Which color of wood flooring should I choose? (hardwood, paneling, paint)

[Baike]

Suddenly I am very hesitating about choosing color of wood flooring.

Existing wood flooring (upper floors and staircase) is solid white oak, lower floor is carpet.

I would like to replace carpet with engineered wood flooring. The color of the wall of lower floor is much darker than that of white oak.

If I choose a color close to the color of white oak, then the color of floor will be very different from that of wall.

If I choose a color close to the color of wall, then the color of floor will be very different from that of existing wood flooring, especially the color of staircase connecting lower floor.

I tend to choose a color close to white oak, a darker flooring make room look dark too.

Anyone has any opinions?

Thanks.

[JanND]

I like the second pic....much more definition and more realistic looking. But, I would choose which ever one matches closest to your other wood flooring.

[emm74]

What are the walls made of? Is it a real wood paneling that you love? If not, have you considered painting it? Personally, I would paint the walls and use the white oak flooring to match the rest of the house.

[Baike]

Originally Posted by emm74

What are the walls made of? Is it a real wood paneling that you love? If not, have you considered painting it? Personally, I would paint the walls and use the white oak flooring to match the rest of the house.

Thanks for suggesting. I have never thought about painting wall. Not sure what it made of, I have very limited knowledge on that.

But I hate the dark wall, it makes rooms becoming darker, since the rooms are already half basement. What kind of paint should I choose for interior wood wall?

Thanks

[ChristineVA]

I like the second floor. Much more natural looking and probably closer to what you already have. I'm not a fan of various colors/types of hardwood in one home.

[nuts2uiam]

I would look at it this way, The wall color can always be changed to something more pleasing to you. Pick the floor you like, you are only picking that once.

[emm74]

Originally Posted by GlebeH

Thanks for suggesting. I have never thought about painting wall. Not sure what it made of, I have very limited knowledge on that.

But I hate the dark wall, it makes rooms becoming darker, since the rooms are already half basement. What kind of paint should I choose for interior wood wall?

Thanks

I'm not a painting expert, but you may want to start another thread (probably in the House forum) specifically asking about how to paint over paneling as I'm sure some people have experience and can help you, but wouldn't see that question in this thread.

[Baike]

Thanks much, I will paint the wall to lighter & fresh color.

[silibran]

The floor is at least semi permanent. You can paint easier than laying a new floor.

Match the old flooring so all the wood in the house is close to being the same. Adjust the wall color if you feel you need to. Live with it for awhile before deciding.