Dark Wood Floor Bathroom Design Inspiration

Installing dark wood floors in a bathroom can seem counterintuitive at first. Bathrooms tend to be damp spaces prone to spills and splashes that might damage wood flooring. However, with proper precautions, dark wood floors can add warmth and elegance to bathroom spaces.

We'll cover choosing the right dark wood floors, decorating considerations, care and maintenance tips, costs, and alternatives worth considering.

Benefits of Using Dark Wood Floors in Bathrooms

What makes dark wood floors a good option for bathrooms? Here are some of the top advantages:

• Natural beauty and elegance - Dark woods like walnut, cherry, and mahogany have a sophisticated, rich look that elevates bathroom spaces.
• Warmth - Wood floors lend cozy warmth you can't get from cold tile or concrete floors, making barefoot bathroom trips more comfortable.
• Durability - When properly sealed and maintained, many hardwoods like oak and maple hold up well to moisture over time.
• Resale value - Wood flooring boosts home value for resale versus dated vinyl or laminate floors.

The natural richness of dark wood flooring helps create a spa-like retreat in the bathroom. Blending modern and traditional design eras, dark woods impart sophistication along with their inherent durability and water-resistance when maintained.

Choosing the Right Type of Dark Wood Flooring

Not all wood floors stand up equally well to bathroom conditions. Consider these factors when selecting dark wood flooring for bathrooms:

Hardwood

Solid hardwood with durable finishes makes an exceptional albeit premium bathroom flooring. Opt for low-porosity hardwoods like oak, walnut, or mahogany. Check warranties closely to confirm coverage and restrictions for bathrooms.

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood flooring fuses durable wood top layers with moisture-resistant structural layers underneath. Brands like Shaw and Mohawk offer engineered wood well-suited to bathroom installations. Seek top-grade moisture warranties.

Laminate

High-quality laminate mimics real wood beautifully with greater affordability and water-resistance. Many laminates carry moisture warranties making them suitable for bathrooms. Limit steam exposure which can penetrate laminate seams over time.

Dark Wood Floor Color and Stain Options

Choosing a dark wood species and stain allows customizing your bathroom's style:

• Black walnut lends modern sophistication
• Dark oak fits transitional to contemporary aesthetics
• Espresso maple embodies sleek modernity
• Cherry stains complement traditional warmth
• Special gray-tone stains like weathered oak work well

Finish sheens also make a difference. Matte finishes hide scuffs better while glossier finishes highlight wood grain beautifully. Combining wood types, colors, and finishes creates dazzling effects.

Styling and Decor Considerations

Designing bathrooms with dark wood flooring requires balancing aesthetics and practicality. Consider how fixtures, surfaces, lighting and decor come together holistically.

Countertops

Pair dark wood floors with lighter countertops like white, beige or gray-tone marbles or quartzes. Dark countertop materials like black granite can create sensory overload. Allow wood's beauty to shine.

Wall Colors

Wall colors influence overall space lightness. Opt for soft white, light gray, or subtle blue-green hues. Crisp whites keep the space airy against dark floors. Warmer antique white or greige (gray-beige) tones add coziness befitting traditional aesthetics.

Lighting

Mix lighting types for functionality and ambience. Add windows wherever possible along with adjustable overhead ceiling fixtures. Sconces and vanity lighting prevent shadows for tasks but also enable mood-setting dimness.

Accessories

Bathroom accessories present creative ways to harmonize the space. Choose chrome, nickel or oil-rubbed bronze metal finishes on towel bars, racks and hooks to elegantly contrast against dark wood floors. Coordinate plush bathmats and shower curtains accordingly.

Caring for Dark Wood Flooring in Bathrooms

Protecting dark wood flooring helps defend against bathroom moisture exposure over time:

• Seal surfaces with protective urethane or moisture-barrier finishes
• Routinely apply cleaning products safe for wood floors
• Immediately wipe spills and overflow to limit water damage
• Use bathmats, runners and area rugs to contain direct water contact
• Consider adding space heaters or fans to control humidity
• Refresh finishes every few years per manufacturer recommendations

With attentive care, dark wood floors bring brightness and beauty to bathrooms for years to come.

Costs of Installing Dark Wood Floors in Bathrooms

You can expect to invest $4-12 per square foot to install wood floors in bathrooms. Exact costs depend on:

• Flooring type - Solid hardwood costs more than engineered wood or laminate
• Wood species and grade - Exotic woods and hand-scraped styles cost more
• Installation method - Glue-down is cheaper than nail-down for wood
• Existing floor demo and subfloor prep - This adds substantially to costs
• Location and contractor rates in your area

While tile flooring tends to have lower upfront costs around $3-8 per square foot installed, keep in mind that wood flooring adds resale value. Weigh long-term enjoyment versus purely economic factors in your decision.

Comparing to Tile or Other Flooring Types

How does wood flooring compare to traditional bathroom mainstays like tile or vinyl?

• Ceramic tile - More affordable upfront but prone to cracks and grout issues over time. Colder underfoot.
• Porcelain tile - Impervious to moisture but very hard underfoot. Costs more in premium materials.
• Natural stone - Stunning luxury option but requires intensive sealing and maintenance. High cost.
• Sheet vinyl - Budget option but wears faster, especially lesser quality. Fewer style options.
• Vinyl plank - Durable and waterproof on a budget but mimics wood less convincingly.

Ultimately porcelain, ceramic and stone tiles remain ever-popular choices for bathrooms. But dark wood floors offer unmatched visual elegance and comfort with proper precautions.

Inspiring Dark Wood Floor Bathroom Photo Galleries

Seeing real bathroom spaces incorporating dark wood flooring ideas brings concepts to life. Browse designer photos by preferred interior style:

Modern Style

Sleek contemporary spaces allow wood's organic richness to shine for spa-like contrast against stone, metal and glass:

• Espresso-tone wood floors with white tub and sinks
• Black walnut floors and stone-clad modern shower
• Multi-tone wood parquet floors and floating vanity