Dark hardwoods in foyer...?

Question

We have looked into every shade of hardwood, and we have decided to put very dark hardwoods in our foyer (the rest of the room is carpeted.) Are there any known downsides to very dark hardwoods (vs. light floors?)

Answer 1

The only real 'downside' to using a dark hardwood (whether stained or natural) would be the effect on overall lighting.

If you use a naturally dark hardwood, such as black walnut, then cost may be a factor to consider.

Some ways to get around cost, is to use less expensive wood, where it will not show, a practice of the furniture and moulding industry for decades. Use Veneers instead of solids, etc.

As for the lighting... well, that will really tie into the overall effect you are trying to pull off in the room itself. You may like your foyer to be a bit darker overall.... if you want it brighter, then you may want to consider shopping for some additional lighting. This can be done after you install your hardwoods tho. You might shop for sconces, chandelier, perimiter lighting, lamps... there are all kinds of ways to address the lighting.

Ive seen complaints that 'darkwood' shows dust more easily... my only answer to that, is really, to clean it, hehehehe.... people purchase darkwoods to show them off.... naturally, you want to keep them in their best looking condition. Dust regularly, avoid sprays that will cause a buildup on the finish, etc. If you are using an oil finish on the wood, then you want to use a product like Murphy's Oil Soap on a regular basis. If you are using a polyurethane finish (as is found on most flooring), you want to avoid products with oil, or wax, in them, and stick to basic gentle cleaners.

For example, one area that the wrong type of 'cleaner' is most often used, is on pianos. I happen to play piano, and Ive played a lot of different ones... and Ive seen sadly, where a lot of staff, have used the wrong cleaners, and left a build-up of oil/dirt or wax, leaving the piano in terrible looking condition. MOST pianos today, are made of a combination of hardwoods, and veneers, and use a polyurethane finish. The BEST way to clean them, is to dust them with a damp cloth. Thats it! The same goes for most flooring.... just damp mop....never wet mop, and dont use things like wax sprays, etc. Just a simple damp cloth, or damp mop, on a regular basis will do wonders for the looks of your dark woods.

Have Fun!

Answer 2

Good Luck.My dark hardwood floors show dust and water spills etc,much more than my light hardwood floors.Also depends how much traffic you will have on your hardwood floor.I believe to go lighter if you don't have the time to always clean the floor.Might want to change your mind and do a different kind of flooring.