Dark or light wood floor: How to choose?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Light Colored Hardwood Floors

Light-colored hardwood floors are known for their bright, modern appearance. It opens up the living space to create a more spacious feeling. Additionally, light-colored hardwood floors are easy to clean and hide imperfections such as stains, footprints, dust, and light-colored pet fur.

However, light-colored flooring reflects light and can make your room appear brighter than you would like. Additionally, light-colored flooring doesn't pair well with some cabinet colors.

Advantages and disadvantages of dark colored hardwood flooring

Dark colored flooring is also a common choice for many homeowners. Its sophisticated look can complement many decor styles. The dark tone also hides imperfections, such as gaps between boards. Dark-colored hardwood floors complement most cabinet styles and stains, and they don't fade easily.

Unfortunately, dark-colored hardwood floors have light-colored footprints, dust, and pet fur. Additionally, light-colored wood flooring can make a room appear 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 layer that helps your floor resist spills and impacts. The varnish also fills the pores of the wood to ensure that the floor does not accumulate moisture and dust. Therefore, a varnished finish will make it easier for you to keep the floor clean. On the other hand, staining your floor is intended to accentuate it and give it the elegance that is associated with certain high-end hardwood species. For example, if your home has white oak flooring, staining it with dark wood could make it look like ebony flooring. Dark-colored hardwoods have light-colored footprints, dust, and animal fur. Additionally, light-colored wood flooring can make a room appear darker and smaller.