Timeless floors have colors that age gracefully and work across design trends, so you can invest in a beautiful flooring and enjoy it for decades.
While hardwood is known for its long-lasting durability and is often noted as a flooring with timeless style, we’ve all seen homes with wood floors that clearly look dated.
So, how do you choose hardwood you won’t regret?
We'll walk you through which wood floor colors we’ve seen remain relevant (and still loved) over the decades and how to choose the best, timeless wood floor color to complement your home.
If you’re ready to share your hardwood project with our team at Floor Coverings International® of West Atlanta, you can reach out for a free consultation and start shopping for beautiful wood floors with us today.
What Wood Colors Are Timeless?
Upgrading with hardwood is a big investment that you’ll want to enjoy as long as possible. So, how do you choose wood floors that won’t make your home look dated in 10 years? What color wood floor is timeless?
While we’ve seen flooring trends come and go, when it comes to hardwood, choosing a neutral undertone and a natural finish is the right way to go. This will ensure that your floors offer a steady, classic foundation that comfortably adapts as you refresh your decor, change paint colors, or swap out furniture.
That said, there are a few things to keep in mind as you choose between light, medium, and dark wood tones.
Classic Light Tones
Love warm, golden wood hues, like honey oak, which pairs well with traditional cottage style? Or do you prefer more of a pale maple or natural ash that fits with clean, Scandinavian-inspired looks? Either way, light wood floors can make your home:
- Brighter. By reflecting light, the floors can bring warmth and a welcoming atmosphere. This is even more true if your home has lots of natural light.
- Visually larger. Light wood floors are ideal to open smaller spaces to feel wider and more spacious.
Medium and Natural Neutrals
Mid-tone woods are the happy balance between light and dark. Whether you prefer warmer browns or natural walnut, these floors work beautifully with both modern and rustic furniture and give your home:
- Balance between light and dark: While light wood can make some spaces feel too bright or show too much wear, and dark wood can make some rooms too dark or show too much dust, medium wood floors can be the sweet spot for many West Atlanta homeowners.
- Depth without distraction: While rich character is one of many reasons homeowners love hardwood, when the wood is too dark for the room, it can sometimes draw too much attention and make the space feel a bit overwhelming. That's where mid-tone wood floors shine, bringing the rich character you love, but staying enough in the background to not overwhelm.
Deeper Dramatic Wood Tones
Opting for dark woods, like deep espresso or dark walnut, is a bold and elegant choice. If you have a sophisticated style that can carry the intensity of these woods, they are a stunning option and fit best in rooms with plenty of natural light. Dark wood floors are known for:
- Elegance. The beautiful, deep colors of mahogany and walnut have been loved for centuries and have been preferred wood choices for elegant ballrooms. Even today, dark wood is seen as a beautiful, timeless wood tone that gives the impression of wealth.
- Beautiful contrasts. Dark wood is a perfect way to create beautiful contrasts in your home with lighter walls and furniture.
How to Choose the Right Color for Your Home
Here's what we suggest:
Consider Your Home’s Natural Lighting
Lighter woods will reflect light more than darker woods. This may help a room feel like it has enough light, but there is also the danger of going “too bright.” On the flip side, if you choose dark wood for a room with little to no natural light, the room may feel suffocatingly dark.
Find a Balance with Your Wall Color and Other Room Elements
Too much of one thing can be overwhelming. Plan out which elements you want to complement and which to contrast before you settle on a wood color.
Choose a Color that Suits Your Lifestyle
The right wood color for your home hinges on how you care for it. If you like relaxed cleaning schedules, you might prefer lighter woods that show less dust and dirt. Or, if you’re worried about signs of wear on the wood, perhaps darker wood is best for you. And if you want a balance between the two, a mid-tone wood could be just right.
Can’t Find the Right Color? Consider Custom Hardwood Flooring
Although there are near-endless options available, hardwood manufacturers only mass-produce floors with widely-used wood stains. But if you can’t find the exact color or tone you’re looking for, you’re not alone.
There's a reason our Floor Coverings International® team specializes in custom wood flooring in Atlanta and the surrounding area. We'll take the time to learn your preferences and work with you to find the perfect stain color to make your custom wood floors fit your space seamlessly.
Ready to Elevate Your Home with Timeless Wood Floors?
While trends come and go, your floors should carry you through decades of memories.
By choosing neutral, natural wood tones, considering how your natural lighting interacts with your floors, and opting for tones that fit your lifestyle, you can choose timeless wood flooring you won’t regret, and your family will love for decades.
Whether you’re leaning towards pre-finished wood floors or a customized option with wood floors finished onsite, you can count on Floor Coverings International® of West Atlanta, GA. We offer expert craftsmanship and personalized service that will make your wood floor installation feel smooth and seamless.
Ready to explore beautiful hardwood floors in the comfort of your home and enjoy a Seamless Service experience? Contact our team for a free in-home consultation or call us at (404) 825-9061 today.
