Unlike the color of your walls, should wood floors match throughout the house? Can you get away with using different types of flooring, or is it better to use the same flooring all over? That’s what we are going to discuss in this article, along with some useful information on things to consider before making a decision. Let’s get started by answering the main question: Should wood floors match throughout the house?
Yes, absolutely, wood floors should match throughout the house for a uniform and concise style that bleeds into each room. This is an industry recommendation because it’s easier to style a home around the same flooring. More importantly, you can save money by buying in bulk and having the installation completed all at once without needing to make additional alterations and adjustments.
When it comes to cleaning, there are instances when different types of wood floors may require different forms and products for cleaning. If you are someone who dreads mopping or cleaning floors, it would be best if you installed the same wood floors throughout the house.
It’s time-efficient and easier to design a cleaning regiment around one type of flooring.
Another factor to consider is marketability.
In the event that you decide to sell your home, it may work against you if the floors in your house are different.
People are fussy about these things, especially if they are well versed in home decor and interior designing.
We live in a time that prioritizes minimalistic and sleek home designs. Longevity of style is considered a prize, and matching wood floors throughout the house perfectly epitomize this idea.
What I have noticed in homes is that it’s easier to style and decorate an entire home with the same floors throughout. You can spend more time and money selecting appropriate paint colors for the walls and accessories than if you were to install different flooring.
There is an argument for using different wood floors in rooms to create zones within a house. But, I would argue that you can still zone areas of a house without changing the floors. Paint, accessories, decorations, and lighting are sufficient for this job.
The last reason why wood floors should match throughout the house is to create the appearance of more space.
When you break up a home with different flooring, it draws more attention to the actual size of different rooms.
This can actually make certain rooms appear smaller than they actually are.
By using the same flooring and even the same wall color, you can create the illusion of more space because there are no breaks in the home’s design apart from the structure itself.
So, if your home is relatively small, it’s good practice to use the same wood floors throughout the house.
When You Shouldn’t Use The Same Wood Floor Throughout
1. In bathrooms
The one unfortunate thing about wood floors is that most of them are only water resistant and not waterproof.
They can tolerate some exposure to water without damage, but not for a long time or in large quantities.
This means that they must be dried promptly to prevent damage.
In a bathroom, this is difficult. It’s the one room in a house that is built around using water. So, it’s the most prone to water damage, which is why you should consider using a different type of flooring.
I prefer ceramic tiles because they do not suffer damage from water exposure.
2. If you’d prefer carpets in bedrooms
In regards to comfort, nothing beats carpets.
They’re soft, warm, comfortable, and inviting. Most of us want our bedrooms to be a haven for rest and recuperation.
Comfort is of the utmost importance in a bedroom, and you may want to install carpets instead of wood flooring.
3. It’s too costly
I’ll be the first to admit that wood flooring can be pricey, especially if you opt for certain types of wood.
With installation, you’re looking at a lot of money in comparison to other, cheaper alternatives like vinyl flooring.
If it’s out of your budget, consider using different flooring in certain areas of your home and wood flooring in others.
As long as you choose complementary colors and designs, it shouldn’t be a problem at all.
4. If you want to separate the house into zones
I’ve made an argument for not needing to change flooring to zone areas of a home, but I would be remiss not to mention the validity of that idea.
It’s true that if you really want to create separate zones in your home, change the flooring.
Not only will this create an actual separation, but it will also change the tone, feel, and appearance of space.
In larger houses, I think it would be a good idea to zone certain areas, especially if you have the budget for it.
Final Thoughts
That brings us to the point of this article, where we must wrap things up. In my opinion, I feel like wood floors should match throughout the house, with the exception of the bathroom due to the potential risk of water damage.
Homes with one type of flooring often look more stylish, sleek, and elegant. It’s easier to maintain the same tone throughout the house this way.
However, if you want to create a diverse atmosphere in your home, then using different wood floors is a great idea.
It’s all about personal preferences at the end of the day because the only person who has to love your home is you.
With that being said, if you enjoyed this article and would like to read more about floors, you need to check out some of these useful articles below:
Why does my floor make my feet black?