How to style white flooring in your home

White is a gorgeous and always timeless choice for a home, and it can transform any room into something special. But if you also live with children, pets or messy housemates you might be forgiven for having second thoughts about white for your living room or kitchen. But fear not! We’ll show you style your living spaces with finesse and flair with our white flooring ideas.

White flooring ideas for living rooms

There's something captivating about the clean, crisp appeal of white floors. White floors can open a room, making it appear more spacious and inviting. They also act as a blank canvas, allowing you to experiment with various decor styles and colour palettes. Let's explore various white flooring ideas, with a focus on living rooms and kitchens.

White wood for living rooms

For a timeless and sophisticated look, consider opting for white engineered wood floors in your living room. The warmth and natural beauty of wood, combined with the crispness of a white finish, create a perfect balance. This combination works exceptionally well with traditional decor styles.

To complement white wood floors, choose furniture in neutral tones such as beige, taupe, or light grey. Incorporate plush rugs and cushions in pastel shades to add a touch of cosiness and comfort. To enhance that classic elegance, choose a coffee table with subtle metallic accents.

Contemporary chic with white laminate flooring

For a modern option, white laminate flooring is an excellent choice. Its durability and ease of maintenance make it ideal for busy areas like the living room.

For a stunning effect, pair white laminate floors with bold, statement furniture pieces in contrasting colours, such as navy blue or emerald green.
To achieve a contemporary chic look, incorporate geometric patterns and textures in your decor.
Consider a sleek, white entertainment unit and minimalist wall art to maintain a clean and uncluttered feel.
Add pops of colour through accent decor like throws, cushions, and artwork for a vibrant yet cohesive living room design.

Rustic charm with whitewashed wood-look luxury vinyl

Vinyl flooring and luxury vinyl are water-resistant, making them an ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. The softness underfoot makes vinyl comfortable, especially for areas where you stand up a lot. Vinyl comes in cream and beige, as well as patterns and designs so you can let your creativity run wild. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping will keep vinyl floors looking pristine. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the surface.

If your taste is more towards the traditional, then pile on the rustic charm by opting for white-washed wood-look luxury vinyl in your living room. These planks or tiles provide the warmth of wood while embracing the on-trend white flooring trend. The distressed finish adds character, making your living space feel inviting.
To create that comfortable, lived-in look, go for overstuffed furniture in earthy tones like beige and brown. Incorporate natural materials such as jute rugs and wooden accents to enhance the rustic vibe.
Soft, ambient lighting and a fireplace can further amp up that cosy atmosphere, creating a living room that's both stylish and welcoming.

Yes, you can have a white carpet!

Perhaps you feel you can’t have a white carpet in your own home. But with clever use of texture, pattern or choice of pile, you can have the light-coloured flooring of your dreams.

We’d recommend something with a stripe if you are concerned about muddy footprints, or a classic herringbone pattern carpet in a neutral shade if you want something with some interest that’s also hardwearing.

White kitchen floor ideas

If you want a kitchen that looks sleek and modern, refreshing the floor with white is the way to go. If you’re going for a full makeover, then think about bold colours on the walls or kitchen cabinets. Incorporate natural elements like potted plants, wooden cutting boards and warm-toned accessories.

Pair white with black and white

Combine white flooring with classic black or white decor for a cohesive and elegant look. Introduce brass or gold accents through hardware and light fixtures to add a touch of opulence.

How to maintain white flooring

Before choosing white flooring for your home, consider your lifestyle and how each room is used. If you have pets or young children, a more durable and easy-to-clean option, such as white tiles or laminate, might be preferable. For low-traffic areas, like a formal living room, you can explore the elegance of white hardwood or marble.

Experiment with texture

White flooring doesn't have to mean a completely smooth and glossy surface. Experiment with different textures to add depth and character to your space.

Balance with colour and pattern

While white flooring provides a neutral base, don't shy away from incorporating colour and pattern into your decor. Experiment with vibrant furniture, accent walls, or statement decor pieces to create a dynamic and visually appealing space. Striking the right balance will prevent your home from feeling stark and clinical.

Maximise natural light

White flooring has the remarkable ability to reflect and amplify natural light. Make the most of this feature by keeping window treatments minimal or opting for sheer curtains. Position mirrors strategically to bounce light around the room, creating an airy and spacious feel.

Maintenance matters

Different types of white flooring come with varying maintenance requirements. Consider the time and effort you're willing to invest in upkeep. You can read more in our Ideas Hub about how to remove stains from your carpet.

If you want somewhere that reflects your taste and enhances your daily life, Tapi can help. In our bright and airy showrooms, we’ll show you our great collections and support you to let your creativity flow. We’ll point out all the products we think will be perfect for you.

Book an appointment to have a personal chat with one of our expert floorologists. Or if time is tight, we can bring our floors to yours with a free home visit. Our friendly expert will drive around to your home with hundreds of samples and go through everything, including measuring up and giving you a quote.

Post author

Claire Murphy Copywriter Former lifestyle journalist, keen amateur upcycler, full of value for money ideas

Book a Store Appointment

Book a Home Visit