Best flooring hallway
11 practical and stylish solutions |
(Image credit: Future)
Choosing hallway flooring ideas is an important decision to make. As the entrance and exit to our homes, as well as connecting spaces, hallways are high traffic areas so whatever type of flooring you choose must be hard-wearing and durable.
Whilst practically may be the priority, with so many hallway flooring materials to choose from there's no need to compromise of aesthetics. The hallway floor is a brilliant way to add personality, color and pattern to your home, setting the tone for the rest of your home. In fact, as areas that we are only in for a short amount of time the hallway makes a brilliant place to be bold with decorating.
To help you get inspired we've rounded up a selection of different flooring looks and materials to add to your list of hallway ideas, along with some advice from the experts.
Hallway flooring ideas
With so many hallway flooring ideas to choose from, making a decision can be daunting, plus, flooring is not easy to change once laid, so this makes getting it right even more important. Be sure to do your research and to call in plenty of samples before you commit.
Hard surfaces such as stone, wood (both solid boards and engineered) ceramic tiles, encaustic tiles and low pile carpets are all durable, hardwearing options suitable for hallways, yet each comes with its own unique properties suited to different situations, so be sure to examine exactly how you use the space and how you want it to function.
As the space in which guests first enter into your home, it's important that hallways are inviting and welcoming and that they set the tone for the personality of your home. Flooring can play a huge role in this, having a big impact on the look and feel of the space with so many designs to choose from there's guaranteed to be a look to suit all tastes from laid-back, rustic stone to bold and playful glazed ceramic tiles.
(Image credit: Hám Interiors / Alexander James)
If you have a large hallway why not make a statement with a luxurious chequerboard floor of polished stone tiles? The floor is a brilliant surface to create a decorative focal point in a hallway as it adds interest whilst keeping the walls bright, open and inviting for guests.
‘A classic stone chequerboard floor is both practical and durable but also visually striking,’ says Tom Cox, co-founder of Hám Interiors , who designed this home. ‘Tones of grey and off-white will soften the look and create the illusion of a time-worn patina.'
2. Try practical engineered parquet
(Image credit: Parquetry Rhine chevron flooring, Woodworks by Ted Todd)
Combining the beautiful grains of solid timbers with the practical benefits of being durable, hardwearing and compatible with underfloor heating, engineered timber is popular flooring idea for hallways, plus there are all sorts of finishes and laying patterns.
'To keep the hallway light and airy, choosing a paler wood floor will not only bring the great outdoors in, but will keep the space feeling bright,' says Robert Walsh, founder and owner, Ted Todd . 'Introducing a pattern such as a chevron or herringbone will help to draw your eye through the space making it feel bigger, too.'
'What's more, lighter floors offer a contemporary feel and will add a subtle statement allowing you to use bolder color elsewhere.
You can always opt for dark blue, grey or green for your doors, frames and other woodwork to add contrast and balance to the space,' adds Robert Walsh.
(Image credit: Styling Claudia Bryant | Photo Polly Wreford )
If you are looking for a playful and eye-catching look try tiling a hallway in vibrant geometric glazed porcelain tiles. Ideal for those that like to experiment, colorful porcelain tiles with simple patterns can be laid in infinite combinations and compositions to create all sorts of unique, head turning looks. Available in 41 designs, the Mattonelle Margherita glazed floor tiles from Mutina at Domus look particularly effective when teamed with vibrant hallway paint ideas.
4. Bring country charm with limestone tiles
(Image credit: Future)
If you're looking for flooring to complement farmhouse decor ideas then you can't go wrong with rustic limestone tiles. Hardwearing and boasting beautiful natural markings from its sedimentary formation, limestone tiles bring the beauty of nature indoors plus will complement the rustic patina of exposed masonry.
There are many stone flooring types, but if you prefer an aged, lived in look then a tumbled limestone may be a good option as this is 'tumbled' to create a worn, antique finish and can give tiles a slightly rounded edge.
5. Nod to history with Victorian Minton tiles
(Image credit: Francine Kay)
Whether you have a Victorian property and are looking for authentic flooring, or simply love traditional decorating ideas then you may consider Victorian hallway tiles. Made up of glazed and encaustic tiles, also known as Minton tiles, laid in striking geometric patterns, Victorian tiled floors brought color and prestige to entryways but were also very practical.
'Victorian tiled floors are prized original features so if you're lucky enough to have one in good condition be sure to preserve it and showcase it as part of your hallway design,' says Melanie Griffiths of Period Living magazine.
If you're looking to re-create the style, you could source reclaimed tiles for an authentic look, alternatively there are companies such as Original Style that offer new designs inspired by historic floors.
6. Add texture with a runner
(Image credit: Roger Oates)
While stone, wood or tiled floors make a practical hallway flooring choice, they can leave entryway ideas feeling cold and echoey. 'Adding a hallway runner will help bring a layer of warmth and texture underfoot but will also bring other practical benefits,' says Andy Guard, creative director at Roger Oates Design explains.
'On wooden or stone floors, if laid with underlay, a hallway runner will soften the resonating sounds of crashing feet but allow the wood or stone beneath to be visible making them far chicer than fitted carpets,' he says. 'Stripe runners are especially versatile complementing decorative and geometric tiles and patterned or floral wallpaper.'
7. Choose decorative wood flooring
(Image credit: Future)
Wood is a timeless, durable choice for hallway floors but how it is laid can have an impact on the look and feel of your space. Wide planks are brilliant country decorating idea, but for something a bit more luxurious consider a more decorative design explains Robert Walsh, founder and owner of Ted Todd.
'Subtle geometric patterns can make the room feel elegant and grand, like the floor has been in your home for centuries. Think Parquet de Versailles – which is a design that was created in the 17th Century for the palace of Versailles – or basket weave, a continuous pattern that flows across the room.'
'Some options for a statement geometric wood floor are Chequerboard or Parquet de Ardeche designs,' he adds.
8. Turn heads with bold colors
(Image credit: Styling Sally Denning | Photo Polly Wreford)
For a playful twist on the traditional chequerboard floor consider switching up black tiles for a vibrant color as demonstrated in this stylish hallway paved in Bert & May's encaustic tiles. As well as being fun and eye-catching chequerboard tiles, and floors with continuous geometric designs can make effective narrow hallway ideas for making spaces appear larger than they are as they have no obvious boundary.
9. Create a warm welcome with vintage carpets
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
For a quick way to make traditional hallways feel homely and welcoming antique runners are a brilliant solution.
With rich colors and decorative prints they bring instant warmth to wood floors while still allowing the beauty of the wood to shine through.
10. Choose a practical vinyl
(Image credit: Amtico)
Durable and easy to clean, 'luxury vinyl tiles are the perfect solution for any family looking for a low maintenance flooring, whilst still looking aesthetically pleasing,' says Sarah Escott, design manager at Amtico .
'It’s extremely durable and robust and is resistant to stains making it great for any room in the home, in particular high traffic areas. Furthermore, LVT flooring is warm underfoot and can be used with underfloor heating making it the perfect choice,' adds Escott.
As well as having a wealth of practical benefits there are also a huge array of designs available, from wood and stone look, to playful geometric designs. If you have a large hallway consider a design with a border as this will put an emphasis on the boundary of the space.
11. Add warmth and softness with carpet
(Image credit: Brintons)
Hallway carpet ideas are a brilliant way to create a warm welcome in your home and are guaranteed to bring instant cosiness. While it may not be the first choice you think of when it comes to hallway flooring a fitted carpet trend can make a particularly good flooring choice for large hallways due to their ability to deaden sounds.
With its grand proportions, large door and exposed stone walls this hallway in a converted barn could be easily run the risk of being echoey and cold, but a subtle stripe carpet fitted helps bring instant comfort. If you are considering carpet in a hallway then consider wool, says Jodie Hatton, residential design manager at Brintons .
'Wool-rich carpets are known for their quality because they are highly durable, which helps maintain their appearance. Wool provides luxury underfoot and helps to insulate your home for warmth and comfort. It absorbs sound to give a sense of calm and tranquillity.
It is naturally fire resistant and fall-friendly for little ones.’
A carpet with a pattern such as a fine stripe works well in a hallway as they help disguise dirt and stains, too.
What is the best flooring for a hallway?
Hardwearing, durable materials such as solid stone, wood – solid and engineered – and ceramic tiles, are the best types of flooring for a hallway as these are one of the busiest rooms in the home that receive a high level of footfall. Carpet can also be a practical choice for high traffic areas provided it is made from a hardwearing fibre such as wool and is a low pile or flatweave design.
Combining the beautiful, grain of real wood with extra stability and the ability to be laid over underfloor heating, engineered timber makes a practical and stylish choice for hallways which will stand the test of time.
'While the temptation can be to opt for wood-effect flooring to help keep costs down, nothing quite beats the real thing, with engineered wood flooring creating a high-end finish that is surprisingly simple to care for and extremely durable,' says Peter Keane, Director of The Natural Wood Floor Company .
'Engineered board has up to 11 layers of plywood backing, with each layer glued at a 90-degree angle to the adjoining layer. The surface layer of a precious hardwood is then glued on top, resulting in a much more stable floor with a robust construction, which can be used with underfloor heating too, so your real wood floor is as warm to walk on as it is to look at.'
If you don't have underfloor heating then hard floors can run the risk of feeling cold, adding a runner is a brilliant way to add instant warmth and will help to cushion sounds of constant footfall but can also help add instant personality.
'Following the trend for hard floors people are realising that a soft floor can be an undeniable luxury,' says Andy Guard, creative director at Roger Oates Design. 'A hallway runner creates instant style and warmth. As you only pass through the hall you can afford to be bold with design and add an injection of colour to an otherwise neutral house.
'
Should you tile a hallway?
Tiling a hallway with solid stone, porcelain, ceramic or encaustic tiles is a brilliant way to create a hardwearing, durable floor that can withstand high levels of wear and tear, yet they can be beautifully decorative, too.
Boasting subtle natural markings, solid stone will bring a subtle, rustic look while. Alternatively ceramic and encaustic tiles are available in a huge array of colors, patterns and can be laid in endless geometric configurations to create a striking and playful focal point.
Pippa is Content Editor on Homes & Gardens online contributing to Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors print issues. A graduate of Art History and formerly Style Editor at Period Living, she is passionate about architecture, creating decorating content, interior styling and writing about craft and historic homes. She enjoys searching out beautiful images and the latest trends to share with the Homes & Gardens audience.
A keen gardener, when she’s not writing you’ll find her growing flowers on her village allotment for styling projects.
Hallway flooring: choose the best floor for your hallway
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By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Hallway flooring needs to be many things. It's got to look nice, it's got to feel good to walk on and it's got to be easy to clean. We really do ask a lot, so if you're wondering how on earth to decide which is the best hallway flooring to meet all your needs, we can help. We cover all the options here so you can make a practical (and stylish) choice.
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Find more inspiration with our hallway ideas. Then, if you need more advice on choosing other types of flooring, head to our dedicated hub page.
What choices are there for hallway flooring?
Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
(Image credit: Katie Lee)
It may be a demanding space, but there remains a huge range of flooring suitable for a hallway. Knowing the best hallway flooring for you really depends on the space you have.
You’ll need to select between hard flooring and floor coverings that are more forgiving underfoot. Think about color as well. Do you want a floor that’s available in a dark hue that won’t make what’s tracked in immediately obvious? Prefer pattern for the same reason? Alternatively, you may favor a pale finish that can make a dark hall lighter. Or lay tiles diagonally to make the hallway look larger? How do you prefer to clean the hall floor? Is vacuuming sufficient or do you like to be able to mop as well?
Hard floor coverings for hallways: flooring tiles and more
If you want hard flooring that's suitable for a hallway, floor tiles, wooden flooring, and laminate flooring are all worth investigating.
On a budget? Think about vinyl flooring, which is an affordable cushioned surface alternative to tiled floors in hallways.
(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)
Hallway flooring tiles are a popular choice. Select from natural or manmade floor tiles. If you are choosing natural stone floor tiles, bear in mind that not all are suitable for high traffic areas. Speak to your supplier to be sure that a particular stone tile will cope with the workload of a hall, and be aware that it will need ongoing care. The advantages of real stone? Natural beauty and a unique floor.
(Image credit: Original Style)
Manmade hallway tiles may not have the individuality of stone, but they are still an attractive and practical option. Ceramic tiles are hard wearing and easy care, and porcelain tiles are extremely durable. Encaustic tiles can bring period style back to a home that’s lost original features and a lively pattern will keep the hall looking good for longer between cleans.
In an older house, it’s worth looking under the carpet as you can restore old encaustic floor tiles.
Find out how to choose the best floor tiles in our guide.
(Image credit: Georgia Burns)
Wooden flooring in a hallway can be a good option, too. Mid-toned finishes and dark woods will be more forgiving in terms of showing up dust, while pale wood will demand more work but can help the space look more expansive. The best wood flooring has lasting style and durability, and the advantage of wood flooring is that it can be refinished if any damage occurs over time.
Don’t just think wooden boards for hallways. Parquet makes for a handsome hall floor because plenty of the design will be on show rather than covered by furniture.
If you are stripping your wooden floorboards back, it's likely that you'll be tackling the stairs in a similar way – unless, of course, you choose carpet (see below). Use our guide to stripping and painting stairs for advice and pretty ideas.
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
Engineered wood is an alternative to solid wood for hallways. Made from several layers, engineered wood or composite wood is designed to be more stable in response to changes in humidity than solid wood. The best quality designs can be refinished if they become damaged.
Find out how to choose the best engineered wood flooring.
(Image credit: Quick-Step)
Laminate hallway flooring can create the look of solid or engineered wood in the hallway at a lower price point. The best laminate flooring will stand up to the wear and tear it’s subject to in the hall. Stay away from the cheap options which won’t wear well.
Woven vinyl flooring, £53.99 per square metre, Kaleidoscope range, Karndean
(Image credit: Karndean )
Vinyl flooring in the hallway can reproduce the look of wooden boards or parquet, stone, or patterned tiles. It’s softer and quieter underfoot, so might be the way to go to cut down on clatter when the family troop in and out.
Vinyl flooring is a breeze to clean as well. Like laminate, good vinyl flooring is a cost-conscious buy. It is also easy to cut to shape in unusually shaped hallways, and many modern vinyl tiles are compatible with underfloor heating.
(Image credit: Lifestyle Floors)
Carpet and natural flooring for hallways
(Image credit: Carpetright)
Warmer and softer underfoot than hard floorcoverings, carpets and some of the plant-fiber flooring options can be a success in a hallway, particularly up the stairs and on to landings.
(Image credit: Brockway Carpets)
Carpet is the hallway flooring choice for many homeowners. Carpet can’t be mopped if shoes or paws bring mud in, but carpets can have good resistance to soiling and be hard-wearing enough for hallway life. Try a wool-rich version (80 per cent wool, 20 percent manmade fibres). If you prefer a synthetic fibre, choose a carpet made from polyamide – it's moisture and grease repellant, making it a good option for large families with bikes and wellies.
Carpet is also a good noise-dampener. Pattern, including stripes, can make an impact in the hall and will look nice between vacuuming sessions, just make sure you know how to clean hallway carpet properly to keep it that way!
(Image credit: Carpetright)
Natural flooring is made from plant fibers and has a pleasing texture that can add subtle decorative interest in the hall. Not all natural flooring is suitable for a hallway. However, look for sisal and coir, which are tough enough to take the traffic. Coir comes in golden tones and will keep their look, while sisal comes in a wide variety of colors.
(Image credit: Kersaint Cobb)
Runners make for a more relaxed (if smart) look in a hallway. Match – or co-ordinate – it with that of your stairs for a cohesive look, and bear in mind that stripes, like these below will visually lengthen your hall, a bonus if you're always on the hunt for small hallway ideas.
(Image credit: Roger Oates)
Laying hallway flooring with underfloor heating
Hard hallway flooring such as stone, porcelain, and ceramic tiles combine effectively with underfloor heating and provide good heat output.
Solid wood flooring can be suitable for use with underfloor heating, but check with your supplier. Composite wood should be compatible as well.
High-quality laminates and vinyls can be used with underfloor heating.
Carpet can also be combined with underfloor heating, however the carpet and underlay needs to conform to the maximum TOG (thermal resistance) rating specified by the heating manufacturer.
Top tip: Whichever hallway flooring you choose always lay a doormat at the entrance to your home to prevent grit from damaging the floor covering and to prolong its life.
Find out everything you need to know about underfloor heating in our comprehensive guide
Painting hallway flooring
If your hallway floorboards are looking the worse for wear, or you simply want an update without the huge cost of replacing your entire flooring, have a go at painting floorboards yourself. It's actually quite easy and will improve the resistance of your wooden flooring to the high traffic in this area.
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
Looking for more hallway inspiration?
- 14 hallway lighting ideas – stylish ways brighten your hallway
- Hallway paint ideas: 31 ways to add color to your hallway
- Hallway wallpaper: 10 stylish ideas to make an impact
Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor writing for websites, national newspapers, and magazines. She’s spent most of her journalistic career specialising in homes – long enough to see fridges become smart, decorating fashions embrace both minimalism and maximalism, and interiors that blur the indoor/outdoor link become a must-have. She loves testing the latest home appliances, revealing the trends in furnishings and fittings for every room, and investigating the benefits, costs and practicalities of home improvement. It's no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house revamper. For Realhomes.com, Sarah reviews coffee machines and vacuum cleaners, taking them through their paces at home to give us an honest, real life review and comparison of every model.
Floor in the hallway: which one is better to choose
Table of contents of the article:
What should be the floor in the hallway: requirements
What to put on the floor in the hallway: choosing a coating
Floor design in the hallway: several options
I think no one will argue with that that the hallway is a room with harsh operating conditions. Rain and sleet, sleet and all the dirt brought from the street “settles” on your flooring. And if four-legged friends live in the house, they also contribute to the rapid soiling of the floor. What to do, which floor in the hallway to choose so that it is both beautiful and easy to use? We will talk about this in this publication from stroisovety.org. nine0006
Floor tiles in the hallway photo
How should the floor in the hallway be: requirements
The hallway is one of those rooms, the floor of which is used intensively and not very carefully. Therefore, among the requirements that are put forward for flooring in the corridor, the following can be attributed.
- Moisture resistant. Snow sticking to boots will melt in the hallway, raindrops from coats and umbrellas will also drain here, pets will also be in the hallway to shake off their hair after a walk. You will have to look for a coating that will withstand direct exposure to moisture. nine0017
- Anti-slip coating. It is easy to slip and fall here, especially if there are puddles on the floor. Therefore, it is very important to find a floor covering that is not slippery.
- Wear and impact resistance. Constant contact of the coating with shoes, children's sleds, roller skates and bicycles, objects falling out of hands are not uncommon here. Therefore, in search of an answer to the question of which floor is better in the hallway, the answer will be this - durable, resistant to increased loads and high traffic. nine0017
- Easy care. The floor in the hallway will have to be washed often, and with the use of household chemicals. Therefore, the coating should be easy to clean, including with the use of chlorine, alkalis and acids.
- Beauty. Getting into the house, the first thing a guest sees is the entrance hall and can immediately form his impression of the owners of the house. In addition, you also want to return home to a beautiful and cozy environment, so from all the floor options in the hallway you need to choose not only a practical, but also a beautiful coating. Moreover, flooring manufacturers are trying to surprise customers and present more and more new ideas for an unusual and original floor design. nine0002 What to lay on the floor in the hallway photo
In addition, during renovations, many apartment owners now install underfloor heating in all rooms, including the hallway. And it is necessary that the coating can also withstand heat. However, if we are talking about modern floor coverings, then almost every one of them is able to withstand temperature loads.
As you can see, there are many requirements, but there is also a choice of flooring that meets the above criteria.
We will talk about them further. nine0003
What to lay on the floor in the hallway: choosing a flooring
Comfort, practicality or beauty? What to choose from these three indicators and what floor to choose in the hallway? Consider each flooring and identify its strengths and weaknesses, at the same time determine the best option for yourself.
- Carpet. I would like to say that this is an absolutely unacceptable option for the hallway, but some people lay it in this room, choosing comfort as a priority. Indeed, such a hallway looks comfortable, it is pleasant to walk barefoot on the carpet, and the general atmosphere looks more homely. However, dirt, sand, salt, snow and water brought in from the street will remain on the surface, giving the hostess a lot of cleaning trouble. Carpet is afraid of moisture and it is difficult to keep it perfectly clean, especially if a large family lives in the house. Of the positive qualities, one can note a pleasant to the touch and warm surface, beautiful colors, pleasing to the eye, low price.
If, nevertheless, you decide to lay the carpet in the hallway, then choose an artificial rather than a natural carpet, because. the latter easily absorbs moisture and quickly becomes unusable. nine0017 - Parquet. Slightly better than the previous version, but there are also many shortcomings and inconsistencies with the requirements described above. He is afraid of moisture, the protective varnish that covers the parquet wears out quickly, and the coating becomes susceptible not only to moisture, but also to household chemicals. Otherwise, this is a beautiful coating that pleases with its appearance and natural wood.
What floor to make in the hallway photo
- Laminate. In search of an answer to the question of what floor to make in the hallway, you can dwell on this option. It is relatively resistant to moisture, withstands impacts from light objects, looks beautiful, imitates natural wood, and wear resistance is achieved by choosing the right laminate grade (at least grade 31).
The only thing to consider is the need for additional protection of the joints between the lamellas with special compounds, or simply choose a moisture-resistant laminate with additional protection of the docking locks from water. Additionally, a rubber-based mat can be placed in the shoe and shoe area - it will retain dirt, sand and moisture, which quickly wear out the laminate. This is a beautiful coating that has pleasant tactile properties, and it also fits quite easily. nine0002 Which floor is better in the hallway photo - Linoleum. The most traditional covering for the hallway. For many decades, the answer to the question of what to lay on the floor in the hallway, the answer was - linoleum. It is absolutely not afraid of moisture, does not absorb it and does not rot, it is easy to wash, and a variety of colors interspersed with various colors make dirt, dents and scratches visually invisible. Among the minuses, it should be noted a meager range of colors in terms of design and unnatural coverage.
nine0017 - Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles. This option can be called ideal for the hallway. The tiled floor in the hallway has the highest wear resistance, is not afraid of water and household chemicals, is easy to clean and brought to sterility, it should also be noted that there are ample opportunities in terms of design. But ceramic tiles are afraid of hitting heavy objects (chips may form), besides, walking barefoot on cold tiles is not very pleasant. By the way, the last minus is easy to turn into a plus, if you consider a warm floor in the hallway at the stage of repair work. What tile to choose in the hallway on the floor? If you decide to put a tile on the floor, then choose a tile with a rough and anti-slip coating, the safety of all households depends on this. Unlike ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware has greater strength and reliability, better withstands impacts with heavy objects. However, some experts recommend not to overpay and be content with ceramic tiles at home.
nine0002 Floor design in the hallway photo
The answer to the question about the best flooring for the hallway emerges itself - it's ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware. It is difficult to find a more practical and hygienic coating.
Floor design in the hallway: several options
We have already talked about the practicality and high performance of each coating. Now let's move on to the aesthetic component of the choice of flooring for the hallway.
- First of all, I would like to say a few words about colors and patterns that can visually correct the space. For example, for the floor in a small hallway, choose light shades of coverage, if possible, that do not visually hide, but expand the space. In addition, tiles with a transverse pattern will make a narrow corridor wider. nine0017
- A combination of several finishing materials, such as tiles and laminate, is widely used in the design of the floor in the hallway. It not only looks beautiful, but also has a practical background.
Near the front door, where they usually take off their shoes and leave street shoes, tiles are laid (which is not afraid of water, dirt, or salt brought on the feet in winter), and the rest of the hallway is decorated with laminate or parquet. Convenient, unusual and practical! Floor in the hallway photo
nine0016 Ceramic tiles have a wide variety of colors to suit every taste. In the arsenal of a self-respecting manufacturer, there are entire collections where color decor is offered for the main tile, which fits perfectly into the background of the tile. On the floor, you can depict the zodiac circle, various patterns, or lay out tiles in contrasting colors in a checkerboard pattern; lay tiles imitating stone or natural wood; combine matte and glossy tiles.
As you can see, there are many options for decorating the floor in the hallway, and all of them deserve to be brought to life. Despite the fact that we have identified the best flooring for the hallway, the final decision on the appropriateness of using this or that coating is made by the owners of the house based on personal preferences.
nine0006
Author of the article Alexander Kulikov
Hallway floor (30 photos): choice of design and material
What to consider when choosing flooring?
Hallway flooring, although it does not have wet areas, must be no less resistant than a bathroom or toilet floor. This is due to:
Read also
10 ideas on how to arrange a "dirty" area in the hallway
- High permeability. Like it or not, but someone always walks on the floor in the corridor: at least when entering and leaving the apartment, as a maximum (if the entrance hall is a walk-through) also when moving between rooms. nine0017
- Seasonal humidity. In bad weather, when it is raining or snowing outside, shoes also get wet. And then all this water and moisture goes to the flooring.
- Constant pollution. Dust and dirt from outerwear and shoes, whether you like it or not, will still settle on the floor in the hallway. And it's better to be ready for it.
The photo shows a combination of different floor coverings
Based on pain points, we can conclude that the floor covering in the corridor should be:
- Moisture resistant.
That is, do not swell even from contact with water, and not just withstand high humidity. - Wear resistant. Otherwise, it will just fade away in a few years.
- Easy care. You have to wipe or wash the floors in the corridor at least 2 times a week (and even every day during the demi-season!), so this should be easy to do.
Pictured is a tile with a marble texture
What is the best material to use? nine0012
Floor coverings are different, but not all of them will fit in the front door area. Let's take a closer look.
Tiles or porcelain stoneware
Ceramic slabs are virtually unmatched in terms of wear resistance! And the design of ceramic tiles is found for every taste, and if you don’t find the right one, you can lay out a pattern of multi-colored elements.
| Pros | Cons |
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nine0017 Important! Ceramic tiles in the corridor must be non-slip, have at least class 3 strength. nine0006
On the photo is a light matte tile
Laminate
A budget analogue of a parquet board is made of wood chipboards covered with a film. Let's analyze the feasibility of using it as a floor covering for the hallway.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
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nine0017 See also: How to choose a laminate? Tips and quality criteria
Linoleum
Roll material is easy to install - you don't even need the help of a professional. But is it suitable as a floor in the hallway?
| Advantages | Defects |
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See also: How to choose linoleum in the hallway?
Important! For flooring, choose commercial or high-quality semi-commercial varieties.
Wooden floor
Ordinary wooden logs have not been laid on the floor in the hallway for a long time. The refusal to use them is justified primarily by impracticality: it is difficult to take care of a tree, it is difficult to wash it, it is necessary to constantly (1-2 times a year) treat it with a protective compound. In addition, there is no moisture resistance in the characteristics of wood, which also does not allow us to call this option the best possible. nine0006
Carpet
At the peak of popularity of carpet, it was considered almost the most successful coating possible: warm, beautiful, replaces carpets and rugs. But over time, the owners got acquainted with its negative sides and began to abandon this option in any room, especially in the corridor.
The main negative properties of carpet:
- Complicated care. The cover must not be washed, only vacuumed or brushed. At the same time, over the years, dust accumulates in its villi, which is almost impossible to remove. nine0017
- Allergenicity. Not only dust is dangerous, but also the glue that is used in production.
- Lack of moisture protection. Although floors in the hallway will survive wet brushing, carpet cannot be called water-resistant.
Parquet
Parquet board is classified as a premium finishing material. The surface is made of expensive precious wood, the lower layers (there are usually 2 of them) are simpler and cheaper.
| Pros | Cons |
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See also: What is better to choose a laminate or parquet board?
Self-Leveling
Polymer self-levelling compounds are one of the best choices for hallway flooring available today. Judge for yourself:
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
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Vinyl flooring
The proper name for this entryway flooring material is quartz vinyl tile. It is based on a mixture of quartz sand, plasticizer and resin. The appearance and installation method is somewhat reminiscent of laminate, but in comparison with the latter, tile obviously wins.
| Benefits | Defects |
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Additional bonus: a large selection of textures.
Can imitate wood, concrete, natural stone.
Pictured light quartz vinyl inlet
Combined floor
One part of the standard combination is usually tiles - they take the main blow in the front door area. After 50-70 cm from the entrance, another coating may begin, which is most often laid in a single contour throughout the apartment.
Tip! With a two-level floor, you can also use different types on each step.
Choosing the color of the floor
A simple interior rule that always works: the lightest shade on top, the darkest one on the bottom. This does not mean that the floors in the hallway should be black - a shade 2-3 tones richer than the walls is enough. nine0006
Representatives of medium brightness are considered universal and most practical: standard beige shades of wood, medium gray shades of tiles, etc. On such a floor, pollution is least noticeable.
Floors that are too light or too dark (especially glossy) will have to be washed much more frequently.
But dark colors look expensive and elegant, while light colors bring lightness to the interior.
What can you put on the floor? nine0012
Read also
5 pieces of furniture that should be in every hallway
If you chose not the best shade, or want to make the design of the floor in the hallway cozier, pay attention to the carpets! Unlike carpet, they can be moved away from the entrance group and not be afraid of dirty shoes or wet clothes.
By the way, the carpet can also make adjustments to the geometry of space. For example, in narrow long corridors, a carpet with a transverse pattern will visually push the walls apart. In an irregularly shaped room, a bright copy will distract attention from the curvature of the walls. nine0006
Beautiful Design Ideas
The hallway is rarely decorated and usually remains the most boring room in the house, but this can be fixed by choosing a bright, unusual floor! The easiest way is to use tiles for these purposes: they are placed in a checkerboard pattern, assembled into geometric patterns, and used to create drawings.
