceiling colours for dark wood floors should be light or neutral in order to add contrast.
When selecting the perfect wall colour, it all comes down to what type of atmosphere you wish to create in your room. Combining pale wall shades with black or chocolate brown hardwood floors can lend an aura of brightness, allowing the darker areas to harmoniously enhance the ambiance instead of overpowering it. We recommend whites, beiges, or pastel colours on the walls and ceiling to compliment your dark floors.
Rugs for Dark Floors
Rugs are a popular addition to wooden floors. Not only do they add a sense of warmth and coziness, but they can transform a room and complement your interior design. Rugs can also help to segment a large room into different areas. This can help to create a natural flow that divides furniture and walking space.
A light or bright rug will add contrast and dramatically lighten up a room with darker floors. A lighter rug will also allow you to place dark furniture in the space, which brings us to our next point.
Bring in the Light with Furniture
For a perfectly balanced aesthetic, light furniture is the ideal choice for dark wood flooring. By following this advice, you can cultivate a harmonious atmosphere with beautiful areas of contrast that are sure to leave an impression.
Depending on your design aesthetic, you may wish to add pops of colour that match the tone of your flooring. For example, chocolate-coloured cushions on a cream couch will complement the floor while not looking imposing.
If you already have dark furniture you don’t want to replace, painting your walls and ceilings a light colour and having a light-coloured rug is even more important.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Dark Timber Floors
Although darker tones can hide dirt, they can be less forgiving with dust and pet fur (especially if your four-legged friend is light-coloured.) Be sure to sweep or vacuum regularly and mop with a damp (not wet) mop. For more tips on maintaining timber floors check out our article; Looking after your Timber Floors.
If you are redoing your home, dark wood floors are a durable, healthy and low-maintenance option. Take your home up a notch and add an air of luxury with dark hardwood floors. Enjoy the look, atmosphere and convenience that come with this durable option while increasing the overall value of your property.
With Back to Timber’s collection of high-quality hardwood and engineered timber flooring, you’ll be able to create a modern oasis for friends and family to admire. Take a look at our dark timber flooring options below and feel free to get in touch or visit one of our Sydney showrooms if you have any questions.
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