Getting New Wood Floors...Need Help Picking Out Which Color To Choose!
 

I need help guys! Hubby and I are having new wood floors put in soon but we are stuck on two colors and can't decide between the two of them :eek: I have included some pictures so that you all can give me your opinions and help me decide on which floor to go with :)

These are just sample floor pieces....the first floor is the lighter (although not by any means "light" just somewhere in between light and dark - medium I guess lol). This floor is your more "traditional" wood colored flooring. The second floor is the darker floor which hubby and I do really like - but we still can't decide on which one we should actually go with :confused:

I have also included some pictures of some of the decor in my house so that maybe that will help with your final decision. First pic is just the fireplace mantle in my living room, second picture is the living room (sorry this picture is kind of dark and blurry and as you can see it was taken around Christmas, LOL), third picture is my kitchen, outside looking in and fourth is my actual kitchen. Last is just showing the wall color in my living room (again, sorry - old picture...taken an Easter or two ago lol).

I wish I had better pictures of the inside but wouldn't you know when I really need them I can't find them on my computer :mad: Oh well...these will just have to do for now! :p

P.S. - The new flooring will be going in the living room, kitchen and hallway ;) HELP, PLEASE!!! :eek:

The last of the pics :)

Oops....I see that I included two pictures of the mantle...sorry about that!

I like the darker one. I think it looks more elegant and would look really beautiful with your wall colors!

It looks like your house is French Countryish? If so, I like the lighter. If it is more traditional, then I would say the darker.

Looks like you get a lot of natural light so the darker wood would not be an issue.

Thank you so much girl...my hubby will love reading this, LOL :p

Yeah, it actually is more traditional :) Geez, I am stuck in the middle...part of me thinks that it is just "safer" to go with the lighter...but then I look at the dark and I really do love it...geez, decisions, decisions! :eek:

Thank you so much for your help girl, I GREATLY appreciate it! :D

I like the lighter color. It's more traditional and versatile.

Also I can only imagine how obvious dust and dirt would be and show up on the darker floors. :eek:

Is this laminate or wood? The reason I asked we are in the middle of laying laminate and I am not real happy with it.:confused: The reason I picked laminate was because of the dogs and their nails. The laminate pieces are big and the seams are too noticeable to me. I wish I would have researched it a little more before choosing what I did. If you are using wood I think color is all about your decor. Good luck but check out a finished laminate floor before choosing it.

defiantely the dark.
 

The dark is my choice :) beautifull with your choice of color,etc.

We have been going thru this same thing for a month now, deciding on the color wood. We FINALLY chose one that would also look great in your house. It's a butterscotch color from Home Depot. If you like I can get the exact name. It's such a nice warm cozy color and that's what I see in your house.

Haha well, that's what I have heard about the darker wood flooring - it is alot harder to keep clean. HOWEVER, my cousin got a really dark wood floors put in about 6 months ago (even darker than the one I have picked out) and she said that she LOVES them. She said that they aren't hard at all for her to keep clean - and she has 3 kids and a white, long haired cat! :eek: She said the only thing that shows up is a bit of dust....but that it's really not that bad. I'm confused about that though because I have had several people tell me the opposite. So I have no clue :confused:

Here is a picture (I know it doesn't show much of the floor at all, but this is the only pic I had of them) that shows her dark floors, just so you can see them :)

The darker one! Love it! :)

I LOVE the look of dark wood floors so I would go with the darker one!! It is so elegant and looks good against lighter walls.

Awww, I am so sorry that you are not happy with your new floors...that is such a bummer! :( These actually are the laminate planks. I decided to go with this since it is easier to keep and doesn't scratch like real hardwood does, and yes, because of the dogs as well. :) My cousin (the one that I was talking about in a couple posts above) has this type of flooring also and she said that she absolutely LOVES hers. My aunt also has them in her home and loves them as well and my sister had them in a previous house and said the same thing. I don't know...I guess everyone just has different opinions on what they like and what works for them. I am so sorry though that you are unhappy :(

Thank you so much for your opinion sweetie, I greatly appreciate it! :D

That sounds so pretty girl! :D Do you happen to have a picture of it down, or do you not have it installed yet? Also, is it real hardwood or the laminate planks?

Thank you so much girl! :D Everyone so far (most people here and the ones that have seen it in person) are telling me to go with the dark - which is making my hubby very happy because that is the one that he really seems to like :p And I *THINK* I do as well, LOL :p

I agree! They always say that if you have lighter furniture, to go with darker floors as it makes everything "pop" - and I DO have lighter furniture. I just don't want to go TOO light with the flooring and have everything blend together too much and look dull....ya know what I mean? :rolleyes:

I do think that the darker floors are very warm, rich, cozy and homey looking :)

Really cute house, I love your sense of style. I think you could go both ways. The dark seems like it would be great in the living room especially with all the dark accessories you have. Light to medium tones appeal to more buyers, and if selling your home is in the near future this is something you might consider. I've always loved the darker toned woods, but they do take more work. I chose a medium tone for this house after having the darker tone; it shows much less, and it is so much easier to take care of. Darker tones do have to be lightly dust moped every day, no biggy, if there is a tendency for scratches they might scratch down to bare wood, which of course shows up more in dark wood. That said; I rather have the dark. Most homes can't handle the dark, but if you have lots of windows, and light it's really beautiful. Helpful aren't I?


I just read that there laminate, are they laminate or engineered wood? They are beautiful!

I have light, real hardwood floors and you can see every tiny little scratch. I love the look of the dark hardwood floors. I also think the texture stands out more on the dark wood. It's really beautiful and elegant. A lot of the model homes right now are sporting the dark hardwood floors.

Personally I like the first one best, but after looking at your room pics, my thought was the dark (second) probably goes the best with the decor. I think you will be very happy with the laminate. I have had a whitewashed color (light) in my kitchen and entryways for about 12 years and they have held up beautifully. There are a few little nics, but not very many considering the hard wear they get. I had even had a little leak from the dishwasher and for awhile between two planks it was a little raised/warped. It has since fixed itself:) over time.

I like the dark :)
Your house is decorated so nicely!!!

I vote darker color.. I love the darker wood colors so I'm biased but I still vote the 2nd one!!

You probably already picked one... I didnt read the whole thread
DARK... very rich looking, warm,

I like the dark!! It looks sooo classy!

I am more of the lighter type but seeing your decor I think the dark will look very rich. I have a red oak laminate and it is so easy to take care of, but it does show all the dogs little footprints when they go out on the damp grass. I just use a mix of vinigar and water and a mop and spray and wipe. I do it sometimes 2 times a day on wet days where the dogs come in and out but I love it.

I vote for the darker color. Darker colors will not show imperfection in the wood-scratches and water damage etc...

I like the lighter one! I love your house tho! I looks so warm and cozy.

I like the dark but you will have your dust mop out more often.....who cares, it will be worth it.