Note: this is a guest post and consideration was received for its publication. photo: CC-licensed image by Marcelle Guilbeau

Though every aspect of a room has its own unique effect on the room’s atmosphere and décor, the floor – and what you choose to cover it with – can turn a heavy and dark room into a light and airy space that transforms the feeling of your house, or make an area that was cold and uninviting into a cosy and welcoming addition. With the array of natural and manmade materials available on the market, it’s possible to achieve almost any effect, no matter your circumstances or budget.

Carpet

Traditionally used for living rooms and bedrooms, carpet is hard to beat for sheer softness – the luxurious sinking of feet into deep pile carpet is something you might want to add warmth and cosiness to rooms used for relaxation. While carpets can be difficult to measure and lay, you can always choose carpet tiles for an easier fit – simply lay down complete tiles in the centre of the room and work outwards, cutting the edge tiles to fit. Carpet tiles also have the advantage of being easy to replace if stained or damaged – just lift up the damaged tile and set down the replacement.

Tiling

Sleek and easy to clean, tiles are an obvious choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas that attract more damp and dirt than most parts of the house. However, they can feel cold and uninviting and carry with them the risk of slippage, especially when wet – although non-slip finishes are available for added safety. Choose vinyl tiles for an economical and easy-to-lay covering – vinyl is available in a wide range of patterns to suit your preferences. If your budget is a little higher, it’s hard to beat ceramic tiles for sheer durability. Alternatively, for a Mediterranean feel, go for handsome terracotta tiles for a warm and welcoming feeling.

Wood

Ideal for halls and dining rooms, wood offers a uniquely traditional feel that’s ideal for a natural ambience, especially suited for homes in the country. Depending on your circumstances and expertise, you can nail it to the floor below, glue it down with a hardwearing adhesive, or choose specially interlocking boards that can be installed with less effort.

You can choose from solid wood flooring which, as its name suggests, is made from hewn timber from a single natural source, or more economical engineered wood flooring. Engineered wood flooring, available from suppliers like the Reclaimed Flooring Company, is constructed from layers of real wood for a high quality, temperature-resistant alternative that can be almost indistinguishable from solid wood.