Warm Or Cool Tones: Which To Use When You Choose Your New Flooring

If you’re renovating a property, you’ll likely be facing the daunting task of choosing new flooring. The good news is that there are many colours and styles available, but it can be challenging to know which will work best with your existing décor. One option is to choose a tone that reflects the light in your space; another is to consider the colour of the furniture or simply go with your personal preference if you’re starting from a blank slate.

What are warm and cool tones?

Warmer colours refer to reds, yellows and oranges, while cooler colours are purples, blues and greens. This doesn’t mean that every other colour is neutral – think about dusky pinks and blue-toned purples. Anything that has undertones of cool colours are considered cool-toned, with the opposite being true for warm tones. 

It’s important to think about the undertones of a colour when choosing flooring and furniture for your space. Natural textures like wood grain flooring can be neutral, but wood grain vinyl flooring can also come in cool-toned options with grey undertones or warmer-toned with yellow or red notes. 

Consider the light in your space

Lighting is a critical factor when choosing a flooring colour. The colour of the light in your space will greatly impact how your floor looks, so it’s best to consider both types of lighting sources before deciding on your new flooring.

If your home lets in a lot of natural light, consider installing an overhead light fixture that emits warmer tones (such as gold or yellow) to complement warm-toned woods like oak and walnut.

Alternatively, if you prefer artificial lighting, opt for cooler-toned fixtures such as pewter, so they work with cool-toned floors like stone.

Mix colours for an eclectic look

In general terms, warm tones are characterised by reds, oranges and yellows, while cool tones include blues and greens—but don’t be afraid to mix up styles when it comes down to choosing a new look for your home!

Warm shades are generally associated with energy and strength, while cool shades are often seen as calming and relaxing, so the combination of the two can create a harmonious space.  Cooler floors may feel more appropriate for an industrial theme, whereas warmer wood selections are ideal for more rustic homes. 

You don’t have to use the same tones when decorating your home. However, adding small flourishes of warm tones to an otherwise cool-toned space can add some contrast and make a room feel more visually interesting.

Creating a cohesive design with similar colours

When choosing your new flooring, it’s important to keep colour in mind for the furniture too. The colours you choose will greatly impact how well everything works together. For example, if you have cool-toned furniture but warm-toned flooring, they might not feel cohesive or “right.”

In general, it’s a good idea to choose a family of colours – warm or cool – and from there, you can choose several colours to create an eclectic but cohesive design. 

How to choose a colour scheme

If you’re not sure where to start, look at the colour of your cabinets and other furniture. For example, if you have a lot of brown, choose warm-toned flooring to complement the furniture that you already have.

If you’re starting with a blank canvas, you could try looking at the colour wheel for inspiration. You can also use paint charts to get ideas – you might find yourself gravitating to specific colours, but make sure you compare them to flooring samples to help you decide. There are also a plethora of online interior design tools with built-in colour palettes that will help narrow down your choices.

Choose neutral tones if you’re unsure

If you’re still unsure what colour palette is right for your space, opt for a neutral-toned floor to give you more flexibility. Neutral flooring can work in any room and with any style. It’s a great option if you’re looking to achieve a classic look without committing to one tonal scheme. Neutral tones are considered anything that isn’t overly warm or cool, even if they have a slight colour.

Where to use warm tones

Warm tones are best used in spaces with a lot of natural light or where you want to create a sense of warmth and comfort.

Any areas where you spend a lot of time as a family would traditionally be decorated in a warmer colour palette, making the space feel comfortable, cosy and inviting. In rooms with lots of natural materials, warm tones will help tie the room together by combining elements of each item.

Where to use cool tones

Cool tones are ideal for spaces that need to feel bright and airy; adding cool tones to smaller spaces can help the room feel larger as they reflect natural light.

Cool tones are ideal for bathrooms as it makes the room feel lighter and airier, which helps the space to feel fresh and clean. Cool tones are also great for bedrooms, as they bring a sense of calm and relaxation. 

However, you should use cool tones sparingly as they can be overpowering when used throughout a space with no variation. Mixing them with some small warmer touches is best to break up a space without it clashing.

Choosing new flooring is a big decision, but it’s also a fun one. First, think about the needs of your family and space, then choose whichever colours and materials you feel most drawn to. It’s likely that you already have a subconscious theme, but try not to get too hung up on getting everything perfect right away!