Flooring choices for your white-walled space

White is not just white, there are so many slight variations and differences in each particular colour which can feel confusing to the untrained eye! White is a popular paint choice for good reason. It’s fresh and bright, it’s flexible within a broader scheme and it’s a relatively safe colour to choose in terms of personal taste, resale and appeal.

White paint has different levels of the base colour in each, meaning some are cool (black, blue, undertones, for example) and some are warm (brown or yellow undertones, for example). The levels of natural light in a home as well as the material of the walls also come into play. It doesn’t end there. White paint can also change in appearance with the finish too. Gloss, matt and textured paints will all appear differently. Try to dissect what paint features exist if you’re not repainting. Ask yourself is it cool or warm? Does it feel like it “throws” a particular colour like grey, pink or purple, for example?

If you’re starting from scratch and choosing all your materials at once, like in a renovation or new building design, ask yourself what style are you drawn to. Do you want the palette to feel cool, fresh and contemporary or are you hoping for something more warm, intimate and inviting? Consider the natural light as well, all of this will impact your scheme.

Flooring and walls are two of the biggest visual elements of home design and this should be kept in mind when making selections. If floors are the only thing being updated you will need to think about how it can complement and coordinate with what is existing to feel as though it flows. Is the paint colour warm? A warmer floor palette will feel tonal while a cooler floor palette will contrast and feel contemporary. Bring a sample home and lay it next to the wall and observe over the day. Sometimes it will surprise you. The colour of the flooring may throw the paint colour off slightly. That’s why it’s important to see samples in situ. This relates to both carpet and hard flooring, whether it be laminate flooring, timber, hybrid or vinyl.

Consider how you want the room to feel and what the new flooring will contribute- and- always see a flooring sample in the room if you’re unsure. Warm whites are easier to work with in some ways. They will work back with oak, darker warm timbers and warmer carpet threads easily. They also balance out the cooler flooring colours too.

Regardless of the style or architecture of your home, these commonly used areas are the real workhorses of the house. Flooring must, of course, complement your other materials and finishes, but it also should be practical and suit your/ your family’s lifestyle. These spaces are often white, whether it be white walls or white tiles on the bathroom wall. How do you want these spaces to feel? Flooring will play a big role in the overall ambience.

If you’re blessed with lots of natural light you can choose warm or cool flooring to work back with your white walls. Sometimes cool walls and cool flooring together may feel a bit stark (such as grey floors with cool white walls)- but this can be changed with fabrics, rugs and other layers of varying textures. If you struggle with natural light at home, leaning towards lighter floors and walls makes sense. However, warm white walls can also compensate for a lack of natural light and will sit back beautifully with both warm and cool floors (depending on the undertone colour). Personal preference comes into play and make sure to be true to your style!

Generally, bedrooms and sitting rooms, libraries and studies are more cosy and an intimate style is desired. Warm white walls work well here and will coordinate with a range of flooring colours. Understand the undertone of the white walls and choose your flooring accordingly. Rich flooring colours can be tricky to coordinate so be sure to try a range of samples to ensure it feels right.

White walls are incredibly common in Australian home design and they are practical in the sense that everything works well with them (although they do mark easily!). A mid-range coloured floor (such as Australian species hardwood, oak vinyl floors etc) is a good place to find a practical colour. Very dark flooring and white flooring can show marks a little easier. Timber-look vinyl flooring or hybrid are particularly practical and easy-care  materials. Where carpet is concerned, choose something with a fleck or multiple thread colours in a practical fibre, like solution dyed nylon. Whether it be hard flooring or carpet, there are options for all spectrums of the budget. Talk to a Flooring Xtra member if you have a particular budget in mind.

Teaming white walls with your flooring can feel like a daunting task as there are no clearly defined guidelines and such a broad range of both materials available. Understanding that no two whites are the same and trying to define the undertones of the paint is a great place to start. Playing with and observing samples in your own home will also give you some confidence in your decision-making. If in doubt, always know there’s a Flooring Xtra store near you with someone excited to lend a hand!

How do I maintain waterproof flooring?

Waterproof flooring is an incredible addition for those wanting a low-maintenance and easy-care lifestyle at home. All flooring needs to be cared for though, regardless of the material. Sweep or vacuum frequently to remove any dirt or grit (that might scratch the floor surface) and always mop up any spills as quickly as possible.

What is the best type of carpet for a home?

The best carpet for your home will be dependent on a few elements. Your budget, your lifestyle and your personal style taste. For example, a busy family with pets would benefit from a stain-resistant fibre and a non-loop pile (for those pesky pet paws). Our Carpet Guide covers all the fibre and structure designs so you can find the perfect solution for your home.

What should I consider when choosing a rug for my bedroom?

There are a few things to consider here. Do you want the rug to feel plush underfoot or would you prefer a flatter pile? Do you want the rug to become a feature (with pattern and colour) or more understated? Bedrooms are not incredibly high-traffic spaces so you can afford to choose something like wool or a light colour which you may not, say, in an entryway. Ensure the rug is large enough too, you can see a few different size and placement ideas in our Rug Guide.

What type of rug fibre is the most durable for a busy home?

Rugs fibres are similar to that of carpets and if you’re on the lookout for a durable option, a synthetic fibre like polypropylene is a great idea. Something also to consider is an outdoor or washable rug for those really messy areas of the home!