Choosing new flooring for your bedroom can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many options to pick from, it’s important to weigh factors like your lifestyle, budget, and design aesthetic. Going through the process thoughtfully will ensure you select an option well-suited for your needs that you’ll love living with.
To help make your decision easier, we’ve put together this guide on the most popular bedroom flooring options to consider for your home. We’ll cover the pros and cons, costs, and characteristics of each to help you determine which is the best fit.
Carpet
Carpeting is a classic choice that offers comfort underfoot and helps absorb sound. It comes in a wide array of colors, textures, and pile depths. While stains can be difficult to remove, regular vacuuming and steam cleaning every year or two can keep carpet looking fresh.
Pros
- Soft and comfortable underfoot
- Helps absorb noise and adds warmth
- Available in many colors, textures and pile depths
- Generally affordable option
Cons
- Requires more maintenance than hard surfaces
- Can show wear, stains and damage over time
- Not ideal for moisture-prone areas like basements
- Can trap dust, dander and allergens
Cost
$1-6 per square foot installed for basic synthetic carpets. Higher end wool carpets can cost $6-15 per square foot. Prices depend on fiber, density and pile depth.
Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring is one of the most popular bedroom flooring options today. It consists of composite vinyl layers pressed onto a rigid core. Many styles mimic the look of natural wood or stone. The planks install without adhesive, acting like giant vinyl tiles.
Pros
- Durable and scratch resistant
- Easy DIY installation with click-lock planks
- Provides good moisture resistance
- Affordable compared to hardwood or tile
- Wide variety of wood and stone looks available
Cons
- Can dent from heavy impacts
- Lacks the richness and depth of real wood
- Seams may be visible
- Can emit VOCs initially
Cost
$3-8 per square foot installed. Price varies based on plank thickness and visual detail.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring offers the beauty of real wood with added durability and affordability. The floors consist of photographic paper finishes fused to composite wood cores. Many mimic exotic and rustic hardwood looks. Most click together easily without adhesive.
Pros
- Durable surface resists scratches, stains and fading
- Easy DIY click-together installation
- Affordable compared to hardwood
- Wide variety of wood look options
- Fairly easy to repair or replace planks
Cons
- Cannot refinish like real wood
- Not suitable for wet areas
- Can swell and warp if moisture gets into seams
- Tends to make more noise than other options
Cost
$1.50-5 per square foot for materials. $3-7 per square installed. Varies based on plank thickness and quality.
Hardwood Flooring
Nothing quite compares to the beauty and elegance of real hardwood flooring. Oak, maple, hickory and exotic species can provide a refined, timeless look. Hardwood offers value too, as it can potentially last 100+ years with proper care. Site-finished planks allow for sanding and refinishing over time.
Pros
- Beautiful, rich appearance
- Potential to last 100+ years
- Can be repeatedly sanded and refinished
- Adds value for home resale
- Large planks for seamless look
- Environmentally friendly
Cons
- Most expensive flooring option
- Can dent, scratch and stain easily
- Requires careful cleaning and maintenance
- Not suitable for moist areas like basements
Cost
$4-12 per square foot for materials. $6-15 per square foot installed. Price varies widely based on wood species and plank grade. Exotic woods are most expensive.
Tile
Tile floors offer a classic, elegant look suitable for bedrooms of all styles. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are highly durable, naturally water-resistant and easy to clean. Grout lines may require more maintenance. Larger tile sizes and patterned layouts can limit seams.
Pros
- Durable, long-lasting option
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Resistance to water/moisture damage
- Cool underfoot
- Large variety of styles, colors, shapes
Cons
- Hard, cold underfoot
- Grout lines prone to staining
- Dropped items can crack tiles
- Installation is labor-intensive
Cost
Ceramic tile ranges $1-4 per square foot. Porcelain tile ranges $4-15. Professionally installed costs range $6-18 per square foot.
Cork Flooring
For eco-friendly appeal, cork is a unique, resilient option harvested from the bark of cork oak trees. It has a rich, warm appearance. Cork naturally absorbs sound, provides comfort underfoot and resists mold and mildew. Prefinished cork tiles or planks make DIY installation straightforward.
Pros
- Naturally moisture and mold resistant
- Comfortable, quiet and warmer underfoot
- Attractive natural patterns and coloring
- Sustainable and renewable resource
- Easy DIY installation of tiles or planks
Cons
- Shows dirt, scuffs and scratches more readily
- Not as durable as other options
- Limited color/style options compared to alternatives
Cost
Cork tile $2-5 per square foot. Cork plank flooring $3-8 per square foot. Installation ranges $4-10 per square foot.
Bamboo Flooring
For green appeal, bamboo is a durable and renewable flooring option. Strand-woven or vertically-grained bamboo offers hardness comparable to some hardwoods. It has a rich, light-toned appearance. Bamboo matures rapidly, making it easily replenished. Prefinished planks allow DIY friendly installation.
Pros
- Hard, durable surface resists dents and scratches
- Attractive light-toned look
- Made from rapidly renewable grass
- Resistance to moisture and swelling
- Easy DIY installation with planks
Cons
- Prone to fading from sunlight
- Limited color options compared to wood
- Not as moisture-resistant as engineered wood
- Can emit VOCs initially
Cost
Bamboo planks $3-9 per square foot. Professionally installed $4-12 per square foot. Expect to pay more for vertical grain bamboo.
Concrete Flooring
For modern, industrial appeal, exposed concrete floors can be a stylish, durable option. Concrete offers a seamless look and naturally cooling surface. Dyes, stains and polishing can add ornamental appeal. The floor requires sealing to prevent dusting.
Pros
- Hard, naturally durable surface
- Seamless, contemporary appearance
- Cools bedroom naturally in warm climates
- Can be polished, dyed or stained
- Requires minimal maintenance
Cons
- Can crack over time if not properly poured
- Requires sealing to prevent dusting
- Hard underfoot without added cushion
- Moisture issues must be addressed before pouring
Cost
Installed and finished concrete ranges $4-8 per square foot. Staining, polishing and special treatments add cost.
Luxury Vinyl Plank
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) offers the most realistic wood and stone looks in a waterproof vinyl floor. Advanced printing technology and protective wear layers make LVP extremely durable. The long planks feature click-lock installation ideal for DIYers.
Pros
- Most realistic wood and stone looks
- Completely waterproof construction
- Durable and scratch-resistant wear layer
- Easy click-together floating installation
- Affordable compared to natural options
Cons
- Lacks the depth and feel of real wood/stone
- Poor quality LVP can dent and scratch
- Seams may be visible
- Can emit VOCs initially
Cost
LVP costs $3-7 per square foot. Installation ranges $4-10 per square foot. Higher-end LVP with 20+ mil wear layers costs $7-12 installed.
Recap: Compare the Options
When selecting new bedroom flooring, keep the pros and cons of each option in mind:
- Carpet offers softness underfoot but requires frequent maintenance. It comes in endless colors and textures at affordable prices.
- Vinyl plank is budget-friendly and waterproof but lacks the richness of real wood. It’s easy to install and available in many wood looks.
- Durable laminate mimics wood affordably but is prone to moisture damage. It cannot be refinished like real wood.
- Hardwood offers timeless elegance but requires careful maintenance. It provides long-lasting value and can be refinished.
- Tile resists water but can be cold and hard underfoot. It requires careful installation but provides countless style options.
- Cork has eco-friendly appeal but scuffs and shows dirt readily. It absorbs sound and feels cushy.
- Bamboo offers eco-friendly durability but fades in sunlight. It provides a light, contemporary look.
- Concrete creates an industrial vibe but requires sealing and cushioning. It offers a seamless, durable surface when properly poured.
- Top-tier LVP provides the most realistic wood/stone looks but can dent without a durable wear layer. Waterproof construction is ideal for basements and baths.
Now that we’ve compared the pros and cons, costs and characteristics, let’s look at answering some common questions about choosing bedroom floors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about selecting bedroom flooring:
What is the best flooring for a master bedroom?
The best flooring for a master bedroom depends on your needs and preferences. Carpet provides softness for bare feet but requires more maintenance. Hardwood or luxury vinyl offer elegant wood looks but are more prone to scratches, dents and noise. Tile resists moisture but can be hard underfoot. Overall, laminate or vinyl plank often provide the best mix of affordability, performance and visual appeal for master bedrooms.
What color flooring makes a room look bigger?
Lighter colored flooring helps reflect light to make a room appear larger. Soft neutral tones like light grays, beiges and whitewashed woods maximize the feeling of space. Dark floors can feel cocooning but minimize light reflection.
What is the most popular master bedroom floor?
Currently, luxury vinyl plank and laminate are two of the most popular master bedroom flooring options. Both mimic real hardwood looks while being more affordable and DIY-friendly to install. Many homeowners also love carpet’s softness but opt for tile or wood in master bathrooms that see moisture. Ultimately, the most popular option varies by region, age demographics and individual taste.
Is carpet in the bedroom a good idea?
Carpet offers plush softness and warmth that many find perfect for bedrooms. It also absorbs noise and is relatively affordable. However, carpet requires more intense maintenance to avoid permanent stains, damage and allergens. Those with allergies or asthma may wish to avoid wall-to-wall carpet. Overall, carpet can be a good bedroom option if properly and frequently cleaned.
What is the most durable bedroom floor?
Porcelain or ceramic tile ranks among the most durable bedroom flooring options. Both resist scratches, dents, stains and moisture damage. However, tile can crack if heavy objects are dropped on it. Pre-finished hardwood with an aluminum oxide coating also offers long-lasting durability for bedrooms while retaining wood’s beauty. High-wear layer luxury vinyl is another very durable synthetic wood option.
Is laminate suitable for bedrooms?
Laminate can make an excellent bedroom flooring choice. It is more affordable than hardwood while providing realistic wood looks. Laminate also resists scratches, fading and stains when properly sealed. The only downside is laminate is not as moisture resistant as vinyl or real wood. Avoid installing it in basements or rooms prone to spills. With proper underlayment, laminate performs well in bedrooms.
What kind of flooring increases home value?
Hardwood flooring offers the greatest potential return on investment for home resale. Refinished original hardwood in good condition or new site-finished oak, maple or exotic species can significantly boost valuation. Porcelain tile and natural stone also positively impact home value. Quality carpet can be desirable to buyers as well. Vinyl and laminate are less likely to increase value.
Is vinyl plank flooring waterproof?
Quality vinyl plank flooring is 100% waterproof, making it ideal for basements, bathrooms and laundry rooms. Rigid composite or SPC vinyl planks are impervious to water damage. Even bamboo-based vinyl plank withstands moisture well. This gives vinyl plank advantages over laminate and hardwood, which can warp or swell from spills. Always verify waterproof ratings before selecting vinyl plank.
Is bamboo flooring a good choice for bedrooms?
Bamboo can make an eco-friendly and durable bedroom flooring option. Strand-woven bamboo with a tough aluminum oxide coating provides protection from scratches. Vertical grain bamboo offers hardness similar to some hardwoods. The downsides are expense, limited color variation and a tendency to fade in direct sunlight over time. Proper window treatments can help prevent fading.
Conclusion
Choosing the right flooring involves balancing factors like cost, durability, maintenance needs, comfort and visual appeal. Take time to thoroughly research each option before deciding. Weigh the pros and cons for your lifestyle and space.
Budgetfriendly picks like carpet, vinyl plank and laminate offer great durability and styling for frugal shoppers. For luxury elegance, hardwood or porcelain tile create a refined look. Seek eco-friendly bamboo or cork if sustainability matters most.
Regardless of which option you select, install flooring properly and care for it well to get the longest life from your investment. With the right choice made carefully, you’ll love living with your beautiful new bedroom floors for years to come.