How to Showcase Your Natural Wood Floors

When you look at how stunning and eye-catching wood floors are, it is hard to believe that it became a popular trend to cover them with carpet in the latter part of the 20th century. However, when you consider the cost associated with installing and maintaining hardwood floors, it starts to make sense.

Hardwood floors are a solid foundation around which to design a room. The challenge is to accent the wood elements, without overpowering them. Here are four ways you can showcase your wooden floors when planning your interior design scheme.

Opt for Natural Tung Oil

Rather than staining your floors, use natural tung oil to bring out the natural elements of the wood. Tung oil– also known as Chinawood oil– is an environmentally friendly, durable, and easily absorbed oil that when cut with a natural solvent, can dramatically enhance your natural wood floors. The oil penetrates the wood, enhancing its durability while delivering nutrients to keep it around for the long run.

Even if you have a darker wood, the oil will bring forth the shine and reflect light, making it perfect for small rooms. To learn more about natural tung oil, click here now.

Think Hard About Rug Placement

A well-placed rug can really bring a room together. However, if you have beautiful hardwood floors, you’ll be remiss to cover them up. On one hand, you want the wood to be a focal point when visitors walk into the room. On the other, you want to protect the flooring from scraping furniture, especially if you have children.

Whether or not to use rugs in interior design is a continuous debate between designers. Some believe that without a rug, certain rooms will always feel unfinished. Others believe that there are ways to avoid using a rug, which can become a catch-all if you entertain often or have it placed in a high traffic area. As an alternative, you can use a stain or oil in one, central portion of the wood floor to create the illusion of a rug in a space.

Add Contrast with Decor

Wood floors are versatile when it comes to decor schemes. However, if you tend to lean toward a more modern, contemporary look, you may feel that your hardwood detracts from that by being too rustic or country-themed. Put it out of your mind, and move forward with modern designs, metal accessories, and industrial fixtures. Rather than detracting from the look, the wooden floors will add an interesting point of contrast overall.

If you have neutral wood floors, consider adding pops of color via accent pieces throughout the room. Rather than having wooden dining chairs that seem to blend with the floor, opt for brightly painted yellow chairs that add contrast and draw attention to both the chair itself and the ground on which it rests.

Let There Be Light

Dark wood floors were a dominant trend in 2017 and continue to grow now. The challenge with dark wood is that it absorbs natural light, making rooms feel smaller and bleak. However, when the surrounding room is designed well, the floors add a dramatic flair that adds to the room rather than take away from it.

If you have dark wood floors, choose bright white furniture and accessories. Adorn your walls with stylish, reflective lighting and mirrors. Opt for light curtains that allow light to enter the room, rather than overpowering, rich fabrics. This might be an area where you choose to incorporate a small, white rug to add contrast. As mentioned above, the contrast between colors attracts attention to both design elements.

Regardless of your approach, be sure to maintain your hardwood floors by preventing scratches from heavy furniture and treating them with oil every few years.