When it comes to the color of hardwood flooring, it has the potential to set the tone of the room and embellish your decorating style. If you are looking to create a warm and luxurious feel, consider installing dark hardwood floors in you home. While the term dark wood can conjure images of cherry, ebony and mahogany there are even deeper shades mimicking colors close to black. But for those who have never had this type of hardwood floor installed in their home, there are certain advantages of choosing one shade over another. So before you make the switch from carpet to wood, or light to dark – you may want to consider some specific points before you make you decision.

Dark Hardwood Floors in High Traffic Areas
While most people who have dark hardwood flooring installed in their home will tell you they love the way it looks. But they may also mention that it has the potential to show all the dust, dirt and pet hair in your home. For those who love a home that appears immaculate, this may cause an issue. And in most cases, the darker the color – the more the dust and pet hair will show, (and this is especially true if your pet is white). Also, the finish can also make a difference when it comes to showing the wear of high traffic areas. Finishes with a higher degree of shine typically require more cleaning and sweeping to maintain a clean area. However, there are simple solutions to this problem if your heart is set on dark flooring. Consider investing in a hardwood floor vacuum to deal with issues of performing a quick clean before guest arrive, and make maintaining the overall appearance easier.

Long Lasting Color
Despite what logic may tell you, dark hardwoods are not prone to the same degree of fading as lighter colors. This is because they absorb light rather than reflect it. So if you are installing a new floor, rest assured it will look good starting from the day of installation to years down the road. Another advantage is colors such as cherry, black, mahogany and ebony can actually enhance the appearance of the wood grain. This can make your floor a true conversation piece, and add to the overall detail of the room.

Changing the Color of Your Hardwood Floor
If you are about to start a home renovation project, but do not want to install new hardwood a simple solution is to stain the surface. Doing this can save you both time and money, but it can also be a difficult process. Before you begin, try and determine what type of wood flooring is already in place. If it is maple, you may want to reconsider your idea. Staining a hardwood floor dark can be difficult in this situation because it is highly resistant to the process. In this case you may want to consult with a professional to determine the best solution – otherwise there could be unforeseen problems and your home project could take significantly longer than you thought.

A Beautiful Addition to Any Home
If you have your heart set on creating a home that exudes feelings of luxury and comfort, installing dark hardwood flooring may be the best way to accent your design tastes. While there are some disadvantages when it comes to high traffic areas in the home, don’t let this discourage you. There are a number of products that can keep this floor looking like new and make cleaning a breeze. Also keep in mind dark doesn’t mean drab. There are a variety of stain colors that can create the effect you are looking for, and any one of them will look beautiful in your home, even years down the road.