Back to Wood Floor Fitting
Choosing the Right Width for your Wood Floor
Nowadays, wood flooring boards come in a wide variety of widths, providing homeowners with numerous options to choose from. Just a couple of decades ago, having such choices was virtually unheard of. However, thanks to innovations and modernisation within the wood flooring industry, you now have more opportunities to explore different styles and designs.
Experimenting with different floorboard widths not only allows you to think outside the box but also enables you to create a unique wooden floor that makes a statement without resorting to conventional methods of varying colours and textures. Choosing unique widths can achieve more than just a striking visual appeal; it can also play with visual illusions, helping you create a space that truly stands out.
If you are purchasing a wooden floor for the first time, you may be surprised by the range of widths available. However, you'll soon realise that different floorboard widths can create entirely different effects and atmospheres within the same room.
Choosing the Right Width
Selecting the right width is crucial for enhancing the layout and overall design of your space. The right width can accentuate a room's strengths while visually camouflaging its weaknesses. Importantly, there are no strict rules governing how different widths can work together; the choice is primarily influenced by your style and the desired effect you want to achieve.
To assist you in this process, we’ve compiled some fundamental guidelines that will help you choose the right wood floorboard width for your room:
- Consider the Size of the Room: Wider boards can make a large space feel more expansive, while narrower boards can create a cosier atmosphere in smaller rooms.
- Match the Style of Your Home: Traditional homes may benefit from narrower boards, whereas modern designs often pair well with wider options.
- Think About the Visual Effect: Wider boards can create a more contemporary look, while narrower boards may offer a more classic appearance.
- Assess Practicality: Ensure the chosen width fits with your lifestyle, including factors such as cleaning and maintenance.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you can confidently select the right wood floorboard width that suits both your style and the functionality of your home.
Floorboards for Small Rooms
Choosing the right wood flooring for small rooms is often easier than you might think. One effective strategy is to opt for wider floorboards, which can create an optical illusion of a more spacious area. This approach is especially beneficial in narrower rooms, where wide floorboards can visually expand the space.
To enhance this visual effect, consider selecting wood flooring in a light colour with a prime or select grade. This choice typically features fewer natural patterns, contributing to a cleaner, more open appearance. The combination of light colour and clean lines adds an airy feeling to the room, making it seem larger and more inviting.
In terms of finish, a glossy lacquer finish is an excellent option. This type of finish not only adds depth but also reflects natural light beautifully, much like mirrors do, further enhancing the sense of space.
Installation Tips
When installing wide floorboards, always ensure they are fitted in a direction that follows the natural light coming from the largest or main window in the room. This alignment maximises the light's effect and helps create a brighter, more expansive atmosphere.
By considering these tips, you can transform your small room into a visually appealing and spacious environment with the right wood flooring choices.
Floorboards for Large Rooms
When it comes to large rooms, you may not need to create an optical illusion with wider floorboards—unless you choose to, of course. After all, who wouldn't appreciate a room that feels even more spacious and uncluttered? However, large spaces offer the unique opportunity to experiment with narrow boards, allowing you to create an interesting and distinctive wooden floor that complements the room's design while dictating its overall setting, style, and atmosphere.
Narrow boards are often selected to achieve a more formal and classic aesthetic. Think of the grand castles and stately homes, where intricate wood floor patterns made with narrower boards create an inviting and elegant ambience. Achieving a similar effect in your large room is straightforward; with the right choice of narrow floorboards, you can enjoy a unique style that makes the floor the focal point of the space.
Design Considerations
- Pattern and Layout: When using narrow boards, consider experimenting with different patterns, such as herringbone or chevron, to add visual interest.
- Colour and Finish: Lighter finishes can enhance the lightness of the room, while darker tones may create a more intimate feel.
- Texture: Consider varying textures to complement the room's decor and enhance its character.
By thoughtfully selecting narrow boards, you can transform a large room into a stunning space where the flooring plays a key role in the overall design and atmosphere.