While you may be drawn to certain flooring options due to the overall aesthetic look and feel, there are several other factors to consider when choosing the best flooring for your home. From maintenance and durability to cost, pet-friendliness, and more, there are many aspects that can greatly influence your decision. You’ll also want to consider the use of the room and what type of flooring will make the most sense given the space. For example, a tile or water-resistant laminate is going to be your best bet for the bathroom. 

Consider Your Living Situation

From the number of rooms in your home to whether or not you have pets and/or children, there are plenty of factors to consider when choosing flooring. How often do you spend time in each room? What’s the foot traffic situation? How often are you cleaning the floors? If you do have children and/or pets, you may want to choose flooring that’s easy to clean (wood and laminate are great options). 

On the other hand, if a room is going to be used by seniors, you may want to consider slip resistance and comfort, as well as flooring that allows easy movement for walking frames, crutches, or wheelchairs. Preferable options in this case include carpet and rubber; materials like natural stone would be best avoided.

Play Into Your Personality

Of course, you’ll still want to choose flooring that suits you and your family. Are you looking to radiate warmth and a welcoming environment? Do you have a love of natural materials or a more contemporary style? Someone who wants to showcase their love of nature may choose solid wood or stone flooring. 

Those looking for a more contemporary look may want glossy finish porcelain. You can also consider the other items in your room, like lighting and decor, to help you settle on a flooring option that makes sense.

Aim For Consistency

If you decide to use different types of flooring in your home, you’ll want to ensure your home still maintains a continuous flow when looked at as a whole. Some people choose to follow the “less than three” rule which stipulates you shouldn’t have more than three kinds of materials per floor in a home. 

In Defense of Carpet

In terms of warmth and intimacy, carpet is still an excellent option. Carpet is a staple for bedrooms, living spaces, and any other areas of the home that are frequented barefoot. Carpet also provides some sound-proofing, as well as insulation. Of course, carpet can be harder to clean and care for over time, so be sure you’re prepared for that upkeep.