Get the Laminate Look You Want

Don't Judge a Floor by One Small Sample

A flooring sample is useful, but it doesn't tell the whole story. The appearance of laminate can change when it's installed across a larger area. Lighting, room size, wall color, and surrounding finishes can all affect how the flooring looks.

Whenever possible, view samples in the space where they'll be installed. Look at them in both natural and artificial light and compare them with the finishes you're keeping. This can help you avoid choosing a floor based solely on how it looked under showroom lighting.

Think About How the Space Is Used

The best-looking floor isn't necessarily the best choice for every room. Consider the amount of traffic the space receives and what happens there every day. A busy living area, hallway, or entryway may have different needs from a guest room or lightly used space.

Children, pets, entertaining, and everyday household activity can all influence what you want from your flooring. Also pay attention to the specifications of the particular laminate you're considering. Construction, wear characteristics, moisture resistance, installation requirements, and maintenance recommendations can vary between products.

Where Can Laminate Work?

Depending on the specific product and manufacturer's recommendations, laminate can be considered for many areas of the home.

Living rooms and family rooms can benefit from the warmth of wood-inspired designs. Bedrooms can use laminate to create a consistent flooring style, while dining rooms and hallways can carry the same visual look into connected spaces.

Open floor plans are another area where laminate can be useful from a design perspective. Extending a complementary flooring style through connected areas can make the home feel more cohesive.

For kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or other areas where moisture is a concern, always verify that the specific product is appropriate for the intended application.

Look at More Than Appearance

Once you've narrowed down a few styles, compare the details behind the design. Consider:

• Plank size and overall visual scale
• Construction and thickness
• Surface and wear characteristics
• Installation requirements
• Moisture-related specifications
• Manufacturer care instructions
• The level of traffic expected in the room

These details can help you choose a floor based on both appearance and everyday practicality.

Keep Your Laminate Looking Its Best

Good maintenance starts with following the manufacturer's instructions for the flooring you select.

Regularly remove dirt and debris, clean spills promptly, and use only recommended cleaning products and methods. Avoid excessive moisture unless the specific product is designed to handle it.

Because laminate products can differ, the manufacturer's care instructions should always take priority over general cleaning advice.

Build the Room Around the Floor

Flooring is one of the largest visual elements in a room, so it deserves to be considered alongside the rest of your design.

Instead of choosing laminate based on a trend or a single sample, think about the complete space. Consider the colors, textures, furniture, architecture, and way the room will be used.

The result should feel like a natural part of your home—not simply a new floor placed into it.

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