Is it OK to have different flooring on different levels?

Author: Miss Leanne Kunde III  |  Last update: Monday, July 4, 2022

In most cases, when you're adding new flooring to a level of your home, you don't consider other levels. If you've recently renovated the basement, for example, you probably selected flooring based on what's the best choice for your basement.

Is it OK to have different flooring upstairs and downstairs?

Interior designers and flooring experts universally agree on the answer. Stairs act as a transition between both floors, and therefore, should coordinate with both the upstairs and downstairs flooring.

Should all the flooring in your house be the same?

There is absolutely no need to change flooring from room to room. We often work with homeowners who feel the urge to pick a different flooring for every room of their home, but there is absolutely no need to do this. Your home will look best if you create one consistent look that travels from room to room.

Should all my floors match?

Do floors need to exactly match your countertops or other fixtures? No. Instead, try to coordinate with them in the same way you would coordinate with the other floors. This goes a long way towards creating a well-balanced and well-designed space.

How many different floors should be in a house?

The Rule of Three

The flooring “Rule of Three” states that from any point in the home, you should see three different types of flooring, or less.

How to transition two types of flooring

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

Can you mix two different hardwood floors side by side? Yes, you can mix two different wood floors side by side. However, whenever homeowners have two different hardwood floors adjoining each other, they often try to match the colors for continuity in visual aesthetics.

Do wood floors need to match throughout the house?

While some people think that they should match the floors throughout their homes for a sense of uniformity and space, it is unnecessary to do this. At Classic Floor Designs, we recommend that you consider mixing different types of wood on the floors throughout your house for a stunning result.

What flooring adds the most value to a home?

When it comes down to finding the best flooring to increase home value, it all boils down to your market. Hardwood will likely give you the highest return, but laminate and luxury vinyl plank flooring also offer plenty of perks to buyers.

Can you mix and match wood flooring?

Not only can you combine different woods for the flooring in your home, but you can also mix and match woods elsewhere, such as the furniture and cabinets.

Should my bathroom floor match rest of house?

Different bathrooms can match throughout the house, but this isn't necessary either. As a general rule, your bathrooms should have the same relationship with each other that they have with the kitchen. So long as they agree with the style of your home, you can distinguish larger bathrooms from smaller ones.

Should floors be darker or lighter than walls?

Many home experts agree that the floor color should be darker than the walls. The rule generally applies because lighter walls and a dark floor make the room seem larger. Most homeowners prefer a spacious looking interior. However, the rule can change with low ceilings.

Do stairs and floor have to match?

Stairs do not need to match flooring. It all boils down to what the homeowner wants.

Is it OK to have different color hardwood floors in different rooms?

Put simply, the answer to the question do wood floors have to match room to room, is entirely one of personal choice. You can choose to have different flooring in each room if that works for you, but synergy and flow from selecting one central flooring material can look wonderful too.

How do you transition between two wooden floors?

How to Transition Between Two Different Wood Floors
  1. Do All the Wood Floors in a House Need to Match? ...
  2. Use T-Molding. ...
  3. Use a Seam Binder or Transition Strip. ...
  4. Use a Thin Metal Transition. ...
  5. Install a Threshold Piece. ...
  6. Transition Between Floors of Different Heights. ...
  7. Lay One Floor With a Border.

Does laminate flooring devalue a home?

In high-traffic areas it can show wear and tear, and laminate can't be sanded or refinished for an updated appearance. Because of its lower price point, laminate also won't do much for your home's resale value.

Does vinyl flooring devalue a home?

Even though it's not true hardwood, buyers will still appreciate the aesthetics and feel of these durable floors. This is what buyers really care about at the end of the day. So yes, installing new vinyl flooring in your home will raise your property value.

What are the disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring?

Some disadvantages of vinyl flooring include:
  • Cannot be repaired.
  • Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  • Shorter lifespan than wood floors.
  • No impact, or negative impact, on home resale value.
  • Difficult to remove, especially if adhesive is used during installation.
  • Not eco-friendly; difficult to recycle.

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

You should not change the direction of hardwood flooring between rooms—the reason why is that it causes visual disharmony. Placing hardwood flooring in the same direction that follows your space is best.

How do you transition flooring between rooms?

Transitioning to a Different Laminate Floor

You simply change the boards in the middle of the doorway and continue the installation in the other room with the new flooring. The transition line looks best when it's under the closed door or lined up with the front edge.

What flooring looks good next to hardwood?

Hardwood is a classic and high-end option for flooring, but ceramic tile offers durability and affordability. Combining the two materials in a single room creates a customized look that attracts buyers and impresses your friends with your design skills. ...

Should stairs be lighter or darker than floor?

Stairs can be darker than the floor, but they do not have to be. As long as your stairs complement your floors, you can make them any color you wish.

Can you put vinyl plank flooring on stairs?

You can install Vinyl planks on your stairs. Vinyl planks are strong, create a beautiful aesthetic, and are less expensive than natural wood. If you have kids or a pet owner, we recommend this flooring type because it's firm and comfortable on the feet and doesn't cause too much noise.

What color flooring makes a room look larger?

A light-colored flooring such as light oak or a light-colored carpet will make the room appear brighter and more open. The same applies to the ceiling—use a light color or white to "open up" the space above. Increase the appearance of the size of the room by adding wall mirrors.

What is the most popular floor color?

Most Popular Hardwood Floor Colors
  • Classic Pine. ...
  • Cherry Toned. ...
  • Moody Grays. ...
  • Multi-Color Character. ...
  • Subtle Stripes. ...
  • Flat Light Gray. ...
  • Two-Tone. ...
  • Bold and Red. Woods of all kinds take stain colors well, allowing you to get a multitude of different looks for your flooring.

Is GREY flooring a good idea?

Grey floors are easier to keep clean than dark brown hardwood floors because they show less dust. Lighter gray floors can make a room feel open and airy, while darker gray stains can visually reduce the space.

Previous article
What color should pool water be?
Next article
Which cockroaches are hardest to get rid of?