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Floors

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Wood

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Remodeling Guides → Materials

Light Wood vs Dark Wood

See What Shades of Wood Can Do for a Space

Margaret Everton February 20, 2011

Comment38

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Out of all the considerations in designing a new space, the choice of which type and finish of wood can be a huge one. Aside from the many considerations of the wood itself (and the many fabulous sustainable alternatives to new cut hardwood), color is huge.

Going light or dark with wood can create an entire vibe throughout, and determines what you're able to do with your space. For instance, you don't want dark walls with dark wood unless you are creating the Bat Cave. And light wood with light colors may feel more cottagey than you're wanting. Here's a look at various shades of wood and how they work for their space.

Richard Taylor Architects

These beams tie beautifully into the lighter wood throughout. The choice provides stunning detailing and contrast without weighing down the room.

Peter A. Sellar - Architectural Photographer

This medium light wood offers a beautiful contrast without being too stark.

Peter A. Sellar - Architectural Photographer

A look at the same wood down a beautifully shaped and illuminated hallway. The wood provides needed balance without drawing too much attention from the other details.

Chris Johnson

This light wood beaming adds dimension without standing out too much in this open light space. It does offer some contrast, keeping the space from feeling too light and one-dimensional.

Mahoney Architects & Interiors

Expansive windows and this light wood provide the open and floating feel between these two levels.

Mahoney Architects & Interiors

Here very light wood pairs with darker surfaces in this kitchen. The floor keeps the light look and adds a simple continuity.

Shop light wood flooring on Houzz

Richard Taylor Architects

With these neutral walls, this space is elegant, simple and understated.

HartmanBaldwin Design/Build

Very light flooring pairs well with bright colors and darker details, such as this staircase.

Elad Gonen

Light wood allows for a large quantity of wood surface in a room, adding a smooth continuity of natural materials. The blond throughout, including in the flooring, creates a pleasant overall tone.

Superior Woodcraft, Inc.

This study with all built-in shelving and furniture becomes a solid surrounding without making one feel too enclosed. The windows at the end and the vibrant warmth of the flooring and red color create a great balance.

Kleppinger Design Group, Inc.

This extremely light stain pulls together the buttercream paint and the white door and moulding. Dark chairs and that beautiful dark floor ground the space.

Find dark wood flooring on Houzz

Summerour Architects

Don't you love when intriguing whitewashed rooms are sandwiched between intricate floors and ceilings? The beams above create a great feeling of being surrounded — without feeling too enclosed. Tall ceilings allow for this, along with the beautiful open space throughout.

Mediterranean Living Room Mediterranean Living Room

Similarly, without furniture in this room you can see how the floor and ceiling works together. Brilliant how the ceiling offers a slightly lighter shade while the darker beams match the floor and details throughout.

ASMMobili

Dark wood prevails here and ties into the built-in furniture. I usually don't care for such matchy-ness in a room, but the sleekness of each piece keeps it interesting and modern.

Camber Construction

A lighter countertop creates subtle yet powerful contrast in a sleek and dark modern kitchen.

Forum Phi Architecture | Interiors | Planning

Another dark-finished kitchen, though this one pairs with white cabinetry and black accents. The glossy floors and the steel give everything a modern levity.

Nick Mehl Architecture

A lineup of white cabinets seems to float amidst the dark finish, both balanced by the lighter flooring.

Find a hardwood flooring professional near you

Craig Denis

Dark dark glossy floors are the perfect choice for this open space. With the weight below, the materials and colors of the room help create a lightness up top. The room seems to be floating on air.

Birdseye Design

This entire space is enticing. Warm medium-dark woods get a fantastic finishing touch with the very dark window framing and details throughout. I love how the complementary furniture seems to seep into the wood.

Next: Browse more home design photos

Comment38

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Jen Pack

My coworkers and I have been thinking that it would be a good idea to get new flooring in the office. We have been asked to start looking at ideas, so I appreciate this information. It's interesting how you point out that light wood beaming adds dimension, while darker wood adds contrast. We'll have to see what other furniture we can get and see what will be the best option. http://www.jkpflooring.com/

Like August 1, 2017 at 12:11PM