As the start of 2025 begins, we thought we would take a look back at the past, and look at some beautiful floors in history, that you can still see today – and perhaps lend you some inspiration for your own flooring projects this year.
Famous Places with Stunning Wooden Floors: A Celebration of Craftsmanship and Luxury
Wooden flooring has been a hallmark of sophistication and timeless design across centuries. From the intricate parquetry of royal palaces to the elegance of iconic and famous museums, these floors display the pinnacle of craftsmanship. Let’s take a journey through some of the world’s most famous locations featuring stunning wooden floors that continue to inspire designers, architects, and discerning clients alike.
1. The British Museum, London, UK
Why it’s Iconic:
As one of the most visited museums in the world, the British Museum is home to a collection spanning over two million years of history, art, and culture. The elegant wooden floors in its galleries are a subtle yet essential element of its iconic aesthetic, providing a warm contrast to the marble columns and artifacts from ancient civilizations.


Inspiration for You:
The understated elegance of wooden floors, like those in the British Museum, can bring timeless sophistication to your interiors, enhancing both modern and classical design schemes. The Museum tends to use Canadian Maple, which is a popular choice, albeit expensive. You can check some of our own floors here: You can see some of these choices on our website – Sample Maple and Maple Cross
2. The Palace of Versailles, France
Why it’s Iconic:
A symbol of the French monarchy’s grandeur, the Palace of Versailles is renowned for its opulent architecture, manicured gardens, and beautiful interiors. The parquet floors are intricately designed with geometric patterns and are works of art in themselves, reflecting the wonderful craftsmanship of the 17th century.


Inspiration for You:
Channel the regal charm of Versailles with bespoke parquetry, combining historical patterns with modern craftsmanship to create unique, statement floors. The Palace used a beautiful mixture of Oak and Walnut and are famous for the intricate paneling.
We recently completed beautiful project using similar panels here: Versailles Panels or see some other examples of what we can off you here: Product Samples – Woodcraft Flooring
3. The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Why it’s Iconic:
This world-famous museum is a treasure trove of Dutch art and history, housing masterpieces by artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer. The elegant wooden floors, carefully preserved, enhance the classical architecture and create an inviting ambiance that balances grandeur and warmth.


Inspiration for You:
Choose hardwood floors with deep finishes to echo the beauty of the Rijksmuseum, blending traditional charm alongside modern functionality. With a wondaful mixture of Maple and Walnut planks, you can see a few similar projects we completed here : Black Walnut and Solid Walnut
If you would like some inspiration for something similar, you can look at these- American Walnut and Sample Maple and Maple Cross
4. The Louvre, Paris, France
Why it’s Iconic:
Beyond being the most famous art museum in the world, the Louvre is an architectural gem. Its stunning parquet floors, which span its historic galleries, are a perfect complement to the museum’s rich collections, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.


Inspiration for You:
Let intricate parquetry inspired by the Louvre add an artistic flair to your interiors, making your flooring a centrepiece of design. The beauty lays in their use of Chevron, and Herringbone specifically in mahogany and walnut.
We have completed a few projects with a similar feel and aesthetic which you can see here Herringbone Restoration/ and Mosaic Restoration and Floor Restoration
Or if you have something else in mind, perhaps our section on Herringbone and Chevron will provide the inspiration you need Product Samples – Woodcraft Flooring
5. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, USA
Why it’s Iconic:
Located on the edge of Central Park, the Met is an iconic cultural institution showcasing over 5,000 years of art. The museum’s wooden floors, with their polished surfaces and warm hues, contribute to its classical ambiance while providing a durable foundation for millions of annual visitors.


Inspiration for You:
Opt for polished hardwood floors to create a luxurious yet practical aesthetic, suitable for high-traffic spaces. With an abundance of Maple and Oak, you can see how it could possible look in your own home: Burnt Oak Wide Planks and White Wash Radlett
6. Siena Cathedral, Italy
Why it’s Iconic:
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Siena Cathedral is famous for its stunning interiors, including floors that are a combination of wood and marble mosaics. These intricate panels, designed by Renaissance artists, depict biblical stories and add to the cathedral’s artistic legacy.


Inspiration for You:
Mix materials like wood and stone for a unique, layered aesthetic that tells a story, perfect for both traditional and modern spaces. If intricate and beautiful panels are what inspire you, then we have a wonderful range here Product Samples – Woodcraft Flooring under Panels and Designs
7. Heydar Aliyev Centre, Baku, Azerbaijan
Why it’s Iconic:
Designed by the legendary Zaha Hadid, this architectural marvel is known for its fluid, wave-like structure. The interior features continuous wooden floors that seamlessly blend into the walls and ceilings, creating an immersive and futuristic atmosphere.


Inspiration for You:
Sleek, seamless wooden flooring can bring a minimalist and modern touch to any space, while maintaining a sense of warmth and flow. This beautiful floor makes its impact using wonderful border inlays and you have a keen eye for design and architecture, then these ideas may inspire you European Solid Parquet and Rustic Parquet and Dark Oak With Brass
Choosing your own flooring
From the intricate parquetry of the Palace of Versailles to the seamless innovation of the Heydar Aliyev Centre, these iconic locations prove that wooden flooring is both timeless and transformative. Whether you’re inspired by classical patterns or contemporary finishes, bespoke wooden floors provide the perfect foundation for creating spaces that stand the test of time.