15 vinyl flooring ideas to stylishly upgrade your space

Vinyl flooring is a smart choice for busy households where practicality reigns supreme. Renowned for being easy to install, it's highly durable, low maintenance and works hard for your home.

Not only are vinyl flooring ideas far more cost effective compared to other types of flooring, it’s also available in an endless variety of styles and finishes. With advancements LVP or LVT floors it’s possible to replicate the look of real wood, authentic terrazzo tiles, or luxurious marble at a fraction of the cost of these high end materials.

But with so many styles, finishes, and types of vinyl flooring to choose from, where do you begin? We've put together a few creative ideas to get you started.

1. Recreate the look of real wood for less

If you're coveting the look of traditional hardwood flooring but you’re a little put off by the price tag, consider opting for LVP (luxury vinyl planks) in a real-wood effect.

Thanks to advanced printing technology, LVP floors can now replicate the texture and grain of various wood types without the associated costs. These floors – which are available in every finish from deep oak to light ash – are ideal for high-traffic areas. Unlike hardwood, which is prone to scratching and requires ongoing care, vinyl is a durable option that resists scratches and stains.

The honey-hues of the Columbian pine vinyl flooring pictured above evoke a sense of comfort that would suit a country cottage or a period townhouse. But you don't have to have a traditional home to embrace these faux wood floors. Wood effect vinyl will add warmth and character to modern homes and apartments, too.

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2. Replicate the aesthetic of natural stone

There’s no doubt that natural stone floors are beautiful, but they can be expensive to install and time consuming to maintain. To get the look of slate, granite or travertine without the hassle, look out for high end vinyl flooring that replicates these finishes.

With LVT flooring, it's never been easier to introduce the rustic and earthy appeal of natural stone to bathrooms, hallways, or kitchen floors. But unlike real stone, these options are considerably more affordable and much easier to install.

Vinyl floors are also far more resistant to scratches and water damage, making them ideal for busy areas like the kitchen (where a dropped skillet pan could equal disaster for stone or ceramic surfaces).

To really capture the illusion of natural stone, you could even opt to grout your vinyl tiles. Just ensure that the grout is water resistant and suitable for moisture-prone areas. Not all vinyl flooring is suitable for grout, so double-check the product details before you embark on this simple DIY project.

3. Create a statement floor with repeat pattern tiles

Unless you’ve factored the cost of floor tiles into your budget, the easiest and most affordable way to make a statement with your floors is by using highly decorative LVT (luxury vinyl tiles). From geometric shapes to floral motifs, the options for patterned LVP floors are endless.

'A lot of our clients are choosing to use tiles,' says Shakir Hussain, CEO at HandyHumans. 'I think it makes a space look more modern and expensive while also staying in budget. Waterproof vinyl is huge right now, especially for busy families with kids or animals – no more stains and spills seem to be the number one priority in this busy day and age. Something that also surprised me this year is the popularity of geometric designs, I am not sure where it’s coming from, but our clients love bold patterns!'

In the picture above Terracotta Mosaic Vinyl Tiles from Flooring Superstore have been used to great effect to lift an otherwise dark and moody space. These tiles look particularly effective when installed in small bathrooms and small entryways or used as eye-catching borders in larger rooms.

Shakir Hussain

Shakir is the Founder and CEO of HandyHumans, a property maintenance business based in North London. He is passionate about craftsmanship and client satisfaction, leading a team of dedicated contractors to transform everyday spaces.

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4. Cheat the look of expensive terrazzo

Terrazzo is a highly sought after material thanks to its unique, speckled appearance. But like many interior design trends, it can be quite costly to install terrazzo floor tiles in your home. That’s where terrazzo-effect vinyl flooring comes in handy.

With vinyl floors you can achieve this popular look on a shoestring, and purchase designs in a huge variety of colour combinations depending on your budget. In the picture above, Hyperion Tiles have used a faux terrazzo floor to elevate a spacious living room, but this style of tile would also work well as part of a modern bathroom or kitchen scheme. You could also consider using these vinyl tiles as part of a unique kitchen or bathroom backsplash if you're feeling creative.

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5. ...or take inspiration from exotic design schemes

If you’re not in the market to splash out on expensive tiles, consider recreating an intricate mosaic floor using luxury vinyl.

LVP and LVT floors can emulate the vibrant and detailed patterns of Moroccan and Mediterranean designs without the high costs and associated maintenance. What's more, most vinyl flooring can be used alongside underfloor heating systems. Not only does this mean your floor will look the part, but it will also be warm underfoot when you step out from the shower or a relaxing soak.

6. Elevate a room with unique metallic floors

Unless you're ready to tackle the challenge of painting floorboards with a specialist metallic lustre, few flooring options can compete with vinyl for adding unique touches and finishes to a home. The bronze LVT floor pictured above adds to an ‘industrial-chic’ aesthetic that's perfect for open-plan living spaces or loft conversions.

To fully embrace the industrial trend, try Harvey Maria's range of Metal Effect LVT Flooring to find options that effectively mimic rusted steel, gunmetal, and copper patinas. Pair these floors with sleek, minimalist furniture and bare brick walls for a cohesive look.

7. Create an elegant herringbone floor

For lovers of the affluent countryside aesthetic, parquet floors are a must. But you don’t have to invest in real hardwood to achieve this look at home. Vinyl floors can be arranged or purchased in a classic herringbone pattern to create a sense of movement and sophistication, that's perfect for living rooms and hallways.

'We're starting to see herringbone-style flooring regaining popularity in the home,' explains Neel Bradham, CEO of Parador flooring. 'Herringbone flooring gained status in 16th-century France, symbolising elegance, and status in aristocratic homes​. Advancements in materials, like LVP flooring have expanded its use to high-moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, showcasing its versatility and enduring charm.'

Make sure you factor in the added labour costs required for installing herringbone floors, as this can quickly escalate the cost of laying LVT flooring in your home.

Neel Bradham

Neel is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Managing Director of Parador, a global interiors brand that designs, develops and produces a range of flooring, from LVT to engineered wood.

8. Capture the luxury feel of marble on a budget

Nothing says opulence like marble floors. But a little research into the cost of marble may have you rethinking this choice of material for your next renovation project. Thankfully, with the help of luxury vinyl tiles it’s easy to bring the aesthetic of marble into your home without the hefty price tag.

Vinyl flooring can effectively mimic the veining and sheen of real marble, adding a touch of luxury to bathroom floors, kitchens, or entryways. Plus, with LVT you get the elegance of marble with the durability and water resistance of vinyl, making it a highly practical choice for moisture prone spaces.

9. Go retro with vintage-inspired patterns and prints

It's easy to bring a touch of nostalgia into your home with vintage-inspired vinyl flooring. These designs can range from classic checkerboard patterns to intricate floral motifs, evoking the charm of a bygone era. But gone are the days when retro flooring equalled cheap and nasty sheets of linoleum. Today you can purchase an endless array of vintage designs such as these Baroque Bernini Clay Terracotta Vinyl Tiles from Carpet Shop Online, which look particularly striking in this mid-century modern galley kitchen.

10. Embrace a soft and minimalistic colour palette

'Many of the recent flooring trends we’ve seen are a response to an ever-changing and sometimes chaotic landscape,' says Anastasiia Kudashova, Lead Design Manager at Quick-Step. 'We’ve seen a growth in floors that work with minimalist styles, such as pops of calming sage, blush pink and light beige.'

These soft, tranquil shades offer a cocooning calm – especially when juxtaposed with stone or concrete-effect tiles (such as those pictured in the ensuite above). It's incredibly hard to find soft pastel shades in other types of flooring, so vinyl certainly has the edge if you want to add colour to rooms where carpets and area rugs may not be appropriate.

Anastasia Kudashova

Anastasia leads the design team at Quick-Step, an international flooring company that offers a huge range of laminate, vinyl and wood flooring options.

11. Make life easier with peel and stick products

Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles are a DIY enthusiast’s dream, offering easy installation when you need to transform a space quickly and affordably. These tiles come with an adhesive that allows you to transform your floors without professional help.

Peel and stick is perfect for renters, anyone working to a tight budget, or as a temporary solution when you’re midway through a renovation project. These tiles can usually be purchased for under £25 per square metre and are available to buy from most flooring retailers, including online giants such as Amazon, Etsy and eBay.

12. Transform a children's bedroom with playful designs

Vinyl flooring allows you to add playful and imaginative designs to children’s bedrooms and spaces. From bright colours to whimsical patterns, no other type of flooring inspires creativity and play like vinyl.

A galaxy space themed floor brings this children’s nursery to life, but you can find vinyl flooring ideas that feature sea creatures, race tracks, safari trails, or even football pitches if you prefer. Whatever theme you’ve opted for in your kids space, you’ll likely be able to buy vinyl flooring to match.

When paired with high quality underlay, sheet vinyl’s soft and cushioned surface makes it a safe option for kids’ rooms. Not only does it provide comfort underfoot (reducing the risk of injury from falls), it’s also easy to clean and resistant to accidental spills.

13. Install wipeable vinyl in a home gym or studio

Installing wipeable vinyl in a home gym or studio is an excellent choice for several reasons. First and foremost, these floors are incredibly durable and resistant to moisture, making them ideal for spaces where sweat and spills are commonplace. The smooth, easy-to-clean surface also ensures that maintaining hygiene in these spaces is a breeze.

Vinyl flooring also provides a comfortable underfoot experience and when paired with the right underlay it can reduce noise, enhancing your workout environment.

14. Match your floors to your walls

Matching your floors with your walls works wonders in a colour-drenched room where coordination is key. The beauty of vinyl flooring is its versatility, making it easy to find a pattern or style that matches your chosen colour scheme to a T. In this elegant family bathroom, Harvey Maria’s Dovetail vinyl floor tiles in Oxford Blue perfectly complement the moody blue walls and tiled backsplash.

FAQs

Can you use vinyl flooring on walls and ceilings?

'Nobody thinks to use the flooring on walls and ceilings as an accent piece, but we always use our extra material to make some sort of feature wall or finished ceiling,' says Doug Greene, Owner & Operator of US-based, Signature Properties. 'Because vinyl is super-durable and weather resistant, you can even begin to use it on projects outside. You might void the warranty, but if it's extra material and looks nice around a patio or outdoor kitchen, then go for it!'

'We've used vinyl flooring for a luxury dog house,' says Shakir Hussain from HandyHumans. 'A wealthy client asked us to use their leftover vinyl flooring to line their dog’s house and also make a fancy feeding station area. I’ve never been more jealous of a dog in my life!'

'Another good use of vinyl flooring is for custom headboards or bathroom vanity upgrades,' adds Shakir. 'It completely changes the look of the space without major renovations.'

Many of these ideas can also be achieved with laminate flooring. Although your options may be slightly more limited in terms of designs and finishes, both options are easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for any home. If you're thinking of investing in LVT such as Amtico, make sure you know how to clean Amtico flooring to maintain the quality.