(RE)WARD: Design Tips to Mix and Match Wood Types
August 25, 2015 design tips / different wood types / hardwood floor / interior design / reclaimed wood / wood furniture
When it comes to interior design, wood is a wonderful element to incorporate. However, wood varies so greatly in variety and stain color that it can be a challenge to match all the wood pieces you own. Have no fear! It’s not as hard as you think. Follow these three simple tips and you can beautifully showcase the wood throughout your house.
Use Strong Contrast
Nothing is worse than something that is almost a match, like a slightly crooked picture frame or vaguely different wood colors. It appears that you tried to make it straight or match, but it comes off as a near-miss. That simply doesn’t work in interior design. So, we like to take it to the other extreme and create bold contrast. It is obvious that it’s intentional and it looks good.
If you have light wood cabinets install a darker wood floor. Vary the wood for your cabinets by using one type on the island and another for the perimeter cabinets. Or, use one shade for the base cabinets and another for wall cupboards. Apply this same technique throughout your house with French doors, flooring, and structural wood accents. If you’re not interested in tearing up your home or kitchen just to create contrast, you can still apply it with the wood furniture you place in the room. Contrast your dining room table or other large furniture piece with the other wood in the room.
Don’t Use More Than 3 Different Woods
Be careful to not get carried away with creating contrast! You don’t want too many different kinds of wood in one room or it can become overwhelming and chaotic. The rule of thumb is to limit yourself to three different types of wood or stains. Even if all the wood is the same variety and the stains differ, remember to only use three different shades. If you have two different types of wood in one room, then only allow yourself to use one extra stain color to apply to either of those types of wood.
Use Repetition
If you’ve used three different woods and created contrast with them, but still feel that it’s not complete, chances are that you need repetition. Get a pair of matching end tables or coordinate your coffee table with the mantle on your fireplace. Match some of the wood pieces while creating contrast with others. With this mindset, just as in the previous example, you shouldn’t go overboard with the mixing part of your mix and match process.
Be creative with your approach. Use what you have in addition to investing in something new. If you have too many different wood types, consider painting some of them to unify pieces that didn’t match originally. If you’re looking for wood to use for flooring, cabinets, counters, furniture, or any other project be sure to contact Reclaimed Timber Products and we’ll help you out!