Mastering the Art of Mixing Wood Tones in Your Home

Incorporating wood elements into your home design can make your space feel more inviting and comfortable. Studies have even shown that natural materials, like wood, can reduce stress for those within the space. However, if different wood tones clash, it can create a design dilemma. Similarly, an excess of the same tone might make the room feel flat and uninspired. The key is to strike a balance when combining wood tones. Here are some expert suggestions to help you achieve the perfect blend.

Embrace the Beauty of the Mismatched Aesthetic

First off, let's clear this up: Yes, mixing wood tones in your home is completely acceptable (even if you've come across design advice saying otherwise). In fact, not only is it fine, but the design professionals we consulted actually support it. "Mixing woods adds depth and can really warm up a space," says Annie Obermann, co-founder and principal designer of Forge & Bow. Combining mismatched wood accents and furniture can also lend your home a more lived-in, personal touch, as it's natural to accumulate pieces over time that don't always match perfectly.

On the flip side, homes that avoid mixing wood tones may end up looking lackluster. "Using only one wood tone can come off as dull or uninspiring, so it's crucial to consider the variations in color and grain," says Keri Michelle Lainas, owner and principal designer of Keri Michelle Interiors.

Build on Existing Features

Before deciding on wooden furniture or accent pieces, Lainas recommends starting with the dominant wood tone in the space. This refers to the wood hues found in key features of your home, such as the floors, cabinetry, or exposed beams. "From there, I pick additional wood tones that complement each other to integrate," explains Lainas. If you're moving into a new home and starting from scratch, this is a great way to begin selecting wooden pieces for your space. Or, if you're redecorating, think about how new items will pair with the existing wood tones.

Pay Attention to the Undertones

When it comes to figuring out which wood tones work together and which don’t, both Lainas and Obermann emphasize the importance of considering undertones. "To mix the right wood tones, you need to look for similar undertones," says Lainas. While there are no strict rules, a general guideline for pairing wood tones is to stay within the same color spectrum. For instance, if your wood floors have warm undertones, it’s best to choose other wood pieces that also feature warm undertones, though you can vary the lightness or darkness of the wood.

Use Samples

While you might think samples are only for choosing paint colors, experts recommend using them when pairing wood tones as well. If you know the stain of your existing pieces, you can use it as a reference or gather wood samples from a home improvement store to match them with the color of your flooring or other dominant wood tones. You can then take these samples with you when shopping for furniture. "If you have a reliable sample, you can see which wood combinations look good together and which ones appeal to you," Obermann explains. "If you ensure you like the wood samples together, the final tones should also be pleasing to you."

Refresh, Don’t Remodel

Sometimes mixing wood tones becomes more challenging if you don’t like the dominant wood tone you're starting with. While replacing your wood flooring or cabinets isn’t always an option, there are alternative ways to give your space a facelift without a full remodel. If the flooring tone bothers you, try layering rugs to cover it, introducing textiles that better align with your style.

If the cabinets are not to your liking, Lainas recommends opting for a cabinet reface rather than investing in entirely new ones. "A skilled cabinet maker can refinish and apply a paint-grade finish or wood veneer, which is a more affordable option compared to installing brand new cabinetry," she says. "This can be a great solution when working with a budget or when there is no need to alter the layout of the space."