Decorating Ideas for Ebony Hardwood Floors

Go With Light Walls

• Because ebony hardwood floors are very dark and rich in color, you must choose your room’s wall color carefully. Using a shade that is too dark with ebony floors may close in the space so it feels smaller than it actually is or may create a dreary feeling for the room. Your best option is a light wall color that brightens the room and provides a striking contrast with the dark floors. White is an attractive option, but it can seem stark and sterile next to ebony flooring. A warmer shade like cream or ivory provides a softer option. If you have a larger room, a mid-tone shade like terracotta, sage or gold pairs well with ebony hardwood floors.

Add Warm Accents

• To create a cozy, inviting look for a room with ebony hardwood flooring, add warm accents. If the walls are a neutral shade like white, cream or ivory, choose warm-toned furniture, such as a wine-colored sofa or camel-colored upholstered chairs. You can also use warm tones like sage, rust or eggplant for the window treatments as well. If your walls are a bold, warm color, you can incorporate additional warm tones through patterned throw pillows or area rugs. Choose the colors used in artwork when selecting decorations for the walls as well if your room requires additional warmth.

Use Metallics

• In a room with ebony flooring, items with a metallic finish can help reflect light and brighten the space. Choose light fixtures and other hardware that have a gold, silver or brass finish. When hanging artwork or photos, use metal frames that have a shiny finish for your items. You can even use end tables or shelving units that have silver elements to help lighten the look of the space. Mirrors are also ideal wall hangings for a room with ebony floors since they reflect light as well.

Incorporate Black Elements

• While incorporating colors that help lighten and warm the space is important in a room with ebony floors, you should also balance out the color of the floor with other dark items. Include touches of black throughout the space to mimic similar dark tones in the wood and to give the room a unified look. You can opt for a black coffee table in a living room or a black dresser in a bedroom. Hang wooden shelves that are painted black on the wall for display or storage, or hunt for patterned pillows, curtains or throw rugs that incorporate subtle touches of black to tie the room’s look together.