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Best Living Room Colors for Hardwood Floors – The Interplay of Wall Colors, Paint Colors, and Hardwood Flooring in Your Living Room

Best Living Room Colors for Hardwood Floors - The Interplay of Wall Colors, Paint Colors, and Hardwood Flooring in Your Living Room The Power of Wood Floors & Wall Colors: The Best Combination for Your Living Room
Best Living Room Colors for Hardwood Floors - The Interplay of Wall Colors, Paint Colors, and Hardwood Flooring in Your Living Room

Meet the Author and Your Future Designer: Julio Arco is a passionate architect with years of experience in architecture, interior design, urban design, and housing. He studied at prestigious universities across North America and Europe. 

 

If you’re looking for The Best Living Room Colors for Hardwood Floors, hire me or my colleagues to help you. Our collaboration will be a seamless online process, from idea boards to detailed layouts, renderings, and a curated shopping listClick here to learn more and work with me with 25% off! Learn more About Me, or visit my Portfolio

Best Living Room Colors for Hardwood Floors - The Interplay of Wall Colors, Paint Colors, and Hardwood Flooring in Your Living Room

The Power of Wood Floors & Wall Colors: The Best Combination for Your Living Room – Introduction Video

Our senses are designed to respond to certain environmental stimuli, which holds true even today. Research has shown that exposure to nature scenes can recharge our mental energy, reduce stress levels, and improve our cognitive performance and social skills.

The right color choice can also significantly impact our mood and well-being. For example, people seen against warm colors, such as reds and oranges, seem friendlier, while those against cool colors, like blues and greens, appear more powerful. 

Different textures underfoot, like carpet or hardwood, can also impact how we feel in a room. Hardwood floors, for instance, signal that we should pay attention and can give a feeling of stability and formality.

Hardwood floors’ psychological benefits overlap with choosing the right color for a living room. Hardwood floors give a feeling of stability and formality, while colors like blues, greens, reds, and purples can lead to better moods, friendliness, improved problem-solving skills, and increased creativity. 

Brighter, less saturated colors are recommended for relaxation, while less bright, more saturated colors are better for a boost of energy.Choosing the right color for your living room is a crucial aspect of interior design. 

Pairing warm and inviting colors with hardwood floors can create a harmonious and comfortable space that is both aesthetically pleasing and good for your well-being. Whether you prefer cool blues, warm reds, or neutral beige, the possibilities are endless when creating a living room you love.

Best Living Room Colors for Hardwood Floors - The Interplay of Wall Colors, Paint Colors, and Hardwood Flooring in Your Living Room

1.- Soft Beige Walls and White Trim for a Calm Look 

According to research by Research Gate, colors can profoundly affect our moods and emotions. Our perception of color is influenced by our culture, experiences, and memories. That’s why using an evidence-based design approach is important when selecting colors for your living room. This approach takes into consideration objective research and data to inform color decisions.

Studies have also shown that colors can impact our perception of time, with warm, vivid colors speeding up time and neutral colors slowing it down. Additionally, research published by NCBI found that blue interiors can facilitate studying and that warm colors tend to produce stronger participant responses when rated for high arousal and excitement. On the other hand, cool colors tend to be associated with calmness and are often used in bedrooms to promote sleep.

So, what are the best colors for your living room with hardwood floors? A soft beige color for your walls and white trim can create a calm and peaceful look. This color palette is neutral and versatile and pairs well with a variety of decor styles. Plus, the beige walls’ lightness will enhance the room’s brightness, and the white trim will provide a crisp and clean look.

Best Living Room Colors for Hardwood Floors - The Interplay of Wall Colors, Paint Colors, and Hardwood Flooring in Your Living Room

2.- Toffee Brown with White Trim and Accent Wall

Toffee Brown with White Trim and Accent Wall is a winning color combination for a living room with hardwood floors. Toffee Brown is a warm color, part of the spectrum of reds, oranges, and yellows, that can speed up our perception of time and evoke strong emotions such as excitement and stimulation. The neutral white trim and accent wall helps to balance out the space and bring a sense of calm to the room.

When it comes to selecting colors for your living room, it’s important to consider color temperature and color palettes. The temperature of a color refers to whether it is warm, cool, or neutral, and each type of color can evoke different moods and emotions. 

Neutral colors like beige are a popular choice for walls because they create a sense of serenity and relaxation, while bright accent walls in blue or green can make a room brighter and more energizing.

When considering how long it takes to paint a bedroom, the process can vary depending on the size of the room, the paint’s quality, and the painter’s skill level. However, as a general rule, a full-fledged paint job takes about 1-2 days for a small to a medium-sized bedroom.

Best Living Room Colors for Hardwood Floors - The Interplay of Wall Colors, Paint Colors, and Hardwood Flooring in Your Living Room

3.- Light-Filled Living Room with White Paint and Light Parquet Floors

The impact of natural lighting on one’s happiness and sadness has been studied and documented by Science Direct. Their research found that living spaces with increased levels of daylight were associated with greater impacts on happiness.

According to an article by the National Library of Medicine, modern lighting technology has the ability to transform the appearance of rooms and spaces, creating ambiances that can positively affect the well-being of occupants. This research showed that an ambiance with a positive affective meaning could be used to combat negative moods.

A study entitled “Effect of lights on visual perception and mood” concluded that color and light are important factors that can be utilized in designing and modifying spaces. The article highlights the role of these two ambient attributes in creating a desirable atmosphere within interior spaces.

Best Living Room Colors for Hardwood Floors - The Interplay of Wall Colors, Paint Colors, and Hardwood Flooring in Your Living Room

4.- Gray Walls and Light Hardwood Floor for a Simple Look

You can create a simple yet elegant look in a living room with gray walls and light hardwood flooring. The neutral tone of the gray walls, paired with the light-toned hardwood flooring, creates a harmonious and calming atmosphere. To add more gray accents to the space, consider layering rugs. 

There are a variety of options to choose from, including matching rugs, pet-friendly rugs, and more. When it comes to selecting the size of the rug, it’s important to consider the size of the room and the furniture placement. Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for those looking for a durable and long-lasting flooring option, but if you have pets, it’s important to consider a pet-friendly rug to protect your floors from scratches and spills.

Best Living Room Colors for Hardwood Floors - The Interplay of Wall Colors, Paint Colors, and Hardwood Flooring in Your Living Room

5.- Lavender with Light-Colored, Pickled Hardwood Floors

According to color theory, the color purple has been found to convey sophistication and luxury. In interior design, using lavender as the main color in your living room can add a touch of femininity and elegance to the space.

To enhance the lavender color scheme, consider adding curtains to your windows. By choosing lavender curtains, you can further dress up the windows and add another layer of color to your living room. 

When selecting the curtain rod, consider choosing a color that complements the lavender curtains, such as white or silver for a more neutral look or a light-colored wood for a warm, natural touch.

In terms of flooring, consider pairing the lavender walls with a light-colored, pickled hardwood floor. The light color of the flooring will complement the walls, while the hardwood adds a touch of warmth to the space. 

Consider using a rug in the living room to add an extra layer of comfort. Choose a rug matching the lavender color scheme, or use a pet-friendly rug to create a comfortable space for you and your furry friends.

Best Living Room Colors for Hardwood Floors - The Interplay of Wall Colors, Paint Colors, and Hardwood Flooring in Your Living Room

6.- Pale Blue Paint with Light Stained Hardwood Flooring

The combination of the pale blue color on the walls and the light hardwood flooring provides a harmonious look that is perfect for those who want a peaceful and relaxed environment.

The color blue has a calming effect, making it an excellent choice for a living room. According to evidence-based design, blue has a calming effect on the mind and body, which helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation. This means that a living room with pale blue walls can help you unwind after a long day at work or provide a relaxing environment for entertaining guests.

The distribution of light to dark colors can also influence a person’s comfort level in a space. Lighter colors are typically seen over the head and darker colors underfoot, with the distribution of colors playing an important role in creating a balanced environment. The combination of the pale blue walls and the light-stained hardwood flooring provides just the right balance of light and dark colors, making it a great choice for a living room.

Best Living Room Colors for Hardwood Floors - The Interplay of Wall Colors, Paint Colors, and Hardwood Flooring in Your Living Room

7.- Sand Colored Paint with Medium Stained Hardwood Floor

Colors can evoke different emotions and moods, and the distribution of light and dark colors in a space can also affect a person’s comfort level.

For example, according to color theory, lighter colors are often seen over the head, and darker colors are seen underfoot. Lighter colors, such as sand, tend to create an open and airy feel in a room, making it seem larger and more spacious. On the other hand, darker colors can add depth and a sense of grounding to a space.

When choosing paint for your living room walls, it’s also important to consider the lighting in the room. Natural light can change the appearance of color throughout the day, and artificial light can also affect how a color looks in a space. For example, warm white light can make a cool-toned color appear bluer, while cool white light can make a warm-toned color appear more yellow.

In addition to considering the lighting, it’s important to consider the color of your hardwood flooring when selecting a wall color. Medium-stained hardwood flooring can range in color from a warm honey tone to a cool brown tone, so choosing a wall color that complements the flooring is important. Sand is a versatile color that works well with various wood tones, making it a good choice for your living room.

Best Living Room Colors for Hardwood Floors - The Interplay of Wall Colors, Paint Colors, and Hardwood Flooring in Your Living Room

8.- Sage Green with Cherry Hardwood Floor

The color sage green, commonly associated with nature, can add a calming and refreshing ambiance to your living space. Paired with cherry hardwood flooring can create a warm and inviting environment.

Arranging plants in your home can be a great way to enhance the overall aesthetic and add pops of green color; however, it’s important to make sure you’re avoiding common mistakes such as over- or under-watering or placing plants in an area without enough light.

To ensure the longevity of your houseplants, it’s important to follow proper care tips such as researching the specific needs of each plant and providing them with adequate light, water, and nutrients. Finding the perfect spot for each houseplant can also help them thrive and make the most of their benefits, such as improving air quality.

Houseplants have become increasingly popular, and new trends, such as hanging plants and pet-friendly indoor trees, are gaining popularity. Another fun and unique idea are to talk to your houseplants – research has shown that talking with them can benefit both the plant and the person.

Best Living Room Colors for Hardwood Floors - The Interplay of Wall Colors, Paint Colors, and Hardwood Flooring in Your Living Room

9.- Brownish-Gray Accent Wall with Mid-Toned Hardwood Flooring

Warm colors like reds, oranges, and yellows are often associated with energy, excitement, and creativity, while cool colors like blues and greens tend to evoke feelings of calm, serenity, and peace.

In this context, a brownish-gray accent wall paired with mid-toned hardwood flooring can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your living space. This color palette can add a touch of sophistication, grounding, and balance to the room while still allowing for a neutral backdrop that can easily be accessorized with pops of color or patterns.

To enhance the effect of your brownish-gray accent wall, you can play around with different textures, such as a shiplap or paneling style for the wall or a matte or gloss finish for the hardwood flooring. You can also add some greenery to the room, either in the form of houseplants or cut flowers, to bring in some natural elements and complement the calming effect of the green color.

Overall, combining a brownish-gray accent wall with mid-toned hardwood flooring can create a warm and welcoming environment in your living space and serve as

Best Living Room Colors for Hardwood Floors - The Interplay of Wall Colors, Paint Colors, and Hardwood Flooring in Your Living Room

10.- Bright White with Hickory Flooring for a Cool Look.

A white color scheme creates a blank canvas that can be easily paired with other colors, making it versatile and timeless. When paired with hickory flooring, the overall look is fresh and contemporary. Hickory is known for its durability, strength, and natural variations in color, which add depth and interest to a space. 

To enhance the cool look of a bright white and hickory color scheme, consider incorporating metallic accents, such as chrome or stainless steel, to create a sleek and sophisticated ambiance. When it comes to decorating, focus on clean lines and a minimalist approach to highlight the crisp and cool feel of the space.

Best Living Room Colors for Hardwood Floors - The Interplay of Wall Colors, Paint Colors, and Hardwood Flooring in Your Living Room

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the choice of wall colors for a room with wood floors is a critical decision that can impact the overall look and feel of the space. The color of the flooring is an important consideration, with different types of wood flooring having their own unique characteristics and undertones. 

Light wood flooring works well with a variety of wall colors, including cool shades of blue and green, while medium wood flooring can be complemented with cool colors such as gray and white. 

Cherry wood flooring can be paired with gray wall colors to create a sophisticated and elegant look. Hardwood flooring can also be paired with warm colors such as beige and cream. The choice of wall color should match the flooring and reflect the desired mood and atmosphere of the room.

Choosing the right wall color is important when it comes to complementing your hardwood flooring. While light wood flooring is versatile, medium and dark hardwood flooring may require more careful consideration when it comes to choosing the right wall color. 

Cool wall colors provide a calm and refreshing look, while warm colors create a more inviting atmosphere. When it comes to picking a wall color, it is important to take into account the overall design style of the room, the amount of natural light, and the personal preferences of those who will be using the space.

Overall, the combination of wall colors and wood flooring can significantly impact a room’s ambiance and style. Whether you prefer light or dark wood, cool or warm colors, the right combination of wall color and wood flooring can enhance the beauty and functionality of any living space. 

With careful consideration and a little bit of creativity, you can achieve a stunning and cohesive look that perfectly complements your hardwood flooring.

Best Living Room Colors for Hardwood Floors – FAQ

What is the best wall color to match light wood flooring?

The best wall color to match light wood flooring would be light colors such as whites, beiges, or light grays. These colors will complement the light wood and create a cohesive look.

What are some cool colors for painting the walls to complement medium wood flooring?

Some cool colors to complement medium wood flooring could be blues, greens, or even purples. These colors contrast well with the warm tones of the medium wood flooring and provide a unique and eye-catching look.

Can cherry wood floors be paired with gray wall colors?

Yes, cherry wood floors can be paired with gray wall colors. A medium to dark gray color will contrast the cherry wood’s warm tones and create a stylish and sophisticated look.

How can you choose the perfect wall color to complement hardwood flooring?

To choose the perfect wall color to complement hardwood flooring, consider the undertones of the wood and choose colors that contrast or complement them. You can also use a color wheel to determine which colors work well together.

What are some common paint colors that work well with hardwood floors?

Some common paint colors that work well with hardwood floors include white, beige, light gray, and light blue. These colors provide a neutral and complementary look to the warm tones of the hardwood flooring.

How do cool wall colors impact the overall look and feel of a room with hardwood flooring?

Cool wall colors create a calming and relaxing atmosphere in a room with hardwood flooring. They contrast well with the warm tones of the wood and add a touch of sophistication to the space.

What are the benefits of using bright white paint with hickory flooring?

Using bright white paint with hickory flooring creates a modern and clean look in the room. White helps to brighten the space and make it appear larger, while the hickory flooring adds warmth and texture.

How do you pick a wall color to match different types of wood flooring?

To pick a wall color to match different types of wood flooring, consider the undertones of the wood and choose colors that contrast or complement them. You can also use a color wheel to determine which colors work well together.

Can you mix different colors of wood flooring in the same room?

Yes, you can mix different colors of wood flooring in the same room. However, choosing colors that complement each other and have a similar style or texture is important to create a cohesive look.

What are some factors to consider when choosing wall colors that will complement wood floors in a room?

Some factors to consider when choosing wall colors that will complement wood floors in a room include the undertones of the wood, the style and texture of the flooring, the amount of natural light in the room, and the desired overall atmosphere.

 

Best Living Room Colors for Hardwood Floors - The Interplay of Wall Colors, Paint Colors, and Hardwood Flooring in Your Living Room
Best Living Room Colors for Hardwood Floors - The Interplay of Wall Colors, Paint Colors, and Hardwood Flooring in Your Living Room

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M.Arch. Julio Arco
M.Arch. Julio Arco

Bachelor of Architecture - ITESM University
Master of Architecture - McGill University
Architecture in Urban Context Certificate - LDM University
Interior Designer - Havenly
Architecture Professor - ITESM University

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