Wooden flooring has evolved from thick oak planks in medieval castles to the refined parquet and engineered floors found in modern homes. This guide explores how craftsmanship, materials, and design have changed over centuries — and what today’s homeowners can learn from the past.

The Rule of 3 in flooring is a simple design principle that helps homes feel calmer, larger, and more intentional by limiting visual variation. Here’s how it works and why it matters.