The flooring of your home can help exhibit your abode’s unique personality. Mixing flooring types in your home can also allow your space to feel more personalised to you. 

Successfully combining different types of flooring makes your home feel special and harmonious. Read our comprehensive guide to find out how you can mix flooring types appropriately. 

Simplicity Prevails

When mixing flooring types, it’s easy to get carried away by the overwhelming possibilities available. Although mixing colours and textures can lead to a great outcome, doing this to an overwhelming amount will only give your home an uncomfortable and obtrusive feel. 

Often, it is recommended that your home consists of a maximum of three flooring variations– with some architects going even further to cap the figure at two. 

Generally, it is advisable to avoid choosing very extravagant colours for your home. Although you may find this visually appealing at first, crazy colours are often not very timeless. You could thus incur very significant costs to replace your flooring in the later future – or would simply have to tolerate it! 

Like flooring colours, grout colour is another important factor to consider if you’re using stone or tiles. Once again, we recommend coordinating your grout colour with the flooring, rather than opting for a stark contrast, simply because it will most likely withstand the test of time.

Colour Theory

If you are struggling with choosing the right colour combinations for your mixed flooring, it may be helpful to reference colour theory. For an aesthetically pleasing combination, you should strive to achieve ‘colour harmony’. There are several ways in which you can go about this:

  • Analogous colours; using colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel
  • Complementary colours; colours directly opposite each other on the colour wheel

Another consideration that should be taken into account is colour context. Essentially, the same colour can be perceived differently based on the colour which it is next to. Thus, the relationship between varying saturations and hues can actively change the appearance of your home. For example, placing red with orange can make the colours seem quite muted, whereas white and red will produce a very striking look. This can not only manipulate outlook, but also alter your perception of size. 

Establish a Theme

It’s important that you establish an overall feel that you want to achieve. Your theme should detail the general colour palette, textures and patterns that you will be using throughout your home. Sticking to your established theme will certainly add a sense of harmony to your home. The theme which you choose could also entail the flooring finish. For example, if you choose a matte flooring, you should stay consistent with matte throughout your home. 

Use Transition Pieces

In order to mix your flooring in a way that is seamless and harmonious, take advantage of transition pieces. Transition pieces serve both an aesthetic and functional purpose. They allow different rooms to be clearly distinguished, making the transition look sharp and clean – while also protecting the edges of your flooring from wear and tear. 

Complement Your Home

When choosing your flooring, make sure that it complements your furniture, as well as the size of the room and architecture of your home. For example, lighter colours and wide planks can really help open up a smaller room. In bigger rooms, using larger tiles is an easy way to make your room seem elongated and open. 

Think Practicality

Of course, you should also think of the room function when choosing your flooring. For instance, carpets would not be fit for purpose in a kitchen due to the amount of mess that food accumulates and the difficulty to maintain cleanliness. 

Another aspect is the height of the flooring. Make sure that the height of your different floorings are somewhat the same, if not, identical to prevent an irregular surface. In terms of financial practicality, you could always opt for reclaimed flooring since it can have a sophisticated feel and is environmentally friendly. 

Common Flooring Options and How to Combine Them: 

 

Hardwood Flooring

Laminate Flooring

Vinyl Flooring
Pros:

  • Long lasting
  • Can add a sense of cosiness

Cons:

  • Quite expensive
 Pros:

  • Resistant to wear and tear
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Can look ‘fake’ and ‘plastic
 Pros:

  • Resistant to wear and tear
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Cannot be repaired when damaged, only replaced

Carpet

Stone

Tile
Pros:

  • Comfortable feel
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Retains dust and dirt
 Pros:

  • Durable
  • Considered timeless

Cons:

  • Premiumly priced
 Pros:

  • Waterproof
  • Low maintenance

Cons:

  • Difficult installation

 

If you are still unsure on how to mix your flooring, have a look at some common flooring combinations:

Vinyl + tile

Concrete + hardwood

Hardwood + Tile

Carpet + Hardwood

Laminate + Tile

Finishing Touches

Do not underestimate the importance of details and finishing touches. Adding a rug and making the best use of your furniture is the best way to create harmony throughout your home. When used appropriately, rugs and furniture can also help establish zones in your housing – such as a rug underneath a coffee table. Ultimately, details can help your room feel distinguished whilst maintaining a sense of harmony.

Find the Perfect New and Reclaimed Flooring with Cawarden

Ready to give your home a much needed makeover? At Cawarden you’ll find a great range of new and reclaimed flooring options to suit every style preference. Whether you’re after prefinished oak flooring, porcelain tiles or natural stone, you’ll be able to find the perfect flooring to compliment your space. 

Choosing flooring is certainly not easy, which is why our team is equipped with the specialist knowledge to help you. For tailored advice on which flooring is appropriate to your home, contact us today to get started.