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TIPS FOR MIXING WOOD TONES IN YOUR HOME
Do you want to give your place a warm and inviting atmosphere using wood tones? With thousands of choices in materials and textures, it can be hard to find the perfect option. Is it okay to mix-and-match different wood tones for a unique aesthetic?
If you’re looking to learn how best to mix different wood tones in your design, be sure to check out my article for tips and tricks on getting the perfect look. I am here to help! Here’s some tips for how to mix wood tones in your home.
Pick a Dominant Wood Tones
As with any area of design, you need a starting point. When creating a wood-toned design, select a dominant wood tones first. There are a lot of wood colors .
This primary wood will be most visible within the space – think flooring, cabinetry or the largest piece of furniture. From there, choose accent woods that complement the initial choice and enhance depth and contrast. For a more pronounced look, use light and dark wood tones for striking contrast.
Undertones Colors of Wood
Warm wood tones typically have yellow, orange or red undertones, while cold wood tones typically have blue, green, black or gray undertones. When decorating a space with multiple wood materials, it is important to ensure that the colors are consistent to provide balance and ensure an aesthetically pleasing look.
Place two sample pieces next to each other in different types of lighting, such as natural daylight or artificial night lights, to check the undertones. Viewing how they look together from all angles will be key to getting the perfect look for your space.
Keep Natural Variations In Mind
When deciding on a wood colors stain, you will have plenty of options. To avoid an overly grainy texture, I suggest using White Oak or Maple, both of which allow for the desired stained paint color to be applied well.
For a smooth finish that highlights the natural grain, you should opt for a stain in shades like walnut, mahogany, or cherry.
Create Contrast
You must keep the various tones of wood from overwhelming the room and create contrast and balance by combining pieces made from different materials. For example, if you’re mixing wood tones in a living room, add a metal coffee table, a cozy fabric sofa, and a rug to help spoil the look of the space.
If you’re mixing wood colors paint in a kitchen or bathroom, choose the suitable tiles and matte materials to use contrasting pieces. Get inspired by the various ideas below and make your space more refined and eye-catching with beautiful wood tones!
Use Each Tone More Than Once In Each Room
Wood tones come in various shades and textures, adding warmth, depth, and sophistication to any living space. If you want to use wood in your home decor, consider using more than one tone or texture to create balance and interest.
For example, pair a warm wood tone with other warm hues in your design scheme, or use a combination of cool and warm wood tones for an eye-catching contrast.
Use Rugs
Rugs can be a great way to tie together an interior made from different wood tones. By adding an area rug, you create a barrier between the furniture and the floor to break up any harsh lines that might otherwise appear.
This not only adds texture and visual interest, but it also adds comfort during prolonged sitting or standing. This will create a more cohesive look and tie the entire space together!
If You Have A LOT of Wood, Create Separation
Although adhering to these guidelines is essential, there are instances when a space might appear overwhelming due to an abundance of wood elements. In such cases, here are a few tips to subtly downplay a space that incorporates more wood than what you’re accustomed to.
- Enhance the connection between your flooring and furniture by incorporating an area rug. By skillfully utilizing a rug, you can redirect attention away from the color variations in wood tones and create a more balanced contrast.
- If the tone of your wood flooring and furniture is similar in color, an area rug can still be utilized effectively. In this case, the rug will serve to break up the cohesive palette and introduce an element of contrast. As explained earlier, incorporating an area rug will help achieve a well-balanced design with enhanced contrast.
Keep It Cohesive
Creating a sense of cohesion in a room largely relies on the principle of repetition. By carefully considering the undertones, finishes, and wood tones grains of the wood tones selections in your home, you can more effectively blend and coordinate them. This attention to detail makes it easier to achieve a harmonious and well-integrated look.
After identifying the undertones and shades that complement your space, it’s important to incorporate these selections repeatedly. A general guideline is to ensure that each wood tones variation appears at least 2-3 times throughout the room.
Mixing wood tones is all about balance. By strategically scattering the various tones throughout the space, the design will feel cohesive, connected, and purposeful.
Match wood undertones and mix accordingly
Similar to principles taught in art class, there are various wood undertones to consider such as warm, cool, or neutral. When working with undertones, a general guideline is to either stick with warm tones or cool tones when blending different types of wood. It is generally advised to avoid mixing and wood matching undertones.
Hence, if your primary wood tones leans towards warmth, opt for woods and stains that possess yellow, orange, or reddish undertones.
Conversely, if your wood exhibits cool undertones, it is advisable to choose woods and stains with grey, taupe, pink, or green undertones to maintain consistency.
