The living room.

For some, it’s a gathering place where the family unwinds at the end of the day. For others, it’s used only on special occasions. It could be a social hub where you host parties, or that room that’s there, but no one ever really goes in. 

The living room flooring you choose should be dictated by how you use the space. If you’re searching for new floors for your living room, here are some great options to consider.

Carpet

If your living room functions as more of a family room – a place where your gang gathers to play board games, watch movies, build pillow forts, or lounge with a good book, carpet is a good choice. 

A soft surface is more inviting and comfortable if your family and friends are going to be sitting, standing, or lying around in the room. Just be sure to vacuum frequently, and have the carpet professionally cleaned at least once a year.

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Take a look at the floor selections offered by our most trusted brands and find the one that excels at meeting your needs.

Cork

Bright living room with natural cork flooring

If you want comfy living room flooring but aren’t sold on carpet, consider cork flooring. 

Springy and resilient, cork is probably the “softest” hard flooring option out there. It’s a great choice for living rooms where you or your family will be spending a lot of time up and about, and its resilience makes it a safe place to land if you have little ones who are taking their first steps – and spills! 

Eco-conscious families will love to hear that cork is a renewable resource. Cork is harvested without harming the tree.

Hardwood

You can’t go wrong with hardwood, it brings nature into your living room

Wood flooring is a great choice for living rooms. If the room is used for special occasions, a hardwood floor is going to offer a beautiful, classic vibe. 

With a variety of visuals, you’re sure to find a hardwood option that complements your decorating style. A rich brown walnut would look great in an Art Deco-inspired space, while a light-toned maple would complement a mid-century modern design.

Laminate

Laminate offers the look of hardwood floors but it’s more affordable than hardwood

If your living room is a high-traffic space where people are constantly passing through, laminate flooring might be the right choice. 

Laminate will offer the classic and beautiful look of hardwood, but won’t be in danger of scuffing, scratching, or denting during a New Year’s Eve soiree or your kid’s birthday party.

Vinyl

Bright artsy living room with gray luxury vinyl plank flooring

Another great choice for living rooms that see a lot of activity, vinyl flooring is a durable alternative to hardwood that has just as much style. 

With a variety of options, vinyl flooring is a great choice for active families, especially families with pets. It also tends to have a bit more give than laminate, so it might be a bit comfier for things like game or movie nights. 

You can also soften things up by adding an area rug.

About The Author

Lauren Moore

June 21, 2024

Proud flooring aficionado and office dog mom, "Flauren" has been a professional writer and editor for more than a decade (though she still maintains her magnum opus was "The Day it Snowed Slurpees," written at the age of 6).