With so many choices available today, choosing wood flooring for your home is an exciting process. Hardwood flooring adds richness and value to any room, and that is particularly true with a darker-toned flooring choice. Flooring in deep hues of dark chocolate brown or ebony black can create a bold statement, especially in large rooms.

Hardwood floors are available in traditional solid wood, which can be sanded and refinished over the years. Because it is solid, it expands and contracts with the changes of humidity levels in the home, and it isn’t suitable for high humidity areas.

Engineered hardwood floors are the perfect alternative. Engineered flooring is produced with several layers of stacked hardwood that is bonded together from pressure and heat. As a result, it is far more resistant to humidity changes. This makes it the perfect choice for basements, attics or humid climates.

In addition to the familiar plank-style or tongue and groove flooring, it is also available in parquets or multimedia styles like stone. More whimsical patterns, such as interlocking jigsaw pieces, add even more interest. Dark flooring paired with crisp white walls provides the perfect blank canvas. Add splashes of color using artwork, furniture, and other accessories. If white isn’t your style, the traditional neutral color palette, complete with gray and beige hues, can complement your dark flooring.

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While flooring made of natural wood is the perfect choice for any style of décor, dark flooring tends to lend itself particularly well to a more modern or eclectic approach. Modern furniture, which is frequently manufactured from steel or recycled materials, feels right at home with a glossy, dark hardwood floor. If the room is uncluttered or sparsely furnished, the beautiful dark wood flooring is a work of art underfoot. Along with contrasting cool walls and patterned furnishings, dark flooring gives a very contemporary, clean feel to a space.

Alternatively, dark hardwood flooring in a room with all light upholstery, billowy ivory linens and natural lighting creates a bright and airy space.

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Dark flooring also complements rooms like an office or library. The walls can be darker, deeper jewel tones. Homeowners can use heavier fabrics for the upholstery and draperies. Navy blue, dark saffron, deep jade, rich reds and oranges—these colors all create a warm, sophisticated feel.

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A home theater system, green-felt pool table, and neon beer lights are all a good start to turning a musty old basement into the ultimate man cave. Man caves are becoming increasingly popular. Furniture manufacturers are designing pieces just for this purpose. Sofas and chairs are being fashioned from car parts and converted oil drums. Fabrics are available in skull motifs or motorcycle patterns. Durable, dark flooring made of hardwood ties it all together.

Whether choosing traditional wood flooring or engineered hardwood floors, wood floors are a beautiful, versatile choice that will last a lifetime. To protect your flooring from water damage or unsightly scuffs or scratches, make sure to use a waterproof varnish. You may also want to purchase felt pads to place under chairs, sofas, and tables.

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Written by Erin Alexandra