Why do some people choose to mix and match shades of wood in their decor? It’s because, when you mix the right shades of wood together, you can create beautiful and unique spaces that may not be possible with one solid wood design element. Of course, this can also be a bit challenging, especially if you’re new to the world of mixed wood shades in your decor. That’s why we put together this helpful guide on how to mix and match different wood shades in your decor. Read on to find out more!
Choose a dominant wood tone
The first step is choosing a dominant wood tone that you want for your new room. This can be difficult as there are so many different types of wood, but it’s necessary to have a primary color that will provide the foundation for all the other colors you’ll use. As you plan, keep in mind the overall feel of the room and what kind of mood you want it to have. Do you want a bright, airy space or something more rustic?
Add pops of color with details
There are many ways you can mix your wood shades. Start by looking around your space, noting the colors that are already there. Then, see if you have any pieces of furniture or accents that have similar tones or undertones. If not, consider adding pops of color with details like throw pillows, vases, artwork or candles. These little touches can help create a sense of balance when working with contrasting wood shades.
Incorporate clean lines
When you’re mixing wood colors, the key is to keep your lines as clean as possible. The more you mix textures, colors, and patterns, the harder it will be for the eye to follow what’s going on. Keep your decor simple with a few different shades of wood.
Use dark woods sparingly
Wood shades should be used as accents, not focal points. Dark woods such as black walnut, ebony, or mahogany should be used sparingly so they don’t overwhelm the room with darkness. Otherwise, stick with light wood tones that are more neutral like maple, birch or white oak.
Pair hardwoods with softwoods
Wood is a natural material that should be preserved. It can be stained or painted, but it cannot be easily replaced once it has been damaged. If your home has a lot of hardwood flooring, try integrating softwoods into the design to give it some color variety. For example, use hardwood on the first floor and softwoods on the second floor. Also, consider using different types of wood; such as oak and walnut for warm tones or white oak with maple for cool tones.