How to Select a Wood Stain for Your Decor

Consult the contractor who will be staining your floors or ask the opinion of an interior designer. Contractors and interior designers who work with homeowners are experts in the field of home decor and can help you achieve the look you desire. You don't have to accept the advice automatically if you are unsure, but having the opinion of experts can help you as your explore your options.

Explore all your options and ask for samples to take home with you and consider the overall look of your room. Don't automatically negate a wood stain that others have told you is unattractive. People all have different tastes and what looks good in your neighbor's home might not match your own home's decor. Review many different wood stain to understand your options.

Ask to see the wood stains on the floors if you are considering staining your hardwood floors. Ask for samples of wood stains for furniture, shutters and other places you are considering staining wood in your home. Sometimes, what looks good online or in a catalog doesn't look good in your home, so to be sure you should get samples installed if you can.

Consider the size of your room when choosing whether a light or dark stain is appropriate. According to Chicago Flooring Innovations, "dark stains have a warming effect on your room" while "light stains will lighten up a small room." Dark stains are more likely to make a room look slightly smaller, although in a large room that can make a room feel more homey.