Creating Contrast with Hardwood Flooring

If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your home, hardwood floors are a great way to do it. But if you really want to make a statement, you need to create contrast. In fact, a little contrast can go a long way in making your space and hardwood floors stand out. Here are a few of our favorite ways for creating contrast with hardwood floors:

Introduction to Creating Contrast with Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are classic and elegant, and they can make any room feel more sophisticated. But if you really want to take your space and hardwood floors to the next level, you need to start thinking about designing with contrast in mind.

So, what is contrast?

Contrast is about pairing visually different items together. It’s a powerful design tool that can be used to create interest, add depth, and define space.

Thankfully, adding contrast to your home isn’t hard. While there are many ways to add contrast, one that is often overlooked is through your hardwood floors.

When contrast is used with hardwood floors it can highlight the wood’s natural beauty, create a sense of drama, or simply add visual interest to your space. Plus, hardwood floors come in a wide variety of colors, so you can easily compliment them with your new or existing design scheme.

General Design Tips for Creating Contrast with Hardwood Flooring 

1. Pair your floors with an area rug. Area rugs are a great way to add both contrast and interest to your hardwood floors. Choose rugs with designs and colors that contrast with your floors. If you have light hardwood floors, pair them with a darker-colored rug. If your floors are darker, pair them with a light-colored rug. This will help create a visual contrast that will make your floors pop.
2. Incorporate different flooring materials. When it’s time to install new flooring in your home, you can incorporate other flooring materials into your design as well. This will add contrast and interest to your floors and rooms.
3. Choose wood accents with contrasting textures or finishes. If you have hardwood floors, you can also create contrast by choosing wooden elements that have a different finish than your floors. For example, if your floors have a matte, distressed surface, you can choose a high-gloss finish on the woodwork, accents, and furniture. Or vice-versa. Doing this would add a bit of texture and interest to the space, and the different finishes would help to create a sense of cohesion between the different elements in the room.
4. Use furniture with contrasting shades. Your furniture can also help create contrast with your hardwood floors. Choose pieces with colors that contrast with your floors. For example, if you have dark floors, try using light-colored furniture or vice versa. This can help break up the space, make it feel more balanced, and create a striking contrast that will really make the floors pop.

(From Left to Right) Canewood – French Connection | Pebble Beach – Newport | Caffe Herringbone – French Connection | Nathalie – Du Bois

Creating Contrast with Hardwood Flooring Colors

Colors have a big impact on how your home looks and feels. When it comes to hardwood floors, choosing the right color can create contrast and really make your space pop.

Dark Hardwood:

Dark hardwood floors can be stunning against the right backdrop. They can make a room feel more sophisticated and stylish, and they can be the perfect way to add a touch of drama.

But if you’re not careful, they can also make a room feel small and cramped. The key to creating contrast with dark hardwood floors is to use light colors in your decor. If you have dark floors, paint your walls a light color or use light-colored furniture. You can also use rugs and other accessories to add a pop of color. Creating contrast is all about balance.

So, if you use dark colors in your flooring, make sure to use light colors elsewhere in the room. This will help to create a cohesive and stylish look that will make your home look and feel its best.

(From Left to Right) Caffe Herringbone – French Connection | Natural Walnut – Cliffside | Maple Espresso – Garrison II Distressed

Light Hardwood:

Lighter floors tend to make a room look larger and brighter, while darker floors can create a warm and cozy feeling. If you have a small space, light floors can help make it feel open and airy.

And not only will light hardwood floors help to brighten up your space, but they’ll also create a sharp contrast against your darker walls and furniture. Whether you go for a warm honey shade or a crisp white, light hardwood floors are a great way to add visual interest to your space.

(From Left to Right) Shell Beach – Newport | Farwell – Canyon Crest | Provence – French Connection

Finishing Up

Hardwood floors are a popular choice for many homes and businesses. They are classic and elegant, and they can be easily dressed up or down to suit the desired look. And by adding contrast, you can create a striking and visually stunning space.

Remember that when using hardwood floors to create contrast, it’s important to consider the other elements in the room. The furniture, the walls, and the window treatments all play a role in the overall look of the space. And don’t forget to consider the colors in the room.

If the room is mostly neutral, then a dark hardwood floor can add a feeling of warmth. Or, if you already have dark hardwood flooring, add neutral elements to brighten it up.

The important thing is to experiment and find what works best for your space. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to contrast and interior design. So don’t be afraid to try something new. You may be surprised at how well it works.

If you have any questions or would like to order flooring samples that will add a bit of contrast to your space, contact us here. We hope this guide to creating contrast with hardwood flooring was useful and we look forward to helping you on your design journey.