We’ve seen photos all over Elle Décor, Architectural Digest, Pinterest and Houzz of those amazing designer rooms featuring stunning, light-colored, wide plank hardwood. Usually depicting the homes of celebrities or designers, these images certainly make an impression as the epitome of luxury and taste. Surely such high-end floors are out-of-reach for the average homeowner, right?
Good news, they’re not.
Both light colors and wider planks have been the hardwood styles of choice with designers and architects for years, however 2020 forecasters predict that this will be THE hot look in flooring for consumers. With flooring retailers carrying a wider variety of styles than ever before, it’s not hard to find “lighter and wider” flooring within your budget. So, if you’re planning to update your floors, read on as to why “lighter and wider” may be the choice for you.
First, let’s define what we mean by “lighter and wider.” Floors that are blonde, greige,gray, natural, beige, and whitewashed fall under the “light” color spectrum, while planks that are 5 to 12 inches wide are considered “wide plank.” Hopefully this can help you visualize when researching.
Now, let’s take a look at what the designers have known for years, that going with a lighter color and wider plank with your hardwood has very real benefits.
Lighter and wider make a room look larger and brighter
Light reflects off light-colored surfaces, which adds an airy, open feeling to a room. Additionally, light color floors (and walls) always open a room up, giving the illusion that it’s bigger. The same illusion applies to wide plank flooring, since there are fewer edges in the flooring layout the eye automatically perceives more space. Needless to say, installing flooring that is both light in color and with a wider plank is like hitting the spatial jackpot!
Light floors are a beautiful neutral
Bold or dark-colored floors are attractive in their own right, however they can overpower a room, clash with wood furniture and end up end up limiting décor choices. Light colored flooring will work with most wall colors and furniture styles, providing subtle support for your personal style.
Light floors camouflage dirt better than darker wood
Light-colored floors help hide dust, dirt, and pet hair way better than darker wood. They also hide scuffs and scratches better than darker floors, allowing them to always appear clean and new. This is especially true when the flooring surface is distressed or wirebrushed.
Wide plank hardwood make for a quicker, easier installation
One wider plank takes up the space of two or more narrow strips, which helps expedite the installation process. That makes it easier if it’s a DIY project and less labor-expensive if you’re paying a contractor by the hour.
Lighter and wider floors are more visually interesting
The wider the plank, the greater variety of graining and character marks it displays, which in turn are more visible in a lighter color. This gives lighter and wider floors a natural, unique look that makes a statement with a whisper instead of a shout.
Lighter and wider floors will not break the bank
The good news is that there are flooring brands such as LIFECORE that carry predominately wide plank flooring that is moderately priced. Though they have an exclusive designer look and high durability, LIFECORE flooring is moderately priced and easily accessible.
Lastly, light-colored wide plank flooring is extremely versatile from a design perspective. They are equally as beautiful in modern, rustic, coastal or classic decors and will add value to your home, literally and visually! Sounds like it’s time to make your 2020 vision lighter and wider!
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FAQs
Brown or natural blond: Where homeowners are looking to make color and design statements elsewhere in their rooms (say furnishings or walls) the move is towards more traditional wood floors and that means brown or or very light natural blonde colored wood flooring.
What color wood floor is trending in 2024? ›
Dark wood flooring is making a bold and luxurious statement in 2024. The rich, deep tones of dark wood species, such as walnut, mahogany, or dark-stained oak, add sophistication and warmth to living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms.
What is the trend in hardwood floor width? ›
Wider plank flooring has seen a dramatic increase in use since the great recession. Some prefer their appearance as it can open up rooms that may otherwise feel or look smaller. Along with wider plank hardwoods, longer length material is becoming more the norm.
What color wood floor is most timeless? ›
Avoiding Trendy Tones
Pale Brown and Medium Brown are the epitomes of timeless hardwood floor color. These shades offer warmth and versatility, blending seamlessly with various decor styles and color palettes.
What color wood never goes out of style? ›
Dark Tones: The Rich and Sophisticated Choice
When it comes to hardwood floor colors that never go out of style, dark tones like Walnut and dark oak stand out for their richness and sophistication. These colors are popular choices for homeowners who want to create a striking and elegant interior scheme.
What color wood floor goes with everything? ›
Light. Light hardwood offers various design solutions for your interior. Species like maple, white oak, ash and hickory are popular choices you can build off of to create various looks. Flooring with a white or burlap-esque finish can go with nearly everything as well.
Are light colored wood floors in style? ›
If you really want to go for that modern coastal vibe, light or even white washed hardwood floors are the color for you. Light colored floors are extremely popular in the South, and many new homes that feature a souther farmhouse looking are opting for more white washed colors rather than traditionally darker tones.
Is wide plank flooring still in style? ›
If you pay attention to the plank sizes in most homes, you might notice that skinny wood planks are common. However, wide plank hardwood floors have appeared in more homes over the years, and the trend is here to stay in 2023.
Are narrow plank floors coming back in style? ›
But all of our floors are made to be versatile and look fantastic in any space. “Wide planks have had a good run! They are very DIY-friendly and work well in so many spaces,” Melissa says. “I think narrow planks are definitely making a comeback!
Are wider hardwood floors better? ›
Big Room: In big rooms, one can choose to go with either narrow or wide wood floorboards. Wide planks are trending to be a more popular choice in big rooms as they make the rooms cozier. Whereas, narrow planks can create the illusion that an area is even bigger and can create a more formal look.
Natural hues
Natural hardwood flooring colors are timeless and never go out of style. In 2024, we expect to see an even greater emphasis on these classic shades. Light and medium tones like honey, oak, and maple will remain popular choices, creating warm and inviting atmospheres in homes.
Is it better to have a wide or narrow wood floor? ›
Wide plank floors need more space to expand and contract with humidity, narrow plank floors need less. This means they won't shift as much with changes in humidity and will be less likely to buckle or warp.
What floor never goes out of style? ›
Hardwood floors work with almost any style — year in, year out. Given that flooring is the biggest expanse of product you'll see in your new space, designer Christina Fluegge of Greige Design recommends going with a high-quality hardwood that allows you to refinish as time goes by rather than having to replace.
Are darker or lighter wood floors better? ›
Lighter colors help brighten up a room, making it feel bigger. The amount of natural light in the room: If you love natural light, and your home gets plenty of it, you may want to opt for a darker wood floor as it tends to fade less quickly than lighter flooring options.
What color hardwood floor makes a room look bigger? ›
You may be surprised to learn that dark wood flooring can help to make your room look bigger too. Darker flooring offers an inviting feel and opens up a space. Whether you choose rich colours or softer dark colours, they both have their advantages when it comes to expanding the appearance of a room.
Are dark or light hardwood floors better? ›
Light hardwood floors complement a room with dark and heavy furniture — and can add a cheerful, airy and modern appeal to it. Dark floors can transform a room with neutral walls and furniture into a cosy relaxation area.
What color floor is trendy? ›
Expect to see more flooring in “colors that are very earthy and natural, while pulling from a tranquil palate.” That should mean a return to the deep browns and strong tan tones that had fallen out of favor in recent years.
What color flooring sells best? ›
Dark hardwood flooring is in style. It makes your home easier to sell and also boosts your home's resale value. Shows off the furniture in the room. Dark hardwood floors have a way of contrasting with lighter colored furnishings.
Are dark or light hardwood floors in style? ›
Are Light Wood Floors in Style? The truth is that light hardwood floors will never go out of style. However, some shades are more popular than others. One reason is that they are neutral, offering decorators more options when finishing a room.
