Light-colored walls may help a room look bright and open. Darker colors, on the other hand, make spaces look quaint. When it comes to floor color and illumination, the same things apply. The professionals at Radix Flooring can help you find the right mix for every room in your home.
The Relationship Between Floor Color and Light Behavior
Floor color and lighting set the overall vibe of any space. When you install light flooring, it reflects the light. That makes rooms brighter and more open. You won't need as much artificial light if the floors are light. On the other hand, darker floors, like espresso, soak up light and make a room feel more secluded and dramatic. They bring in light and make the room feel more personal and dramatic.
Light vs. Dark Flooring: Core Lighting Differences
The New York Times states that choosing flooring, especially hardwood, isn’t easy due to the plethora of choices. There are choices from light to dark and everything in between. How well the flooring and lighting work together in your area is part of the choice. And, of course, there are advantages and cons for each alternative.
Lighter Floors: Pros
• Rooms feel bigger
• Space is brighter
• Dust is less visible
Lighter Floors: Cons
• Spills are more visible
• Darker pet hair stands out
• Scratches are noticeable
Darker Floors: Pros
• Rooms feel cozy
• Scuffs are less noticeable
• Spaces feel classic and sophisticated
Darker Floors: Cons
• Rooms are darker
• Spaces feel small
• Light-colored pet hair shows
• Scratches stand out
Impact of Flooring Finish on Light Reflection
After you decide on a floor color, what finish do you want on it? The finish needs to go along with your goals and the light reflection the space has available.
Glossy floors reflect light, which makes rooms look larger and brighter, but they also show dirt more often.
Matte floors take light in and give off a natural look. They hide both dust and scratches and can make you feel cozy in the room.
Satin floors offer a good middle ground with a subtle shine. They hide scratches better than high-gloss finishes.
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
Practical Guidelines for Selecting Floor Colors
As you consider your floor options, these guidelines can aid your general decisions.
• Room Lighting and Size
Smaller, dark rooms may do better with lighter floors so they feel larger and more open. Large rooms with a lot of light feel grounded with dark flooring.
• Your Family’s Lifestyle
If you have pets, heavy foot traffic, and limited time for cleaning, mid-tone floor colors work best.
• Your Style
You don’t want to get a floor that sounds perfect for a space based on what others think if you don’t like the color/style.
• Other Décor
Remember what rooms touch the flooring and try to have some cohesion in the overall style of the home.
In Conclusion
There are more floor colors available than you can imagine! Before you choose a floor at random, consider the space, the lighting available, and what flooring fits in best. Don’t choose a floor color based on lighting alone, however. Remember your style, your family’s lifestyle, and other areas to get the exact right option. Call the professionals at Radix Flooring for a free consultation and advice on what flooring colors might work best in your home.
