How Flooring And Furniture Can Complement Each Other

Whether hard or soft flooring, colour is one of the biggest considerations. The key is to have a clear idea of the look you’re trying to achieve in mind. Head to your favourite place for inspiration (online, books, magazines, travel memories etc.) and see if you can see any patterns. Are there colours that reoccur? This is a good starting place. Collect flooring swatches and hold it against the material, leather or timber of your new furniture. Do they clash or feel harmonious? Move them around the room to observe the light at different times of the day. There’s no right or wrong. Colours can contrast heavily for a dramatic feel, or be more tonal for a calmer, more serene look. Timber flooring and timber-look products, such as laminate flooring or vinyl flooring come in a broad range of colours, species and tones to suit any taste.

The type of flooring that will sit under the furniture will also impact what items you choose. Again, there are no hard and fast rules, but there are certain things to keep in mind. Hard flooring under meals and dining furniture will be easier to maintain. Carpet flooring under sofas in home theatres can help to absorb noise or under a bed can add a level of luxury, for example. Floor rugs, such as wool rugs or shag rugs will also achieve this level of luxury.

Style refers to the look or feel you’re trying to achieve. Coastal, contemporary, rustic, laid-back, bohemian etc. etc. Create a mood board of your favourite spaces and refer back to it when choosing both flooring and furniture. Ask yourself, does this piece/ flooring lend itself to the style? Contemporary tends to have a less fussy feel while a classic interior can handle more decorative elements.

Whatever flooring and furniture you do choose, ensure you protect the flooring from the furniture itself. Place protective mats under desk chairs with wheels and felt pads under furniture legs. Floor rugs are another great option to protect hard flooring from heavy furniture. Enjoy your flooring for longer by using some of the above options to minimise scratching and indentations.

Lauren has an abundance of advice on her informative podcast (including one of our favourites episodes, How to choose beautiful timber flooring). In her latest episode, she explores custom furniture. How to ask the right questions to ensure you will love the items you design. Who will be using the space? How will it be used? These are also excellent starting points for choosing flooring, by the way! She also talks about how important research is in any design decision. Being informed will always put you in the best possible position to choose a product you will love for years to come.

What are the benefits of a professional flooring installer?

Deciding what new flooring you will install at home is a big deal! There is a lot to consider and it’s an investment which is why it’s important to get the installation done by the professionals- they know what they are doing and are incredibly knowledgeable. They have all the right tools, they can problem solve, drawing on years of experience and get things done promptly. Each Flooring Xtra store has its own professional installers so you can relax while the experts get the job done!

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 type of flooring is easiest to maintain?

All flooring requires some level of maintenance to ensure it will look good for a long time. All carpet and hard flooring should be swept or vacuumed regularly to remove grit and dirt from the surface (which can lead to scratches and marks). Laminate and vinyl floors are excellent low-maintenance hard flooring options while solution dyed nylon and polypropylene carpet are also resilient.