Living Room Wall Color Ideas With Dark Hardwood Floors

White or Ivory

• Although white is a very common wall color, it does balance out dark floors nicely. White is considered neutral and can be paired with either a cool or a warm color scheme. Ivory, on the other hand, while still a neutral, is intended to be used with a warm color scheme. If you want some color in the room, and you don't want stark white, ivory is an excellent choice that will contrast well with most dark floors.

Light Neutrals

• Light neutrals can also be used in a room with dark flooring. While they may not create the same open effect as white or ivory, they will not close in a room too much. Light neutrals that are appropriate for use with dark hardwood flooring include tan, beige, dove gray, or mocha. Look at the color of the flooring for your guidance in choosing a neutral. If the flooring is brown, go with a light neutral brown color. If the flooring has red undertones, such as mahogany, you can choose neutrals in the brown or gray color group.

Pastels

• Pastel colors also work well with dark hardwood flooring and can provide a bright, sunny color that will not close in a room. Once again, use the tones in the flooring to help you select the right shade of pastels. If the wood is dark brown, a light yellow or green would work well. If the flooring has red tones, pastels in blue or pink would suffice. Pastel purple is a difficult color to match and would go best with a brown-toned floor.

Dark Colors

• Dark colors can be used in a room with dark flooring, but they must be used sparingly. If you do want a dark color, use it on an accent wall and then find a coordinating color that is lighter for the remaining walls. For example, if the flooring is a rich, dark brown, choose a bright red or vibrant orange for one accent wall, and then white for the other walls in the room. For red-toned flooring, use navy blue or hunter green as an accent wall color, with ivory on the remaining walls.