Flooring used to be one of the last considerations when decorating. But now, with so many flooring trends and ideas to suit every room of your home, a fabulous floor treatment is often the first item to go on the mood board. Whether you want budget-friendly laminate flooring, are looking to invest in sustainable real wood, or fancy the softer touch of a fitted carpet, click or scroll on to take a look through these stylish flooring ideas and prepare to break new ground.
Get the crisp Nordic look with a white floor, whitewash rustic floorboards for a cabin style, or try a more upmarket modern Scandi decorating idea and install herringbone patterns with a pale pearl-toned oak finish.
Laminate flooring is super easy to install and much more versatile than your classic wood finish. Thanks to new technology and innovative design, laminate is having an update with all sorts of printed patterns. Plus, most are splash-proof too. We love this muted tile-effect pattern that creates a budget-friendly and vintage floor statement when teamed with a traditional roll-top bath.
Tartan or plaid is a classic pattern that creates a refined feel when used across your floors. Commonly laid as soft carpeting, the linear design is crisp, cosy and smart, making it the perfect choice for a traditional home interior. You can opt for a neutral colour combination or if you're feeling brave, go for bold hues like the blue and green design pictured here.
There is no question that a rug makes a cosy addition to a cold floor, but have you thought about layering them up? It's a sure-fire way of adding even more texture and pattern. Pick patterns and colour that complement one another. This relaxed idea suits eclectic or bohemian schemes to a tee.
A carpet made from wool will add durability and 'bounce-back' strength. It's a completely natural fibre, with oils that make it stain and spill repellant, so it's an investment that will last. The soft loop pile texture is a match made in heaven as a base for our latest love affair of curvy, wavy and arch decorating.
A black floor is not so common yet can offer incredible results. It can anchor a white kitchen, look smart in a bathroom or even chic in a bedroom. Choose from painted floorboards, black laminate, or stone. When balanced with neutral walls, the black base looks spacious and flawless.
Whether you choose to lay classic tiles or paint your own, a chequerboard floor makes for a timeless choice. The black and white design will work with any colour scheme. Or, why not think outside the monochrome box and choose an alternative contrasting colour mix? Yellow and cream are retro, whereas pastel tones are more subtle and make a refreshing bathroom statement.
Characterful, comfortable underfoot, and highly durable, cork is a relatively modern flooring alternative that is often overlooked by home decorators. Yet there are plenty of reasons to love it. As well as being a stylish option, cork floor tiles don't absorb dust, meaning they're great for those with allergies. Plus they're eco-friendly as cork is sourced from the outer layer of the cork tree, so no trees are cut down in the manufacturing process. What could be better?
Particularly effective in bathrooms, continuing your tile scheme from the wall to the floor can be a fantastic way of creating real wow-factor. This scheme uses porcelain, marble-look metro tiles to dazzling effect. When choosing tiles that are suitable for both the walls and floor, especially in wet areas, be sure to source tiles with extra grip. As a general rule of thumb, aim for tiles with an anti-slip grade of R10 or more.
Offcut flooring is a fantastic option for those on a tight budget, but the price isn’t the only selling point. Vinyl offcuts, also known as vinyl remnants, are spares from large sheets of vinyl and are both durable and water-resistant. These Offcut Art Décor flooring tiles from Lifestyle Floors are a cost-effective choice. Versatile and perfect for awkward spaces, they can even be laid over underfloor heating systems.
Floor runners spruce up narrow spaces such as hallways and kitchen galleys that might otherwise look sparse. Choose a colour and pattern that will warm and enhance your scheme and attach rug grippers to ensure high-traffic areas remain non-slip. The presence of a floor runner always creates a high-end and welcoming finish to a room.
Vinyl floor tiles aren't a new concept, but they've come a very long way since their heyday in the 70s. Digital technology now makes it possible to print pretty much any pattern and the adhesives used now make laying and removing vinyl floor stickers a breeze compared to older methods. This light Victorian-inspired repeat pattern looks subtle and elegant and will cost a fraction of the price of porcelain originals.
Parquet and herringbone floors add a stylish twist to standard wood and look expensive. In fact, repeating geometric patterns composed of small pieces of wood have been around in formal residences for over a hundred years. Now, the zig-zag design is back in high demand along with more contemporary versions such as chevron or this elegant limed oak herringbone floor.
Flooring can be a key feature in any room thanks to the recent trend explosion: statement flooring. From bright floral symmetry to monochrome optical illusions, a patterned floor can make a great visual focal point that's both super striking and ultra trendy.
Hexagonal tiles are giving metro tiles a run for their money and not just on walls. The ultimate statement, honeycomb patterns look fresh and innovative. Lay the geometric tiles to make the angles stand out by finishing the design with natural corners left open (on a transitional floor), or use a contrasting grout to create an eye-catching feature.
Although statement floors are popular, sometimes a soft and neutral carpet that's easy on the eye is all you need. Flooring is an investment you want to last, so a comforting good-quality staple that will stand the test of time, along with perhaps many decorating updates, is a sensible and safe choice.
A Victorian-style tiled floor is a classic choice that will not date. This traditional option works particularly well in narrow, high-traffic areas like entryways and foyers that require a hardwearing surface that still makes an impact.
Polished surfaces make a luxurious choice for minimalist bathrooms as they bounce light around and are easy to clean. This large bathroom looks positively spa-like with floor-to-wall tiles enveloping the space for a seamless finish.
If you've got the budget and confidence, homes adorned with feature glass floors look visually striking and unique. Not only does the toughened material allow light to stream into the property, but it adds a contemporary twist and drama. Glazed floors can also be used to highlight antique features to great effect in period properties, like opening up a dark and pokey wine cellar below a kitchen.
Motif print carpets are endearing and playful. Polka dots, flowers or even butterflies look pretty set on a pastel backdrop. This star print and baby blue carpet is gender neutral and will make for a stunning nursery that is both soothing and welcoming. The subtle colour and pattern will endure the years and can be incorporated into mature decorating schemes as your child grows.
Painted original floorboards look particularly attractive. For a serene feel, paint them a soft chalky cream or white. Or, if you're feeling daring go for brighter colours. Megan Pflug created this unique and impressive painted floor for One Kings Lane describing the design as an 'oversize tumbling-block pattern' that 'can pack so much style and drama into any space.' We agree!
Occasionally flooring is released by a furniture company that is so on-trend that demand goes wild and it becomes a rug icon to interior enthusiasts around the globe. The Afaw Berber-style rug by La Redoute is one such flooring treatment that is so popular it even has its own Instagram account! Check out how the shaggy rug has become one of the store's most-loved items @the_la_redoute_rug.
Ceramic tiles are made from clay and fired in a kiln. Lightweight and porous, they usually have an added top glaze that makes their colour and pattern look rich and luxurious. These high-end Ted Baker beauties feature lots of hard angles that are reminiscent of London's Brutalist architecture such as the mid-century masterpiece, The Barbican. We think they are pretty chic!
Open-plan homes can benefit from flooring that uses different materials, colours or patterns to zone areas. This quirky pink kitchen boasts a chevron-patterned floor that is a practical pale stone hue in the kitchen which then effortlessly blends into a warm wood tone for the living area. A few additional pops of pink in the design adds to the striking scheme.
Vinyl flooring is easy to clean as well as being water and slip-resistant. It's readily available in a variety of styles and colours from traditional tile-effect schemes to bold modern patterns, and it's generally cheaper to buy and install than tiled or stone flooring. This is a stylish and practical solution for bathrooms, kitchens, playrooms, utility rooms and hallways. We love the additional vinyl stickers adorning this striking staircase – what a colourful welcome home!
Concrete flooring is ideal for those wanting to create an on-trend industrial feel in any room of their home. It works well with underfloor heating and can be ordered in a choice of colours and finishes. The overall effect is smooth, seamless and contemporary.
For a bold effect, think about artificial grass. Yes, really! A popular choice as an alternative to grass in the garden, it's also soft underfoot, can be fitted like carpet and can be vacuumed, so it works indoors too. Balconies are the perfect spot to add a little indoor/outdoor design play as click-together tiles make installation easy. This family-friendly material is also a creative choice for playrooms, bedrooms or even cloakrooms.
Fitted carpet doesn't have to be plain. Turn the floor of your lounge or master bedroom into an artwork with a patterned carpet or add interest with a textured weave option. It's much easier to hide those inevitable marks with a carpet that's made up of multiple colours or an intricate pattern. A large room is required for a carpet with a large repeat pattern to be truly effective though; this stylish geo style blurs the boundaries between fibre and tiled flooring.
Stairs and hallways are some of the most heavily trafficked areas in a home. Instead of carpet, fit a runner that runs along the middle of your hallway and up your stairs. Not only will this look striking combined with polished wood or painted floors, but it is also much more economical to replace when worn patches appear.
A rug can be a piece of artwork in itself. Beautifully patterned colourful rugs or subtle neutral textured designs will lift and warm up a plain stone, tiled or wooden floor. Just make sure that you measure before you buy! You don't want your rug to look like a tiny island in the centre of your room, neither do you don't want to see just a small border of your floor around a rug that is too large for your space.
Engineered wood floorboards have a solid wood top layer and layers of man-made product or plywood underneath. They look just like real wood and come in many wood finishes, but they won't expand and contract as much as solid wood flooring, so they're less likely to cause draughty gaps in your floor. Plus they're easier to install and cheaper than solid wood, too.
It can be difficult to tell the latest faux wood laminate flooring apart from the real thing and it's much cheaper. As it won't absorb water, laminate is also a more practical alternative, particularly for bathrooms and kitchens. You can get just about every type of wood effect, from dark wenge to light oak and even painted patterned wood.
Striped carpets look great on stairs as they emphasise the rise up and down, but those bold colourful stripes can also look really effective in the main rooms in the house too, particularly the dining room and the lounge. Keep the walls and ceilings neutral, and the floor itself becomes the focal point. If you want the room to look longer let the stripes run the length of the room, but if you want the room to look wider lay them along its width.
Nothing makes a room feel cosier than a sumptuous fitted carpet. Neutrals will always be popular but in a larger home, you can afford to be more daring, especially in the bedrooms where you could try a bright pastel or even a vibrant primary shade.
If you live in a period property you may be lucky enough to find the original floorboards hiding under the carpet. Expose them, sand them and apply oil or varnish to create a practical surface in any room in your home. You can even showcase them in a bathroom, just make sure those gaps in between are sealed to stop water leaking through to the floor below.
Traditional porcelain tiled flooring is often associated with bathrooms, but it's also very effective and practical for kitchens and hallways. Team it with underfloor heating and it will always feel lovely and warm underfoot, too. If your budget is tight choose larger floor tiles, as they require less cutting and grouting and so are generally cheaper and easier to install.
The latest digital technology has made it possible to create porcelain tiles that look exactly like wooden floorboards. This is a very practical solution for bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and entrance hallways. To ensure that the tiles are warm to the touch, it is advisable to combine them with underfloor heating.
If yours is a 'shoes-off' house, painted stairs are very practical and a mix of striped paint colours running up the stairs can look incredible. Alternatively, you could paint the treads and risers in an ombre of shades, starting off light and graduating on each stair all the way up to a dark colour at the very top. Paint a rainbow of colours on the bannister too for added effect – the perfect weekend upcycling project.
Nothing says luxury like marble flooring. If actual marble is too expensive, the latest marble-effect floor tiles are hard to distinguish from the real deal and a whole lot cheaper. Use marble flooring in the bathroom, teamed with brass accessories to create an opulent inner sanctuary that you will look forward to unwinding in at the end of a long day.
Rubber flooring comes in a rainbow of shades, textures and designs. It is very hardwearing, soft to the touch and warm underfoot. Spillages can be easily wiped off, making it particularly practical for kitchens and bathrooms. It's also available in a smooth or textured surface. Top tip: if you're looking for a non-slip surface, opt for raised rubber flooring.
Travertine stone is a form of limestone that comes in a variety of earthy tones from creamy white to golden tan. It has tiny pores in its top layer that mean it is liable to staining, but if you seal it regularly this shouldn't be a problem. This stone works well with underfloor heating and is ideal for hallways.
Another natural stone, slate flooring tiles come in a variety of colours from dark inky greys through to bronze and copper tones. Slate is a particularly robust stone that is less susceptible to scratches than other stones. To keep it in top condition though it needs regular sealing to protect it from staining. It is perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways and works well with underfloor heating.
Sheepskin pelts are now available in a variety of colours from natural creams, greys, and whites to dyed pinks, blues and greens. Use them to add texture to large expanses of wood, tiled or stone flooring. Or, place them beside the bed in the bedroom to give your toes something wonderfully soft to sink into first thing in the morning.
Cowhide doesn't have to come in that traditional cut-out shape. The latest fashion is to seal pieces together to create a striking round or geometric rug. It's a hardwearing material that is also soft to the touch and ideal for breaking up large expanses of hard flooring in a lounge, open-plan living space or snug.
No two pieces of natural limestone stone are the same, which is why a limestone floor has a truly unique look. Available in light creams, coffee colours through to darker inky shades, this warm stone will show signs of wear over time, but that ageing process is part of its inherent beauty. It tells a story of what's passed over it and is ideal for hardworking hallways, mudrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. It is a porous stone though so requires sealing.
There are now porcelain and stone flooring options that are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. This is perfect if you want to create a seamless flow between your indoor and outdoor space and turn your garden into what feels like an additional room in your home in the summer months.
Chipboard tiles are suitable for floor and wall use, which gives a lovely unified feel to any interior scheme. They are very hardwearing and are ideal for high-traffic areas, as well as splash zones such as bathrooms and kitchens. If you're after a funky modern look with an industrial twist you can't go wrong with chipboard.
For those that favour 100% natural fibres, seagrass carpets and rugs offer a great alternative to traditional carpets, which often contain some manmade fibres. Grown in coastal meadows in the tropics, seagrass can be made into fitted carpets or made-to-measure rugs and is often used for hallways, living spaces and bedrooms. It's not advisable to use it in a wet area such as a bathroom or kitchen though.
Bought in sheets, laid and then filled in with grout, tiny pebble-shaped tiles are perfect for small areas such as a bathroom or cloakroom. With their slightly raised texture, they will gently massage bare feet. When opting for a colourful or patterned floor, keep the walls plain, or you risk creating a visually cluttered space.
A mix of tiles is often used on walls to create a border or feature wall in a bathroom or wet room, but this can work just as well on floors. Use larger cheaper tiles on the majority of the floor area and create a focal strip with more expensive mosaic tiles, perhaps mirroring the line of the shower in a wet room,or to make a border of tiles around the edge of the floor. It will be much cheaper than using the tiny expensive tiles all over and just as effective.
Reclaimed timber boards are a fantastic way of adding instant character to your home. Warm, eco-friendly and great for creating a style statement, recycled flooring can be sourced from reclamation yards, online auction sites, and even for free from property renovation projects. However, if you're short on budget, this plank vinyl flooring, available in three widths from Lifestyle Floors, is a fantastic, affordable alternative and achieves a similar look.
Terrazzo tiles are hot right now, so why not take the speckle effect below your feet too? From pastel-coloured flecks to more earthy chips, the jazzy effect isn't going anywhere for a long while. Interior Designer, Bella Zakarian Mancini, told Apartment Therapy that Terrazzo will "never" go out of style. "I will never be over this magical material", she said.
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