Dark wood can provide a luxury, bold and dramatic feel to any room. Many species are celebrated for the opulence they so effortlessly provide. A room that makes widespread use of dark wood and intricate, detailed carved furniture and traditional décor can provide a classical sense of luxury and mystique.
Walnut is a semi-hard wood but with great modeling by the craftsman. The dark color of the walnut with veins tending to black, which stand out after polishing, makes it possible to create particularly elegant furniture. Oak is another of the more luxurious types of wood. Oak wood is heavy, solid and long-lasting.
Mahogany is another naturally dark wood, recognized for its deep, rich color and beautiful grain. Although it starts as a lighter wood, Mahogany darkens over time, deepening into a rich reddish-brown hue, making it a favorite for those seeking a timeless, warm aesthetic.
The most expensive type of wood depends on its rarity, demand, and quality. Some of the costly woods include African blackwood, agarwood, and snakewood. Agarwood is the most expensive due to its unique resin and cultural significance.
Dark wood is making a comeback in 2024. A firm favourite of many interior designers, the sheer elegance of dark wood has taken a backseat to mainstream interior design trends for the last few years as the light and minimalist Scandi style took centre stage.
Dark and Dramatic Walnut Tones:
Walnut woodgrains in darker, more dramatic tones are emerging as a key trend in 2024. The deep richness of walnut adds a luxurious and modern touch to interiors.
For too long, we think that dark wood has been seen as too imposing, too dark and too 'old-fashioned'. Using reclaimed wood, such as in the English Beam farmhouse style extendable dining table, you can see just how beautiful, elegant, robust and on-trend dark wood can be.
Walnut. Long prized for its rich, dark brown tone, walnut is beloved among woodworkers and collectors alike. Ranging from lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks, it's easy to tell walnut apart from the more traditional woods like red oak or cherry.
Overall, hardwoods like Cherry wood, Walnut wood, Teak and, if you're lucky, Rosewood are timeless choices for long-lasting, durable, and quality furniture pieces.
Dark Wood Flooring
Dark wood flooring is making a bold and luxurious statement in 2025. The rich, deep tones of dark wood species, such as walnut, mahogany, or dark-stained oak, add sophistication and warmth to living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms.
For example, African Blackwood—one of the most expensive species of wood in the world—is extremely hard and dense. While it's stable, warp-resistant, and extremely durable due to its density, it's also difficult to produce and is a threatened species. For many of these exotic species, demand is high, but supply is low.
For Select lumber, there are a few grades to choose from. Each grade specifies how many knots, holes, and irregularities can be allowed per length of board. Grade A allows very few knots and holes, or even none at all. This grade of lumber is often considered premium grade.
Hard Maple
Curly maple, in particular, is often used for high-end furniture pieces and fine woodworking.
African blackwood (dalbergia melanoxylon) is the most expensive woods in the world because it comes from a slow-growing near-threatened tree. It grows in dry savanna regions in southern and central Africa. This multi-stemmed tree grows to about 25 feet tall on average.
If anything, they're making a major comeback. So, if your kitchen still has dark wood, don't worry — you're very much “on trend,” but there is a catch to making them work for your space. “It's all about how you use them,” Coates says.
Dark Wood Floors
Rich shades like walnut or espresso are timeless. They add depth and contrast, especially in larger rooms. Dark wood floors pair beautifully with lighter furniture for a striking look.
The enduring elegance of dark woods lies in their timeless appeal and ability to transform any space. As trends come and go, dark woods remain a great choice for those seeking a blend of beauty, functionality, and sustainability in their interiors.
Light colors reflect sunlight, creating a feeling of coolness, while dark colors absorb light, making them feel warmer. However, this doesn't mean your entire home needs to be painted white to feel cool.
Ebony is one of the darkest woods available in nature. It is practically black in colour. As a hardwood, ebony wood is extremely strong, durable and resistant to termites and insects. It is exceptionally stable and therefore suitable for a range of applications, including furniture making.
Notably, Red Oak's large and open pores contribute to its coarse texture that one can both see and feel. Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) is the darkest of the hardwoods. It typically features a rich brown coloration.
Conclusion. Dark hardwood floors remain a stylish and luxurious choice in 2024. By balancing them with lighter decor and proper maintenance, they can enhance any space. If you're considering dark hardwood or exploring other types of wood flooring installations, get in touch with us for expert advice and a consultation.
Are Darker Woods On Trend In 2024? The simple answer is: yes. The longer, more complicated answer is: well, it depends. But what we can resolutely determine is that we're moving toward warmer, more welcoming ways of decorating in 2024.
Dark wood tones have nearly been forgotten over the last decade as light wood tones took over homes. Dark wood exudes a rich look and feel and has many benefits over light wood tones. We're expecting dark wood tones to make a comeback as more traditional designs begin to pop back up.