How to Choose Flooring That Enhances Natural Light

How many times have you made a mistake while shopping, bringing something home you loved in the store but didn’t feel quite right at home?

We’ve all done it. The bright red dress you loved in the store lights – it didn’t look quite the same when you slipped it on again in your bedroom. Or the curtains that looked magical in the store – only to look subdued and washed out at home.

The thing is, you can easily return the dress or buy new window coverings without a huge investment. Not so with flooring. Once installed, you’ll live with it for years to come.

Light has a major role when choosing and installing new flooring. The color you choose and the available light can change the whole atmosphere of the room.

Walk through your house – every room experiences light differently. The colors change. The ambiance is impacted.

This is especially true here in Colorado. We boast 300 days of sunshine every year. And we know some of that sunshine comes streaming in through your windows, changing the appearance of everything around you.

How do you deal with that? How do you pick flooring that enhances that natural light?

Natural Light vs Artificial Light – What’s The Difference?

Light is light, right? Actually, there is a big difference. We create light inside our homes so we can function better every hour of the day. But while we try to imitate natural light, artificial light has distinct differences.

Natural light comes from the sun and varies throughout the day and year, depending on the weather, season, and time of day. It has a broad spectrum of wavelengths, which gives it a warm, full-spectrum quality that artificial light often can’t replicate. Natural light can make colors appear more vibrant and true to life.

Artificial light comes from human-made sources. It can be fluorescent, incandescent, LED, or other types, each with its own color temperature and quality. Artificial light is consistent and controllable but often lacks the broad spectrum of natural light. It can sometimes make colors look different than they would in natural light, depending on the bulb’s color temperature (e.g., warm, cool, daylight).

Flooring exposed to natural light can reveal its true colors and textures. Lighter floors can reflect natural light, making a room feel larger and brighter, while darker floors may absorb light, creating a cozy atmosphere. The quality of natural light can highlight the natural grains and patterns in wood, stone, or tile flooring, adding depth and character to the space. However, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause some flooring materials, like wood or vinyl, to fade over time.

The effect of artificial light on flooring depends on the type and placement of the lighting. Warm artificial light can enhance the warmth of wood floors or the richness of dark flooring, while cooler artificial light might emphasize the cool tones in gray or blue-hued flooring. The consistency of artificial light allows for predictable lighting conditions, which is helpful when selecting flooring for evening or low-light environments. However, it may not bring out the full range of colors and textures as effectively as natural light, potentially making flooring appear flat or less dynamic.

Take Advantage Of Your Strong Northern Light

If you have strong northern light streaming through your windows, the quality of light is typically cooler and more diffuse compared to southern light. Northern light can create a softer, more consistent illumination throughout the day, without the harsh shadows and bright spots associated with direct sunlight. Here are some flooring types and colors that work well with northern light:

Flooring Types

Oak, maple, and birch woods are lighter in tone and reflect natural light well, helping to brighten the space. Their subtle grain patterns can also add a touch of texture without overwhelming the coolness of northern light.
Flooring with a whitewashed or bleached finish can enhance the cool tones of northern light, creating a fresh, airy feel. This type of flooring works particularly well in modern or Scandinavian-style interiors.
Choose lighter-colored tiles, like soft grays, beiges, or off-whites, to complement the cool northern light. Tiles with a slight sheen can reflect light, adding to the overall brightness of the room.
Light-colored stones like limestone, marble, or travertine can work well with northern light. The natural veining in these materials can add visual interest, while their light tones help to brighten the space.

Flooring Colors

Colors like soft beige, light taupe, or cream can counterbalance the coolness of northern light, adding warmth and comfort to the space. These shades create a cozy, inviting atmosphere without clashing with the natural light.
Pale gray or greige (a mix of gray and beige) flooring complements the cooler tones of northern light while maintaining a neutral backdrop. These colors are versatile and work well in various design schemes, from contemporary to traditional.
Flooring in soft white or off-white tones can enhance the brightness of a room with northern light, making it feel more open and spacious. These shades work well with almost any decor style.
If you prefer a bit more color, honey or golden-toned wood flooring can add a subtle warmth to balance the cool light. These colors can create a harmonious contrast, making the space feel balanced and inviting.
For a more daring choice, muted blue or green flooring can complement the cool tones of northern light. These colors can create a serene, calming environment, especially in bedrooms or living areas.

Take Advantage Of Your Strong Southern Light

If you have strong southern light streaming through your windows, you’re dealing with warm, bright light that lasts throughout the day. Southern exposure provides intense, direct sunlight, which can enhance the warmth and vibrancy of your flooring but also cause fading over time if the material isn’t chosen carefully. Here are flooring types and colors that work well with southern light:

Flooring Types

Darker woods (i.e. Walnut, Mahogany, or Cherry) can handle the intense southern light, adding richness and depth to the room. The warm tones in the wood pair well with the sunlight, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. You might consider engineered wood, as this option can be more resistant to fading from sunlight than solid hardwood, making it a good choice for rooms with strong southern exposure.
Porcelain or ceramic tile are highly durable and resistant to fading, making them ideal for areas with intense sunlight. Opt for medium to darker shades to balance the brightness. Materials like slate, granite, or dark-colored marble can absorb the warmth of the southern light, creating a luxurious and comfortable environment.
Modern vinyl flooring is designed to be highly resistant to UV damage, making it suitable for sun-filled rooms. You can choose from a wide range of styles, including those that mimic natural wood or stone.
Choose laminate with UV-resistant coatings to prevent fading. Laminate comes in various colors and patterns, allowing you to mimic the look of wood or stone with added durability.

Flooring Colors:

Deep browns, Mahogany, or Cherry enhance the warmth of southern light, adding a sense of richness and elegance to the room. They work particularly well in spaces where you want to create a cozy, luxurious feel.
Dark grays or charcoal can temper the warmth of southern light, adding a modern, sophisticated vibe to the space. They also contrast nicely with lighter furniture or wall colors.
Mid-tone browns or taupe are a good middle ground, providing warmth without being too overpowering. They also help balance the strong light, preventing the room from feeling too bright.
Olive greens, soft rust, or terracotta can absorb the warmth of southern light without becoming too intense, creating a harmonious, grounded atmosphere.
While light beige, white, or pale grays can work in some settings, in rooms with strong southern light, they can become overly bright or washed out, making the space feel too intense. Additionally, lighter colors may show wear and tear more easily under intense sunlight.
Consider adding UV-resistant coatings or window treatments like blinds, curtains, or UV-filtering films to protect your flooring from potential fading due to the intense southern light.
Textured flooring, such as hand-scraped wood or textured tiles, can help break up the intensity of the light and add visual interest to the space.

How Will You Choose Your Flooring?

Flooring is flexible. Flooring can be whatever you want it to be. But to ensure you’re happy with it for years to come, it starts with a little planning.

How can we help you? Bring in your goals and concerns. Let us help you find the perfect flooring to suit your lifestyle and your needs. We’ll help you select the perfect flooring, no matter how much natural light flows into your house each day.

Tags: Flooring That Enhances Natural Light