You've been thinking about replacing those dated carpets with some shiny new hardwood floors. But with so many color options to choose from, where do you even start? Well, lucky for you, we talked to the top flooring experts in the biz to get their predictions for 2024's hottest hardwood flooring colors. These gorgeous shades are sure to elevate your home's style while still being timeless enough to stay on-trend for years to come. From rich walnuts to cozy taupes, read on to discover the expert-approved colors you'll be seeing everywhere next year. With this insider info, you'll be able to pick a hue that makes a statement and suits your taste. Get ready to transform those tired floors into a beautiful focal point that wows your guests.
The Top 5 Hardwood Flooring Color Trends for 2024
• Rich, Warm Tones
The hottest hardwood floor colors for 2024 will be rich, warm tones like chestnut, mahogany, and walnut. These saturated browns add coziness and a sense of nature to any space. Matte finishes in these hues are especially popular, with their low-maintenance, natural look.
• Greywash Effects
For a weathered, rustic feel, greywash hardwood floors are trending. Achieved through a whitewashing technique, greywash floors have a faded, driftwood-like appearance. The soft, muted tones of greywashed oak, hickory, or maple complement both modern and farmhouse decor.
• Statement Colors
Don't be afraid to make a splash with eye-catching hardwoods in navy blue, forest green, or crimson. While not for the faint of heart, these statement colors can make a stunning style statement in an open-concept space or accent wall. Finish options like satin or matte provide an elegantly bold look.
• Mixed Widths
Gone are the days of uniform hardwood planks. Mixed-width floors, with boards ranging from 3 to 8 inches wide, create visual depth and dimension. This custom look works well in rustic, bohemian, and modern spaces. Mixing wood species, stains and finishes takes this trend to the next level.
• Distressed Details
Subtle signs of distress, like dents, knots, splits, or wormholes, add authenticity and rustic appeal. Hand-scraped, distressed, or wire-brushed hardwood floors provide texture that brings spaces to life. The irregularities make each floor truly one-of-a-kind. With a distressed floor, the wood’s natural character shines through.
Factors Influencing the Most Popular Hardwood Floor Colors
Choosing a hardwood floor color is a big decision. Several factors influence the most popular shades from year to year.
• Home Decor Trends
The hottest home decor trends strongly impact hardwood flooring colors. Currently, gray floors are all the rage, as gray is a top-wall color choice. Gray-brown and gray-beige hues pair well with most decor and furniture styles. Warm, natural wood tones like maple and hickory are also popular, fitting with the organic, earthy vibe of many homes.
• Resale Value
For the best resale value, stick with timeless, classic colors that appeal to most buyers like mid-range browns, taupes, and natural wood tones. While trendy gray floors may be in now, they could date your home down the line. Choosing a color with broad appeal helps ensure your floors withstand the test of time.
• Lighting and Space
The amount of natural light in your rooms impacts which hardwood floor colors look best. Darker stains and woods tend to accentuate shadows in dimly lit spaces. Lighter stains and woods create an open, airy feel that helps make the most of limited light. Similarly, smaller spaces appear more spacious with lighter flooring colors. Darker colors can make compact rooms feel closed in.
In the end, the most popular hardwood floor colors come down to a balance of current style, timeless appeal, and what works for your home's unique space and lighting. When in doubt, mid-range natural tones are always a safe, stylish choice.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Hardwood Floor Color for Your Home
When deciding on a hardwood floor color for your space, consider these expert tips:
• Match Your Decor
Choose a color that complements your existing decor and furnishings. Dark wood floors pair well with heavy, traditional furniture while light floors match airy, contemporary designs. For a cohesive look, choose a shade within the same color family as your trim, cabinets, and walls.
• Consider the Room's Function
The room's purpose influences the best color choice. Darker woods add warmth to living rooms and dens while lighter stains brighten kitchens and bedrooms. Medium tones are versatile and work in any room.
• Think About Maintenance
How much maintenance are you willing to do? Darker stains show dust and scratches more while lighter stains require more frequent sweeping and mopping. Medium brown shades offer the benefits of both dark and light with moderate upkeep.
• Ask About the Wood Species
Some wood species stain better than others. Oak, hickory, and maple take stains well and provide a range of color options. Exotic hardwoods like Brazilian cherry limit your choices to medium to dark reddish browns. Ask your flooring expert about the best stains for your preferred wood.
• Consider Resale Value
If you may sell your home soon, choose a color with broad appeal. Medium brown tones are the most popular and help buyers visualize how they can decorate. Very dark or very light floors have a more niche appeal and may turn some buyers off.
By considering these tips before choosing a hardwood floor color, you'll select an option perfectly suited for your home and needs. The right color and wood species create a floor you'll love for years to come.
Conclusion
So there you have it - the top hardwood flooring color trends for 2024. While classic oak and maple will always be popular choices, grays like smoke and ash are emerging favorites, especially paired with white walls or trim for contrast. And don't overlook up-and-coming hues like cerused or limed finishes for a weathered, vintage vibe. When it comes to hardwood floors, the options are wide open in 2024. Go bold with a saturated stain or keep it simple with a subdued solid. Either way, choose the tone and texture that speaks to you and your style. With some smart planning and the right color choice, you can't go wrong installing hardwood floors this year. Just have fun with it and pick the shade that makes you smile every time you walk through your home.
