3 Uses of Wood in Interior Design Besides Flooring

Wood is a natural material that has been used for various purposes for thousands of years, and for good reason. Wood is a strong durable material that can easily be shaped, cut, and carved into various forms, a good insulator, and a renewable resource, with a beautiful warm aesthetic that can enhance the look and feel of any space. Naturally, this makes wood one of the best choices for interior design, and not just for flooring options.

So if you’re in need of ideas before you call your wood supplier, here are 3 uses of wood in interior design besides flooring.

Wall Paneling

Suitable for both traditional and modern decor styles, wall paneling involves covering your walls with decorative materials, including wood (pine, cedar, oak, cherry), with a technique that can add texture, depth, and personality to any room.

You have a number of design options with wall paneling like tongue-and-groove, shiplap, board-and-batten, and beadboard so you can easily find something to fit your room’s aesthetic and design preferences. You want to consider where you want wood paneling carefully. Some popular areas include accent walls, fireplace surrounds, or even entire rooms.

Then, you’ll have to decide whether to leave it natural or add a finish to protect the wood from scratches and stains. If you choose the latter your options include staining, painting, or sealing with a clear coat.

Cabinetry

Cabinets are not just very useful, they can also be visually appealing and a deliberate part of interior design. Wooden cabinetry can add warmth and character to a room, and there are many different types of wood to choose from, each with its unique color and grain pattern.

You can mix and match different types of wood. For example, you could have dark cherry cabinets on your island and lighter oak cabinets on your perimeter walls. Or, adding hardware to your wood cabinetry (rustic, iron pulls, or sleek, modern handles) can mean an interesting finished look overall.

Consider incorporating lighting as well, such as installing under-cabinet lighting or adding a pendant light above your island to draw attention to the cabinets.

Then, a natural, matte finish can give your cabinetry a more rustic feel, while a high-gloss finish can give it a more modern, sophisticated look.

Ceiling Beams

Exposed wooden beams in your ceiling can add architectural interest to a space and give it a warm rustic look if that’s your style. Or, they can also be styled to look industrial. For example, hardwoods such as oak, maple, and teak have a classic look while softwoods like cedar and pine are lightweight and have a more rustic feel.

There are several placement options such as having them installed parallel to each other or in a crosshatch pattern. You can even have them installed in a diagonal pattern for a more unique look to the ceiling.

Then, a clear finish will help bring out the natural beauty of the wood, or you can stain them a contrasting color for a more dramatic look.

Incorporating wood into your interior design doesn’t have to be difficult. Start with wood paneling, cabinetry, and ceiling beams.