Flooring often is chosen to match its purpose. Carpets work well in bedrooms and family rooms because they add comfort and deaden sound; tile flooring is easy to clean, durable, and repels germs, making it perfect for kitchens and bathrooms; hardwood floors add warmth, beauty, and function in a variety of settings, making them great for just about any room.

 

But once you've covered function, you've can't help but ask: what about form? Few decorating choices make as big of an impact as flooring. With each choice, you ought to ponder the kind of design statement you want to make.

 

For instance, you might want to make a splash in your entryway by arranging mosaic tile flooring in a colorful pattern; or if understated elegance is your goal, you might choose to go with high-polished hardwood floors and a thick antique Oriental carpet.

 

Most flooring materials come in a variety of patterns, colors, shapes and sizes. You can buy hardwood flooring in oak, maple, or walnut, among other wood types; planks come in different widths and there are many different stains from which to choose. Each choice changes the overall feel of the room. Painted wood, for instance, adds country charm, whereas skinny planks of light-stained pine evoke a more modern aesthetic.

 

If you're unsure of how to choose the right flooring for each room in your home, request product samples to help you decide--and consider hiring an interior designer to help you find the best options to match your décor and lifestyle.

 

DIY Network, Floors and Tile: Choosing Floor Coverings