Different Color Wood Floors on Different Floors

Introduction

Are you an interior designer looking to step up your interior design game? You might be wondering what the output of your design project might look like if you mix different color wood floors on different floors.  

Like any other widely debated subject, people have different opinions. Some interior designers say it is the biggest faux pas in the industry. They say having two different colors of wood can be a decorating nightmare. Some say it can be a game changer to create awesome designs. 

However, the only right answer is that it is your choice! You can choose to use different colored wood floors on different levels or rooms in the house as you please. 

This article provides a guide on how you can mix different colors of wood floors on different floors to produce an aesthetically pleasing result.  

Reasons for Using Different Color Wood Floors

Are you still skeptical or indecisive about using different colors of wood floors for your interior design project? Well, here are some reasons that will help you make up your mind. 

One reason you might want to use different colored wood floors in your interior decor project is for functional zoning. For instance, if the living room and dining area are in the same space, you can use different colored wood floors to differentiate the living room area from the dining space.

You can also use different colored wood floors to emphasize different styles in the rooms. Something as simple as a different color of wood floor can change the ambiance of a room. With some wood colors, you can create a sense of intimacy in a room while making another room seem more airy and light. 

Different wood floor colors can also help differentiate between rooms that are connected and on the same floor. You can choose complementary colors to separate the rooms. The complementary colors will also maintain the sense of connection between the rooms while keeping them distinct. 

Whatever your reason might be (or even if you don’t have any reasons), there are advantages to using different colored wood floors. So, if you don’t do it for a reason, you can at least say you did it for the advantages. 

Advantages of Using Different Color Wood Floors

Some of the advantages of having different color wood floors in different levels or rooms include: 

• It adds a designer look to a home, giving each room a unique texture and interest. 
• With different wood floor colors, you can change how a room feels. For instance, medium-colored floors can make a room feel inviting, while pale wood floors can give off a relaxing and calm ambiance. 
• Different floor colors can make it easier for future buyers to imagine their belongings in the space. It can also help them make their decision to buy faster. 
• It can give your house a custom look when you use different colored wood floors that make it one-of-a-kind. 
• You can match your floor with other elements of your interior design. For instance, you can match dark trim on your windows and doors with a lighter shade of wood floor. This sort of matching ensures the room does not get too dark or too light. 
• Darker-colored wood floors on frequently used floors can make it easier to hide scratches and scuffs. 
• It can help you show off your personal style. Your house doesn’t have to look boring just because you decided to use wood floors. Differentiating the wood floor colors can be the distinguishing factor. 

Now, you know that having different colored wood floors can be a great idea. However, a note of caution – it can turn out to be a terrible choice if it is not done right. 

Don’t worry; we will help you get it right. We have provided some tips below. 

Recommendations for Using Different Color Wood Floors

Using different colored wood floors in your house requires knowing the difference between the concept of matching and coordination. 

The Concept of Matching and Coordination

When it comes to using different colored wood floors in your house, it is a game of matching and coordination if you want to get it right. 

The concept of matching is basically what you have always known. It is finding the things that go together, like your right socks matching the left ones. The idea when matching wood floors is to get them to look the same. 

But do hardwood floors have to match throughout the house? Even more important is the question – do all hardwood floors have to match? Not only is it unnecessary to match all the hardwood floors in your house, it is a difficult task even when you get all your wood from the same manufacturers. 

So, what do you do if you can’t match wood floors? That is where the concept of coordination comes in. Instead of trying to get wooden pieces to look the same, you get wood floors that complement, even though they are different. It is like finding the right pair of shoes to go with those socks or the right dress to go with your shoes. 

With matching, you want to find the same color of wood floors for your entire house. This means the wood used in the living room has to be the same as the wood used in the dining room. But, there is almost always some difference in the wooden planks, and you end up with different colored wood floors. 

The best way to use different colored wood floors in your home is to use coordination. With the concept of coordination, you only have to find colored wood floors that complement each other. 

So, you can choose a deep, dark-colored wood for the living room and a few shades lighter than that for your dining space. You can even carpet the hall in a warm color that blends the varying colors. Now, let’s look at some tips that can help you use the concept of coordination right. 

How to Coordinate Your Different Color Wood Floors

With the right coordination, you can make different colors of wood floors on different floors of your home look good while saving costs on trying to get the same colors of wood floors. 

For instance, matching dark-colored wood with light-colored wood on different floors can give a sense of intimacy in one room and a fresh, open look in another, like your children’s room. 

You can also use complementary colors in areas where the rooms blend. T-molding or wooden borders can help separate the rooms. Changing the direction of your wooden floor from running parallel to running diagonally can make the different colors look good. 

But what if you already have mismatched flooring? You can blend it with new floors. You can also get wood in the specific species and refinish it to match the ones you already have. It might end up looking different than you want, but you will get as close as possible. 

You should consider the color differences and the impact of lighting on wood floor colors. Choose colors that complement each other when coordinating your wood floors. You should have no issues if your design follows the principle of coordination. 

What Color Hardwood Floors To Choose?

There are different colored hardwood floors to choose from. You don’t have to be restricted to any particular one. You can decide to have the same type of colored hardwood floor in all the rooms upstairs and another type in the ones downstairs. 

While there are no hard and fast rules about the color of your hardwood floor, one generally accepted rule is that your walls should be lighter than the color of your wood floor. The reason for the rule is simple – a room looks bigger with lighter walls and dark wood flooring. 

Though darker wood flooring might seem like the perfect choice, there are many factors to consider when choosing your hardwood floors. First, you have to decide whether you want dark or light wood flooring. 

Dark vs Light Wood Floors

Dark wood floors have been trendy for a while because of the general belief that they go with everything and look formal. However, this assumption is not always true. Depending on the kind of wood and stain used for your dark wood floor, you can achieve a more rustic than formal look. 

However, dark wood flooring is not a good idea in small rooms as it can make the space look smaller. You also want to be careful not to use dark wood floors adjacent to very dark woodwork, like cabinets. With a dark wood floor, it is better to contrast rather than match. 

Light-colored wood floors can open up many design options for you. With light hardwood, you can create the impression of a wider space and design as you wish. Light-colored wood floors go with almost anything and are quite common. 

Depending on how light your wood floors get, it might be difficult to get the perfect light finish. You might have to stain, paint, and custom seal your light gray wood floor before you get the look you desire. 

Contrary to what you might think when it comes to cleaning and maintenance, dark wood floors might be harder to maintain. If you still choose to go for dark floors, ensure the planks are no narrower than the 8’ wide board. Broader planks reduce the seams and balance out the dark color. 

Do you need help deciding between two different colors of hardwood floors? You can weigh the pros and cons of a dark or light hardwood floor to make a choice. However, always remember the choice is all yours, whether you want light or dark-colored wood floors. 

What is the Rule for Floor Color?

If you still need help choosing between dark and light wood flooring, there is no need to settle for gray wooden floors. There is a simple rule that can help you get your interior deco and flooring right. It is the 60/30/10 rule!

What is the 60/30/10 rule flooring? It is a simple decorating rule that helps you choose the right color scheme for your room. It lets you know the proportions to which you can use three colors in your room. 

The rule works like this:

• 60% – This is the primary color, and it is usually the color used on your walls, flooring, large rugs, or furniture. 
• 30% – This is the secondary color, and it is usually used for smaller furniture, bedding, accent walls, or drapes. 
• 10% – This accent color is used for the small decorative things in the room, like throw pillows, doors, wall art, and candles. 

This rule can help you decide on what color you want your flooring to be. You can choose to match or complement the color on your walls. Whether you choose gray wood floors or brown wood colors, your room will look great. 

Conclusion

Choosing different colored wood floors for the rooms or levels of your building is a choice that is totally yours. However, it is also a choice that you must make with caution. You want to ensure that you coordinate the colors just right for the best effects. 

It is also essential to get the best wood planks in the market. You can make simple gray wood flooring stand out if it is done right with the best wood choices and finish. That is why you should always get your wooden planks from DuraMagicFloor where you can be assured of top quality!

Tell us the colors of wood floors you need today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What color wood floors never go out of style? 

White-washed flooring may be one of the most versatile colored wood flooring. When you balance the wood’s natural grain with white pigment, you can create a flooring that has timeless appeal. The light flooring also brightens up the space, making it look larger.

What is the 3-4-5 rule in flooring? 

The 3-4-5 rule helps to lay your wooden planks properly in the corners of the room. It is based on the side lengths of a right-angled triangle. With this measurement, your planks can lay perfectly aligned at 90 degrees, giving your flooring a professional look. 

Can you combine different wood floor colors in a house?

Yes, you can combine different wood floor colors in your house as you choose. However, it does not always mean you have to buy new wood planks. You can use stain colors to change the look of your wooden floors. 

How do I choose the right wood floor color for my home?

Take the room size, natural lighting, furniture colors, and your personal style into account. For instance, a light-colored floor will brighten up a dimly lit room, while a dark-colored floor will bring warmth to a bright room.