Add a little oomph to your bathroom with our 9 bathroom flooring ideas. A blank canvas limited only by your imagination, there are several flooring ideas for bathrooms that can take your space from drab to dreamy.
Alongside improving the overall look of your bathroom, what kind of floor you go for has long-lasting implications, with certain materials offering more longevity than others. In this blog, we’ll run you through some of our favourite flooring options and what kind of bathrooms they’re most appropriate for.
1. Vinyl
Favoured by many as the go-to choice for flooring, vinyl is quick and simple to install. A blend of manmade materials, vinyl is known for its durability. Installed as one single sheet and cut down to size to fit your space, there are no pesky gaps for water to seep, which can be a problem with some tile flooring.
As well as its long-lasting properties, vinyl ticks many boxes thanks to its versatility. With several colour and pattern choices to choose from, there’s something to suit everyone. Best for smaller bathrooms or family-friendly bathrooms that are prone to splashes, vinyl is an affordable option that stands the test of time. However, be careful to mop up any spillages or clean any marks quickly as the only way to remove stains is by replacing the whole floor.
2. Porcelain tiles
Made from clays and a mix of other natural materials, porcelain tiles are a beautiful addition to modern and country-style bathrooms. A relatively hard-wearing material, porcelain is known to be water-resistant and is commonly found in rooms that get a lot of use.
With an abundance of colours, shapes and styles you can get, porcelain is not only practical but stylish too. From classic whites to vibrant pinks, the world really is your oyster when it comes to porcelain tiles. Add to that the fact they work superbly with underfloor heating and it’s not hard to see why so many people opt for this material. It’s important to balance style and durability with budget, as porcelain isn’t the cheapest option when looking at new bathroom flooring ideas.
3. Ceramic tiles
Often confused with porcelain tiles when searching for bathroom flooring ideas, ceramic is a very similar material with some slight, but no less important, differences. More porous than porcelain, ceramic tile is less water-resistant, and therefore, less durable. This doesn’t mean you should rule ceramics out, but instead, consider using these tiles in less commonly used rooms, such as guest bathrooms. While it might not be as long-lasting as its more expensive alternative, ceramic tile is more affordable and easier to install.
4. Hardwood
Hardwood is arguably one of the most visually pleasing flooring options that’s bound to impress any guest. Adding a touch of class to traditional or country-style bathrooms, hardwood flooring paired with earthy-toned accessories creates an unforgettable finish.
Typically, wood and water don’t mix well, so this flooring option is best kept for low-traffic bathrooms or grown-up-only spaces, where splashes are less frequent. To increase the longevity of this material, protective coating and preventative maintenance is recommended.
5. Marble
Easily providing the most luxurious look of all bathroom flooring ideas, marble is one surefire way to take your traditional or contemporary bathroom design to the next level. Coming in a wide variety of patterns and colours, marble tiles are both sleek and stylish.
While marble might be stunning, it does have some practical factors to consider before you take the plunge. Some marble tiles can become quite slippy when wet, while others can be prone to scratching. Investigate the different types of tile and their associated benefits or drawbacks before investing.
6. Slate
If you’re looking for ideas for bathroom flooring that will leave your guests impressed, slate could be the perfect choice for you. Often found in minimalist bathrooms or wet rooms, slate looks stunning in any space especially when paired with contrasting colours and sleek accessories.
As it’s a natural material, slate can often vary in colour ever so slightly. For some, this adds charm to a space but if you’re a perfectionist who likes perfect uniformity, slate might not be the number one choice for you.
7. Mosaic
Add an element of artistry to your traditional or modern bathroom with mosaic tiles. Made from materials like porcelain, mosaic floors tend to be hard-wearing and long-lasting, as well as packing a punch visually. To do your mosaic pattern justice, work with a skilled installer who will ensure the end result is up to scratch.
Once your floor is installed, tie the room together with stylish finishing touches, such as ornate mirrors, to create a captivating atmosphere. Be sure to keep on top of maintaining the grout between your tiles to keep your space looking spick and span for years to come.
8. Concrete
For a more modern approach to flooring bathroom ideas, why not consider concrete? A match made in heaven for minimalist or contemporary bathrooms, concrete flooring creates a chic and seamless finish.
Both easy to install and affordable, it’s easy to see why concrete flooring is becoming increasingly popular. To prevent your space from feeling cold and impersonal, pair your concrete floor with warm accessories that add a little ambience to the room.
9. Linoleum
Linoleum is incredibly cost-effective and a common option when people search for bathroom flooring ideas UK. Suitable for smaller bathrooms, particularly modern family bathrooms, linoleum flooring offers a wide variety of colours at reasonable prices and is one of the easiest flooring options to keep clean. It’s worth noting that linoleum is water resistant but not waterproof and, much like vinyl, when one area is damaged, the entire floor will need replacing.
How to choose bathroom flooring
Picking the perfect flooring for your bathroom can feel like a big decision and one that could cost you a lot of time and money if you get it wrong. Finding the right material and style while you’re searching for bathroom flooring ideas doesn’t need to be confusing, just make sure you consider the below points before you sign on the dotted line:
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Durability:
Just because something looks good doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for your bathroom. Different materials work best in different environments. If you’re refreshing a guest bathroom which gets minimal use, you may be able to opt for flooring that is slightly less durable like hardwood. For family bathrooms, a more hard-wearing material like porcelain would be more suitable.
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Safety:
Some floors are more slippery than others. Bathrooms for younger or older family members could be best suited to vinyl or linoleum floors. If you’re creating a tranquil space to unwind, away from accident-prone family members, marble or slate create a spa-like environment.
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Cost:
‘Budget’ might not be the most fun thing to think of, but it’s often the most important. Some floors, like mosaic patterned flooring, are undoubtedly breathtaking but cost a lot more than linoleum or vinyl.
Updating your bathroom flooring can help refresh your space and take your bathroom from tired and rundown, to fresh and full of life. With our 9 bathroom flooring ideas, you’ve got all the information you need to start planning your dream bathroom, from the ground up.