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Dark or Light Flooring, Which Should I Choose?

May 15, 2023
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Are you in the process of remodeling or building a new home and wondering whether to choose light or dark flooring?


Making the right choice can really set the mood in your space, so you must think carefully about this decision. You want to choose something that is stylish, timeless and complements all of the other design choices you’re making throughout your new house.


Having a better understanding of the following factors will help you make an informed decision in this important stage of the home-building or remodeling process.

WHICH IS MORE AESTHETICALLY PLEASING?

The answer here is that overall aesthetics are based on several factors, including your personal style, decor choices and room size. 


Dark flooring can come in a range of colors from deep browns to blacks. It can create an inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for any style home. Darker colors can also be used to add depth and contrast to a room.


Dark flooring typically shows more texture and creates a sense of formality in a room, which adds character, elegance and sophistication to any space. However, one drawback to consider with dark flooring is that it can absorb light, making a room appear darker and smaller than it actually is. This can be especially noticeable in rooms with limited natural lighting.


Light flooring tends to be more popular in modern homes and can come in a range of colors from light browns to whites. Light flooring can have a range of textures, from distressed to smooth, but the richness of the wood grains typically don’t show up as well as they do in darker-colored planks.


One of the biggest advantages of light flooring is that it can brighten up a room, making it appear larger and more inviting. Light colors reflect more natural light, creating an open and airy atmosphere. This is especially beneficial in smaller rooms where you want to maximize the amount of natural light entering the space.


Light flooring also allows the furniture and accessories to stand out more, making your decor the focal point.


Ultimately, the decision between dark and light flooring from an aesthetics perspective is a matter of personal preference.

ARE THERE ANY DURABILITY CONSIDERATIONS TO BE AWARE OF?

Generally, darker tones tend to maintain their color better over long periods of time. 


Of course, this is also widely dependent on the type of flooring you choose. 


Dark floors absorb sunlight making them less prone to fading compared to lighter tones. Light floors also may require more frequent cleaning due to their susceptibility to stains.


Overall, dark flooring can be a great choice for homeowners who want to add depth and contrast to a room and don’t mind more frequent maintenance to sweep and mop dirt and dander that collects and shows easily. 


Light flooring is perfect for brightening a room, but understand that it is more prone to fading. Not to mention, a spill of wine on a light floor is more likely to stain than if it were spilled on its darker counterpart.

WHICH IS RIGHT FOR ME? DARK OR LIGHT FLOORING?

Ultimately, choosing between dark and light flooring for your home comes down to your individual needs and preferences for your space. It is highly recommended that you obtain samples of the different types of flooring and consider the lighting that will be in the home during different parts of the day.