Flooring design options for living room can seem almost limitless. While carpet remains popular, hard surface materials such as wood, rigid LVT and laminate offer greater ease in terms of cleaning and stain resistance.
Wood adds an organic feel to any space, and with so many species, tones, board widths (and the option of geometric parquet designs), its versatility makes it even more adaptable.
Hardwood
Wood flooring is an appealing choice for living rooms due to its resilience and hygiene; it goes well with both modern and traditional design styles, plus is easy to keep clean if there are kids or pets around the home.
Wood floors provide warmth underfoot and create an intimate space, especially when combined with area rugs. Their natural thermal conductivity enables them to warm quickly while keeping heat inside for extended periods.
Wood floor ideas for living rooms typically involve both solid and engineered plank solutions, including wide board wood flooring solutions. Wide board flooring creates an open atmosphere while showing more of its natural grain patterns, knots and color variations – such as Junckers’ Bonafide Supreme Wide collection featuring wide boards (9 1/2 inches). Their wire brushed finish reveals their Acacia tree roots while also exposing knots. Alternatively, consider opting for herringbone or chevron pattern flooring to make a fashion statement.
Carpet
Carpet may no longer be a household staple, but this flooring type still lends warmth and can effectively conceal traffic marks more effectively than wood or vinyl surfaces. Cut pile carpet features short, twisted strands that don’t reveal vacuum tracks easily but may be less comfortable than looped styles or plush materials.
Carpet is soft and warm underfoot and absorbs sound more effectively than hardwood floors, providing more noise insulation and protection from falls for young children learning how to walk or playing games. Plus it’s more forgiving if they take a tumble when playing or learning to walk!
This living room uses carpet in a stylish way to add an element of personality. The geometric-patterned rug complements its floral decor perfectly, pulling everything together nicely.
Tile
Tile floors are durable and versatile flooring solutions ideal for high traffic environments, offering endless design possibilities. Not only can they withstand foot traffic better than carpet, they can also withstand spills more effectively.
Modern printing technology enables tile that replicates many different kinds of hardwood flooring. Wood-look tiles add warmth and texture, adding coziness and warmth to a living space.
Tile manufacturers have developed porcelain tiles that resemble herringbone wood or exotic hardwood planks, perfect for contemporary beach homes where sand and dirt may enter the living area. Large-scale porcelain tiles designed with this look create a distinct texture in any space while variegated color porcelain can mimic natural stone while also adding soft textures that provide softening effects and visual interest to the floor. Furthermore, designs and borders similar to those seen on rugs add another dimension of visual interest that make the tile an eye-catcher!
Stone
Stone flooring is an adaptable option that fits seamlessly with most decor styles, from high-sheen polished to matte finishes. Granite, sandstone and slate bring natural elements into living spaces through earthy colors while marble and limestone bring sophistication.
Siliceous stone–composed of silica and quartz particles–is more resilient than its counterpart, calcium carbonate minerals like marble or limestone. Although resistant to mild acidic cleaners, this surface requires regular care and upkeep for maximum life expectancy.
Stone naturally stays cool underfoot; however, without radiant heating installed underneath your floors it could feel cold when walking on it. To combat this issue, consider installing transition strips which help facilitate seamless movement from one room to the next, such as those shown below.
