Discover the latest bathroom vinyl flooring ideas that will enhance any space, whatever your style and budget. Plus, tops tips from flooring experts
(Image credit: Tile Mountain)
Fitting vinyl flooring in a new bathroom is a popular choice. Not only do its slip, scratch- and splash-resistant properties make it a firm competitor against natural materials, such as stone, but vinyl is typically more affordable, with a style and durability to suit every budget.
So when it comes to bathroom flooring ideas, it has much to offer. However, with such a wealth of options, colours and looks, it can be hard to pair the right vinyl flooring with your bathroom scheme.
Here, we offer our favourite vinyl flooring ideas, together with tips from flooring experts.
Boost your bathroom's style with these bathroom vinyl flooring ideas
"We always recommend luxury vinyl because it mimics the appearance of natural materials so well, so you’ll achieve a high-end finish with texture and detailing," begins Richard Skeoch, director at Hyperion Tiles.
"For example, wood-effect often features knots and grains so it’s difficult to tell the difference between the real thing. However, it is more durable because this flooring type is waterproof, making it ideal for rooms with high moisture, such as the bathroom."
"LVT comes in individual planks, and offers a more premium, realistic look," adds Mo Osman, director at Floor Warehouse. "These options often come with embossed finishes that closely mimic natural materials like stone or wood, giving you the beauty of these textures while maintaining the durability and water resistance necessary for a bathroom."
That said, roll vinyl can provide a cheap alternative in bathrooms which require a quick, budget makeover. Rolls can be picked up from as little as £50+ from flooring suppliers.
Richard Skeoch
For almost 30 years, Richard has worked in the flooring industry and is the director of Hyperion Tiles, a leading independent tile stockist of premium tiles, porcelain tiles, stone flooring and statement tiles.
1. Mimic a high-end look affordably with vinyl flooring
One of the best things about the movement towards vinyl flooring in bathroom designs over recent years has been the innovations in capturing the textures and intricacies of natural flooring alternatives.
"Vinyl flooring is more affordable than the natural materials it’s designed to replicate, such as wood and stone," says Richard Skeoch. "Some of the latest luxury vinyl styles replicate marble, wood, including timeless herringbone design, and terrazzo for those who are looking for a striking finish in their bathroom which will stand the test of time."
"Costs can vary depending on the type of vinyl flooring you choose," adds Mo Osman. "Vinyl rolls are generally the most budget-friendly option.
"At Floor Warehouse, we offer rigid click-fit LVT, SPC, and glue-down LVT at slightly higher price points, but the additional investment is well worth it for the enhanced aesthetics, durability, and ease of maintenance. For example, our LVT stick-down options are priced between £25-£30 per m² (including VAT), while our Rigid Core LVT SPC ranges from £25-£40 per m² (including VAT)."
Salerno Stone-effect Click Fit LVT
Mimick real stone with a material that is more cost-effective and warm underfoot. The patina and veins of this LVT have been laid so the patterns feel natural, perfectly contrasting with the stone used behind the vanity.
Minerale New Forest Collection Lyndhurst Herringbone
Replicate the period elegance of herringbone flooring with this stylish LVT. The charming wood grain and colour variation make the room feel as if real wood has been utilised, but the properties of LVT mean that it will be more resistant to splashes from the freestanding bath.
2. Use a marble-effect vinyl for a luxurious sanctuary
Tile Mountain's Marble Deluxe LVT is available for £28.95/m2. (Image credit: Tile Mountain)
"Marble is a much-coveted flooring and wall finish in bathrooms, synonymous with boutique hotel suites and opulent high-end homes. However, the material has it downsides: namely that it is prone to staining — not the most practical of flooring choices in a room where cosmetics, toiletries and cleaning products can easily be spilled," says Claire Lloyd, Homebuilding & Renovating's business development editor.
Step in vinyl flooring. Here, a marble effect has been replicated to create this finish. Remember, however, even the best vinyl products will be printed on repeat, so when laying this type of flooring, try to pay attention to the patina to create a natural-looking variation.
Again, be mindful of your choice of vinyl. "In my experience, it can be difficult to clean stains from a textured/raised roll vinyl. LVT is much more durable and forgiving," says Claire Lloyd.
3. Utilise vinyl as a practical alternative to real wood
The Teddy Bear F102 XL Vinyl Planks from Hyperion Tiles are priced at £54.95/ per m2. (Image credit: Hyperion Tiles)
Although real wood flooring ages well, this material is actually not the best option for bathrooms, where high humidity and splashes are part of everyday use.
"Luxury vinyl is resistant to wear, scratches and dents so this level of durability is ideal for a high-traffic area, such as a bathroom," says Richard Skeoch. "It’s also waterproof so water spills and high humidity won’t affect it. This vinyl tends to feel warmer than tile underfoot and its slip resistant too."
"In our experience, many homeowners and designers gravitate toward wood flooring for bathrooms, but it’s not the best choice due to the risk of moisture damage, even with engineered wood," adds Mo Osman of Floor Warehouse.
"Over time, moisture changes can lead to issues like buckling or warping in wood floors. LVT, on the other hand, provides the same warm, natural aesthetic without the same risks.
"Recently, we’ve seen a surge in demand for herringbone patterns in vinyl flooring, particularly in LVT and SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) products. These styles bring the wood flooring look to the UK market but with the added benefits of water resistance and durability," he adds.
Mo Osman
Floor Warehouse are experts in all types of flooring, including engineered wood, solid wood, LVT and SPC.
4. Embrace the warmth of vinyl underfoot in the bathroom
These glorious patterned tiles are from Flooring Superstore. (Image credit: Flooring Superstore)
LVT and other vinyl products can also be a little more comfortable underfoot — meaning when you arrive bare-foot on a cold winter's morning, you won't get the chill you would expect from porcelain or real stone tiles.
The material, particularly LVT, also works well with underfloor heating to achieve every bit of a luxurious experience in the bathroom. That said, you need to check with the flooring supplier or manufacturer the maximum temperature your flooring finish can withstand before specifying it with underfloor heating in a bathroom.
Although we would recommend you consider your bathroom vinyl flooring ideas with longevity in mind, the simple and cost-efficient nature of vinyl might encourage homeowners to be braver in terms of the styles and patterns they choose.
Keep a firm eye on the latest trends and you can make a real impact by choosing a bold option for your flooring when renovating a bathroom.
Opting for a style that is adaptable, such as this stylish concrete-effect rigid tile, will make it easier to update the look of the room further down the line as the classic black and white scheme can be updated with different colours and accessories.
6. Be bold with patterned vinyl in a cloakroom
Furniture and sanitarywear from R2 Bathrooms complete this space. (Image credit: R2 Bathrooms)
Homeowners tend to feel emboldened with cloakroom or downstairs bathroom ideas, choosing brighter colours, braver wallpapers and bolder patterns, but don't always want to spend huge amounts to get the look.
Vinyl's budget appeal and customisable designs means you can create exactly what you want without breaking the bank in small spaces.
This stylish, neutral bathroom displays the effectiveness of simple, yet visually interesting design. The patterned flooring is highlighted by the artwork on the wall while a tongue and groove panelling makes the room feel welcoming.
7. Use LVT on floors — and walls!
Veldeau's anthrecite furniture in high gloss perfectly complements the concrete-effect tiles. (Image credit: Veleau)
Unbeknownst to many, rigid vinyl and LVT can both be installed not just on the floor, but also on walls.
Vinyl's properties as a floor material also make it great as a splashback behind vanity units and toilets. It can also be used to blend unsightly boxing in of pipework to make every decision feel intentional.
In this bathroom, a concrete-effect tile has been used on both the floor and walls to complete the industrial-inspired effect. The large-format tile replicates the appearance of poured concrete, while annoying grout lines of porcelain or ceramic tiles are eradicated.
8. Keep maintenance to a minimum
This small en suite matches a white and grey terrazo-effect tile with a large-format marble tile on the wall. (Image credit: R2 Bathrooms)
Another benefit of introducing vinyl flooring ideas in the bathroom is the ease of maintenance.
"Low level maintenance can be done by dry brushing every few days but for a deeper clean LVT flooring can be vacuumed and mopped," explains Lidia Cetrangolo-Kane, marketing manager at bathroom wall panel specialist Multipanel.
For more on the best ways to approach cleaning and removing stubborn stains, read our guide to how to clean vinyl flooring.
9. Keep a bathroom renovation simple with vinyl
Timeless Armac Martin furniture and a simple skirting board finish completes the neutral country look in this bathroom. (Image credit: Armac Martin)
Unlike other flooring types, the vast majority of vinyls can be installed over an existing floor materials. "It can be installed over existing flooring such as old tiles, without extensive prep work," confirms Richard Skeoch. This will keep any bathroom revamp quick and pain-free.
Doing the job on a DIY basis may be achievable for competent DIYers — just follow our guide on how to lay vinyl flooring for step-by-step instructions. (That said, bear in mind that some LVT suppliers/manufacturers require installation by an approved installer in order for their product warranty to remain valid.)
10. Inject colour with vinyl bathroom flooring ideas
Repeated patterned tiles work incredibly well in small and large bathrooms alike. (Image credit: Travistock Bathrooms)
This bathroom is a masterclass in how to introduce colour without creating a space that is overwhelming. The subtle pinks and blues of the patterned vinyl flooring have been expertly picked out in the wall panelling and vanity unit.
The result is a serene, yet charming room that anyone would covet.
Bring your dream home to life with expert advice, how to guides and design inspiration. Sign up for our newsletter and get two free tickets to a Homebuilding & Renovating Show near you.
Amy is an interiors and renovation journalist. She is the former Assistant Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating, where she worked between 2018 and 2023. She has also been an editor for Independent Advisor, where she looked after homes content, including topics such as solar panels.
She has an interest in sustainable building methods and always has her eye on the latest design ideas. Amy has also interviewed countless self builders, renovators and extenders about their experiences.
She has renovated a mid-century home, together with her partner, on a DIY basis, undertaking tasks from fitting a kitchen to laying flooring. She is currently embarking on an energy-efficient overhaul of a 1800s cottage in Somerset.
