When choosing a wood floor, it can be difficult to know what the finished floor will look like when it is laid in a decorated room and surrounded by furnishings. This can make it tricky to know what colour to go for. The way a colour looks in the shop or on a website may look very different when the flooring is fitted in your home.

The solution is to know the kind of atmosphere that different tones and hues of wood flooring tend to create.

For example:

• Whites, greys and pale beiges – this neutral colour palette evokes a sense of calm and tranquillity, as well as making a room feel lighter and more spacious. Whites and greys also go really well with modern, minimalist décor. These colours should, however, be teamed with contrasting colours or warm natural materials, or the paleness could cause a room to look too stark and clinical.

• Yellow beiges – light coloured oak, beech or maple wood floors can add fun, brightness and a sense of cheerfulness to a dark, gloomy space, as well as making it feel more peaceful.

See part 2 of this guide to find out about more wood flooring colour palettes and the moods they create.