Hardwood flooring is a durable and attractive choice for your home. It’s also flexible, allowing you to break up the look by installing more than one type. If you’re interested in mixing different flooring finishes, you may be wondering how to do this without making them clash. To help you choose hardwood styles that complement each other and create smooth transitions, here’s a guide to matching flooring styles.

Guide to Mixing Hardwood Flooring Styles

How to Choose Your Wood Style

Darker or smaller spaces require a light wood to make them feel larger, so opt for finishes like maple, white oak or ash. Dark wood, such as mahogany or walnut, looks best in south-facing rooms that receive plenty of sunlight or larger areas, since these aren’t at risk of feeling cramped.

Choose earth-toned hardwood flooring for spaces that don’t have a lot of natural light, as this creates the illusion of warmth. Good options include cherry, beech, or redwood. Have the wood planks run in different directions or across the shorter length of the room, which will prevent it from appearing narrow.

How to Create Attractive Transitions

When you are putting two types of wood next to each other, choose ones that create contrast, such as a light wood beside a dark one. This makes the transition more obvious to separate different spaces. Two finishes that look too similar but aren’t the same can look like you failed to match the flooring throughout.

For spaces that don’t have a clear threshold like a wall or doorway, consider installing T-molding or a wooden border to separate them. This will help you avoid an unusual contrast that breaks up the area. Maintain cohesion throughout the home by bringing the different styles of wood into more than one room. For example, you can reference the mahogany floors of your dining room in a light-colored kitchen by using dark wood cabinetry.

A custom hardwood flooring specialist can help you select woods that will match both your home and each other. Rochester Hardwood Floor in Monroe County, NY, has a wide selection of finishes to help you achieve the best results. This family-owned business carries exotic hardwood floors and provides installation and repairs to keep them looking brand new. Learn more about their services online, or call (585) 377-7800 for a free consultation.