Hardwood flooring continues to be one of the most popular choices for homeowners and designers alike, and 2024 is set to bring exciting new trends that blend timeless elegance with modern innovation. Whether renovating your home or updating your business space, choosing the right flooring can transform any area. Soho Forest Flooring is here to guide you through the top hardwood flooring trends of 2024—ensuring your floors are as stylish as they are durable.
1. Warm, Earthy Tones: Moving Away from Cool Greys
For years, cool greys and light tones have dominated the hardwood flooring scene. However, 2024 is seeing a shift back to warm, earthy hues. Think rich oak, deep walnut, and warm honey tones that bring a natural warmth to interiors. These shades not only create a welcoming atmosphere but also complement a variety of décor styles, from rustic to modern.
Why it’s in: Homeowners are seeking comfort and coziness, and earthy wood tones bring that natural warmth and timeless elegance.
Why cool greys are out: While still stylish in modern settings, grey flooring can feel cold and impersonal in residential spaces, especially post-pandemic, where homes are evolving into sanctuaries of comfort.
2. Matte Finishes Over Glossy Shine
Shiny, high-gloss finishes are becoming a thing of the past. In 2024, matte finishes are taking over as they offer a more natural, authentic look. Matte-finished hardwood floors are also less prone to show scratches and wear, making them a practical choice for busy households or commercial spaces.
Why it’s in: Matte finishes give off a subtle, refined elegance and are better suited to creating that lived-in, organic feel that’s trending this year.
Why glossy finishes are out: While glossy floors may look luxurious, they tend to show every imperfection, from footprints to scuffs, making them harder to maintain.
3. Wide Plank Flooring: The Bigger, The Better
Wide plank flooring continues to gain popularity, with 2024 pushing the boundaries even further. Wider planks, often ranging from 5 to 12 inches, add a bold, contemporary feel to any room. They create fewer seams, which gives a more open and spacious look—ideal for both small and large spaces.
Why it’s in: Wide planks showcase the natural grain of the wood better, allowing for a more dramatic, luxurious appearance. They’re perfect for modern, minimalist interiors but also work beautifully in traditional settings.
Why narrow planks are out: Narrow planks can make a room feel busy, with too many seams disrupting the flow of the space. Wider planks, on the other hand, exude simplicity and sophistication.
4. Textured and Distressed Finishes
Forget about perfectly smooth surfaces—textured, hand-scraped, and distressed finishes are all the rage in 2024. These finishes bring character and depth to your floors, giving them a more lived-in, bespoke look.
Why it’s in: Textured finishes add personality and uniqueness to hardwood floors. Plus, they’re great at hiding imperfections and wear over time, making them perfect for high-traffic areas.
Why perfectly smooth floors are out: While smooth finishes are classic, they can feel too polished or sterile. Textured floors provide a rustic charm that aligns with the 2024 trend of creating more comfortable, inviting spaces.
5. Sustainably Sourced Hardwood
As environmental awareness grows, so does the demand for sustainably sourced hardwood. Homeowners are increasingly looking for flooring options that align with eco-friendly values, without sacrificing style or quality. Reclaimed wood or certified sustainable timber are top choices for 2024.
Why it’s in: Sustainability is no longer just a trend—it’s a necessity. Eco-conscious consumers want to know their flooring choices are ethically sourced and have a lower environmental impact.
Why traditional sourcing methods are out: Deforestation concerns and the desire for greener options are leading consumers to opt for more responsible, sustainable alternatives.
6. Natural, Unfinished Wood
Natural, unfinished wood flooring is making a big comeback in 2024. This raw, untouched look is perfect for homeowners who want to embrace simplicity and let the wood’s natural beauty shine through.
Why it’s in: Unfinished wood exudes authenticity and allows homeowners to finish the wood to their exact specifications. It also fits well with the growing minimalist trend and the desire for more natural, organic interiors.
Why overly finished wood is out: Highly polished, lacquered wood can feel too artificial in today’s design world, where natural elements and textures are preferred.
7. Patterned Wood Flooring: Herringbone & Chevron
Patterned wood flooring is becoming more popular, with herringbone and chevron patterns leading the way in 2024. These timeless designs add visual interest and texture, especially in large open spaces.
Why it’s in: Herringbone and chevron patterns are both elegant and timeless, adding a sophisticated touch to any room. They also work well in both contemporary and traditional spaces.
Why simple, straight layouts are out: While classic layouts are still stylish, homeowners and designers are gravitating toward patterns that make a bolder statement.
8. Mixed Species for a Unique Look
A more adventurous trend for 2024 is the mixing of different wood species within the same floor. This could mean alternating planks of oak, maple, and walnut to create a one-of-a-kind floor with varying shades and textures.
Why it’s in: Homeowners are increasingly seeking ways to make their space unique, and mixing wood species adds that extra touch of individuality and creativity.
Why uniform wood is out: While consistent flooring offers a clean look, many are finding that a mix of species provides a more interesting and dynamic design.
9. Extra Long Planks
In addition to wide planks, extra-long hardwood planks are gaining traction. These long boards, sometimes up to 10 feet or more, create a more seamless, uninterrupted look, ideal for large, open-concept spaces.
Why it’s in: Long planks help elongate the appearance of a room, making spaces feel larger and more open. They’re perfect for modern, airy designs.
Why shorter planks are out: Short planks can create a chopped-up feel in larger spaces, while longer boards allow for a more fluid, expansive design.
10. Wire-Brushed Finishes
Wire-brushed hardwood flooring is another texture trend for 2024. This technique involves lightly brushing the surface of the wood to remove the soft grain, leaving the hard grain exposed. The result is a subtly textured floor that’s both durable and visually appealing.
Why it’s in: Wire-brushed finishes offer a rustic yet refined look that suits both traditional and contemporary interiors. They also hide wear and tear better than smooth finishes, making them perfect for high-traffic areas.
Why smooth finishes are out: In comparison, smooth finishes can show every mark or scuff, while wire-brushed floors maintain their beauty even with heavy use.
2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for hardwood flooring, with a focus on warmth, texture, and natural beauty. At Soho Forest Flooring, we’re committed to helping you choose the perfect hardwood floor that aligns with these trends and complements your space.
Are you ready to embrace the latest in hardwood flooring? Contact us today for a consultation and discover how we can help bring your flooring dreams to life!
