Your choice of flooring can make or break the overall look of a room. That’s why it’s important to really consider what flooring will look and function best in your space. For instance, a herringbone wooden effect can create a traditional aesthetic, while being hardwearing.
While there are so many flooring options to choose from,the biggest factor to consider is a practical floor that matches you and your desired style. Continue reading for guidance on making the right decision for your home.
What material do I choose for my floor?
Unlike updating your walls with a lick of paint, your flooring is not such an easy element to customise. That’s why it's important to consider every possibility before making your final decision. Firstly, you need to consider the material of your floor. Homeowners are typically faced with two options; soft which consists of materials such as carpet or vinyl, or hard flooring which refers to harder styles like tiles, wood or laminate.
Hard flooring is perfect for those who want a floor that is easy to maintain as well as offers a timeless aesthetic that’s long-lasting. . It’s also a great option for those who suffer with allergens or have pets at home as cleaning a hard floor is such an easy task.
That’s not to say that soft flooring, such as carpets, are hard to look after. Carpets are a very popular choice for those who want to bring an element of comfort and warmth into their home. Carpeted floors reduce noise, prevent the risk of slips and falls, and have a unique beauty that allows for homeowners to pour a bit of personality into their space.
Does the colour of my floor matter?
Now that we have the material covered, the next big consideration is the colour and style of your flooring option. This step needs to take into account the colour of your walls (either present or future plans), as well as the size and lighting of the room. Certain colours help a room feel more spacious, whereas others can create the illusion of a smaller space. Not to mention, you can manipulate the lightness or darkness of the room using the colours you opt for. Darker floors can make a large room feel cosy while light colours open the space.
For further guidance, greys and blacks can dominate a room yet create a calming and peaceful atmosphere. Browns can promote a rustic and natural aesthetic while lighter colours contribute to a minimalist look. Remember, it’s useful to look at the sample of your desired flooring during the day and night as the colours may differ, helping you to plan accordingly.
What pattern do I choose for my new floor?
The floor design that you opt for really comes down to your own personal taste and style. You can let your creativity flow by choosing a pattern that draws you in and emulates your personality. When it comes to carpet, there are many different carpet types to play with, including velvet pile, tufted, woven and Berber loop, to name a few.
On the other hand, tiles give you an opportunity to experiment more, especially as you can play around with different sizes, patterns, shapes and layouts.Wood is also great for trying out unique and beautiful designs in your home; with fun layouts such as herringbone and chevron to choose from.
Top tip: The direction of your wooden panels is not set to any one standard, however there is a general rule that the panels are installed lengthways and towards the main window or light source of the room. This naturally brightens up a space.
Can the floor make a room feel bigger?
Floors are a very clever way to give the illusion that a room feels bigger. Herringbone is a particular style that works well for this. The design uses small wooden planks in a zig-zag pattern which creates the illusion of movement, making the space feel bigger. With the added touch of a lighter coloured wood flooring option, the room will automatically feel bright and open. Larger tiles that avoid busy patterns are another great way to make a room look and feel bigger, and the same goes for earthy carpet tones.
What floor should I install in each room?
Everyone has their own interior design style, but at Wickes, we understand that choosing your flooring is a lot tougher than a lampshade. It’s a permanent addition to your home, one that is often an investment too. Because of this, we have comprised a small list of flooring recommendations for each room in your home, giving you that much-needed inspiration.
Small Rooms
To open up the space, look at using flooring that can create a diagonal design, such as wood. Or larger materials like tiles are a great alternative. Light colours should also be considered in smaller spaces.
Bathroom
The flooring in your bathroom needs to be practical while staying aesthetically pleasing. It’s important that you choose a material that avoids any slipping or sliding, and also maintains a strong resistance to water, damp and steam. Porcelain tiles, stone and engineered wood are some particularly strong picks.
Kitchen
Our kitchens usually end up having the dirtiest floors from cooking and extreme footfall. That’s why it’s best to choose a floor type that is easy to clean and maintain. Porcelain tiles, engineered wood, hardwood and vinyl are all great choices as they are nice on the eye yet effortless to clean.
Living Room
This is a space for families to kick back and relax together. Creating an environment that makes everyone feel comfortable and cosy is key, which is why we’d recommend carpets or darker colours in your flooring choice. Hardwood and laminate are great alternatives for those wanting to avoid carpeting their home.
Dining Room
Similar to a kitchen, it may be worth considering a floor type that is easy to clean. Hardwood and both ceramic and porcelain tiles work well for a sophisticated dining experience while helping you maintain a clean home. Dark colours are a great way to avoid potential stains too.
Hallways
Similar to the hub of the home, the kitchen, hallways experience the most traffic in a home so it’s essential that you find a floor that’s suitable. You’ll need a floor that is durable, effortless to clean and easy to maintain and repair. Hardwood and tiles (both ceramic and porcelain) are perfect options, or you can go for stone which is a strong material that provides a more natural welcome to the home.
Shared Spaces
Many homes have shared spaces where two rooms are compacted into one. Open plan settings with dining rooms and living rooms combined, or dining tables placed in kitchens are common examples. If this is the case in your house, you should consider a floor that suits both utilities. Hardwood or ceramic tiles are usually the safest and most stylish options.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms are the spaces that express individualism while being a relaxing space. With that in mind, carpeted flooring can help the room to feel cosy, while hardwood can bring a sophisticated feel that can be enhanced with a rug. Over recent years, we have also seen a rise in bamboo and cork flooring being used in bedrooms for something a little more unique.
We hope you’ve got all the inspiration you need surrounding flooring options for your home. If you found this article helpful, check out our article on how to clean and maintain your flooring.