Last week we wrote about why you should consider light hardwood flooring, but today we are all about dark hardwoods. Keep reading to find out why people love dark flooring options as well as a few cleaning tips and tricks!

Dark hardwoods are often considered more modern compared to traditional light floors and they have the ability to make a space appear more warm or cool depending on how they are used. The results are always bold, dramatic and rich. Pair dark floors with lighter paint or furniture and bright lights to avoid creating too dark of a space. For example, they can be visually grounding when paired with white walls and ceiling. Additionally, choosing light accents can help keep a room from feeling small.

Some people feel that dark wood floors make rooms look smaller than they are. While that might be the case if the entire room is decorated in dark colors, remember that by using a light colors on the walls, for the furniture, etc. can easily offset that effect. –Pro Floor Tips

Before we talk about cleaning, remember that it’s ideal to take a sample home before installing your floor. This is due to the fact that lighting may change the appearance of the wood. It is very important to make sure the color looks good with your cabinets, furniture, etc. The lighting may also accentuate the graining differently in various spaces. We personally love that dark stains tend to show the natural grain of the wood more clearly than light options.

Dark floors may be a bit more difficult to clean than their lighter counterparts, but they are really great at hiding problems. For example, they don’t fade as easily which means that they may need less refinishing over time. Choosing a finish that is a couple of shades lighter can still allow you to have a modern look while keeping dust or pet hair more hidden. Plus, darker shades can add value to your home.

Check out these tips for cleaning dark hardwood floors by Pro Floor Tips

The thought of having to clean your dark wooden floors might be a worrisome one, but it doesn’t have to be. On the whole, hardwood floors can be cleaned easier than carpets and rugs…

Here are some tips to help you keep them looking like new.

Wear shoes or socks to minimize footprints 

One thing that many people who have dark floors dislike is that bare footprints tend to show up on their floors. This problem is easily solved by making it a house rule that everyone has to wear shoes or socks inside when walking on your hardwood.

Invest in a quality vacuum cleaner 

This is essential because you don’t want to scratch your wood floors. After you have taken the necessary precautions (such as using the correct attachment), simply use the vacuum cleaner as you normally do.

Purchase a quality dry dust mop

This is an essential cleaning tool to have and can help you do a quick touch up when you see some dust but aren’t prepared to do a full vacuum and clean.

Get a good hardwood floor cleaner

Get one that will clean and protect your dark hardwood floors at the same time. There are many good brands out there, and the manufacturer of your floor usually has a couple recommendations of suitable products so just contact them. (Click here to find out about Hallmark Floors Maintenance Products)

Create and stick to a cleaning schedule

You can probably get away with mopping once a week, if you make a point of using the dust mop every couple of days and vacuuming as needed.

More about dark hardwoods…

The photos in this blog post are of Mission from our Ventura Collection. They were purchased from Weeks Hardwood Floors in Greensboro, North Carolina. Weeks Hardwood Floors is a highly recommended Hallmark Floors Spotlight Dealer. They are a locally owned company and have an A+ rating with the BBB. They are highly knowledgeable about our products, carry all of the collections and are sure to be of great help.