Home Office Design: Light vs. Dark Wood Floors
Discover the right polish to add the shine and protection you want floors and furniture need to keep them looking great.


Home Office Design: Light vs. Dark Wood Floors
Discover the right polish to add the shine and protection you want floors and furniture need to keep them looking great.
Working from home has become part of the new normal during this age of COVID-19. As more people work from home, the idea of having a true home office is something many savvy homeowners are looking into. Having a dedicated home office space is something that can be had in any home, and it doesn’t take much to get your home office space created.
If you’re interested in taking the opportunity to design a home office, one question comes to mind: the color of your floors. Do you go with light floors or dark floors? Whether you’re going with hardwood, laminate, or other wood-look options, choosing between light vs. dark floors will help create the right look and mood to maximize productivity.

Benefits of Light Hardwood Floors
Light hardwood floors make rooms appear light and airy. They also make it easy to decorate with since they blend in with the room’s surroundings. Here are other reasons why people love light hardwood floors:
- Low maintenance. Hides dust and light-colored scuffs/scratches easily.
- Makes rooms appear bigger. Reflects light, giving the room an open feel.
- Highlights décor. Light wood floors go well with everything, making design choices easier.

Home Office Design Tips
While many people are concerned with dark hardwood floors making rooms appear smaller, proper design elements can keep the benefits of dark hardwood without making rooms look small.
- Keeps color longer. Dark wood floors absorb light, making it less susceptible to fading.
- Brings out unique wood characteristics. Dark wood floors can highlight the wood’s natural grain.
- Bold statements. Deep, rich colors can be used to create a look of luxury and flair to your home office.
Considerations
If you’re still undecided about light or dark wood floors, here are some factors to include in your decision.
- Furniture color. Walls can change color to match floors. Furniture can’t. Let your furniture color help you figure out the best color for your floors.
- Foot traffic. Since light wood floors hide scuffs and scratches better, they will be the better choice for busier home offices.
- Maintenance. Dark wood floors show dust easily. Be prepared for a bit more cleaning to keep dark floors looking beautiful.
- Room lighting. Think about the amount of light in your space. Not enough light with dark floors make rooms look smaller. Too much light on light floors washes out a room.
Home Office Design Tips
After choosing the right floors, be sure to think about these tips to have a comfortable, productive home office.
- Lighting. Use a combination of general, task and accent lighting.
- Stay comfortable. Don’t just recreate an office at home. Ditch traditional work desks and tables for more comfortable choices that highlight your taste and style, not just a business look.
- Keep it simple. Include only what you need in your design to give your office a light feel. Simple office deign can make a home office more versatile, giving it more functionality than just a workspace.
If you’re interested in getting new floors for your home office, find a local Bona Certified Craftsman to get expert advice and fantastic results.