Bamboo floors first appeared on the market in the '90s. As far as floors go, that makes it a relatively new material that is just starting to really come into demand and popularity. While it has many advantages, such as being eco-friendly, water-resistant, and long-lasting, it's not a well-known choice. For this reason, once you choose to install it, you may be left wondering, what furniture goes with bamboo floors? We've cultivated some great examples of how to decorate a room when it has bamboo floors.
Bamboo floors are very similar to hardwood, which means that they really can work with any style or decor. For a simple room, stick with neutral colors and basic furnishings. For a more modern or contemporary look, try lots of contrast with a few bright colors. If you want a more earthy or bohemian look, stick with other comparable eco-friendly options. There's no limit to what you can do with a bamboo floor.
Keep reading to see some examples of great decorating styles with bamboo floors. Learn what, exactly, bamboo is. How is it like, and unlike, a wood floor? What makes it so eco-friendly? Which is better, bamboo or wood? And once you have it, how do you take care of it? This article will cover all that and more.
Furniture That Goes With Bamboo Floors
Go Green
Bamboo flooring is considered an eco-friendly option. Bamboo, technically, is grass, not wood. As a result, it regenerates in three to five years. While it offers the same style options as wood flooring, it's a much more renewable method. There are several other environmental advantages to bamboo, such as chemical-free cleaning options.
If you installed bamboo floors to make an ecological statement, it makes sense to carry that through with the rest of the decor. Pick natural fabrics like organic cotton, wool, or hemp. Use reclaimed wood or more bamboo for a consistent theme. And don't forget to go green literally - accents like house plants and green throw pillows really tie the look together.
Stay Neutral
Really, bamboo flooring is typically fairly neutral, like hardwood flooring. For this reason, you can pair it well with just about anything. Most people think of light, golden floors when they think of bamboo, but it's also available in darker shades.
If you want a simple, clean look, stick with other neutral or basic colors. Grays, beiges, creams, and simple fabrics and patterns can create a classy style that isn't too loud.
Modern and Contemporary
If bohemian chic isn't your style, reclaimed wood and hemp decor might not be high on your list. But you can also pull off a modern or contemporary style with bamboo flooring. Pick edgy, low furniture with straight, crisp lines. Stick to neutrals like gray, with some white and black for contrast. Add a few bright pops of color, and voila! You have a modern design any decorator will envy.
Country Kitchenette
For a cozier, homey style, pair your flooring with other similar wood tones. Use light, reflective colors and select airy, open furnishings. If you need extra help brightening up the room, gauzy curtains, extra lighting, or a big mirror can help. When you're done, you'll have a natural, refreshing space where you can feel right at home.
For more ideas, "What Color Furniture Goes With Light Hardwood Floors" may help. Bamboo is close enough to wood that the same style rules will apply. For this reason, also see "Should Wood Floors Match Furniture?"
Is Bamboo Flooring Durable For Kitchens?
Bamboo is actually a step ahead of traditional hardwood floors, as far as use in the kitchen. Wood floors are more susceptible to water damage. Of course, this is a likely concern in the kitchen due to spills, food prep, plumbing breaks, humidity from the stove, and more.
Conversely, bamboo is designed to withstand temperature changes, humidity, and moisture. It won't warp from spills as long as it's cleaned up quickly. For the hardiest option, pick an engineered bamboo floor. These have a waterproof layer on the bottom to protect the subfloor.
Do Bamboo Floors Scratch Easily?
Just like bamboo is considered more durable than traditional hardwood floors, it is also more scratch-resistant. While obviously, any flooring comes in a range of quality, bamboo floors are, for the most part, substantially harder than wood. For the toughest, most scratch-resistant flooring, select strand-woven bamboo.
Strand-woven bamboo flooring is two to three times more dent and scratch-resistant than hardwood options. To know just how sturdy a bamboo floor is, check the Janka Hardness rating. This is a durability test - quality flooring will have a rating of 3,000 lbs to 5,000 lbs. The greater the number, the stronger the floor.
Of course, any floor can scratch eventually. If it does, planks can always be replaced or refinished. A thicker bamboo plank could be sanded and refinished several times. For surface marks, there are products available on the market to conceal scratches. You can use any wood concealer, as long as it's the right shade for your floor, such as this one:
Click here to see this wood touch-up kit on Amazon.
How Do You Protect Bamboo Floors?
There are a few simple but essential tricks for keeping your bamboo flooring looking like new. These include:
- Keep dirt off the floor with regular sweeping and cleaning. Dirt can cause small, abrasive scratches and knicks.
- Clean up any water spills immediately. While bamboo is more water-resistant than hardwood floors, it's still not a good idea to let the water soak under the floor.
- Don't drag heavy furniture or sharp objects across the floor. Bamboo is durable, but any surface can scratch with enough force.
- Use doormats to wipe dirt and water off before shoes track mud across the floor. Even better, remove shoes before walking across the floor.
- Use a well-wrung mop or a pH-balanced floor cleaner to wash floors and a regular broom for sweeping.
Some things to avoid include:
- Don't clean floors with acidic or abrasive cleaners, such as ammonia. These will scratch the floor.
- Avoid excessive water when cleaning - like wood floors, wring the mop well, and use water sparingly.
- Steam mops, which could warp the floor, should be avoided.
- Don't use polish or wax on the floors, as it will make them slippery or greasy.
Is Bamboo Flooring Trendy?
Light wood flooring is still a trending style, which makes bamboo a solid choice. It looks and feels similar to hardwoods, which are a longstanding classic. However, bamboo is a more contemporary counterpart. For this reason, bamboo flooring is holding its place as a hot style. It's distinctly different yet comparably elegant to wood floors for a luxurious but more modern look.
In Closing
Bamboo flooring pairs well with a variety of furniture. Since bamboo is similar to wood floors and could be considered neutral, it can be used for any decorating style you prefer. While most people think bamboo is a light-colored floor, it can actually be found in a variety of shades, even very dark. Bamboo floors are an eco-friendly option that can be modern and contemporary, simple, classic, cozy, or rustic. For a green-inspired theme, use organic fabrics, reclaimed wood, and other bamboo furnishings.