How to Choose the Right Flooring for Every Room in Your Home
Like other aspects of interior design, different types of flooring come in and out of style. Sometimes trends coincide with a newly developed material beginning to be mass-produced and becoming affordable and widely available—for example, linoleum in the early 20th century or synthetic fiber carpeting in the 1950s. In other cases, a popular color or palette can define what is considered trendy in flooring, such as gray vinyl flooring installed at design shows that made the color ubiquitous in the 2000s and 2010s.
But the most popular flooring of the moment isn’t always the most practical choice for every room in the house. (Two words: carpeted bathrooms.) Instead, you’ll want to think about how the room is used and find flooring that suits its needs. To make the process easier, I asked three flooring experts to identify the best types of flooring for every room and space in the home. Here are their top picks.
The Best Flooring Types for Every Room in Your Home
Before we begin, a word of caution: Flooring experts’ recommendations are based on how the space is used, not budget or style, and are based on the assumption that you’re installing new flooring rather than working with what you have.
The best types of flooring for the kitchen
Ceramic or porcelain tiles
And Sean O’Rourke, a 30-year veteran of the flooring industry and national director of merchandising for Floor Coverings International, and Mark Buskul, founder and CEO of Ninebird Properties , a company specializing in buying, renovating and selling homes in Dallas. , Texas, have identified ceramic and porcelain as the most durable and long-lasting types of kitchen flooring. This is partly due to its water resistance.
“They also come in a wide range of colors, patterns and textures, allowing you to create a custom look for your kitchen,” Buskul says.
Vinyl floors
O’Rourke and Buskul also agree that vinyl flooring is the best option for a kitchen. “LVT—luxury vinyl tile or plank—is waterproof and much less expensive,” says O’Rourke. Plus, Buskul notes, vinyl planks or tiles can mimic the look of other materials, such as hardwood or stone, at a lower cost.
The Best Types of Bathroom Flooring
Ceramic or porcelain tiles
O’Rourke and Buscoul are on the same page again: Ceramic or porcelain floors are also their top choice for bathrooms, for the same reasons. It’s a “clear winner” for bathrooms, O’Rourke says, “thanks to its practicality, durability and water resistance to both floors and walls.”
They’re also hygienic and easy to clean, making them a practical option for areas that are frequently exposed to moisture, Buskul notes. Plus, “tile also offers design and color options that other types of flooring don’t offer,” he adds.
Vinyl floors
Vinyl flooring is also a great option for bathrooms because it can withstand high levels of humidity without warping or expanding, Buskul says. “Vinyl planks or tiles can also act as a waterproof barrier, making them ideal for bathrooms with walk-in showers,” he explains.
The best types of flooring for the living room
hardwood
It is O’Rourke’s top choice for living rooms “thanks to its authentic, natural appearance, durability and warmth.” He says this is especially true in new homes with open floor plans, where it can be placed throughout the kitchen.
Tile
Tile is another reliable choice for many of the same reasons, O’Rourke explains, adding that it’s a popular option in “southern and warm climates.”
Laminate
“Don’t overlook laminate,” O’Rourke advises. “Today’s laminate floors are almost indistinguishable from the real thing, and most come with waterproof or waterproof warranties, and are significantly cheaper if your budget doesn’t allow for hardwood or tile,” he notes.
The best types of flooring for the bedroom
Carpet
“A rug can give a bedroom a cozy feel by adding extra warmth through its installation,” Rotem Eilor, founder and CEO of Republic Flooring , tells me. From a practical standpoint, carpet still dominates bedrooms because of its softness and comfort underfoot, especially when laid over a high-quality backing, O’Rourke says.
hardwood
Hardwood is another of O’Rourke and Aylor’s top choices for bedrooms. “Some people may prefer hardwood for a cleaner, more classic look and easier to maintain,” explains Aylor.
The best types of flooring for the hallway
hardwood
“You can’t go wrong with hardwood flooring for your hallway,” says Aylor. “It’s a timeless look and easy to sweep and clean.” Additionally, Buskul notes, hardwood’s durability means it can withstand heavy traffic and other types of wear and tear, and both hardwood and engineered wood floors can be refinished if necessary.
Carpet
O’Rourke suggests carpet for bedroom hallways. While it can add warmth and a level of comfort, it may require more maintenance than other types of flooring and may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas, Buskul notes.
Laminate or LVT (luxury vinyl tile)
According to O’Rourke, laminate or LVT are good options for spaces that are considered “living spaces” and connect adjacent rooms. And, as Buskul notes, it’s also scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
The best types of flooring for the hallway
Porcelain or ceramic tiles
Like kitchens and bathrooms, porcelain or ceramic tiles are a good choice for entryways, according to all three flooring experts.
Natural stone floor
Slate or granite are also durable and suitable for entryways, Buskul says.
The Best Types of Flooring for a Home Office
Almost any type of flooring will work in a home office, O’Rourke says. “My choice is hardwood flooring with a stylish rug under the seating area and desk,” he says. Laminate, LVT and cork flooring are also reliable options.
The Best Types of Flooring for a Basement
Vinyl floors
According to O’Rourke, waterproof vinyl siding is the best option for basements, especially if there are known moisture problems.
Square carpets
Square rugs are another practical and durable option, which is why they are often used in commercial spaces, explains O’Rourke. “Square rugs have a moisture-resistant backing and their portability makes them easy to repair or replace,” he adds.
Ceramic or porcelain tiles
Like other moisture-prone areas, ceramic and porcelain tiles also work well in basements, according to Buskul.