Bathroom Flooring Ideas: Which Floor Is The Best Choice For Your Bathroom?
If you love bathroom flooring then choosing the right design and materials plays a vital role in both functionality as well as style.
It must withstand a high level of moisture, resist slipping and be durable. When you have a small space you have to plan carefully to make the room feel bigger and more integrated.
In this post, we’ll cover some of the best bathroom flooring ideas for a small bathroom and how to make your bathroom function more effectively. We’ll also explain what Karndean flooring is.
Bathroom flooring – the basics
Bathrooms are exposed to a lot of water and humidity, as well as heavy use. Good flooring needs to not only work well under these conditions, but also maximise space without overwhelming the small room.
The type of flooring you choose can transform your room, as it can also make the room more attractive or and appealing.
It’s a small area that experiences water spills, which makes durability and slip resistance important priorities.
Not only is functionality vital, but the visual impact of the flooring is also important and some types of flooring can create a feeling of spaciousness and elegance.
Small bathroom flooring ideas – tiling
One of the most common small bathroom flooring ideas is tiles. Waterproof, durable, and available in a range of styles, colours and textures, they are a popular choice.
- For small areas, light coloured tiles can make a space appear bigger, and they reflect more light around a room
- Larger tiles in a small bathroom will actually make the room feel less cluttered, because fewer grout lines will be visible
- The combination of durability and water resistance that ceramic and porcelain offer makes them the first choice for bathroom flooring
Porcelain tiles are also denser and offer better water resistance.
For more details, read our guide on small bathroom layout best practices.
Vinyl flooring – a practical option
In bathroom renovations vinyl flooring is receiving a major comeback.
Water resistant, and comfortable underfoot, it even offers the illusion of more expensive materials such as wood or stone.
- Modern vinyl floors often have fancy textures and finishes that replicate high end floors while not costing high end prices
- Vinyl flooring is a cost effective option for small bathrooms and it doesn’t detract from the looks or performance
Another advantage in a smaller space is that it is easier to install than many other flooring options.
Vinyl floors are very easy to maintain as all you need is a simple mop to take care of any water or dirt.
Laminate flooring – a stylish option with some limitations
Bathroom flooring can be stylish too, and laminate is a great option for homeowners who love the look of hardwood, but want a more practical floor for a bathroom.
This is composed of wood materials mixed together, and then coated to resist some amount of moisture. But traditional laminate is not fully waterproof and isn’t ideal for bathrooms, particularly in a smaller space where moisture can spread quickly.
Waterproof laminate options are available for those who want a wood like appearance and are meant for use in high moisture areas like bathrooms. The realistic wood finishes are warm and inviting and offer a good level of durability.
Another stylish flooring option to consider, under your chosen materials, is underfloor bathroom heating!
Natural stone flooring: Luxurious but maintenance-heavy
Marble and slate have the perception of luxurious materials for bathroom floors and they offer a timeless beauty and a sense of luxury, which can make your bathroom look impressive.
But installing stone floors can sometimes be more expensive both in terms of the material as well as the labour involved.
Natural stone flooring can work beautifully with a natural feel in small bathrooms too, but it does have its challenges.
Stone is porous, but if the stone is sealed regularly, water damage and stains can be prevented. And, while it can be slippery when wet, textured finishes or special treatments can help.
But lighter, as opposed to darker tones will help prevent the bathroom from seeming too closed in in smaller spaces.
For a premium, modern design here are some luxury bathroom ideas.
Cork flooring: Eco-friendly and comfortable
Another bathroom flooring option favoured by more and more homeowners is cork flooring.
And it’s renewable – it’s made from cork oak tree bark, harvested as a renewable material.
But most importantly, cork is naturally resilient to microbial attack – its very nature makes it easy to keep mould and mildew from lingering on its surface. It is still important to have good bathroom ventilation though.
In terms of moisture resistance, cork needs to be sealed properly to prevent water from seeping in.
For small bathrooms, cork flooring offers warmth and softness that you won’t get from traditional tile or stone floors. Its natural appearance can also give a bathroom a cosy, organic look.
However, regular maintenance is required to keep it protected against moisture.
Karndean flooring – the best choice
When considering what is the best flooring for a small bathroom, Karndean flooring stands out as one of the top choices:
- Karndean is a luxury vinyl flooring that combines the durability and water resistance of vinyl with the aesthetics of natural materials. It can resemble wood, stone, or ceramic tiles, offering a wide variety of finishes to suit any bathroom style.
- One of the key benefits of Karndean flooring is its non-slip surface. This makes it a safe option for bathrooms, where wet floors can become a hazard. Its textured surface provides added grip, reducing the risk of slips and falls in such a confined space.
- In addition, Karndean flooring is insulated, which means it stays warm underfoot, providing extra comfort during colder months.
For small bathrooms, Karndean’s wide range of finishes allows you to create a look that fits your personal style while also giving the room a spacious feel. Whether you prefer the warmth of a wood effect or the sleek look of ceramic, Karndean offers finishes that blend seamlessly into small spaces without overwhelming them.
Durability is another key advantage of Karndean. The flooring withstands daily wear and tear, and it comes with a 28-year guarantee, providing long-term peace of mind.
Its resilience against moisture and stains makes it an ideal choice for small bathrooms, where water exposure is constant.
The installation process is also straightforward. Karndean’s flexible design allows it to be installed even in awkward corners or under bathroom fixtures, ensuring a smooth and even finish.
Its non-porous surface means that spills and water can be wiped away effortlessly, reducing the risk of mould or mildew development—another plus for small bathrooms where ventilation may be limited.
Final thoughts: Bathroom flooring ideas
We hope you found this guide useful. If so, you may also like our articles on:
When choosing small bathroom flooring ideas it all comes down to a mix of function, style and durability.
Traditional water resistant flooring options such as tile and vinyl are great, but Karndean flooring provides all the things perfect flooring should have: water resistance and durability.
A top contender for small bathrooms, its non-slip surface, water resistance, and wide range of finishes and easy maintenance make it one of the top bathroom flooring options. In terms of maintenance, Karndean flooring is easy to clean and requires minimal upkeep.
Practicality, safety and long lasting warranty make Karndean flooring a brilliant choice… And the good news is, Ability Bathe are a recognised Karndean flooring installer.
If you are a homeowner that is seeking something to make the most of a small bathroom, Karndean is the best choice, not only in terms of style but also in terms of functionality.
We are experienced bathroom designers Devon and the surrounding areas love, with more than 35 years of service behind us. We specialise in exceptional walk-in showers Cornwall and South-West customers are delighted with.
To find out more about our services please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
