In the world of interior design and renovations, one of the most frequently asked questions is, “How to match wall color with wood floor?” The right combination can elevate the aesthetics of your space, while the wrong one can disrupt the harmony of the room. If you’re struggling with the countless choices, options and patterns, you’re in the right place! This guide will provide insights and tips to ensure your walls and wood floors complement each other perfectly.

Understanding the Basics of Wood Floor Colors

The Wood Floor Spectrum

Wood floors come in a spectrum of colors, from the palest pine to the darkest walnut. Here’s a breakdown of the categories:

  • Light Woods: Pine, Bamboo, Maple
  • Medium Woods: Oak, Hickory, Teak
  • Dark Woods: Walnut, Mahogany, Cherry

The Undertones of Wood

Every wood, regardless of its primary color, has undertones. These can be warm (reds, oranges), cool (grays, blues), or neutral. Identifying the undertone will help you select wall colors that harmonize instead of clash. Sometimes describing the undertone can be difficult, but use the closest color that comes to mind.

Matching Wall Colors with Light Wood Floors

Light wood floors, like pine or bamboo, give a space an airy and open feel. Here’s how you can match them:

Going Neutral

Whites, beiges, and soft grays can keep the room feeling bright and spacious. These neutral shades don’t overpower the light floor but enhance its natural beauty. There has been a trend recently in white washed floors and even some European White Oaks.

Bold and Vibrant

If you’re feeling adventurous, light wood floors can be paired with bold colors like navy blue or forest green. This provides a striking contrast, making the wood pop. One of the most popular vibrant colors is Moulton Barn, which is made by Proximity Mills.

Complementing Medium Wood Floors

Medium-tone woods, such as oak or hickory, are versatile and work well with a broad palette of colors.

Earthy Tones

Consider wall colors like soft greens, muted blues, or terracotta. These shades echo the natural essence of medium wood tones. One of our favorites is Local Venture Premium in Island Stroll by Doma.

Warm Vs. Cool

If your medium wood has warm undertones, opt for warm wall colors like apricot or rust. For cool undertones, lean towards cool colors like sage or lavender.

Harmonizing with Dark Wood Floors

Dark wood floors, like walnut or mahogany, exude sophistication and luxury. They can be the star of a room if paired with the right wall colors. They can also clash with the floors and make the room feel dark and

Light and Soft

Pastel shades, like lilac, pale yellow, or soft peach, can provide a beautiful contrast to dark wood floors. This keeps the room from feeling too heavy. If you are looking for something like this, check out Seaspan in Vermont Mist by Liberty Home.

Deep and Moody

For a dramatic and luxurious feel, pair dark wood floors with deep wall colors like burgundy, emerald, or charcoal gray.

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The Role of Room Size and Natural Light

Small Rooms

In smaller spaces, lighter wall colors can make the room feel larger and more open, especially when paired with light or medium wood floors.

Abundant Natural Light

Rooms with a lot of natural light can handle darker wall colors without feeling claustrophobic. The light balances out the depth of the wall color, especially when reflecting off a gleaming wood floor.

Experiment with Paint Samples

Before committing to a color, always test with paint samples. Paint a small section of the wall and observe how it looks at different times of the day and under different lighting conditions. If you want an easy way to sample paint, check out Samplize. They make it super easy to match your walls with your wood floors.

Wood Flooring Brands to Consider

Flooring Recommendations to Match Benjamin Moore Walls

If you are using Chantilly Lace on your walls, we recommend installing Belmont Hills in Highland wood floors by Paradiso.

If you are using White Dove on your walls, we recommend installing Everlasting in Beckley wood floors by Proximity Mills.

In Conclusion

Matching wall color with wood floor is an art and a science. While the above guidelines will steer you in the right direction, trust your instincts. Your home should be a reflection of your personal style. With the right color choices, your wood floors and walls will come together in a harmonious dance, creating a space that’s both beautiful and uniquely you.

About The Author

Samuel Greenberg

August 18, 2023

Associate Director of Content Marketing at FlooringStores (and its parent company, Broadlume), Samuel is a former travel writer, English teacher, and semi-professional trivia host. When he’s not creating content, he can be found doing crosswords, drinking coffee, and petting the office dogs.