We’re not always aware of them, but our flooring options have a powerful impact on the way we experience our homes.
Whether you’re about to replace an old floor, or you’re designing your first home, the question of what type of hardwood you should use is essential. Do you want dark floors, or will light floors bring out the best in your home?
We can help. Keep reading for our guide to the pros and cons of light wood floors vs dark wood floors.
1. Scratches Are Less Visible
Light wood floors vs dark wood floors scratches are less visible is a common debate due to the color contrast between the two types of wood. Light wood floors reflect light which helps to hide scratches that may occur over time or with constant wear and tear.
They won’t show the scratches as easily as darker wood floors, which the light color can’t hide. Dark wood floors, on the other hand, absorb the light making the scratches more visible to the naked eye.
Furthermore, the dark wood tends to show dirt more easily, which in some cases can make them harder to keep clean. In both cases, light and dark wood floors offer the same basic benefits for scratch resistance, although light wood floors usually have an edge when it comes to scratches being less visible.
2. Dust Is Less Noticeable
Light wood floors are much better than dark wood floors when it comes to dust being less noticeable. The light colored wood is much better at hiding a build up of dust and dirt, making it easier to clean.
Dark wood floors tend to accentuate dust and dirt particles, making them more noticeable. Another great thing about light wood floors is they don’t require frequent and vigorous cleaning.
Light colored wood reflects the light in the room which hides any dust and dirt in the atmosphere. Dark wood absorbs the light in the environment, allowing dust to become more visible. Light wood floors are much easier to care for when it comes to dust and dirt.
3. Makes Your Space Feel Brighter & Bigger
Light wood floors are highly sought after for their ability to make a small space appear larger. By reflecting more natural light than dark wood floors, lighter woods create the illusion of openness and airiness.
This makes light wood floors ideal for small spaces, as the lighter colors will reflect the light more using simple physics to open up the room. The effect is often likened to placing a mirror on the wall as the effect of the reflection can expand the depth of the room, making it appear bigger and brighter.
Lighter wood floors such as an unfinished hardwood flooring also tend to blur the boundaries of interior design, giving the room an overall ‘flow’ that further complements the expanding sense of space.
Reap the Benefits of Light Wood Floors
In conclusion, light wood floors and dark wood floors each have their own individual merits. Light wood floors are more versatile, reflecting light and providing a more spacious appearance.
Dark wood floors, conversely, can be used to add drama and provide a rich, luxurious feel. Ultimately, it boils down to matching the right style to best suit your needs.
Looking to upgrade the flooring in your home? Visit your local flooring showroom and explore the possibilities of light and dark wood floors.
Want for more tips and ideas? We’ve got you covered. Check out some of our other posts now.
Amanda Byers is a graduate of Columbia, where she played volleyball and annoyed a lot of professors. Now as Zobuz’s entertainment and Lifestyle Editor, she enjoys writing about delicious BBQ, outrageous style trends and all things Buzz worthy.
