How to Choose the Right Flooring for Each Room in Your Home
Flooring is the foundation of your home’s design—and a key factor in how each space looks, feels, and functions. Whether you're remodeling a single room or tackling a whole-house renovation, choosing the right type of flooring for each space is crucial. It’s not just about aesthetics—different materials perform better in different environments.
At EHR Contracting, we guide homeowners through every step of the renovation process, including how to select flooring that meets your style, budget, and performance needs. Here’s a room-by-room guide to help you make the smartest flooring decisions for your home.
1. Living Room: Warmth and Durability Matter
Your living room is the heart of the home—a place for relaxation, gatherings, and entertainment. It needs flooring that’s both durable and stylish.
Top picks:
Hardwood: Classic, timeless, and adds strong resale value.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP): Affordable, water-resistant, and comes in wood-look styles.
Carpet: Offers softness and sound dampening for cozy spaces.
What to consider:
If you have kids or pets, scratch resistance and easy maintenance are key. Choose finishes that complement your furniture and color scheme.
2. Kitchen: Performance Over Pretty
Kitchens are high-traffic, high-spill zones. You need flooring that resists water, stains, and scratches, while being comfortable to stand on during long cooking sessions.
Top picks:
Tile: Excellent for water resistance and cleaning ease.
LVP or SPC (stone-plastic composite): Durable and waterproof with great design options.
Engineered hardwood: Has the look of wood with more moisture resistance.
What to avoid:
Traditional hardwood can warp in a kitchen if not properly sealed.
3. Bathroom: Waterproof and Slip-Resistant
Bathrooms face constant humidity, moisture, and temperature changes. Waterproof flooring is a must, and safety is a top priority.
Top picks:
Porcelain or ceramic tile: Long-lasting, waterproof, and available in endless designs.
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT): Water-resistant and warmer underfoot than tile.
Natural stone: Elegant, though pricier and may require sealing.
What to avoid:
Carpet and traditional hardwood are unsuitable for wet areas.
4. Bedrooms: Comfort and Quiet
In bedrooms, comfort is king. Sound absorption and warmth underfoot are top considerations—especially in colder climates or multi-story homes.
Top picks:
Carpet: Provides insulation, comfort, and noise reduction.
Engineered hardwood or LVP: Offers a clean, modern aesthetic with optional area rugs.
Cork: A sustainable, cushioned option with natural sound dampening.
Pro tip:
Opt for hypoallergenic carpet if allergens are a concern.
5. Basement: Moisture-Ready Materials
Basements are prone to dampness, even with good insulation. Choose flooring that stands up to moisture and resists mold growth.
Top picks:
LVP or SPC: Water-resistant, budget-friendly, and visually appealing.
Tile: Great for moisture but can be cold without radiant heat.
Epoxy flooring: Durable and ideal for workshop or industrial-style basement uses.
What to avoid:
Wood and laminate flooring may warp in humid environments.
6. Laundry Room or Mudroom: Tough and Easy to Clean
These spaces experience dirt, spills, and heavy foot traffic. Choose flooring that holds up against water and is easy to mop clean.
Top picks:
Ceramic tile: Easy to clean and resistant to water and stains.
Sheet vinyl: Seamless, budget-friendly, and moisture-resistant.
Rubber flooring: Ideal for utility rooms, offers great traction and comfort.
7. Dining Room: Style Meets Practicality
Dining rooms demand flooring that adds visual appeal but can also handle the wear and tear of chairs, spills, and dropped utensils.
Top picks:
Hardwood: Timeless and elegant.
LVP: A durable alternative with a high-end look.
Engineered hardwood: Great for open floor plans connecting dining areas to kitchens.
Pro tip:
Add felt pads to chair legs to prevent scuffing.
Final Thoughts: Let the Room Guide the Material
The best flooring choice depends on the function of the room, your household’s lifestyle, and the overall design vision of your home. Prioritizing durability in high-traffic and moisture-prone areas while embracing comfort in personal spaces leads to a balanced, long-lasting renovation.
At EHR Contracting, we help homeowners choose flooring materials that align with their aesthetic goals and practical needs. Whether you’re dreaming of rustic hardwood in the living room or waterproof vinyl in the basement, we’ll help you get it right.
Need expert advice on selecting the perfect flooring for your remodel? Contact EHR Contracting today for a consultation—and take the first step toward a home that feels just right underfoot.
