How to Choose the Right Wood Stains for Your Home Project, According to Design Pros

Whether revamping a tired coffee table or refinishing flooring, choosing the right wood stain is a key detail. There are endless options to choose from, including different colors, undertones, finishes, opacities, and more. The style of your home and the pre-existing natural undertones of the wood are influencing factors that could pre-determine stain preferences, but there are several other steps to take and factors to consider to make sure you’re selecting the right stain. Below are the expert tips to keep in mind before choosing a stain for your next home project.

Always Sample First

Interior designer Ashley Powell of Roseberry Allen emphasizes that sampling is crucial to staining success. “The only way to get this right is to put samples down on the floor,” she explains. “Installers and refinishers will mix up stain cocktails of any range of stains you desire for your viewing pleasure.” By testing multiple options in the actual environment where the wood will live, you can be sure that you like the stain in both natural and artificial lighting. Test your top picks on site to spare yourself from regret later.

Much like paint, stains have many finishes, from flat to high gloss, so be sure to test different finish options, too. Remember, the finish you choose will influence the final look just as much as the color.

Mix and Match Tastefully

Do all the wood tones in a space need to match exactly? Most experts say, “No.” But, as Powell points out, “[the wood tones] should all be able to talk to one another and get along.” Think of it like mixing patterns in fashion—there’s an art to it. A mid-century walnut cabinet doesn’t need to match a pale oak floor, but they can coexist in harmony. That’s why Powell urges homeowners to “request any and all finish samples possible when building your mood boards.” By laying out samples together, you can curate a palette of finishes that complement rather than clash.

Think About Mood-Setting

Aesthetics aside, wood stain sets the emotional tone of a space. “Consider also the mood you wish to create in the room; light stain is casual, darker is formal,” Matthew Coates of Coates Design Architects explains. A beachy, light-stained floor sets a relaxed tone for a sunroom, while a dark-stained oak bookshelf conveys gravitas. There are no wrong answers, but the intended mood of a space should definitely factor into your decision.

Don’t Forget About Function

Function is equally important to consider. A frequently used item in a high-traffic area will need a more durable stain and finish than a purely decorative item that is seen but not touched. “Whether the item needs to serve a purpose or be solely decorative is also important,” Coates says. “A table top might need a harder finish on it compared to a shelf that’s just for looks.” Practicality and beauty go hand in hand in a well-designed space.

Contextualize the Stain Project

“The stuff around your project will influence it too,” Alice Moszczynski, an interior designer with Planner 5D, says. “If your room has warm colors, a cooler stain might look out of place, and vice versa.” The relationship between stain and surroundings is crucial. Your walls, existing furniture, and lighting will all factor into stain selection. “Pick a stain that goes with those things so you can really tie everything together,” she advises.

Consider Architectural Style

“Your home style—modern, historic, ranch, etc.—will also direct your stain choice,” says Coates. Lighter, natural stains may suit a Scandinavian or modernist space, while deeper tones are often better suited for more traditional or formal homes. “Do your best to achieve a cohesive and intentional look,” Coates suggests. To select a well-matched stain for your home, you may need to steer clear of trendy choices and err on the side of timeless looks.

Know the Wood Variety

At the end of the day, your eyes are your best tools. “Start by trying [stains] out in samples on similar scrap wood to your project,” Coates advises. “Observe how the natural undertones in the wood react to the stain.” Since every species of wood absorbs stain differently, the same stain color can look dramatically different across different types of wood. That’s why testing on the actual wood variety or a similar material is essential.

Factor in Time to Experiment

A new staining project is an opportunity to experiment—and you should do as much of that as possible, before committing to anything. “Try lots of different looks,” Coates says. “Look how the natural wood color comes through—each one is unique.” With so many variables—from wood grain and sheen to lighting and wall color—selection may take more time than expected, but that’s normal. It’s better to allow yourself more time to experiment and practice beforehand, rather than end up with a finished project you don’t like.