Step back in time and walk the fascinating path of wood's timeless appeal. From the opulent palace floors of Versailles to the wide plank, modern designs of today, this timeline explores the charm, craftsmanship, and enduring appeal of wood floors that have made them a beloved choice in British interior design for hundreds of years. In the United States, this enduring British preference for wood as a flooring material has also left its mark on American architecture and interior design.
Typically, houses featured flagstone, brick, or tiled flooring on their lower levels, while the upper stories had wooden floors.
In Tudor England, the type of flooring in a home often reflected the social status of the occupants and the craftsmanship of the era.
Wide oak planks were laid in mixed widths parallel to one another across the floor with varying dimensions up to 60cm wide.
Reims Antique Organic Oak, Aged French Oak, random width plank.
Oak was most used, occasionally elm, and in some wealthier households, exotic hardwoods such as walnut was used to create decorative flooring patterns.
Both Tudor and Jacobean architectural influence can be seen in early colonial (1607-1720) buildings, where local timber was used, especially in New England and the Mid-Atlantic regions.
The Jacobean era marked a transition from the elaborate and ornate Elizabethan style to a more restrained and sophisticated design aesthetic.
Not only seen in grand country estates but also in more modest homes, Jacobean wood flooring and panelling added a sense of order and symmetry to interior spaces.
Jacobin, European Oak, Parquet de Versailles panel.
Defined by dark stains or finishes, Jacobean wood flooring featured simple geometric patterns like squares, rectangles, and diamonds.
Oak, which was abundant and known for its durability was often sourced locally making it a popular choice for flooring.
Characterised by its opulence, grandeur and a focus on intricate details, wood flooring during the Baroque period played a significant role in interior design and architecture.
The Palace of Versailles in France, built during the Baroque era, greatly impacted interior design, especially wood flooring. The famous Versailles pattern, with its interlocking squares and diagonal parquet, became a symbol of the era.
Ruskin, Antique French Oak, Parquet de Versailles panel.
Herringbone and Versailles patterns were particularly fashionable during this time and featured intricate inlays made of contrasting wood species, metals, or even precious stones.
Exotic woods like ebony and rosewood were also used to create intricate patterns and designs. Oak, walnut, and cherry were popular choices due to their durability and rich, warm tones.
Traces of Baroque can be seen through several American architecture styles, such as the Federal Style (1780-1820), Neoclassical Revival (1790-1830) and Beaux-Arts (1890-1920), predominantly government buildings and public spaces.
Wood flooring during the Georgian period underwent significant changes and developments that reflect the design trends of the time.
The Georgian era was characterised by various architectural styles, such as Palladian, Neoclassical, and Georgian Gothic. Wood flooring designs often mirrored these, adapting to the changing tastes of the time.
Livingstone, Antique French Oak, random width plank.
Wide plank flooring was prevalent during the early Georgian period. These planks were often hand-hewn and varied in width, giving a rustic, yet elegant look. Over time, boards became narrower, and fixed-width planks were also introduced.
In grand homes and public buildings, mahogany was a luxury choice due to its rich, dark colour and elegant appearance. In less formal or more modest homes, Baltic fir and pine was also used due to its affordability.
Late 19th and early 20th centuries, Architects and designers drew inspiration from the original Georgian style, leading to the construction of Georgian Revival homes and buildings, particularly in affluent neighborhoods and on college campuses.
Wood flooring gained popularity in both residential and commercial spaces. Many Victorian homes still have their original wood flooring, often restored to preserve historical character.
Victorian wood floors had high-gloss finishes and dark stains, emphasising opulence. The Arts & Crafts movement preferred natural, matt finishes and lighter wood tones to align with craftsmanship and nature.
Baslow, Aged French Oak, random width plank.
Victorian homes favoured intricate inlaid patterns, while the Arts & Crafts movement opted for straightforward plank and strip layouts to showcase the wood's natural beauty.
In the Victorian era, oak, mahogany, and walnut hardwoods were used for their durability and rich, dark tones. In the Arts & Crafts movement, which emerged later, oak and pine became popular for their simplicity.
Both the Victorian era and the Arts and Crafts movement had a lasting impact on American architecture and interior design, contributing to a rich tapestry of styles such as Victorian Gothic (1837-1910), Queen Anne style (1880-1910), Craftsman (1890-1930) and the Prairie style (1900-1920).
The Edwardian era is known for its emphasis on elegance, craftsmanship, and a desire to create more comfortable living spaces.
Influenced by various design movements of the time, Edwardian era wood flooring continues to inspire homeowners and designers who seek to capture the timeless beauty and sophistication of wood floors in their own spaces.
Bespoke, Aged French Oak herringbone with diamond border detail and soldier course – please ask Luke where he has saved this image.
The Edwardian period marked the transition from handcrafted to machine-produced wood flooring. Parquet designs featured decorative inlays and borders.
Oak, mahogany and pine remained popular choices for floors depending on the setting.
By promoting cleaner, classic elements, the Edwardian era shaped the evolution of existing styles and encouraged new design trends.
The 20th century saw a wide range of wood floor styles, materials, and trends. From traditional hardwoods to engineered options and sustainable choices, the industry evolved to meet the changing needs and preferences of home owners and designers.
The mid-20th century saw the rise of engineered wood flooring which emerged as a more practical and cost-effective alternative to solid hardwood. The mid-century modern design movement also influenced interior decor, including flooring.
Rhea chevron, Parquetry – European Oak
This era saw the use of bold, contrasting wood stains and finishes. Parquet flooring also gained popularity. As historic preservation gained importance, efforts were made to restore and maintain older wood floors.
Lighter wood species, such as birch and beech, were preferred for their clean, minimalist look. Traditional hardwoods like oak, maple, and cherry were also used.
The 20th century was a period of significant innovation and experimentation in architecture and design, which lead to a diverse range of styles such as Mid-Century Modern, Brutalism and Postmodernism.
In the 21st century, there has been a growing emphasis on sustainability in the wood flooring industry. Consumers and businesses alike have become more conscious of the environmental impact of their choices.
The range of choices continues to evolve with a floor to suit every taste and style. Technological advancements are also making their way into the industry with floors that can regulate temperature, provide lighting, and even charge devices wirelessly.
Aged Hexagonal & Dorado End Grain
Wide plank wood flooring, natural and low-sheen finishes, and bespoke options are all design trends seen so far in the 21st century. End grain planks and hexagonal wood flooring are on the rise in 2024.
Sustainable wood species like certified oak and reclaimed wood offer environmentally conscious choices.
