Flooring ideas - 10 of the best

It can also be laid by a competent DIYer and is very easy to care for - what's not to love?

Wood-effect laminate flooring looks very similar to the real thing and costs considerably less. It can also be laid by a competent DIYer and is very easy to care for - what's not to love?

Similar flooring
Homebase

1/10 Laminate flooring

Laminate wooden flooring in living room with grey sofa and cushions

(Image credit: Future PLC/Alison Hammond)

2/10 Real stone flooring

white hallway with stone flooring and laminated cupboard

(Image credit: Future PLC/Matt Cant)

If you're after a rustic look, real stone flooring is a winner. It looks fab in a hallway or country-style kitchen and when laid in a random pattern, using flagstones in a range of sizes for a relaxed look.

Similar flagstones
Fired Earth

3/10 Rubber flooring

white tiled bathroom with bathtub and washbasin

(Image credit: Future PLC/Matt Cant)

Do you have children and feel like you're fighting a constant cleaning battle? Then consider laying rubber flooring in your high-traffic bathroom or kitchen. It is super-easy to clean, comes in a wide range of colours and is available in non-slip finishes.

Similar rubber flooring
The Rubber Floor Store

4/10 Ceramic tiles

white walled kitchen with cabinets and drawers

(Image credit: Future PLC/Matt Cant)

Ceramic tiles come in a wide range of colours and finishes, are hardwearing and affordable, making them ideal for a busy kitchen. Think white-gloss tiles for a modern kitchen or a mottled cream design for a country kitchen.

Similar ceramic tiles
Tile Depot

5/10 Solid wood flooring

white stairway with wooden flooring

(Image credit: Future PLC/Jamie Mason)

Want a timeless, hardwearing and stylish flooring option? Then choose real wood, such as this gorgeous walnut design. It gets better with age and looks fab in a traditional dining room.

Similar walnut flooring
UK Flooring Direct

6/10 Neutral carpet

living room with yellow wallpaper and carpet flooring

(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)

A plain, neutral carpet is one of the best ways to create a versatile backdrop for vibrant accessories, and will also allow colourful wallpaper to pop.

Similar carpet
Carpetright

7/10 White painted floorboards

white walled bedroom with floorboards and iron bed

(Image credit: Future PLC/Matt Cant)

Lighten up a dark room in a flash by painting existing floorboards white. Or, go one step further by painting on a decorative feature. This is a great option for a living room or a bedroom – just pop a gorgeous rug on the floor for a brand-new look.

Similar white floor paint
Wickes

8/10 Victorian tiled flooring

white hallway with tiled flooring and cupboard

(Image credit: Future PLC/Douglas Gibb)

If you're lucky enough to own a characterful period home, do it justice by laying Victorian or vintage floor tiles. These decorative designs were made for traditional hallways but, if your budget can't quite stretch to a large space, try tiling your porch instead.

Similar Victorian-style tiles
Topps Tiles

9/10 Chequerboard vinyl flooring

bathroom with chequered tiles and bathtub

(Image credit: TBC)

Add a touch of charm to a vintage bathroom by choosing a chequerboard-effect vinyl floor. Pair with brick-style wall tiles and traditional fixtures and fittings for the ultimate nostalgia trip.

Similar chequerboard vinyl flooring
Your New Floor

10/10 Bamboo flooring

white living area with pink arm chair and wooden flooring

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lu Jeffery)

Want an eco flooring option? Then bamboo could be for you. It's a quick-growing grass and can be harvested every three to five years, unlike 15-20 years for most solid wood. It has an unusual grain pattern - ideal for admiring as you relax in your living room.

Similar bamboo flooring
The Bamboo Flooring Company

Liked this gallery? Find plenty more inspiration on the Style at Home home page

Thea Babington-Stitt
Assistant Editor

Thea Babington-Stitt is the Assistant Editor for Ideal Home. Thea has been working across some of the UK’s leading interiors titles for nearly 10 years. 

She started working on these magazines and websites after graduating from City University London with a Masters in Magazine Journalism. Before moving to Ideal Home, Thea was News and Features Editor at Homes & Gardens, LivingEtc and Country Homes & Interiors.