What colour laminate is best in my living room?

If you are redecorating your living room – or perhaps it is just time for some new flooring – you will face a whole world of decisions. Once you have decided to go with laminate flooring, you might think the hard work is over; however, you will soon find the choices of finishes, textures and colours are almost limitless. Getting the colour of your floor right makes a huge difference to the look and feel of your living room, so here are a few things to think about before you make your final decision.

Think about the size of your room

The colour of the floor has a considerable impact on how big the room feels. If you have a large room that sometimes feels a little cold or unwelcoming, opt for a darker yet warm wood, such as a walnut or oak. The latter is particularly prized for its warmth and adds a classy touch to any room. If you are dealing with a smaller room and want to make it feel more airy and spacious, consider a lighter colour. Pines or light maples can really help to open up a small space and make it seem much bigger than it actually is.

Get hold of some samples

The problem with viewing your potential new flooring in the store or online is that it might look very different in your own home. The artificial lighting in stores is usually harsh and very different to the lighting in our homes – natural light makes a big difference. Get hold of some samples of the laminates you are interested in and view them in different lighting conditions. Ideally, you should take them home and place them on the floor so that you can get a good feel for how the room will look if you use them for the entire floor. The time of day also makes a difference, so see how you like the look of the laminates in the morning light, afternoon sun and at dusk. You will be surprised just how different it looks in different conditions! Don’t forget to see how it looks after dark with the curtains or blinds closed and your normal living room lighting on.

Consider neighbouring rooms

If your hall – or whichever room your living room is entered from – has very distinctive flooring, consider whether this will look OK next to your new laminate. You might even choose to stick to similar colours throughout your home to create a pleasing flow between rooms.