Wood Stain Colors

Everyone will readily admit that color means a lot when it comes to decorating. However, an area of color that many people overlook when decorating is that of wood stain colors. If you are using (or planning to use) wood as part of your overall decorative scheme, then you need to pay some attention to the color of the stain you use. Choosing the best wood stain colors is a remarkably easy thing to do, as long you follow these simple guidelines:

• Type. When choosing a wood stain, regardless of the color, you need to decide on what type of stain you want. There are basically two different kinds of stain that you can use, both with their plusses and their negatives. These two types are water-based and oil-based stains. In perhaps the simplest terms possible, a water-based stain can go just about anywhere, but will require a little more work to maintain. An oil-based stain will be more durable to the elements, require less maintenance, and can have a more even and full look.
• Purpose. To properly decide on wood stain colors, you also need to look at the purpose behind the stain, as well as what is being stained. Are you going to be leaving the wooden item outside? Will it be exposed to a harsh environment? Is the item only going to be used as a decorative item, or will it also be used as a functional piece?
• Durability. Are you looking for wood stain colors that are particularly durable? If so, you typically should go for a darker color. An example of this principle lies in why people used to paint their barns red. While it may look pretty, the red paint would also last longer and weather better than most other colors. Since you are the one that will be doing the work, you should choose a stain that will last and require lower maintenance on your part.
• Design scheme. Having a particular design scheme in mind will make choosing wood stain colors a whole lot easier. It is always an easier task of choosing a color to match within an existing scheme, rather than to try and force a hodge-podge collection together. Take time to actually plan out your scheme before hand, and decide where you will be using that scheme. Is it going to be a theme for your entire home, or is it only going to be used in a certain part?