A Guide to Choosing the Right Colors for a Beautiful and Harmonious Look

Want a color that complements your floors, not clashes with them, right? This is where understanding the “undertone” of your wood floors comes in.

The Power of Undertones

Undertones are the subtle colors that lie beneath the main color of your wood floors. Think of them as the hidden personality of your floors! Even if two floors appear to be the same color at first glance, they can have very different undertones. This subtle difference can make a big impact when choosing your wall color.

Matching Undertones for a Winning Combination

Cool Undertones: These floors have a greenish-blue or pinkish hue. Think of a calming blue-gray floor or a pale pink floor. Cool undertones pair beautifully with warm wall colors like yellow or red. Imagine a sunny yellow wall complementing a blue-gray floor, or a rich burgundy wall adding warmth to a pale pink floor.

Warm Undertones: These floors have a reddish-orange or yellowish hue. Think of a honey-toned floor or a rich brown floor. Warm undertones look great with cool wall colors like blues and greens. Imagine a serene blue wall against a honey-toned floor, or a deep forest green wall creating a cozy atmosphere with a rich brown floor.

Neutral Undertones: These floors are incredibly versatile! They can work with both warm and cool wall colors. Think of a beige floor that can handle a light blue, a soft gray, or even a warm cream.

How to Determine Your Floor’s Undertones

Here are a few simple tricks:

• Natural Light: Observe your floors in natural daylight. This will help you see the true color and undertones without any artificial light interference. Direct sunlight can sometimes make colors look warmer, while overcast days can reveal cooler tones.
• White Paper Test: Place a piece of white paper next to your floor. The contrast will help you see the underlying color more clearly. If the floor appears to have a greenish cast against the white paper, it likely has a cool undertone. If it appears more reddish or yellowish, it likely has a warm undertone.
• Color Wheel: Use a color wheel to help you identify the undertones. For example, if your floor appears to have a hint of green, it likely has a cool undertone. If it appears to have a hint of red or yellow, it likely has a warm undertone.

 A color wheel can also definitely be a helpful tool for identifying the undertones of your wood floors!

Here’s how it works:

• Understanding the Color Wheel: The color wheel is a visual representation of the relationship between colors. It shows how colors are related to each other, with primary colors (red, yellow, blue) at the base and secondary and tertiary colors derived from them.
• Identifying Complementary Colors: Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. For example, red and green are complementary colors. This principle is helpful because complementary colors create a strong contrast, which can help to highlight the undertones of your wood floors.
• Observing Undertones: When you look at your wood floors, try to identify any subtle hints of color that might be present. For example, if your floors appear to have a slight greenish cast, it likely has a cool undertone. If your floors have a hint of reddish or yellowish, it likely has a warm undertone.
• Using the Color Wheel: Use the color wheel to identify the colors that are opposite the undertone you’ve observed. This will help you understand which colors will complement your floors and which colors might clash.

For example, if your floors have a cool undertone with a hint of green, you might want to choose wall colors that are on the warm side of the color wheel, such as reds, oranges, or yellows. This will create a balanced and harmonious look.

Remember, this is just one tool to help you identify undertones. It’s also important to consider the overall style of your apartment and your personal preferences.

Professional Help for the Perfect Match

Still unsure about your floor’s undertone or struggling to find the perfect wall color? Don’t worry! City Zen Painting, a leading professional painting service in New York, offers expert color consultations to help you find the perfect wall color for your NYC apartment. Our team of experienced painters will help you understand your floor’s undertones and guide you towards a color palette that complements your space and creates a harmonious look.

Ready to Transform Your NYC Apartment?

Contact City Zen Painting today for a free estimate! We’ll help you achieve the perfect look for your NYC apartment, one beautiful wall at a time.