Part of this might be because of the places we’re most accustomed to seeing a dark floor — fancy old buildings, with the high ceilings and space to accommodate a slightly enclosing design.
Where you might be less likely to see a dark floor is in the home.
Over recent years, the trend has definitely moved towards the lighter floors, with paler woods taking prominence in the family home.
So, are the days of dark floors numbered?
Dark floors may not be the most modern and trendy option, but they aren’t exactly out of style.
A dark floor has a classic elegance and can look sleek and contemporary in the right space.
However, a dark floor isn’t quite as adaptable to a small room as its light counterpoint. When it comes to a dark floor, you’re best off ignoring trends.
Instead, consider if the space can handle the richness of a dark floor.
Are Dark Floors In Style?
A dark floor is a staple of interior design, and it’s hard to imagine dark floors ever going completely out of fashion.
There are some elements of design that are so classic that they aren’t subject to the same winds of change as other styles. The dark floor is one of those things.
It’s been around for centuries, and will probably continue to be around for centuries more.
The dark floor is timeless because it’s a design element that works well in a variety of settings.
From modern office spaces to old-fashioned houses, the dark floor can find a place.
Not to mention, a floor is typically an investment piece, particularly if you’re using hardwood or tiling.
When you’re choosing a floor, you expect it to be in place for many years, typically much longer than you might keep a wall color or a pair of curtains.
So, even if the dark floor isn’t a top choice for the current consumer, there’s likely to be more than a few of them in homes across the country.
And if you do install a dark floor, it should be there long enough to come back into fashion.
Current trends do tend to lean typically towards light hardwood floors, with ash, whitewash, and gray dominating for the past few years.
But while gray flooring seems set to stick around for a while, warmer tones are starting to come in.
Eventually, expect dark wood floors to once again be the choice of interior designers.
Why Choose A Dark Floor?
If you want something dark and dramatic, then go for it. Here are a few of the best reasons for installing a dark floor into your house.
Adaptable coloring. One of the greatest benefits of dark flooring is the adaptability.
There are numerous hues and shades, which can add a new dimension to a dark wood.
Dark floors also go with a range of styling choices. In a modern interior, the dark floor adds a sleek, chic finish.
Surrounded by vintage decorations, dark floors take on a classic appearance.
Adds richness to furniture. Dark floors are handsome, and they tend to bring out this same quality in statement pieces.
A dark floor next to a brightly colored sofa can emphasize the depth of the color, and enhance the shine of metals.
Better wood grain. While light-colored floors tend to bleach away the wood grain, dark hardwood floors draw attention to the natural patterning.
This really brings out the inherent luxury of a good piece of timber.
Long-lasting color. After a couple of years of being walked on and sitting in the sunlight, a lighter floor can start to show wear.
A dark floor, on the other hand, will absorb sunlight, and keep a strong color.
A cozy warmth. Dark colors are sometimes avoided in the home because they have a habit of making rooms look smaller. But this can also be an advantage.
A rich dark wood can create a cozy and comfortable space. Think of old-fashioned libraries and reading rooms.
A spacious elegance. On the other hand, using a dark wood floor can really draw attention to the grandeur of a large room.
Decorating a large room in only pale colors can look light and airy, but it can also come across as stark and clinical.
Using dark colors instead adds elegance, and shows off just how much extra space there is.
Why Avoid A Dark Floor?
While dark floors can mask some damage, they have a tendency to show up every scratch and scuff that might appear on the surface.
And if you hate dusting (which is understandable) you can expect to see all those specks of dust on your dark hardwood floor.
For this reason, it tends to be best to avoid dark flooring in high traffic areas such as the kitchen, or a children’s room.
Instead, keep these handsome timbers for the bedroom or an airy dining room.
Dark hardwood flooring is fairly adaptable, but light floors do have more range when it comes to wall colors.
Dark timbers will typically need to go against light colors, or you risk overwhelming the space.
What Goes With A Dark Floor?
Vintage and rustic style furnishing goes very well with a dark-colored floor, as the intense shade recalls stately homes.
With that said, darker floors can also be the perfect pairing for modern furniture. Against a darker color, the refined lines of contemporary styles can really pop.
For walls, a lighter color tends to be best. White walls can form an incredible contrast, but ultra-stylish gray tones tend to be best.
If you do prefer to go for darker paints, be careful not to enclose the space. Jewel tones work wonderfully well and give a room an opulent touch.
Final Thoughts
A dark floor is a design choice, and one that can create a bold and distinguished style.
Although the dark floor isn’t quite as popular as lighter shades, this classic option never really goes out of style.
Hi, I’m Erica Bopst and I have always been passionate about designing comforting and safe home environments, since I was young when my mom gave me a childhood full of warmth, coziness, and homey scents and feelings.
I’ve lived the majority of my life in small towns around the East Coast, but that doesn’t stop me from creating modern homes with a comforting vibe. I’ve helped stage and create countless homes in this style, and I’m confident that I can help you too.
