How to match timber furniture with timber floors: A styling guide

How to match timber furniture with timber floors: A styling guide

If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing whether your new dining table will clash with your hardwood floors, you’re not alone. One of the most frequently asked design questions is, what timber furniture goes with timber floors?

The short answer… it depends on your style, your floor tone, and whether you’re going for cohesion or contrast. The longer (and more helpful) answer? That’s what this guide is here for.

Let’s explore how to choose timber furniture that enhances your home—whether you’re working with rich Jarrah flooring or pale Tasmanian Oak boards.

Match or contrast? First, choose your direction

Matching timber tones creates a seamless, calming space. For example, Tasmanian Oak furniture looks effortlessly harmonious on light-coloured floors.

In contrast, mixing light and dark tones adds visual depth. Picture Jarrah furniture popping against pale floorboards or Marri timber furniture standing out on deep brown flooring.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want consistency or contrast?
  
• Is my space light, airy and modern—or bold, moody and warm?

There’s no wrong answer, but knowing your intention helps guide your timber choices.

Finding the right design direction

The next question to ask when thinking about what timber furniture goes with timber floors is this: do you want your space to feel harmonised or dynamic?

Matching timber tones creates a calm, seamless effect. It works beautifully in minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired spaces, where consistency is key. For example, if you have light Tasmanian Oak floors, Tasmanian Oak furniture will blend naturally into the setting.

Contrasting tones, on the other hand, bring depth and interest. Dark Jarrah floors can look stunning with lighter Marri timber furniture, while pale floors can make rich Jarrah furniture really pop.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—it comes down to the mood you want to create.

Understand undertones: Warm vs cool timber hues

All timber—whether it’s on your floor or in your furniture—has an undertone. Some timbers lean warm, with golden, red or orange hues (like Jarrah and Marri). Others feel cooler, with grey, taupe or pale yellow tones (like some varieties of Tasmanian Oak).

If your goal is a harmonious look, keep undertones aligned. Pair warm timber floors with warm-toned furniture. If you’re going for contrast, just make sure the clash feels deliberate—think bold, not accidental.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Warm timbers: Jarrah, Marri, Spotted Gum
  
• Cool timbers: American Oak, Ash, Grey Ironbark
  
• Neutral timbers: Some Tasmanian Oak, Beech
  

If you’re unsure, grab a sample of your flooring and hold it next to timber swatches under natural light. Your eye will quickly tell you what works.

Don’t forget the grain: Texture and pattern matching

Tone and colour aren’t the only things to consider when deciding what timber furniture goes with timber floors. Grain matters, too.

• Fine, straight grains (like Tasmanian Oak) tend to look more modern and clean.
  
• Bold, swirling grains (like Marri) bring movement and character.
  
• Deep, linear grains (like Jarrah) offer a classic, luxurious feel.
  

If your floor has a strong grain pattern, consider furniture with a more subtle grain to avoid visual competition. Or flip it—pair minimalist floors with a statement dining table that becomes the focal point.

The trick is balance. You want the grain patterns in your room to complement each other, not clash or overwhelm.

Choosing the right finish: Matte, satin or gloss?

Finish can dramatically change the look of timber. Even if two pieces are made from the same species, a matte finish on your floor and a high-gloss polish on your furniture can feel mismatched.

Think about:

• Consistency: Matching sheen levels creates unity. A satin-finished floor pairs well with satin-finished furniture.
  
• Practicality: Gloss finishes show scratches more easily. If you’ve got kids or pets, a low-sheen finish might be the safer bet.
  
• Personality: Glossy surfaces feel formal and high-end. Matte or oiled finishes lean rustic and natural.

Your timber furniture options: Jarrah, Marri, or Tasmanian Oak?

Let’s break down Jarrimber’s top timber options to help you choose what works best with your floors.

Jarrah: Rich, bold and timeless

Jarrah is a deep red-brown hardwood with strong grain and incredible durability. It’s ideal if you want to make a statement or complement warm-toned flooring.
Pair Jarrah with honey or walnut floors for a tonal match, or contrast it against pale timber floors for drama.
Explore our handcrafted Jarrah furniture range.

Marri: Unique grain with earthy charm

Marri is light to medium in tone with bold, gum-veined patterns. It’s full of character and works beautifully with neutral or lightly grained floors.
Use Marri to contrast grey or taupe flooring or complement pale floorboards for a breezy, organic vibe.
View our custom Marri timber furniture.

Tasmanian Oak: Light, versatile and modern

Tasmanian oak is a soft, light timber with a gentle grain. It suits both cool and warm settings, depending on how it’s finished.
It’s a safe, versatile option if you want furniture that complements most floors without overpowering the space.
Browse the Tasmanian Oak collection.

Anchor the room with contrast

If your timber floor and timber furniture are starting to look too similar, use contrast in other elements:

• Rugs to break up similar tones
• Upholstered chairs with textured fabric
• Metal, glass or matte black accents to add variety
  

Contrast doesn’t always have to come from the timber itself. A well-styled space uses balance and variety to feel cohesive and lived-in.

Create a timeless look with custom timber furniture

At Jarrimber, every piece of furniture is made to order right here in Australia. That means we can help you fine-tune the colour, grain and finish to match your floors perfectly—or to contrast just enough to elevate your space.

Need help choosing? Our team is always happy to talk timber, tones and design. Contact us for personalised advice or to request timber samples delivered to your door.

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