When it comes to interior design, we have a whole lot of fun focusing on what changes we want to make to our living spaces to make them comfortable and aesthetically appealing. We’ll focus on furniture, wall colours, and more. But one area that often gets forgotten about or neglected is flooring. This is surprising, as flooring can make a huge difference to any room of your home. Of course, it’s a factor you’re going to have to put a lot of thought and effort into. Not only do you want it to look great, but you need to make sure the flooring you choose is functional and appropriate for the room you’re going to want to put it in. Carpet in the bathroom, for example, creates a breeding ground for bacteria and it would prove extremely difficult to clean in the kitchen, where there are often spills. In the living room, however, it could prove perfect! So, let’s take a moment to take a look through some of the different flooring options available to you!
Carpet
Most homes have carpet in at least some of the rooms. There are various reasons many people can’t get enough of it. Not only is it soft to the touch, creating a cosy atmosphere and a soft feeling underfoot, but it is also good for containing heat. Stepping onto carpet will be warmer than stepping onto a cold, hard floor. Now, there are so many things to bear in mind when it comes to choosing the right carpet for you. First, you need to consider the pile.
- High Pile – a high pile carpet is soft and lucious. It will feel like your feet are sinking into it when you step on it. This is great for rooms where you want a lot of comfort, such as your lounge or your bedroom.
- Short Pile – carpet with a shorter pile is good for high traffic areas. When you look at it, it has less material to stain and less material to hold onto dirt. It’s much easier to clean that carpet with a long or thick pile. Consider this for areas where people may be walking a lot, such as stairs and hallways.
- Loop Pile – loop pile is made in a way that encourages it to bounce back to its original, looped shape, no matter how much people walk over it. It’s ideal for really high traffic areas, such as the entrance to your home, where people are going to walk in wearing shoes. It can last for years before having a flattened or worn down appearance. It may not be ideal for those with pets, though. Loop pile can get caught in claws, which is uncomfortable for your pet, and can also result in damage through pulls.
- Twist Pile – this is another type of pile that is ideal for high traffic areas. It is textured and rugged. This resists wear and tear and can hide marks. Consider it for spaces where little ones might make spills.
Wooden Floors
Wooden flooring is experiencing increased popularity lately. Perhaps it’s the aesthetic. Perhaps its the functionality. Either way, more and more people are incorporating it into their living spaces! There are a surprising number of options out there, with different types of wood varying from the exquisite Hera colour to solid oak. One choice you’ll have to make when opting for wood flooring is whether to go for solid wood or hardwood.
Similarities in Solid Wood and Hardwood Flooring
Solid wood and hardwood flooring do share some similarities. Both are made from hardwood and the vast majority of people wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the two. They look very much the same.
Differences Between Solid Wood and Hardwood Flooring
Solid wood flooring is one hundred percent wood. It’s solid all the way through. Hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is generally made by placing a layer of hardwood on top of high-quality plywood. As a result, solid wood flooring is often more expensive. Solid wood flooring is also likely to last much longer, standing decades worth of wear and tear! One thing to bear in mind is that you will likely have to have solid wood flooring sanded every so often to maintain its finish and quality.
These are just two different types of flooring you might want to consider for your home. Tiles, laminate, and other options exist. But when it comes down to it, carpet and wooden flooring tend to be the most popular options on the market right now!
