24th October 2025
You’ve found the perfect flooring for the living room, but now you’re stuck. The hallway’s already got wood in a different tone, the kitchen has got vinyl, and the stairs? Well, they’re anyone’s guess.
Mixing flooring styles might sound like a design disaster waiting to happen, but done right, it looks brilliant. From cosy contrasts to bold blends, we’ll show you how to combine light and dark wood tones, transition from one flooring type to another, and pull it all together with clever finishing touches.
Gone are the days when everything had to match perfectly. The latest home trends are all about mixing it up – combining textures, tones, and even materials to create a space that feels layered and lived-in.
Think:
It’s all about balance and making it look intentional.
Not all wood (or wood-look) flooring needs to be the same shade. In fact, mixing tones can add depth and character, if you know the rules.
Stick to the same undertone family
Warm tones (like honey, chestnut, and golden oak) work well together. Cool tones (like grey or ash) pair nicely too but don’t mix warm and cool unless you’re confident with your palette.
Pick a dominant tone
Choose one wood tone to lead the space, usually the one covering the most area, and use the other as a contrast or accent in adjoining spaces.
Tie them together with furniture and walls
Use accessories or soft furnishings to bridge the gap. Got dark floors in one room and light in the next? A rug, picture frame, or wall colour that includes both tones works wonders.
Let transitions do the talking
Doorways, thresholds and staircases are natural stopping points. These breaks make it easy to switch tones without it feeling jarring.
Switching from laminate to carpet? Vinyl to wood? Here’s how to keep things smooth, both underfoot and visually.
Also known as door bars, these are perfect for connecting two different flooring types. They come in wood, metal, or colour-matched finishes and create a clean, tidy break.
Pro tip: If your flooring heights are different, use a ramp edge to level things out and avoid trip hazards.
Make sure transitions line up cleanly, especially at doorways or between open-plan zones. A straight, even join looks 10 times better than a jagged or wonky one.
In open spaces, consider adding a border strip (a single plank or row of flooring in a contrasting shade) to separate zones like the dining area and kitchen.
Even if the flooring changes from room to room, using the same skirting boards and edge trims throughout helps everything feel cohesive.
Even the most stylish floors can be let down by dodgy decisions. Here’s what to steer clear of:
Mixing warm and cool tones with no visual link
No transition strip (it just looks unfinished)
Flooring that doesn’t meet flush – mind the height difference!
Too many contrasts in a small space
Skipping trim or skirting
Q: Can I mix different wood floor colours in my home?
Absolutely. Just keep one tone dominant, match undertones (warm with warm, cool with cool), and use rugs or furniture to tie it all together.
Q: What’s the best way to transition between laminate and carpet?
Use a proper threshold strip or ramp edge. This keeps the join neat, safe, and visually smooth.
Q: Is it ok to have different flooring in every room?
Yes, as long as there’s a sense of flow. Consistent trims, complementary colours and thoughtful transitions make it feel unified.
Q: How do I mix vinyl and laminate flooring?
Choose vinyl and laminate with similar undertones or finishes. A simple colour-matched threshold or plank border will make the switch feel intentional.
Q: Can I transition from carpet to wood flooring on stairs?
Yes and it looks great when done properly. Use stair nosings or bullnose edges to finish the job cleanly.
Mixing wood tones and flooring styles doesn’t need to be stressful. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to give your home a bit of personality. Whether you’re blending dark wood with light laminate, or going from carpet to vinyl with confidence, it’s all about thoughtful transitions, quality finishings, and having a clear style in mind. At Frank’s, we’ve got all the tools (and the floors!) to help you pull it off. From threshold strips to brilliant underlay and every type of floor you can imagine, we’ll help you get it just right.
Visit your local Frank’s store today, bring your room plans, and we’ll help you make the perfect match.
