Hardwood flooring is a durable, allergy-friendly choice that is great for active homes. However, the work isn’t over once you’ve decided on hardwood floors. A wide variety of colors and finishes are available for hardwood floors, and choosing one can be a more difficult decision than settling on hardwood as your flooring material.
Determining the best color and finish for your hardwood floor requires taking several factors into consideration, such as your interior design elements, the amount of wear the floor will receive and your personal tastes. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect look for your new floor.
Complement Existing Décor
Choosing a finish that enhances your existing interior design is much easier and less expensive than realizing that nothing matches after the flooring contractors have already installed your new floor. The right flooring can even breathe new life into old furniture. Brighten up a dark and dreary room with a warm pine finish, or revive washed-out upholstery by contrasting it with rich cherry or dark oak.
If you plan to replace your furniture, accessories and cabinets along with your floor, keep in mind that your floor will last much longer than your new décor. Stick with neutral colors that will be easy to match with your new look when you redecorate again.
Search for Styles Online
There are many online resources to help you find the perfect floor for your home. The simplest way is to search for images of popular flooring finishes and colors. Use your phone or tablet screen to zoom in on photos and display them next to your furnishings to see how well the finish complements your décor.
Flooring manufacturer websites often have easy-to-use tools that allow you to upload photos of your room and virtually install different types of flooring. If you are a fan of home improvement or interior design shows on TV, visit the network’s website for photos, videos and tips. Your favorite designer may even answer questions from fans.
Browse Magazines
Although magazines might seem like an outdated resource, they are often a treasure trove of interior design ideas. Magazines are also much easier to navigate than the vast amount of information on the internet. When you pick up an interior design magazine, every page is filled with beautiful, professionally curated ideas. Browse magazine archives at a public library to search for specific issues and articles related to flooring.
Find a Reputable Flooring Store
A quality retailer is the most essential element when it comes to choosing the color and finish for your new hardwood floor. It might be tempting to take advantage of lower prices from online sellers and big box warehouses, but a DFW flooring store like Elite Floors with knowledgeable staff can prevent you from making a costly mistake.
A good store and flooring installer will guide you through the process and back up their products with a good warranty. Some stores, such as Elite Floors, are also flooring installation contractors.
Bring Photos
Before you head to our store, print or cut out photos of flooring that closely matches your vision. You can also bring photos of your rooms to see how different flooring options go with your current décor. If you’re feeling crafty, try gluing different flooring photos to photos of your rooms to get a better idea of how the finished design will look.
Visit the Elite Floors showroom today to pick a hardwood flooring finish that works for your space!
