1. Pair Dark Floors with Light Walls

One of the easiest ways to create contrast and balance in a room with dark timber flooring is to pair it with light-coloured walls. Shades like white, cream, or soft pastels can make a space feel more open and prevent it from looking too dark or heavy. This contrast enhances the richness of the flooring while keeping the room bright and inviting

– Choose from Shou Sugi Ban, Black Forest, Shipwreck Oak, Tang Dynasty 

2. Use Natural Light to Your Advantage 

Dark flooring absorbs light, so maximizing natural light is essential. Large windows, glass doors, and skylights can help brighten the room and highlight the beauty of your floors. If your space lacks natural light, consider adding mirrors or choosing lighter-coloured furniture to reflect light and create a more balanced feel.

– Choose from Shipwreck Oak, Tang Dynasty, Black Beauty, Black Forest, Shou Sugi Ban, Black Walnut 

3. Create Contrast and Balance

If you have dark timber flooring, incorporating lighter elements like white cabinetry, white kitchens, or neutral-colored furniture will help create contrast and balance. This prevents the space from feeling too heavy and ensures the room maintains a bright and airy feel. Mixing different textures, such as matte and glossy finishes, can further enhance this contrast and add depth to your interior design.

– Choose from Shipwreck Oak, Tang Dynasty, Black Beauty, Black Forest, Shou Sugi Ban, Black Walnut 

4. Use Wide Flooring for a Spacious Look  

Dark flooring can sometimes make a room feel smaller. The best way to work around this is by using wider planks, which create an illusion of more space. Wide oak flooring reduces the number of seams, making the room feel more open and seamless. Installing these with dark grout lines enhances this effect, giving a uniform and elegant appearance. Opting for long and wide planks ensures a smoother visual flow, making any room appear larger and more sophisticated.

– Choose from Shipwreck Oak, Tang Dynasty, Black Beauty, Black Forest, Shou Sugi Ban

5. Limit Patterns for a Clean Look

It’s great to have patterns in your room. Like using contrasting materials, some texture can add balance to the room while enhancing visual interest. Textures such as wood, stone, and metal, and fabrics such as velvet, linen, and cotton can add depth to the space. However, it’s best to limit the patterns in your dark-themed rooms. As darker colours are inherently eye-catching and dramatic, adding too many patterns can be overkill—making your rooms feel too cluttered. The number of patterns that best fit the space will vary from room to room, so trust your eye and your instincts.

– Choose from Shipwreck Oak, Tang Dynasty, Black Beauty, Black Forest, Shou Sugi Ban, Black Walnut 

6. Use Texture for a Statement Luxury Look

Textured flooring is a growing trend in interior design, adding depth and character to any space. The Vintage Oak Collection is the perfect choice for achieving a bold, luxurious look with dark timber flooring. Its unique grain patterns and dimensional surface create an elegant, high-end aesthetic that stands out in any interior. The natural imperfections and rich textures of Vintage Oak enhance the beauty of dark flooring, making it an ideal option for those looking to make a statement with their interiors. Available Only at Lifewood, choose from Shipwreck Oak, Tang Dynasty, and Black Beauty to create a truly unique and striking design.

–  Choose from Shipwreck Oak, Tang Dynasty, Black Beauty  

7. Bring in Lots of Light

When installing dark materials in your rooms, lighting should be one of the first things to consider. The darker the colour, the more it seems to absorb the brightness of the room. Adding multiple light sources, such as pendant lights, wall sconces, and floor lamps, can help counterbalance this effect. Consider using warm LED lighting to highlight the depth and richness of dark timber flooring while keeping the space well-lit and inviting.

 – Choose from Shipwreck Oak, Tang Dynasty, Black Beauty, Black Forest, Shou Sugi Ban, Black Walnut