The living room is the main social hub of our homes and where we spend most of our time. It’s therefore crucial that the design helps to create a space to relax and unwind and for the whole family to cherish. Your home flooring choice is one of the design elements that can affect the overall design and ambience of the living room. Let’s explore some factors that can help you in choosing the ideal living room flooring.
Why your choice of flooring is important?
Your choice of flooring in a living room can significantly impact the look and feel of the room. The right choice of flooring will feel cosy, look good, and blend stylishly with your interior design.
The living room is the busiest room in the house, so much activity occurs there. Whether you want to kick back and relax on the sofa or have friends and family around, you need a flooring choice that can withstand daily family life.
Those with pets and children must pay particular attention to their flooring choices. How often you entertain guests will also affect your decision. Busy homes require a floor to withstand the activities without compromising aesthetic appeal.
But with so many different flooring options available on the market, how can you choose the ideal living room flooring? Picking a floor that combines design and functionality can be a tough decision.
Choosing the ideal living room flooring
Design choice
The design style of your flooring will be the biggest factor when making your decision. Do you want a modern, sleek look or something more comfortable and relaxing?
One of the most popular choices for flooring is natural design. Both vinyl and luxury vinyl tiles are the clear winners for natural designs. Eliminating the drawbacks of natural floors, these flooring choices offer calming and relaxing qualities.
With many different design options available, you can opt for a traditional rustic design or something more modern. Both vinyl and luxury vinyl have high-quality natural designs printed using modern technology, allowing for extensive design flexibility.
Original wood colours are ideal for rustic and traditional living spaces, while modern white and greyscale colours are perfect for a contemporary twist. Ambiance’s luxury vinyl tiles offer an extensive range of traditional and modern designs.
Carpet is another great choice, especially for those who are looking to combine style and comfort.
Carpets with a loop design are ideal for modern interior designs due to the sleek and sophisticated feel. For a more traditional feel, consider a soft and plush carpet that is soft and warm underfoot.
Find out more about the benefits of using carpets in your home
Durability
Durability should also be high on the priority list when choosing living room flooring. You need to know that your choice of flooring will not be damaged by everyday usage. The wrong choice may result in a damaged floor and unwanted repair costs.
When it comes to durability, you need to consider certain factors:
- How frequently do you invite guests?
- Do you have any pets or children?
- Will you be placing heavy furniture on the flooring?
- Would food and drink be allowed in the living room?
The answer to the above questions will significantly impact which flooring is most suitable for your living room. In these circumstances, vinyl flooring may be a good option. This durable flooring choice is ideal for busy living rooms with high footfall.
Vinyl flooring is a good choice that holds up well in busy environments. Its resistance to scratches makes it ideal for homes with pets. There is no need to worry about those sharp paws ruining your new floor.
The different layers of vinyl flooring also means it will hold up well in a busy family home. The thicker the vinyl flooring, the more robust it is against everyday wear.
Alternatively, carpet tiles can be an ideal option for durability. Unlike traditional carpets, carpet tiles come in pre-cut squares and are laid individually. They are a durable flooring option that lasts for many years.
Comfort
Another aspect to consider when choosing living room flooring is comfort. For those who want a comfortable and relaxing space, you’ll want to choose a soft, plush carpet that is comfortable underfoot. It’s also cosier and warmer in the winter months for added comfort.
Compared to other flooring choices, carpet is much more comfortable, whether walking, sitting, or playing, and you won’t need to worry about stepping on a cold floor
If you want to create a truly relaxing space, the colour and pattern choice can also have a big impact. Opting for plain patterns with light colours is ideal. According to colour theory, the best colours for relaxing are shades of blues and greens. However, make sure it matches your existing décor.
Cleaning and maintenance
Cleaning is a job most of us aren’t too keen on! But to keep your floors clean and ensure they look good for longer, cleaning and maintenance are essential.
The best flooring choices for easy cleaning are vinyl, luxury vinyl, and linoleum. As these floors are not made from fabrics, there’s less risk of stains and dirt getting stuck in the fibres. These flooring options’ top protective layer and waterproof properties make it a doddle to clean and maintain.
If anyone drops food and drinks, you can wipe it up quickly and easily with a smooth, damp cloth. Weekly vacuuming using a hardwood floor head will keep your floor lasting longer. You’re good to go with regular mopping!
Underfloor heating compatibility
Not every flooring will be suitable for use with underfloor heating. Some floors will insulate the heat, while others can be damaged by the hot temperatures.
Vinyl and linoleum flooring are the best choices for underfloor heating. Both flooring options are not insulative and, therefore, allow heat to transfer. Wet and dry underfloor heating systems work with these floor options.
Lifespan
How long will your flooring last? Nothing lasts forever; your flooring will show signs of wear sooner or later. While you can greatly reduce this with proper cleaning and maintenance, there will come a time when it’s time to replace your floor.
So, which floors have the longest lifespan? While this may not be a top priority for everyone, knowing how much mileage your flooring can provide is still nice. Here is a breakdown of the average lifespan for different flooring options:
- Carpet – between 5 to 10 years.
- Carpet tiles – between 10 to 15 years.
- Vinyl – between 10 to 15 years.
- Luxury vinyl tiles – between 20 and 25 years.
- Linoleum – between 20 and 40 years.
Budget
One more factor likely to affect your living room flooring choice is the cost. Sometimes, the flooring price can be the deciding factor, especially for those on a tight budget. The factors that affect the price are the flooring type, room size, and quality.
As flooring is priced in meters squared, here is the average price for each option:
- Carpet – between £6 and £60 per m²
- Carpet tiles – average around £20 per m²
- Vinyl – between £10 and £20 per m²
- Luxury vinyl tiles – average around £45 per m²
- Linoleum – between £10 and £15 per m²
(Prices as of March 2024).
We hope our guide helped you decide on the ideal flooring for your living room. If you still need further help choosing the ideal living room flooring, our team of experts at E&M Services will be happy to help. We are always happy to provide free quotes, samples, and advice to make it easier to obtain a professional and stylish flooring installation.