Note: This is a sponsored post from Royal Floors Online and may contain links to their website, which are included for reader reference.
A common problem with small living rooms is that they often appear very cluttered and congested. Every design choice that you make in these areas is vital in shaping a comfortable, welcoming environment.
Flooring is one of the most influential aspects of the design as it helps visually expand a room, creates a continuous flow of appearance between spaces, and provides the necessary comfort.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best types of flooring for small living rooms. Even a tiny room can be visually expanded through correct flooring selections and can also be made more wear-resistant and financially advantageous.
What makes flooring “good” for small living rooms?
Selecting the right flooring can greatly enhance any small living space, but the right option provides visually appealing flooring, adds value, offers long-term durability, and requires minimal cleaning.
If you choose the incorrect flooring for a small area, the space will feel confined; however, if you select the appropriate flooring, it can create an atmosphere that is both inviting and airy.
Design principles to visually expand a small living room
1. Color & tone selection
The color and tone of your flooring can make a huge impact on how spacious your small living room appears. Light, natural wood tones or neutrals bounce light around and open up a space.
Ultradark floors can still work, but as long as the walls and furniture are light, you don’t run the risk of making the room feel heavy or closed in.
2. Plank width & orientation
The width and orientation of your wood floor will make a big difference in the room’s perceived openness.
The placement of the boards along the longest wall creates the illusion of length, a nice effect in long, narrow rooms.
Large plates provide less visibility of the joints, resulting in a more seamless floor, which in turn gives the whole room a perception of being bigger and airier.
3. Consistent flooring flow
Utilizing similar floor coverings throughout your dining room, corridor, and small living room will create continuity between these spaces if they are interconnected.
Uniform flooring blocks visual disruptions and creates a more open, harmonious feeling throughout the house.
To get ideas for visual tricks beyond flooring, check out these tips on how to furnish a small living room.
Best flooring types for small living rooms
Flooring helps establish how a tiny living room looks and feels. Check out these options that should fit your style and budget.
1. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP (luxury vinyl plank) is your best choice for tiny spaces, even if you have kids or pets. It resembles the look of wood but is significantly lower priced than hardwood.
LVP can also withstand water. Matte wood variations contribute to the already desirable look of seamlessness and lightness, thus making any space appear larger.
Additionally, the LVP may be set up as a floating floor, which is one of the reasons it is so popular among DIY enthusiasts. LVP works perfectly in studio apartments or rental living rooms where durability and ease of maintenance are important.
2. Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood is the best choice for those who want a premium, real-wood look without overwhelming a small living room.
It is the same as solid hardwood in terms of looks, rich and deep, but in areas with changing temperature or humidity, engineered hardwood is more stable.
Moreover, this flooring is available in flexibly installed, different floating methods that occupy even the tightest spaces comfortably.
While looking for brands, consider the most popular engineered hardwood flooring manufacturers that guarantee both durability and quality of finish over time.
3. Laminate Flooring
Chic laminate flooring is an excellent choice for small living rooms. The latest waterproof technology adapts to all spills and makes it a wise choice for busy households.
Choose soft oak, maple, or beech finishes to impart a light and airy feel to the room. Its genuine wood appearance adds the beauty of hardwood behind the stove at a much lower cost.
Laminate is perfect for tenants or budget-focused homeowners wanting durability and beauty in small areas.
4. Sheet Vinyl Flooring
Sheet vinyl is an outstanding option for tiny, tight spaces, a basement, or small rooms with budget constraints.
The product’s almost imperceptible quality makes the area appear larger, resulting in a more open and harmonious visual impression in the room.
Its fully waterproof feature makes it easy to keep clean, and it is also great for areas with high foot traffic or that are exposed to moisture.
However, if heavy furniture is moved too much, it may be damaged; therefore, careful planning and wise use of space will still be required.
5. Solid Hardwood (Selective Use)
Solid hardwood works well in spacious living rooms in controlled environments, particularly where there is stability and low moisture.
They give a timeless, high-end look and can raise resale value due to the luxury factor. Although stunning, solid hardwood requires proper adjustment and ongoing maintenance to avoid warping or damage.
This floor covering is perfect for those homeowners who want a luxurious and durable solution and for those who are ready to invest in maintenance.
Flooring recommendation guide
All small living rooms do not have the same characteristics, and the appropriate flooring depends on size, humidity, daily use, pets, and budget. This manual guides you to the most suitable type of flooring for your space in a stylish, practical way.
|
Space / Need |
Best Flooring |
|
Very small + moisture-risk (close to entry) |
Waterproof LVP / sheet vinyl |
|
Cozy apartment living room |
Engineered hardwood / warm LVP |
|
Pets + kids |
Scratch-resistant LVP / laminate |
|
Budget under $2/sq ft |
Laminate or sheet vinyl |
|
Want the most natural wood feel |
Engineered hardwood |
Conclusion
The type of flooring that fits the smallest living room depends on the dimensions of the living room, daily activities, budget, and requirements for comfort. The floor that you desire should have the attributes of visual enlargement, durability, and the ability to be styled as one wishes.
It is advisable that, before giving the final order, you create a list of 2-3 flooring options and then compare the finishes and samples to get a feel for what works in your house.
Featured image from Pinterest/theOriginaldelle. Other photos from Pinterest/JenniferMartin, Pinterest/AliceLarsenSchlereth, RoyalFloorsOnline, Shutterstock/Sach336699, Shutterstock/appleyayee, and Pexels.com/FWStudio.
This was a sponsored post written for and published on Gal at Home as part of our commitment to share diverse perspectives on topics such as self and well-being, relationships and community, home design and DIY, career and creativity, and lifestyle and leisure. It may contain links to the author’s or their clients’ websites, which are included for reader reference. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Gal at Home Design Studio.