Set The Mood With Dark Timber Flooring
20 Jun 2023
Dark timber flooring is an exceptional choice for projects where the owner is seeking an interior element that brings a touch of class, interest, or differentiation to a space. We spoke with Court + Riss from Bone and Blanc Interior Design Studio about why dark flooring can be a statement choice and what to consider when choosing a dark floor.
PRODUCT IN HEADER PHOTO: Havwoods Venture Plank, Hotham Plank HW7892
Light timber flooring is certainly a popular choice, but in the last few months we have seen an increase in interest for dark timber flooring. Dark flooring is an exceptional choice for projects where the owner is seeking an interior element that brings a touch of class, interest, or differentiation to a space.
Havwoods spoke to Court+Riss from Bone and Blanc Interior Design Studio about why dark flooring can be a statement choice and what to consider if a darker variant has made it on to your project shortlist.
PRODUCT: Havwoods Valour, Abrego Plank HW9554
What is it about dark floors that is appealing for certain projects?
“We think that choosing dark floors can really add a richness and an element of class and sophistication within the home that light flooring just can’t achieve. Dark floors are truly a statement and when paired with lighter elements it can ground a whole space."
IS THERE A CERTAIN STYLE OF PROJECT THAT REALLY SUITS DARK FLOORS?
“We find that dark flooring definitely has its place and lends itself to certain styles. You can primarily make darker flooring work in a traditional, minimalist, modern or art deco space.”
WHAT ARE SOME CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CHOOSING DARK FLOORING?
“Choosing the right shade of dark flooring is also important. Always look at your undertones and the other colours you will have in the space to make sure it all flows and compliments each other nicely. There are so many shades of darker flooring so you will need to decide whether you want to go a lighter brown or if you want to go really dramatic and go to an ebony.”
“It’s also important to think about your lifestyle and how your family lives. You will find that you do see more dirt, dust and animal hair on dark floors which means they are a little more high maintenance (but totally worth it in our opinion).”
CAN DARK FLOORS MAKE YOUR SPACE LOOK SMALLER?
"One of the key concerns we hear regarding choosing a dark timber floor is will dark floors make my space feel smaller.
Dark floors can make a space look smaller, but this will largely depend on how much natural lighting there is and the colour tone of the other finishes in the space. Making sure there is plenty of natural light and choosing lighter finishes to create contrast will work in your advantage.”
And remember, it also depends on the size of your space to begin with and the feel you are aiming to achieve, if it’s already a large space or if it’s very open, dark floors can be used to create a more intimate and cosy feeling.
PRODUCT: Havwoods Valour, Abrego Plank HW9554
Can You Use DARK FLOORS IN COMMERCIAL SPACES?
The above considerations also apply for using dark flooring in office, hospitality and retail settings. Consider the overall style and desired feel of the space, the other elements and colours and think about how it will be used.
There are many examples of using darker flooring options in various commercial spaces that has resulted in a beautiful project.
Can dark timber flooring be effectively paired with bold or vibrant colours in a space?
Yes, dark timber flooring can be effectively paired with bold or vibrant colours in a space to create a striking and visually appealing interior design. The key to successfully combining dark flooring with bold colours lies in achieving a balanced and harmonious look. Here are some tips to consider when working with dark timber flooring and vibrant colours:
Contrast and Balance: The dark flooring acts as a strong base, providing a rich and warm backdrop for the bold colours to pop. The contrast between the dark floor and vibrant colours can create a dynamic and eye-catching effect. However, it's essential to balance the intensity of the bold colours with neutral elements or lighter shades to avoid overwhelming the space.
Colour Wheel: Use the colour wheel to find complementary colours that work well with the dark timber flooring. Complementary colours are located opposite each other on the colour wheel and tend to create a harmonious combination when used together.
Accent Pieces: Introduce bold colours through accent pieces such as furniture, artwork, throw pillows, rugs, and decorative accessories. This approach allows you to experiment with vibrant colours without committing to a large, permanent change.
Feature Walls: Consider creating a feature wall in a bold colours to add interest and focus in the room. The dark flooring can help anchor the wall colour and prevent it from becoming overpowering.
Natural Light: Dark flooring can absorb light, so it's crucial to ensure your space has ample natural light to prevent it from feeling too enclosed or dim. Bright, vibrant colours tend to look their best in well-lit spaces.
Test Samples: Before committing to a particular colour scheme, test small samples of the bold colours against the dark timber flooring in your space. This allows you to visualise how they interact and make any necessary adjustments.
Use White or Light Accents: Incorporate white or light-coloured elements to create a visual contrast and provide relief from the intensity of the bold colours.
Consider the Size of the Space: In smaller rooms, it's generally better to use bold colours as accents rather than covering large surfaces with them. In larger rooms, you have more freedom to experiment with bolder colour choices.
Remember, the ultimate goal is to achieve a balanced and cohesive look that complements the dark timber flooring while also expressing your personal style and preferences.
PROJECT: Darling Island Apartment | PRODUCT: HW16602 Notte Chevron timber flooring
Are there any special considerations regarding the installation or maintenance of dark timber flooring?
Yes, there are some special considerations regarding the installation and maintenance of dark timber flooring. Dark timber flooring, like any other type of wood flooring, requires proper installation and care to ensure its longevity and appearance. Here are some important points to keep in mind:
INSTALLATION:
Professional Installation: It's essential to have dark timber flooring installed by experienced professionals. Proper installation ensures that the floor is level, secure, and free from any potential issues that could arise from improper handling.
Moisture Barrier: Depending on the location of the flooring, a moisture barrier may be necessary to protect the wood from moisture-related problems.
Expansion Gaps: Wood is susceptible to expanding and contracting with changes in humidity. Leave adequate expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room and transitions to allow the flooring to move without buckling or warping.
Maintenance:
Regular Cleaning: Regularly sweep or vacuum your dark timber flooring to remove dust and debris. You can also use a lightly damp mop (not soaking wet) with a mild wood floor cleaner to clean the surface when needed.
Avoid Water Exposure: Excess water can damage wood flooring, leading to warping or cupping. Immediately clean up any spills or standing water on the floor.
Use Furniture Pads: Place furniture pads under the legs of chairs, tables, and other heavy furniture to prevent scratches and dents on the floor.
Area Rugs and Mats: Consider placing area rugs or mats in high-traffic areas and entryways to protect the flooring from wear and tear. Rugs or mats at entranceways also prevent dirt from being tracked into the space and onto the hardwood flooring.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaning agents on the floor, as they can damage the finish or the wood itself.
By following these installation and maintenance tips, you can ensure that your dark timber flooring remains beautiful and durable for years to come. Regular care and attention will help preserve its rich, dark colour and natural beauty.
Havwoods offer a range of cleaning and maintenance accessories to help keep your wood flooring in top condidtion. Explore our wood flooring accessories here.
Havwoods has a large range of rich and beautiful dark timber flooring, all of which can be explored online, with free samples available to order.
If you would like some guidance on selecting the perfect dark wood flooring to suit your project needs, you can contact us or book a showroom appointment to experience the products in person. We also offer virtual appointments.
We look forward to helping your find the perfect dark timber flooring for your next project.
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