Choose the Perfect Wall Color for Light Wood Floors in 5 Simple Steps
Light wood flooring like maple, birch, and beech can brighten up any room with their airy, creamy hues. But pairing the right wall color with light wood floors can be tricky. The wrong tone can make the space feel bland and washed out. The key is choosing a wall color that complements both the undertones of the floors and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.
Follow these tips and you'll have a stylish, cohesive look perfect for relaxing and entertaining.
Step 1: Understand the Undertones of Your Light Wood Floors
Before choosing a wall color, it's important to identify the undertones present in your light wood floors. Subtle hints of yellow, red, or grey will impact the shades that work best in the space.
Common Types of Light Wood Flooring
Some of the most popular choices for light hardwood flooring include:
- Maple - Has creamy white and light brown hues with neutral undertones.
- Birch - Warm pale yellow tones with reddish undertones.
- Beech - Very light tan color with greyish undertones.
- Ash - More white and grey tones than maple and birch.
- Oak - Subtle yellow undertones in lighter stains.
Identifying Undertones
Look closely to see if your floors have warm undertones of gold and red, or cooler pinkish tones. The undertones will blend with some wall colors and clash with others. Understanding them allows you to select shades that work harmoniously with the existing flooring.
For example, birch wood with warm reddish undertones could be complemented by soft peach or gray-beige walls. On the other hand, ash flooring with grey undertones may pair better with light greens or blues for a tranquil look.
Step 2: Consider the Amount of Natural Light in the Room
The way your light wood floors appear is impacted by the room's natural lighting. This will guide your wall color selection.
North-Facing Rooms
In rooms with limited direct sunlight from north-facing windows, floors can appear dull or dark. Cool-toned paints like pale blue or gray may also look overly subdued. opt for lighter neutrals like airy whites or warm taupes to brighten the space.
South-Facing Rooms
With ample sunlight streaming in, south-facing rooms can handle rich, warm wall colors. The natural light will enhance the vibrancy of deeper beiges, peach, sage, or mustard yellow.
East/West Facing
East and west-facing rooms offer a balance of direct and indirect light throughout the day. This provides more flexibility for wall color choices. From bold grays to lively greens, you can get away with more varied hues.
Step 3: Pick a Color Family for Walls
Now it's time to select a color family that complements your light wood flooring. Here are some top options to consider:
Cool, Airy Look
For an open, ethereal aesthetic try cool-toned wall colors like:
- Whites - Go for soft, subtle whites like Benjamin Moore Decorators White or Chantilly Lace.
- Grays - Light, airy options like Benjamin Moore Pale Oak or Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray.
- Soft blue-greens - Sea Salt by Sherwin-Williams or Raindrop by Behr.
Cozy, Warm Look
Create a welcoming ambiance with these warmer paint colors:
- Beige - Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige or Benjamin Moore Linen White.
- Light taupes - Try Wickham Gray by Farrow & Ball.
- Subtle peach - Benjamin Moore Melon, Peach Blossom by Valspar.
Step 4: Select Specific Paint Colors and Brands
Now get more targeted with your wall color selection. Reference the following popular neutral paint choices that work beautifully with light hardwood flooring.
Popular Neutral Paint Colors
Some great specific neutrals include:
- Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117
- Sherwin-Williams Extra White 7006
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter HC-172
- Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029
Look at paint strips in person to see undertones and choose your favorite.
Accent Colors
Don't be afraid to incorporate bold blues, greens, or deeper gray tones on accent walls to add drama. Just maintain light neutrals on the main walls to prevent overwhelming the light floors.
Step 5: Add Contrast with Trim and Ceilings
Finally, consider how your trim, baseboards, and ceilings contribute to the overall look:
White or Off-White Trim
Bright white or creamy off-white trim provides clean contrast against light wood floors and most wall colors. It makes everything look fresh and polished.
Painted or Wood Ceilings
Painting your ceiling white helps reflect light and define the proportions of the room. Or leave wood ceilings natural for warmth and texture.
Choosing wall colors for light wood floors comes down to understanding undertones, lighting, color families, and accent shades. Take it step-by-step to create a cohesive, stylish look you'll love.
Balancing cool whites and grays with warm beiges and taupes works beautifully. Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams offer gorgeous light wood floor and wall color pairings. Add nice contrasts with trim details and accent walls.
You can coordinate light hardwood floors and walls in any space with these simple tips. Just take your time, experiment with samples, and have fun with different color combinations until you find your perfect palette.