Is it possible to lighten the dark mahogany parquet floor in a room that has no direct daylight?
Sanding has had little effect. Our DIY expert, Bridget Bodoano, says,’Mahogany is a dark wood that darkens with age, so making it lighter isn’t easy. However, Jorgen Gudnason of Scandinavian Hardwood Flooring (whose clients include the British Museum) says the company has developed a technique that will give a lighter appearance. It involves applying a clear, water-based, non-yellowing varnish to which limewash has been added. Application is with a brush or roller, and the outcome likely to be better if the varnish is applied to a newly sanded surface. Contact the company to arrange to have the work done or for DIY details (01923 440077, scandinavianhardwoodflooring.com). ‘This treatment is not going to turn your floor blond, so lighten up with pale-coloured paint and furniture, too, plus good lighting and a large mirror to reflect light from elsewhere. Try covering some of the floor with a light rug – pale coir looks good.’ Help us put our feet up We’re after a comfortable two-seater
