How to choose a wooden floor?
The floor is a key element in creating a home's style. Choosing the right type, character, color, and finish of the floor is crucial for the final look of the interior.
Floor – Walls – Ceiling
These three elements form the foundation of a room’s character. Their interaction determines the atmosphere and specifics of the space. How they influence each other is the basis of the design, giving it weight and character.
Moreover, this relationship will guide the choice of furnishings, whether you opt for a harmonious or contrasting interior.
The floor is the foundation
The floor is much more than just the surface you walk on. Choosing it is one of the most important decisions you face during a renovation. The surface under your feet directly impacts your quality of life.
Undoubtedly, you expect durability from your floor. However, it can also perfectly combine style with functionality. What determines this? Let’s look at its components.
Color
Light, dark, or natural?
The color of the floor greatly affects how a room is perceived. A dark floor absorbs a lot of light but creates a sense of warmth and coziness. Natural wood tones evoke a feeling of well-being and security. In contrast, a light floor reflects light and adds a sense of spaciousness.
size of planks
The width and length of floorboards significantly affect the perception of a room’s proportions. Wide and long boards work best in larger spaces, while narrow boards are suited for cozier rooms. However, there are exceptions to this rule, especially when using parquet patterns like herringbone or chevron.
grade of wood
Wood grade refers to the classification of planks based on their visual characteristics, ranging from uniform and knot-free to varied and rustic. This classification affects only the appearance of the wood and not its quality. However, wood grade does impact the price, with differences ranging from a few to several percent.
Hand-Aging
The impression of a wood surface involves both what you see and what you feel. Hand-aging is a deliberate process that creates a rough, aged appearance and a variety of distinctive marks, appealing to all the senses.
Combining Different Types of Flooring
A good way to create harmony in a home is to choose floors with consistent design and sizes that fit the room proportions. For example, using 26 cm wide planks in the main areas of the house and narrower planks in private spaces highlights room proportions while avoiding a random look.
Direction of Installation
The direction in which the floor is installed impacts the overall look of the room. Installing the floor planks parallel to the window can make the space feel larger, while laying them perpendicular can create a sense of depth. Diagonal installation can add visual interest and change the perception of room dimensions. The choice of direction should consider natural light and the room’s layout to achieve the desired effect.