Sheen, also known as luster or gloss level, refers to the amount of light that reflects off hardwood floors. Available in matte, satin, semi-gloss, and glossy varieties, it provides the finishing touch to any kind of hardwood. Here, consider the factors contributing to sheen selection to make the best choice for your lifestyle and home aesthetic.

Choosing a Sheen for Your Hardwood Floor

Flooring Color

The color of your hardwood floor determines the sheen you should choose. Darker hardwoods, such as American cherry and walnut, typically look best with satin, semi-gloss, or glossy finishes that enhance their rich hues. Lighter-colored woods like white oak, ash, and hickey look appealing with matte or satin sheens that show off their rustic vibe.

Foot Traffic

The amount of traffic your hardwood floors receive determines what kind of sheen is best for it. Glossy sheens make footprints, pawprints, nicks, dents, and dust extremely visible. They work best in rooms that aren’t used every day, such as formal living and dining rooms complemented with area rugs. Matte sheens disguise imperfections easily, while satin also shows fewer scratches. Semi-gloss does not hide marks as well as these other sheens, but it offers a high luster level without many of the disadvantages of other glossy finishes.

Room Style

Hardwood floors add a timeless quality to any room, whether that room’s style is formal, rustic, or somewhere in between. Glossier sheens tend to look best in rooms with antique furniture, Oriental rugs, oil paintings, and other examples of sleek, sophisticated decor. Satin and matte sheens enhance the informality of rustic spaces such as country kitchens, dens, and front halls.

Discuss the best finishing options for your hardwood floors at American Floors, the wood flooring company serving all of Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts. The family-owned company has installed, repaired, and refinished hardwood floors since 1976. They also provide kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling services. Call (401) 433-0530 today for your free estimate or view the team’s photo gallery online.