As you start mapping out your house floor plans for a fixer-upper, a renovation project, or a new home build, you’ll need to consider the types of flooring you want to install in different parts of the home. Since every room in the home serves a different purpose, you can take steps to install a different type of flooring in different rooms to make the most of your space. Taking a closer look at the house floor plans and brainstorming some decorating ideas will help you make the right decision when it comes to choosing flooring.
Whether you’re working on a fixer-upper project or renovating parts of your home, here are some must-have flooring ideas for every room in the house:
Kitchen Flooring Must-Haves
The kitchen is a heavy-use area, and the flooring you choose will need to withstand moisture, stains, and spills. You have a few options to choose from for the kitchen, and many are relatively affordable.
- Vinyl flooring can imitate the appearance of tile, ceramic, and even wood. It’s easy to install and maintain.
- Porcelain tile is more durable and can be glazed or unglazed to create a modern or rustic look.
- Hardwood floors are moisture resistant but not the best idea for homes in humid climates.
- Engineered wood may be a better option if you live in a tropical climate. Other options for kitchen floors include linoleum tile and cork.
Flooring for the Living Room
If you’re trying to create a more intimate setting in the living room, carpet may be your best bet for that plush feel underfoot. However, many people opt for hardwood or engineered wood in the living room because it can create a more luxurious look. You can lay down a large rug over hardwood to create a more comfortable and intimate space around the sofa and coffee table while leaving the rest of the hardwood floors visible for aesthetic appeal.
Porcelain or ceramic tile is another option for the living area and a popular choice for homeowners who live in very hot and humid climates. Porcelain and ceramic tile floors are easy to clean and stay relatively cool as temperatures rise.
Dining Room Flooring Options
The dining room can also be designed and decorated as a more intimate setting, especially if it’s a completely separate room from the living areas. Plush carpet can create a warm ambiance, while hardwood floors or engineered wood can create a more formal look. If there are very young children in the household, your house floor plans might include several areas with flooring that will be easy to clean and maintain. If the dining room is used only for special occasions or when you have guests, you might consider luxury flooring options, such as marble for an elegant look or travertine and slate tile flooring for a rustic or farmhouse chic look.
Open Floor Plan Flooring
If you have an open floor plan on the lower level of the home, it might be more economical to choose porcelain or ceramic tile flooring for the dining room, kitchen, and living room. Not too keen on the idea of having tile in the living room? You can have hardwood or carpet installed just in the living room area. This can help you save money on the cost of updating flooring on the entire lower level of the home without compromising on style and function.
Bathroom Flooring Ideas
Since the bathroom will be subject to water and moisture, you need to choose flooring that will withstand the changes in temperature and moisture levels. Fortunately, there are a few waterproof flooring options available.
Porcelain and ceramic tile are the most common types of flooring used in bathrooms. They will not warp or fade when exposed to moisture. They are also easy to clean so you won’t have to spend a lot of time or money on cleaning materials to keep the tile floors looking polished and new.
Loft Flooring Ideas
In many homes, the loft is a multi-purpose and functional space so you can expect it will get some heavy foot traffic most of the time. This is why it makes sense to invest in flooring that will last for several years. A high-quality carpet, vinyl floors, or even real hardwood floors are popular options for flooring in the loft area. Keep in mind, you can create smaller spaces within a larger loft space by using rugs and runners as separators.
Bedroom Flooring Ideas
Many people prefer the feeling of soft and plush carpet in the bedroom, but you might be a fan of wood flooring. Carpet is one of the least expensive options for bedrooms and can be a valuable investment for the long term. It’s easy to maintain, and replacing carpet is less expensive than other types of flooring installations.
If you decide to install vinyl flooring, laminate floors, or traditional wood in the bedroom, you can create the same soft feeling with a plush rug over most of the floor. Many homeowners who live in a hot climate prefer hardwood or vinyl floors because these types of flooring materials do not retain heat. Vinyl or hardwood floors can also look more appealing and may even add some value to the home.
Flooring for the Stairs
Whether you’re installing wood, vinyl, or carpet in the foyer downstairs or in the loft upstairs, you’ll want to use the same type of flooring on the stairwell. This is another part of the home that will receive heavy foot traffic, so you need to consider the longevity of the material you choose to install in this area. Choosing inexpensive materials for the stairwells could end up costing you in the long run when you have to pay for repairs or installing new materials as a replacement.
Updating the floors in a fixer-upper or installing new flooring in a new construction project can be a great way to make the space truly your own. Use these tips to make sure you’re choosing the right types of flooring materials for different rooms around the house.
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