How to choose the right flooring for your home
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Flooring plays a big part in how your home looks and feels. It can change the mood of a room, make cleaning easier (or harder), and even affect how warm or quiet your home is.
With so many choices — from soft carpet to waterproof vinyl — it can feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry. Once you know what to look for, it’s easier than you think to pick the right one.
Let’s walk through the main things to consider, plus a simple guide to the most popular flooring types.
What to think about before you choose
Your lifestyle
Start with the practical stuff. If you’ve got children, pets, or a habit of dropping things, you’ll want something tough and easy to clean — like laminate, tile or vinyl.
If it’s a quieter home and you’re after comfort, carpet or cork might be better. It all depends on how you use your space.
We chose laminate for the hallway because of muddy boots and paws. It’s held up well — apart from the one time someone dragged in a pebble that left a tiny scrach. Still, much better than carpet there.
What room it’s for
Different rooms need different flooring:
- Kitchen or bathroom? You’ll need waterproof flooring like vinyl or tile.
- Living room or bedroom? Go for comfort — hardwood, carpet or something soft underfoot.
- Hallway or busy entrance? You’ll want durability and easy cleaning. Laminate, vinyl, or tile all work well.
Think about how the floor will feel too. Tiles can be cold underfoot, while carpet adds warmth and soundproofing.
Your personal style
Some floors add character, others blend into the background. Whether you want a natural look, something sleek and modern, or a classic finish, there’s a flooring option to match your taste.
Popular flooring options
Here’s a quick guide to what’s out there and where each type works best.
Hardwood
- Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas
- Pros: Timeless, natural, long-lasting, adds warmth
- Cons: Expensive, can scratch, not ideal for bathrooms or kitchens
- Why it works: Hardwood isn’t soft like carpet, but it feels warmer than tile and looks more inviting. It pairs well with rugs to add comfort and helps absorb sound, making living spaces feel calm and welcoming.
Laminate
- Best for: Hallways, lounges, bedrooms
- Pros: Affordable, durable, scratch-resistant, easy to clean
- Cons: Not waterproof, can be noisy underfoot
- Why it works: Laminate offers the look of wood for less. It’s ideal in busy areas and cleans up easily. Thicker underlay can improve comfort and reduce that “clicky” sound when you walk on it.
Vinyl
- Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms
- Pros: Waterproof, low-maintenance, softer underfoot than tile
- Cons: Cheaper types can look plastic-y
- Why it works: Vinyl is versatile and budget-friendly. Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and planks mimic wood or stone while being warmer and easier to live with — perfect for households with pets, kids, or a lot of mess.
Tile
- Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, porches
- Pros: Water-resistant, long-lasting, easy to clean
- Cons: Cold, hard, not ideal for long periods of standing
- Why it works: Tile is unbeatable for wet areas and high-traffic zones. It’s tough and easy to wipe clean. Add underfloor heating or soft bath mats to make it more comfortable underfoot.
Carpet
- Best for: Bedrooms, stairs, lounges
- Pros: Warm, soft, reduces noise
- Cons: Can stain, traps dust, needs regular vacuuming
- Why it works: Nothing beats carpet for softness and comfort. It adds warmth and soundproofing, especially in upstairs rooms or homes with children. Go for darker colours or patterned styles if you’re worried about wear and tear.
Best flooring for each room (at a glance)
| Room | Best options | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Living room | Hardwood, carpet, laminate | Warm, inviting, comfortable underfoot |
| Kitchen | Vinyl, tile | Waterproof, easy to clean |
| Bathroom | Tile, vinyl | Handles moisture and splashes well |
| Hallway | Laminate, tile, vinyl | Tough, easy to maintain, handles heavy use |
| Bedroom | Carpet, hardwood, laminate | Quiet, cosy, adds warmth |
| Utility room | Vinyl, tile | Durable and water-resistant |
Tip: It’s fine to mix different flooring across your home — just try to keep a visual flow between rooms where possible.
Other things to weigh up
Budget
Flooring costs vary wildly. Hardwood is one of the most expensive. Vinyl and laminate are cheaper. But remember to factor in extras like underlay, fitting, and future maintenance.
Sometimes it pays to spend more upfront on something that’ll last longer and look better over time.
Installation
If you’re into DIY, laminate and click-lock vinyl are designed for it. Tile and carpet often need professional fitting, especially if you want it done right the first time.
Check if your subfloor needs preparing — that can add time and cost.
Sustainability
Looking for something more eco-friendly? Bamboo, cork and reclaimed wood are good options. Some vinyl and carpet brands now offer recycled or low-VOC (low chemical) products too.
Make your floors work for your home
Choosing flooring doesn’t have to be stressful. Start with how you live and what each room needs, then layer in your budget and style.
There’s no perfect answer — just what works best for your home. Try samples if you can. Walk on them. Spill a bit of water. Imagine the dog charging through. Once you’ve found a match, you’ll know.