Ever walk into someone’s home and think, “Wow, the floor just works“?
That feeling doesn’t come from luck or trend-chasing. It comes from matching the right wood floor colour and finish to the style of the home… and the people who live in it.
In Cambridgeshire, we work in all sorts of homes: Victorian terraces in central Cambridge, barn conversions on the outskirts, and bright, modern new-builds from places like Trumpington to Bar Hill.
Each space needs something slightly different. This blog breaks it down simply.
Let’s walk through five common home styles we see in the region… and what floor finish suits them best.
Victorian & Edwardian Terraces (Central + South Cambridge)
These beautiful period homes often come with original wood floorboards or intricate parquet under layers of carpet. But narrow halls and small rooms need help reflecting light.
A soft oak or natural ash finish with a matt lacquer is ideal. It highlights grain, respects original charm, and avoids the orangey, overly glossy look that can feel dated.
Why it works:
- Makes your space feel brighter without needing to paint every wall white
- Still honours the architectural heritage of the home.
- Easy to maintain with kids, pets, or hallway traffic
Before any sanding can start, we often need to understand what’s beneath the surface. Here’s why it matters: Why We Need to See the Whole Floor Under Your Carpet
Barn Conversions & Rural Homes (Ely, Fulbourn, Willingham etc.)
With their gorgeous beams and generous layouts, rural homes need floors that feel grounded, not glossy. A cold grey or sharp stain can fight the textures around them.
We recommend warm mid-tone stains in oak or smoked finishes, sealed with soft matt oil. Brushed textures work brilliantly here too.
Why it works:
- Ties together modern updates and heritage character
- Makes wide, open spaces feel cosy and settled.
- Brings out natural tones in brick, plaster, and beams
For examples of how we’ve applied this in real spaces, explore our Real Customer Reviews — we often talk through what worked best for each type of home.
Modern New-Builds (Northstowe, Trumpington, Cambourne, etc.)
These homes are flooded with light but often come with standard laminate or click-together flooring. If you’re upgrading, you want something that looks beautiful but won’t demand constant attention.
A practical matt lacquer in a pale or mid-tone shade like natural oak, pale ash, or taupe is perfect. Think clean, not clinical.
What you get:
- Minimal maintenance — ideal for families or professionals
- A neutral base that won’t date your décor
- Helps define zones in open-plan layouts
In this recent blog, we showed how we transformed a family home with exactly this finish: Can You Restore an Oak Floor in a Busy Family Home?
Academic or Rental Properties (Chesterton, Arbury, Mill Road)
These spaces see heavy use, less care, and furniture that gets shuffled around. Floors need to be tough and forgiving.
A satin-matt, mid-tone lacquer is often ideal… not too shiny, but not dull either. It masks well while looking intentional.
Why it works:
- Keeps floors looking fresh with minimal upkeep
- Works with many furniture styles — new or second-hand
- Makes small flats feel considered, not tired
We once sanded and resealed a flat near the station in under 48 hours, ending up with a floor that still looked great weeks later.
Character Homes with Mixed Styles (Waterbeach, Linton, Harston)
Some homes are a little bit of everything: a modern kitchen, an old fireplace, layered rugs, bold art, and crisp white walls.
What they need is flexibility. A natural or lightly stained oak finish in ultra-matt oil suits this perfectly. Choose one that enhances the grain gently for added depth.
Why it works:
- Never shouts for attention but always looks considered.
- Works with eclectic styling — layered, minimal, or evolving
- Lets you repaint the walls without rethinking the floor
This home near Waterbeach combined old and new in one flowing space — our soft oak finish tied it all together.
Want to See the Wood Floor Restoration Process in Action?
Our sanding and finishing steps are designed to be clean, quick, and precise — and we’ve filmed it so you can see for yourself.
▶️ Watch our wood floor restoration video
Or explore our wood floor restoration process here to see how we treat each home with care.
What If You Don’t Have a Wood Floor Yet?
Fallen in love with these finishes… but still have carpet or laminate?
Our sister company Art of Flooring installs bespoke wood floors across Cambridge. They’ll help you:
- Choose solid or engineered wood.
- Pick tone, finish, and width.
- Match the floor to your life, not someone else’s showroom
Perfect if you want your floor done right from day one.
Still Unsure About Which Type of Wood Floor Finish to Use?
That’s completely normal. Most of our clients aren’t either — until we bring samples, talk about light and lifestyle, and explain the why behind each option.
If you want something that just feels “right” in your space — and will still feel right in five years — we’d love to help.
Get in touch or browse more stories in our Knowledge Centre.
When you’re ready, we’ll be here.
Frequently Asked Questions: Choosing the Right Wood Floor Finish
Can I change the colour or finish of my existing wood floor?
Yes — as long as your floor has enough life left (thickness of the top layer), we can sand it back and apply a new colour and finish. We always test samples first so you feel confident before we begin.
What if I don’t know what my floor is made of?
That’s really common. During your quote visit, we’ll check the floor type, thickness, grain, and previous finishes. We can usually tell quickly whether your floor is oak, pine, or something else… and what it can handle.
Is matt or satin better for families?
Both can work… but matt finishes tend to hide everyday marks better, especially in high-traffic areas. Satin has a slight sheen, which some people love for its slightly more ‘finished’ look.
Are dark floors harder to keep clean?
Yes… darker floors show up dust, pet hair, and footprints more easily, especially in bright spaces. If you love the look but want less upkeep, we’ll guide you to a warmer mid-tone or slightly textured finish that gives a similar feel.
How long does the finish last?
That depends on the type you choose and how the floor is used. Matt lacquer is very durable and great for family life. Oiled finishes give you a more natural look and can be topped up in patches over time.
Can I see how finishes will look before I decide?
Definitely. We bring sample boards and test a few options directly on your floor so you can see how they react to your lighting, furniture, and space.
