How to Choose Flooring Colour for Your Home

When it comes to selecting timber flooring, one of the most frequently asked questions is: “How do I choose the right colour?” Choosing the perfect timber floor colour can significantly impact the look and feel of your space, but it can also be a bit overwhelming with so many options available. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision and find a floor colour that complements your style and needs.

Consider the Size of the Room

The size of the room plays a big role in how the colour of the flooring will influence the space.

Lighter tones: If you’re working with a small room, light timber floors can help make the space feel larger and more open. They reflect more light, which can brighten up the area.
Darker tones: In larger rooms, darker timber floors can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Dark floors can also help ground the space and add sophistication and depth.

Match the Flooring to Your Home’s Style

The overall aesthetic of your home should guide your timber flooring colour choice. Different colours of timber can complement various styles:

Modern/Contemporary: Lighter woods like ash or oak in soft, natural finishes can give your home a sleek and minimalistic look. Consider bleached or whitewashed finishes for a light, airy feel.
Traditional: Rich, dark timbers like walnut or spotted gum work well with classic or vintage-inspired interiors. These woods bring warmth and elegance to the space.
Industrial: For a more urban, edgy feel, darker woods with a raw or distressed finish (such as reclaimed timber) can bring out the industrial vibe.
Rustic/Country: Natural or medium tones of timber like oak, pine, or hickory can complement country or rustic interiors, creating a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.

Consider Your Existing Furniture and Decor

Your timber flooring should complement the furniture and decor you already have in your home. Here’s how to think about it:

Light-coloured furniture: If your furniture is light in colour, consider medium to dark timber floors to create a contrast. This helps prevent the space from feeling too “washed out” or monochromatic.
Dark-coloured furniture: If you have dark furniture, lighter timber floors can brighten the space and create balance. Alternatively, if you want a bold, uniform look, dark floors can also match darker furniture.
Accent colours: Think about the accent colours in your home. For example, if your home has a lot of blues or greens, you might want a floor colour that pairs well with these tones. Lighter or neutral wood tones generally pair well with almost any colour palette.

Light and Natural Elements

The amount of natural light your room receives is another important factor in determining which timber colour will work best.

Bright rooms: If the room gets a lot of natural sunlight, you can opt for darker floors without worrying about the space feeling too dark or heavy.
Dimly lit rooms: For rooms that don’t get much natural light, a lighter timber floor can help bounce light around and create a more inviting atmosphere.

Durability and Maintenance

The colour of your timber floor can also affect the maintenance required. Lighter woods like maple or ash tend to show dirt, scratches, and stains more easily, while darker woods may hide imperfections better. However, darker floors might show dust more prominently, so you’ll need to keep them clean.

It’s also important to consider the finish of the wood—matte, satin, or gloss finishes can affect how the colour of the timber looks and how easy it is to maintain.

Trends vs. Timeless Appeal

While choosing a trendy colour is tempting, it’s essential to think long-term. Floors are an investment; you’ll likely have them for many years. Natural wood tones, such as oak, spotted gum and blackbutt, have timeless appeal and tend to blend well with changing design trends, making them a solid choice for long-term satisfaction.