Note: this is a guest post and consideration was received for its publication. photo: CC-licensed image by Marcelle Guilbeau
Though every aspect of a room has its own
unique effect on the room’s atmosphere and décor, the floor – and what you
choose to cover it with – can turn a heavy and dark room into a light and airy
space that transforms the feeling of your house, or make an area that was cold
and uninviting into a cosy and welcoming addition. With the array of natural
and manmade materials available on the market, it’s possible to achieve almost
any effect, no matter your circumstances or budget.
Carpet
Traditionally used for living rooms and
bedrooms, carpet is hard to beat for sheer softness – the luxurious sinking of
feet into deep pile carpet is something you might want to add warmth and
cosiness to rooms used for relaxation. While carpets can be difficult to
measure and lay, you can always choose carpet tiles for an easier fit – simply lay
down complete tiles in the centre of the room and work outwards, cutting
the edge tiles to fit. Carpet tiles also have the advantage of being easy to
replace if stained or damaged – just lift up the damaged tile and set down the
replacement.
Tiling
Sleek and easy to clean, tiles are an
obvious choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas that attract more damp
and dirt than most parts of the house. However, they can feel cold and
uninviting and carry with them the risk of slippage, especially when wet –
although non-slip finishes are available for added safety. Choose vinyl tiles
for an economical and easy-to-lay covering – vinyl is available in a wide range
of patterns to suit your preferences. If your budget is a little higher, it’s
hard to beat ceramic tiles for sheer durability. Alternatively, for a
Mediterranean feel, go for handsome terracotta tiles for a warm and welcoming
feeling.
Wood
Ideal for halls and dining rooms, wood
offers a uniquely traditional feel that’s ideal for a natural ambience,
especially suited for homes in the country. Depending on your circumstances and
expertise, you can nail it to the floor below, glue it down with a hardwearing
adhesive, or choose specially interlocking boards that can be installed with
less effort.
You can choose from solid wood flooring
which, as its name suggests, is made from hewn timber from a single natural
source, or more economical engineered wood flooring. Engineered wood flooring,
available from suppliers like the Reclaimed
Flooring Company, is constructed from layers of real wood for a high
quality, temperature-resistant alternative that can be almost indistinguishable
from solid wood.