When considering a flooring project, people often seem to have the impression that the hardwood floors throughout their house should match uniformly. However, this does not necessarily need to be the case. This article will explore some of the ways you can create captivating style in your home by using mixed wood flooring types and colours.

Contrast Is Everything

If you’re going to use different colours of hardwood flooring, make sure there is in fact a distinct difference, as woods that are different but still too similar may look like a mistake.

  • For example, using a lighter coloured wood on the hallway floor can be brilliantly contrasted with darker wood on the stairs and railing or vice versa.
  • Adjacent rooms to the hallway, such as the kitchen can use the same darker floor as the stairs, creating a sense of harmony and cohesion throughout the house.
  • Furthermore, the kitchen cabinets can also be matched to the flooring. In this case, using the same lighter colour as the hallway floor can further accentuate the feeling of contrasted unity. 

Work The Room

The size of a given room should absolutely impact your choice of hardwood flooring. Switching up styles depending the room size is another great way to mix and match hardwood flooring.

  • Darker floor tones generally work better in larger rooms, adding warmth and a touch of luxury. Consider using hardwood styles like mahogany or Brazilian Walnut.
  • For smaller rooms, think about using a lighter coloured hardwood, such as white oak, hickory, maple or cypress.
  • The size of plank can be considered as well. Typically, wider planks will work better in a larger space, while thinner ones can complement a smaller area.
  • Feel free to use both contemporary and rustic designs depending on the room as well. For instance, a more rustic style hardwood might complement a room you use to escape and unwind, such as a game room, while more modern designs might work best in your main living areas.

Consider All Elements


Not only will you want your mixed wood flooring styles to work harmoniously with each other, but with the furnishings and other elements of your home as well.

  • Of course, you should always keep the rest of your decor in mind when picking out a new hardwood flooring style.
  • In the same way that the flooring styles themselves can be contrasted, your furnishings can also be beautifully contrasted and complemented by your hardwood. Rooms with lighter coloured furnishings for example can be aesthetically offset by a darker flooring choice.
  • The colour of your walls or cabinets can also be an important factor to consider. A light coloured hardwood floor can look great in a room with darker walls, and vice versa.
  • Your home is an eclectic mix of furniture, personal belongings, art and more and all of these factors can play a role in helping develop a cohesive flow between different hardwood floor styles throughout the house. 

Touch Wood

As you can see, there is clearly no need to feel as though your hardwood floors must be a perfect match throughout your home. A little contrast can go a long way and if you consider the room sizes and their particular decor choices, you should be able to come up with a brilliant hardwood floor scheme with different styles working together in your home. 

We’re proud to be your go-to hardwood supplier. For more inspiration, check out our collection of different hardwood flooring styles.

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