LIVING ROOM FLOORS Switch up

9wayswith…LIVING ROOM FLOORS

Choose a stylish yet practical surface for your living space

ORIGINAL FLOORBOARDS

There’s a rustic charm you can only achieve with exposed floorboards. They may be draughty, so be sure to insulate where necessary, particularly underneath and around the windows on exterior walls.

INSULATE WITH CARPET

Opt for a thick underlay to boost the longevity of your flooring. It makes a big difference to a value carpet, which will feel plusher underfoot, and offers better heat insulation, helping the room feel cosier.

1 2 3 VINYL ‘FLOORBOARDS’ Many luxury vinyl styles are available as planks that click together, creating a seamless floor that has a smooth, authentic finish. They are easy to install with no need for glue.

ADD CHARM WITH TILES

Bring authentic charm to your living room with terracotta tiles, which have a country style that suits cottages and period properties perfectly. Choose reclaimed or new for a traditional look.

4 5 PATTERNED PERSONALITY If your style is confident then a patterned carpet is a great choice. If you’re not sure of a floral or heavy geometric design, try stripes. They will add a uniform pattern that’s bold, but not overpowering. 7 8

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ENGINEERED WOOD

A perfect solution for keeping costs down without compromising on style, engineered wood planks are finished with a layer of natural wood that’s hard wearing and durable – ideal for high-traffic areas.

CONTEMPORARY CONCRETE

The polished concrete look has become more popular in recent years with the rise of open-plan living, and although once restricted to kitchens it’s now offering a contemporary feel for our living rooms, too.

ADD A NATURAL TEXTURE

For those looking for an artisan style for their home, materials such as seagrass, coir and sisal bouclé are a good choice in living areas. Because the natural palette is neutral, their texture is shown off beautifully.

CARPETS WITH RUGS

Layers can work wonders when it comes to protecting paler carpets. So don’t be put off opting for a lighter shade because of, say, having young children – a rug can preserve the lifespan of a carpet.