How to Use Wood Samples for Flooring and Furniture Matching
By Lostine Home Goods | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use wood samples to match flooring with furniture and decor. Practical steps for ordering and comparing dark wash red oak and clear maple samples.
Quick answer
Order wood samples from Lostine Home Goods, compare them under your actual lighting, and hold them against your flooring and furniture to see how the tones work together before committing to a full purchase.
Why matching wood tones matters
Getting the wood tone right can make or break a room. A dark wash red oak sample might look rich and warm in the showroom but feel too heavy next to light maple flooring. By comparing samples in your own space, you avoid costly mismatches and ensure your furniture and flooring complement each other.
The difference between stained and natural finishes
Stained samples like the Dark Wash Red Oak Sample use a custom in-house stain formula applied in successive layers until the right depth is achieved, then sealed with natural Danish oil. Clear Maple Sample, on the other hand, is hand-sanded and sprayed with a clear lacquer that lets the natural grain and color show through. That means dark wash red oak will read as a deliberate, moody tone, while clear maple offers a lighter, more organic look that can brighten a space.
How to match wood samples with your flooring and furniture
- Order at least two samples: Pick a dark option like the Dark Wash Red Oak Sample and a light option like the Clear Maple Sample. Seeing them side by side reveals how undertones shift in different lighting. Common mistake: ordering only one sample and assuming it will match everything. Always compare at least two tones.
- Test samples under your actual lighting: Place the samples on your flooring and next to your furniture at different times of day — morning, afternoon, and evening. Natural light, warm bulbs, and cool LEDs change how wood tones appear. Checkpoint: if a sample looks drastically different under two light sources, note which lighting you use most in that room.
- Hold samples against your flooring and furniture: Physically hold each sample next to your floorboards and your largest furniture pieces. Look for contrast or harmony: dark wash red oak can anchor a room with light floors, while clear maple can blend with medium-toned wood furniture. Common mistake: judging samples in isolation. A sample that looks beautiful alone may clash with the floor or sofa.
- Live with the samples for a few days: Leave the samples in the room where they will be used. Move them around and observe how they interact with rugs, curtains, and other finishes over a few days. Checkpoint: if you still feel unsure after 48 hours, order one more sample in a slightly different tone before making a final decision.
Wood samples at a glance
- Dark Wash Red Oak Sample: Solid red oak is hand-finished with a custom in-house stain formula to successively darken the wood until the right tone is achieved, then a protective layer of natural Danish oil is applied by hand. This multi-step staining process creates a deep, consistent color that you can test against your flooring and furniture before ordering a full piece.
Dark Wash Red Oak Sample - Clear Maple Sample: Hand-sanded maple is sprayed with a clear protective lacquer to allow the natural color and grain of the wood to shine through. Because the finish is clear, what you see in the sample is the true wood character — ideal for gauging how a lighter, grain-forward piece will work with your existing decor.
Clear Maple Sample
