The right flooring can completely change how a room feels and can also influence how buyers view a home. The 2022 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that replacing carpet with hardwood had a reported 118% return on investment, making flooring one of the upgrades worth considering.
From classic marble and hardwood to more unusual choices like leather and glass, there are plenty of ways to give your floors a more upscale look. Here are 15 flooring ideas that can make a home feel a little more special.
Marble Flooring
Marble has been used in high-end homes for years, thanks to its natural veining and polished finish. According to Marble Granite World, marble flooring can increase a home’s resale value by as much as 7%, although the actual return depends on the home and the market.
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Exotic Hardwoods
Mahogany, teak, and Brazilian cherry can give a room a rich, warm look that’s hard to get from standard flooring. The National Wood Flooring Association notes that many exotic woods are denser than domestic varieties, while hardwood flooring in general can offer a strong return when installed well.
Custom Tiles
Custom tiles let homeowners play with colors, patterns, shapes, and materials instead of settling for a standard floor. They can be a good choice for anyone who wants the floor itself to become part of the room’s design.
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Wool and Silk Carpets
A high-quality wool or silk carpet can make a room feel warmer and more comfortable underfoot. Wool also has practical benefits, and the Carpet and Rug Institute notes that it can help reduce noise while trapping airborne particles.
Polished Concrete
Polished concrete has a clean, modern appearance and can work in everything from contemporary homes to more rustic spaces. It is also durable and relatively easy to maintain, making it a practical choice for homeowners who want a sleek floor without constant upkeep.
Designer Vinyl
Luxury vinyl can mimic the look of wood, stone, and other expensive materials without the same price or maintenance demands. It also handles moisture and everyday foot traffic well, making it a useful choice for busy parts of the house.
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Intricate Mosaics
Mosaic floors can turn an otherwise plain room into something much more eye-catching. With countless color and pattern combinations available, they work especially well in bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and other areas where a decorative floor can make a statement.
Terrazzo
Terrazzo is made by combining materials such as marble, glass, and concrete into a hard, polished surface. According to the Terrazzo and Mosaic Association, modern terrazzo can last more than 75 years with proper care, which helps explain its appeal for long-term projects.
Luxury Vinyl Plank
Luxury vinyl plank gives homeowners the appearance of natural wood or stone without the cost and upkeep associated with some natural materials. Its water resistance and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic make LVP a practical choice for kitchens, hallways, and other high-traffic areas.
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Antique Rugs
A handwoven antique rug can add color, texture, and a sense of history without replacing the entire floor. Some well-preserved antique rugs can also increase in value over time, making certain pieces worth more than just home decor.
Geometric Patterns
Geometric flooring can give a room a strong visual focal point without requiring much decoration elsewhere. Bold shapes, repeating patterns, and contrasting colors work especially well in modern spaces where the floor is meant to stand out.
Glass Floors
Glass flooring is an unusual choice, but it can make a room feel more open and let light pass between spaces. It can also be used to highlight architectural features below, making it a popular option for certain high-end residential projects.
Mother-of-Pearl Inlays
Mother-of-pearl inlays can add a subtle shimmer to an otherwise ordinary floor. The natural iridescence of mother-of-pearl makes it especially suited to decorative borders, mosaics, and small design details rather than an entire floor.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo offers the look of hardwood while coming from a fast-growing plant that can be harvested much sooner than many traditional trees. According to Guinness World Records, some bamboo species can grow up to 35 inches in a single day, and bamboo flooring is also known for its durability and relative affordability.
Leather Flooring
Leather flooring is an unusual choice that brings a soft, warm texture to a room. It can work particularly well in offices, libraries, bedrooms, and other spaces where you want something different from the usual wood, tile, or carpet.
