The Mysterious Beauty of Dark Wood Floors

Everyone loves hardwood floors in a warm, natural color – but there’s also a darker side. For centuries, dark wood flooring has brought effortless sophistication to offices, living rooms, kitchens, and studies. A deep hue may be exactly what your interior design is missing. 

The Unbeatable Ambiance of Dark Hardwood Floors

Dark hardwood flooring is a favorite among homeowners looking to achieve a timeless look that eschews recent trends toward lighter oak or maple. From a design perspective, dark wood flooring presents an opportunity to create stunning contrast with light walls or furniture, and to use a matte or glossy finish to play with natural light.

Like all hardwood floors, dark wood floors are durable, can be refinished several times to extend their lifespan, and evoke an inherently natural, earthy look in any space.

Wood Species to Achieve That Dark Look

There are relatively few naturally dark wood species used in flooring. These are some of the most beautiful options:  

American Walnut

A common type of dark flooring is American Walnut, which has a chocolate-brown color enhanced by swirling grain patterns. It’s not the darkest option, but it’s typically more affordable than others because it can be sourced domestically.  

Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry)

Jatoba tends to have a slightly more reddish hue than walnut but deepens and darkens with age. It is extremely durable and a great option for high-traffic areas of the home.

Ebony and Wenge

Rare and usually expensive, these African dark hardwoods are commonly used for inlays or accents to complement a primary flooring material.

Stained Dark Flooring

The right stain and finish can make most (but not all!) hardwood flooring options dark. In some cases, choosing a lighter-colored wood species and the perfect dark stain provides better color matching with existing cabinetry or décor.

Red and white oak, maple, hickory, and other species can take a dark stain with gorgeous results. If desired, staining can be done on-site to ensure the best color match and smoothest look.

Read more: Hardwood Flooring vs. Engineered Wood Flooring

Where Do Dark Hardwood Floors Shine?

Dark wood flooring sets the stage for any occasion in any room. It’s especially popular in these areas:

• Living rooms – Think drama and contrast! Capitalize on color contrasts by pairing dark wood with light furniture and rugs.
• Bedrooms – Especially paired with warm lighting, dark wood floors in bedrooms add a sense of coziness and intrigue.
• Hallways – Dark floors can look fantastic in long spaces. Just be aware that dark wood shows dust and dirt more than light wood, so your broom should be on standby.  
• Offices – Add an elevated sense of professionalism with dark wood flooring paired with a matching bookshelf and desk!

What About Kitchens?

You don’t see dark wood floors in kitchens often, as there’s a risk of water damage and cooking oil stains. However, dark wood with a durable finish may be right for your kitchen if you’re creating a cohesive look with an adjacent dining room or living room. Consider installing pre-finished planks protected with aluminum oxide for stain resistance.

If you want the look of wood floors with more water-resistance, check out luxury vinyl plank flooring as a cost-effective alternative.

How to Decorate with Dark Wood Floors

Dark wood flooring adds dimension and gravity, anchoring a space in a way that few other materials can. The contrast it creates can make your furniture, walls, and décor pop.

What color of walls goes with dark wood floors?

Let there be light – or white! Crisp white or subtle cream paint creates an inviting atmosphere where the floor is center stage. Muted earth tones also look amazing with dark wood. To choose the best wall color, consider the undertone of the floor’s stain – cool or warm? The light colors you choose to contrast with the floor should match that undertone.   

What furniture goes with dark wood floors?

Cream, beige, and gray furniture pairs well with darker flooring. If you prefer color over neutrals, consider jewel tones like deep burgundy and emerald green. Color can substantially elevate the drama of dark wood floors.

Are dark wood floors in style?

Always. Dark wood remains a coveted flooring material and, like other hardwood floors, may increase your home’s resale value.

Do dark wood floors make a room look smaller?

Dark wood floors can make a room look smaller if they aren’t balanced with décor. To make the room feel intimate rather than cramped, use color contrast, ample lighting, and reflective surfaces like mirrors.

Find the Perfect Dark Hardwood Floors for Your Home

Floor Coverings International® brings a wide selection of dark wood flooring to your doorstep with our Mobile Flooring Showroom®. When you have options from the world’s top manufacturers at your fingertips, choosing the right flooring is easy. Enjoy a stress-free floor buying experience and professional installation; find your local flooring experts today!