Can you lay flooring in different directions in different rooms?

Author: Mr. Monte Kautzer DVM  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 23, 2025

As a general rule, make sure to lay your floor in the same direction as the main light source in a room and in the same line as the most frequently used entrance.

Should flooring run the same direction in all rooms?

Do I have to run all wood floors the same direction? All wood floors don't have to have boards running the same way, but it looks best when adjoining rooms have a uniform direction. You can differ based on layout or partial replacements if transitions stay smooth.

Which way do you lay flooring in multiple rooms?

In some cases, you may want each room to feel separated from the other. If you make the direction of the planks flow perpendicular to doorways, you can achieve a clear-cut separation without having to change flooring materials between rooms.

Can hardwood floors be laid differently in different rooms?

Today's interior decorating schemes certainly allow for having two different wood floors in adjoining rooms but unless you know what you're doing, it can be difficult to pull off. Many homeowners try to match the two different woods that are laid side-by-side.

Should flooring be the same in all rooms?

Choosing the same flooring for all the rooms creates a unified and harmonious environment, and creates a visual effect that expands its dimensions, which allows us to better plan a reform. However, in open-plan dwellings such as studios or lofts, the flooring can help to delimit areas in an organic way.

Which Direction To Lay Vinyl Plank Flooring In Multiple Rooms? | Step By Step Guide 2022

What is the rule of 3 flooring?

Apply “The Rule of Three” to Home Flooring

This rule says you should use three flooring types at maximum throughout the whole home. For example, you might use hardwood in public areas of the house, except the kitchen and bathroom, where you use vinyl linoleum.

How to transition different flooring between rooms?

In most cases, it's wise to use a transition strip between similar flooring. Floors with similar thicknesses benefit from a transition type known as a T-molding. This transition strip doesn't adjust for height, but it provides a smooth shift from one flooring to the next.

Does it matter which direction you lay hardwood flooring?

To get the most pleasing or dramatic impact, your planks should be laid in the direction that leads the eye to a certain focal point of the room—like your lovely fireplace or other big architectural details.

Is it OK to have different wood floors in adjoining rooms?

The fact of the matter is that there is no absolute rule that a home must have the same type of hardwood flooring in every room.

What are the rules for flooring in interior design?

The rule goes like this: 60% of space should be one color, 30% of space in another color, and 10% of the space devoted to a statement hue. Practically, this could look like gray-stained hardwood floors throughout most of the house, soft mint carpet in the bedrooms, and dramatic black tiles in the bathrooms.

Can you change the direction of vinyl plank flooring between rooms?

Can I change the direction of the vinyl plank flooring between rooms? Yes, changing the direction of vinyl plank flooring between rooms can define different areas and add visual interest. Use transition strips to ensure a smooth transition.

Which direction of flooring makes room look bigger?

Parallel Planks

The direction you install your flooring makes an immense impact on the flow and spatial feel of a room. We recommend placing the planks parallel to the widest wall. This will create an elongated look by drawing attention to the longest portion of the space.

Does the tongue or groove go against the wall?

Both are cut to micron precision so that they create a snug, interlocking installation. You will want to start in the left side of the wall you pick with the tongue on the long side of a plank facing the wall. The tongue against the wall should be removed.

Should flooring from kitchen to living room be the same?

Matching flooring is often recommended because it creates a seamless finish and better flow throughout your home. However, when it comes to interior design rules for flooring, there are no hard and fast rules — if you like mixing flooring or think your interior design could benefit from it, go for it.

Which direction to lay vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl plank floors should run longways along the length of your room. This creates the illusion of more space. And if your room has corners and angled walls, you may want to lay your planks diagonally, creating a unique and eye-catching effect.

Can you lay flooring in different directions?

In other areas of the home, flooring can be laid in either a parallel or perpendicular direction, depending on your personal preferences and the layout of the space.

Does it look bad to have different flooring in different rooms?

There's absolutely nothing wrong with using multiple types of flooring in one house. Doing so can help create distinct looks in separate rooms and give you more ways to mix and match as you decorate. If one room is more likely to suffer from water damage, for example, you might want to use tile in that area.

What flooring compliments hardwood?

What Type of Flooring Looks Good Next to Hardwood?
  • Striking Contrasts: The Beauty of Natural Stone. ...
  • Cozy Comfort: The Warmth of Carpet. ...
  • Sleek and Modern: The Appeal of Luxury Vinyl. ...
  • Timeless Elegance: The Simplicity of Porcelain or Ceramic Tile. ...
  • Nature-Inspired Harmony: Cork or Bamboo Flooring.

Is it okay to change direction of wood flooring between rooms?

We recommend a change of direction of your wooden floor to align to the natural source of light in a room. A direction change is often the best option for long hallways.

Where not to install hardwood floors?

Bathrooms and laundry rooms are rooms where you should not install hardwood floors. Separately stands the basement, where it is not recommended to install hardwood flooring under almost any conditions. Humidity, the possibility of spills, and floods make these rooms dangerous for hardwood flooring.

Should all flooring in a house go the same direction?

Absolutely not necessarily. Structurally if it's attached to the subfloor going across the floor joists is the norm. But still your preference still should matter. That being said, there are many homes whose brand new floor system has changed in direction and still everything goes one direction.

Can you have two different wood floors next to each other?

So, can you mix and match hardwood floors? The short answer is yes, you can definitely mix and match hardwoods throughout a home. With the right approach, you can even place two different woods next to each other.

Do you need transition between rooms with vinyl plank flooring?

Second, we use various rooms for drastically different purposes. While luxury vinyl plank flooring is ideal for several rooms in your home, it will eventually meet other flooring types. It is here that you'll need the right transition piece(s) to create an effortless flow between these surfaces.

What to do if you can't match wood floors?

Choose whichever sample is closest in color to the existing floor. Even though the match may not be exact, once furniture, area rugs and accessories are added to the space, the slight difference in floors will be minimized.

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