Lounge rooms are a lot like living rooms: they’re a place to unwind, enjoy good company, and spend time with friends and family. But unlike the living room, they place a bigger premium on comfort. After all, it’s supposed to be your personal space—and no one can really relate to a place that’s drab and uninviting. That’s why it’s important to plan your lounge room décor to make sure it suits your needs.
Like any other room, it all starts with a good floor. You can get flooring ideas from design magazines, but remember, magazines are made to sell—they don’t always give practical information. This guide offers some real-world advice on choosing lounge flooring according to the average homeowner’s needs. Here are some of the top considerations when it comes to floors, and how you can make them work for your home.
Cost
If you’re like most homeowners, this is probably the first thing you think of. But instead of looking for floors you can afford, look for floors that give you the most out of your money. Cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean lower quality, and more expensive floors don’t always last longer. Once you’ve determined a price range, you can look into flooring options that fit your budget and see which one delivers the best.
If you’re on a tight budget, vinyl and floor tiles are probably the best option. Both are surprisingly sturdy for their price, and with proper maintenance, they can last years of constant use. But if you can afford to splurge, you can go for real hardwood floors. Their classic look adds a warm glow to your lounge room. They also go with most color schemes, so they don’t have to get in the way of your lounge décor.
Durability
Floors are the most abused part of the home, so it pays to invest in quality. This is where you really get what you pay for. But more than the cost, your lifestyle should also influence your choice. If you get a lot of traffic in your lounge, you’ll want a sturdy floor that can take the wear and tear. If you have kids and pets running around the lounge, a cheap floor won’t last more than a year.
Different flooring materials are made for different lifestyles. Take into account the number of people who use the lounge on a daily basis, and what kind of activities you expect inside (such as games, parties, or movie watching). Stone and hardwood are the best choice for high-traffic lounges where there’s a lot of activity, while laminate and resilient flooring are ideal for small, simple rooms.
Comfort
A well-designed lounge room is no good if you can’t be comfortable in it. The obvious solution is to get good furniture, but sometimes that isn’t enough. Your flooring also plays a big role in putting you at ease, even in your own lounge. You want a floor that’s easy on the feet, but doesn’t compromise quality. If comfort is on top of your list, you might want to look into carpet flooring.
Carpets can visually transform any room from a basic living space to a personal haven. They’re very easy to walk on, and if you keep them clean, you can even sit on them while watching TV or talking to friends. But remember that carpets need more maintenance than other floors. Without regular cleaning, your lounge can turn into a dust room within days. Look for thick, easy-to-clean rugs that have stain-resistant fibers.
Design
You may not notice it, but your floor can greatly affect the overall look of your lounge. Since it covers a large area, it can set the tone for all your design elements, from the color scheme to the texture and details. If you’re not sure which floor will work with your theme, the safest choice is something neutral such as wood, stone, or earth-colored tile.
Decorating with area rugs is also a great way to jazz up your floor. Area rugs come in practically every color and style, so it’s just a matter of finding one that suits your needs. They also prevent surface damage while adding another layer of color to the room. If you want a carpet but don’t want the extra maintenance, rugs also make a great alternative.
Maintenance
Some floors need more work than others, but maintenance is something every homeowner has to live with. Even the toughest, most expensive floor will lose its value if you don’t take steps to maintain it. Before having new floors installed, consider the amount of maintenance it will need and whether you can make time for it. For busy homeowners, the most low-maintenance floors are vinyl and ceramic tile.
There are also some easy ways to make sure your floors give you good value. Rugs help prevent scratches and dents, and daily sweeping can keep dust from gathering in the cracks. Clean up spills immediately to prevent stains, especially in absorbent materials like cork and wood. If you’ve never installed a floor before, have it done by a professional to avoid costly mistakes.
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