Transform Your Home with Laminate Flooring: A Complete Makeover Guide
On October 27, 2023 by Sean ToweryA key consideration when choosing laminate is color. Lighter colors can brighten and expand the appearance of a room. Darker floors can hide dirt, dust, and pet hair more quickly.
More excellent wood colors, like maple and oak, can complement almost any design palette. However, if you have bold, bright furniture, consider a darker shade to contrast the colors of your pieces.
Color
The color of your laminate flooring can set the tone for the space. Matching your furniture and decor color to the flooring shade for a cohesive look is a good idea. Neutral tones like grays and medium browns work well with any design style. If your room has chrome or darker decor highlights, you could easily choose a dark wood or black floor to complement those colors. If you love organic or natural design, consider lighter shades of laminate that mimic maple, oak, or pine. Lighter colors are a great choice to open the room and contrast beautifully with colorful accessories or textured rugs.
Texture
When choosing laminate flooring, the texture is critical in matching it to your space. Laminate can be made to look smooth or satin for a clean aesthetic that can work with any home style, or it can have a more distressed or hand-scraped finish that will give your rooms a warm and rustic look. The color of your flooring also plays a role in tying your home together. Lighter colors can open up your space and make it seem bigger and brighter. They are also an excellent choice for rooms with a lot of natural light. Dark laminates, on the other hand, can add a modern industrial touch to your room and pair nicely with chrome furniture and darker wall paint. They can also hide dirt and pet hair better than lighter laminates, making them a good option for busy homes.
Installation
Laminate flooring is relatively easy to install. It snaps together with tongue-and-groove edges and doesn’t need glue or nails to stay in place. Laminate is durable and can withstand heavy furniture. It’s also low-maintenance, requiring only sweeping and occasional mopping to keep it looking great. Consider a dark laminate color to create contrast if you have bold, bright furniture that could clash with a light-colored floor. Or opt for a medium-gray shade perfect for modern industrial design schemes. Make sure to measure the area of your room before purchasing your laminate flooring. It will assist you in deciding how much stuff to buy and guarantee that your new floors look fantastic after installation. It’s also important to factor in the thickness of your laminate and add a layer of underlayment before installing.
Pattern
Choosing the correct laminate flooring pattern will make all the difference, regardless of the style you want to create. Whether it’s herringbone, chevron, or something else entirely, it will set the tone for your design and influence how other elements in your room are used. Lighter colors reflect more natural sunlight and can help your space look bigger, whereas darker colors absorb more light and may cause your room to feel smaller. You’ll also want to consider the furniture you have in mind. If you have bold or bright furniture, a darker floor will contrast the pieces nicely, while lighter flooring could wash out and look unattractive. Finally, if you plan to install your laminate in a space prone to moisture (like bathrooms or basements), choose a water-resistant laminate with a plastic or waterproof core. It will ensure your floors last longer and maintain their beauty for years.
Size
Laminate flooring comes in different thicknesses, but this does not impact durability or design. Thicker laminates are higher quality and may hide more imperfections in the floor.
The size of the planks can also make a difference in how your flooring looks. For example, 5″ planks are great for small rooms and help open the space, while 8″ planks work better in larger areas. To determine how much laminate you need, measure your room’s standard length and width and multiply to get the square footage. Remember to allow 10% waste to ensure you have enough material.