Overwhelmed By Flooring Options? Here’s A Cheat Sheet
Whether buying a new home or renovating your current residence, choosing the right style and materials for your home’s aesthetic can be overwhelming. Regarding flooring, there are multiple options available and no one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re struggling with how to choose between carpeting, hardwood, LVT, and everything in between, this cheat sheet can help.
Start With Room Functionality
Before deciding on the best flooring option, consider each room’s purpose and how people will use it. High-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, and living rooms require hardier materials that won’t show wear and tear quickly. Bedrooms may be a better fit for softer materials such as carpet or cork.
Rooms exposed to significant amounts of moisture regularly, like kitchens and bathrooms, would be best suited to moisture-resistant materials such as linoleum, vinyl, or ceramic tile. These materials are also slip-resistant, making them an ideal option for a bathroom floor.
Think About Aesthetics
A good portion of choosing the right flooring is based on personal style preference. While choosing durable and safe materials is essential, your space should reflect your personality. Darker wood or stone can bring a lot of warmth to a room, while neutral-tone carpets and vinyl can create a more tranquil atmosphere.
In addition, think about the current color scheme or look of your home. If you have an eclectic style with lots of statement pieces, then LVT flooring might be the perfect touch. On the other hand, if your home is more minimalistic, hardwood or stone could be the ideal way to round out your look.
Take Into Account Longevity And Maintenance
Before making a flooring decision, consider how long the material will last and what maintenance it requires. Some flooring materials require more maintenance than others, so this should be considered. Carpeting will need to be vacuumed regularly and occasionally deep-cleaned; hardwood may need waxing or refinishing over time, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) will need to be wiped down every couple of weeks.
If you have kids or pets, they will also impact how quickly your flooring will wear. A more durable material, such as ceramic tile, might be better than carpet or hardwood.
Understand The Pros And Cons
Different materials have their unique benefits and drawbacks. Carpets are warm and soft, but it absorbs dust and allergens quickly. Hardwood looks beautiful, but it can be scratched or stained easily. Vinyl plank has a realistic wood-look style but is less heat resistant than other materials. Knowing the benefits and drawbacks of each material can make it easier to narrow down your options.
Prioritize Your Budget
Flooring can be expensive, so it’s crucial to ensure you stay within your budget. With different materials come a variety of price points, from very affordable options like laminate or ceramic tile to top-tier materials like hardwood or luxury vinyl plank.
Price points are an important factor in choosing the best LVT or hardwood flooring because they determine the material’s quality. Make sure to research different brands and read reviews to get a good idea of what materials are within your budget.
Choose The Right Color And Shade
When selecting your flooring, remember to pick a color that complements your home’s style. If you choose a bold pattern or bright color, make sure it is distinct and complimentary to the rest of the room’s decor. Also, consider how much light the room receives; lighter colors can help make a space feel bigger and brighter, while darker tints can add drama and elegance.
Flooring Options: Final Thoughts
Choosing the right flooring for your home can be a challenge. With so many materials and styles to choose from, it can take time to figure out where to start. But you’ll be sure to find the perfect fit for your home in no time by understanding room purpose, aesthetics, maintenance needs, pros and cons, budget, and color scheme preferences.
