Wood floors are sure to add a stunning ambiance to any space, including your bedroom. Once you find the perfect color and type of wood for your space, there will be another choice to consider. Deciding which way wood flooring should run in a bedroom can be a difficult task. We have done extensive research to bring you an inclusive list of directional options for your bedroom's wood floors.
The most popular way to lay wood flooring is straight or vertically within your space. Another placement option in a room is to run the wood planks parallel to the longest wall.
While this placement choice can be aesthetically pleasing, there are other options. We will discuss several options for wood flooring placement directions in your room including:
- Parallel to a long wall
- Parallel to a shorter wall
- In the direction of a natural light source
- Against the direction of a natural light source
- In the direction of a focal point
- Against a focal point
- Herringbone pattern
- Chevron pattern
- Diagonal placement
- Parquet placement
Deciding which way wood flooring should run in a bedroom is only one of many decisions that will need to be made. You may wonder if wood flooring should go the same direction throughout the house.
You may ask yourself if it is okay to change the direction of wood flooring between rooms or what direction wood flooring should run in a hallway or a square room. We will answer all of these questions—just keep reading!
Ways To Run Wood Flooring In A Bedroom
Here we'll talk more about the different ways you can run wood flooring in a bedroom.
1. Parallel To A Long Wall
Placing wood flooring planks parallel to a long wall in a rectangular room will add an elongated appearance to your space. It will highlight the longest wall in your bedroom and add a dramatic feel.
As discussed earlier in the article, this flooring placement is very popular and highly recommended, as it is pleasing to the eye. Different shades of wood combine to draw attention to this flooring placement.
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2. Parallel To A Shorter Wall
Wood flooring planks can also run parallel to a shorter wall to make your shorter space seem a bit larger. The direction that wood planks run can make the wall that they are parallel to seem a bit longer.
Placing furniture in the same direction can help achieve a more elongated look in your space. A mirror or glass wall can further add to this illusion of a larger or longer space.
3. In The Direction Of A Natural Light Source
Laying wood flooring planks in the direction of a natural light source, such as a window, is a popular choice. Placing planks in the same direction that the light flows in can create an elongated, smooth look.
This wood flooring placement also adds a smooth path for the light to follow in your space. It can create an elegant streamlined look to the floor space in your bedroom.
4. Against The Direction Of A Natural Light Source
Laying wood flooring planks against the path of natural light can add a rustic look to your space. This wood plank placement can create a textured, almost choppy look that gives your bedroom lots of charm.
The reflection of light will be broken up by placing planks to run against your natural light source. A rough and urban look can be achieved by placing planks in this manner, adding a personalized touch.
5. In The Direction Of A Focal Point
Laying your wood flooring in the direction of a room's focal point draws the eye toward that object or space in your room. This can create an elongated illusion leading up to the focal point in your space.
This look is quite effective, especially in a smaller space. It can also make the object or space in question look more prominent. In a bedroom, this will often be your bed.
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6. Against A Focal Point
Laying your wood flooring planks crossways to a focal point in your space can also add a unique look to your space. This placement draws the eye from side to side and can create a widened look.
Objects can look wider and larger with this flooring placement. Laying rugs in the same direction can further add to this look.
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7. Herringbone Pattern
The herringbone pattern consists of a zigzag look where the end of one wood plank meets the end of a separate wood plank at a 90-degree angle. This look is edgy and unique and is sure to get attention.
Even the most traditional room can be given a modern look using a herringbone pattern for your flooring. This look works well with any shade of wood flooring and in any light.
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8. Chevron Pattern
At first glance, chevron patterned wood flooring may look similar to the herringbone style, as both boast a stylish zigzag look. Chevron is slightly different from herringbone where the wood planks meet.
Where herringbone wood floors meet at a 90-degree angle, a chevron style requires that ends of wood planks be cut at a 45-degree angle. The ends meet each other to create this signature zigzag look.
9. Diagonal Placement
Another look that will make a huge impact on your bedroom is diagonal wood flooring placement. Diagonal wood flooring will give your room a subtle dramatic look.
This look can accent the corner placement of furniture or take attention away from uneven walls. Diagonal wood flooring placement can also add an expansive look to your room.
10. Parquet Placement
This flooring pattern consists of wood planks laid in geometric patterns. Parquet flooring placement is elegant and awe inspiring.
Use this striking flooring placement with any type of bedroom decor to make a huge statement. Parquet flooring has been around for centuries and still adds a dramatic fun look to your floors.
Should Wood Flooring Be Laid In The Same Direction Throughout The House?
There is no rule stating that wood flooring should be laid in the same direction throughout your home. Areas of high traffic and common entrances may benefit from the same directional placement.
Having wood planks running in different directions can pose a tripping hazard. Placing a transition piece such as a rug can prevent accidents and add to the appearance of your home.
Is It Okay To Change The Direction Of Wood Flooring Between Rooms?
Changing the direction of your wood flooring between rooms can give your room a natural border. This method of flooring placement can add a sense of separation between rooms in your home.
Mixing up the direction of wood flooring between rooms can also add some variety to your home's appearance. Use caution when placing wood flooring in different directions in high-traffic areas.
Which Direction Should I Lay Wood Flooring In A Hallway?
Wood plank placement will determine how attention is drawn to your space. Short hallways will look longer by running your wood flooring parallel to the length of the hall.
Narrow hallways may benefit from flooring that runs from side to side of the hallway instead of running the length. This will make a narrow space seem larger by drawing the eye to this placement pattern.
Which Direction Should I Lay Wood Flooring In A Square Room?
When you don't have a long wall in your room, as with a square room, decide what you want the focal point of your room to be. After choosing a focal point, you can decide on the flooring direction.
Laying your flooring parallel to the focal point will guide the eye to the object or space. Laying your flooring perpendicular to the focal point will draw the eye from side to side.
To Wrap It Up
Wood flooring creates a beautiful, warm ambiance in any space. As with any aspect of home decor, there are no actual rules for laying your wood flooring.
Different wood flooring placements can create distinct looks within your space. We hope the above listing of ways to run wood flooring in a bedroom has made your flooring project successful.
Before you go, here are some other articles that may be of help to you:
11 Hardwood Floor And Wall Color Combinations
How To Transition Between Wood Floor To Carpet
Should Hardwood Flooring Match Kitchen Cabinets? [With 11 Stunning Combinations To Consider!]