Updating the floors in your home can be a big project. But it doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming.
There are lots of unique flooring ideas available to suit any taste and budget. From concrete to cork, there’s something for everyone! Some of these unique flooring options even make a statement. Check out Precision Epoxy Houston and their google business profile for other flooring options you’ll love!
1. Cork Flooring
If your go-to materials like hardwood, tile and carpeting are starting to look a little run of the mill, try something unique and earthy with cork flooring. Made from the bark of a cork oak tree, this renewable material offers both style and functionality.
Harvesting the bark doesn’t harm the tree, and it grows back quickly, making cork a sustainable choice. Plus, it’s a great insulator and comfortable underfoot. Cork floors are also more resistant to mold and mildew than other types of flooring, and they contain a natural waxy substance called suberin that repels allergens such as dust mites.
Cork comes in a variety of color, tone and texture variations, as well as patterns and shapes. It can be bought as solid planks or in a click/floating format that requires no glue down. The agglomerated top layer can be stained, painted or printed to mimic other materials such as wood or stone. WE Cork, for instance, uses high-definition digital printing to create a layered appearance.
While a cork floor is tough enough to hold up to most household uses, it can be vulnerable to furniture scratches. To help protect your investment, institute a leave-your-shoes-at-the-door policy and add felt pads to furniture legs. Vacuum regularly to remove grit that can scratch and dull the surface, and mop once a week with a soft detergent or cleaner.
2. Carpet Tiles
Carpet tiles are a great option for DIY flooring because they’re easy to install, don’t require the help of a professional, and are affordable. They also come in a variety of colors and patterns to complement any design aesthetic. Creative do-it-yourselfers have even used recycled items like bottle caps and leather belts to create unique floors!
One of the best things about this flooring type is that it’s slip-resistant and comfortable to walk on. It’s also available in a wide variety of colors and can be used indoors or outdoors. This makes it a unique flooring option for those who want to add a pop of color to their space!
Carpet tiles are glued down using either peel-and-stick or full-spread mastic. Those with the peel-and-stick backing have pre-applied adhesive on the back of the tile that you simply pull off when it’s time to install them on your floor. The other style requires you to spray or paste the mastic onto the floor. You can choose from a range of carpet mastic products, so be sure to read the instructions carefully before starting! Regardless of which type you choose, start in the center of the room to ensure a consistent installation.
3. Herringbone Pattern
Herringbone patterns are not new, but this traditional flooring idea is more popular than ever. This eye-catching design combines modern and rustic style with the classic look of wood. It adds visual movement and flair to any room while providing a luxurious European feel.
Herringbone floors look especially striking in open floor plans, where the pattern creates a sense of visual distinction. This makes them perfect for rooms like the foyer, dining room and office. They can also be used in smaller spaces, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, to make them feel more cozy and inviting.
Using herringbone in flooring is not only an excellent way to add a unique touch to your home, but it can also save you money on materials. This is because herringbone floors require more tiles to cover the same area as a standard flooring material. However, if you’re on a budget, you can still get the herringbone effect by simply laying standard rectangular tile in a herringbone pattern.
If you’re thinking about herringbone floors, be sure to experiment with different colors and styles before making a final decision. This will help ensure that your herringbone floors match the rest of your home’s decor.
4. White Flooring
White floors may seem too stark for some decor styles but, depending on the material and finish used, they can create a dramatic style that is both modern and traditional. If you like a shabby chic, farmhouse, or warm industrial look try a painted white wood floor with a distressed finish that lets some brown undertones show through. This style looks especially beautiful when paired with dark furniture for contrast.
Another option for white flooring is white luxury vinyl planks which provide the look of hardwood without the price tag. This material is also durable and easy to clean making it a good choice for areas of the home that receive high traffic.
White floors naturally reflect light which can make small rooms feel larger and brighter. However, dust and dirt will be visible on these floors so frequent mopping and vacuuming is required. You can combat this issue by placing rugs at entryways to trap dirt before it has the chance to scratch and stain your new flooring. White flooring can also be a great design trick for small spaces because it makes corners appear wider. When combined with a cool paint shade (remember that cooler shades recede and warmer colors advance) for walls and crown molding this combination is particularly effective.
5. Stone Flooring
Stone flooring adds a touch of elegance to any space. It’s often associated with luxury, and it has a timeless appeal that will never go out of style. Stone floors are also highly durable and can withstand heavy traffic and moisture. Plus, they’re easy to clean with a mop and water.
Natural stone tiles are available in a range of colors and styles, from elegant marbles to rustic slates and hardwearing limestones. Many have unique color variations like a weathered effect or fossil veining, which can make them even more interesting. Plus, you can find them in a wide variety of finishes, from high-sheen polishes to understated matts and even tumbled stones.
Depending on the type of stone you choose, you may also have some options for laying patterns. You could opt for the classic opus pattern, which uses four different tile sizes in a repeating pattern; or free lengths, which feature tiles of equal width but varying lengths. Or, you can try a herringbone design, which is perfect for stone floor materials like travertine and limestone.
If you’re considering stone flooring, ask your dealer if they offer transition strips that connect it to existing floors. These are usually made of the same material as the new flooring, which helps prevent gaps between the edges of your stone floor and the surrounding tiles.
6. Vinyl Tiles
Updating your floors doesn’t have to be a massive, expensive project. You can choose from a wide variety of unique flooring ideas that will fit your style and budget. From cheap DIY options to pricier tile, there’s a flooring option out there for everyone.
One of the most popular flooring ideas is vinyl, which can be found in a range of colors and patterns to suit any taste. It’s also durable and easy to clean. It comes in both tiles and planks, with the former requiring glue down installation and the latter a floating floor option. Vinyl comes in a number of different thicknesses, from 2mm to 8+ mm, with thicker vinyl having more resistance to damage and dents.
For an eye-catching design that’s both unique and low-cost, try using vinyl album covers as floor tiles in a rec room or music studio. Creative do-it-yourselfers have also used bottle caps and pennies as floor tiles, along with leather belts arranged into squares or tiles for a warm, rustic feel. Alternatively, you can paint a floor with chalkboard paint and draw on it with chalk to create a dynamic surface that’s easily reversible. You can even spruce up an old wood floor with this unique DIY flooring idea!
7. Funky Floors
Few features in a home combine form and function as well as the floor. It’s often the first thing visitors notice, and it can be an eye-catching design element even if you don’t have the budget to redo your whole room.
Creative do-it-yourselfers have used all sorts of offbeat materials to create one-of-a-kind floors. Bottle caps, leather belts, and pennies are a few of the unique flooring ideas that have been used in rooms to add a pop of color and interest.
Repurposed materials are a great option for a flooring material that’s both economical and environmentally responsible. For example, reclaimed wood from old barns can provide a warm and sturdy surface that’s visually interesting. Reclaimed barrels from sherry, bourbon, and whiskey can also be used for a cost-effective, one-of-a-kind floor.
Cork is another environmentally friendly, unique flooring option that provides a subdued, natural look. It’s also resistant to mold and mildew, which makes it ideal for those with allergies. You can use cork tiles for a quick, easy installation that’s versatile enough to fit in any decor. Or, you can use it in a more permanent manner by gluing the corks together to create a custom floor design.