When designing a nursery, the floor may not be the first item you think of though your choice of flooring material and style can prove crucial to the overall design of the room.
Not only does the flooring impact the look and feel of the room, but there are many practical aspects to your choice of flooring to consider before introducing your baby to this new space.
The ideal nursery flooring is easy to clean but comfortable enough for your baby to sit and move around without running the risk of injury. Choose a durable material to prevent scrapes and stains but be sure to select something suitable to the overall design of the room. Your personal choices come into play during this process, as you may want a sustainable material for your flooring. Fortunately, the options for flooring are more expansive now than ever. In 2019, choose between a huge variety of flooring options, each with its own benefits for your nursery.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors can be a pricey option, but these materials are more durable than others and are considered a long-term investment. Place a rug over the hardwood floors to protect the material and perform routine maintenance when required, such as sanding and refinishing the floors periodically. This type of flooring is typically easy to clean and helps your nursey feel cosy and polished.
If you ar aiming for a more eco-conscious 2019, look for a sustainable or renewable source of wood when making your selection. To ensure your floor lasts, use a type of wood that is particularly durable and can withstand heavy traffic. Some popular woods for flooring include:
- Oak.
- Cherry.
- Ipe.
- Acacia.
- Maple.
- Hickory.
- Pine.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is an excellent option for those who want the look of hardwood floors but are concerned with the damage affecting wood over time. Laminate is much less expensive than a wood floor and is easier to install. One of the primary benefits of laminate flooring is how easily it can be cleaned, as you simply need to mop it down at the end of each day to maintain its quality and appearance. Add a rug for your baby to sit on for added comfort or during the cold winter months when the laminate may become cool to the touch.
Some laminates may not be suitable for use in a nursery depending on the material they are made from. Make sure you purchase a laminate that does not contain potentially harmful materials. Vinyl flooring and anything containing high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, must be avoided to ensure the protection of your child.
Carpet
Carpet is a commonly preferred choice when focusing on comfort and warmth in the nursery. Carpets can be difficult to keep clean in a child’s room, though there are numerous material options available in most design stores in 2019.
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It is best to look for a low pile carpet, as these are the easiest to clean. Be sure to select a variety of carpeting that does not contain high VOC levels or other potentially harmful chemicals.
Natural carpeting is preferred, though this is more expensive than other materials and is usually difficult to clean. Fortunately, finding a low-VOC synthetic carpet is relatively simple, with many manufacturers aiming to produce safer, environmentally friendly products to meet consumer demand.
Area Rugs
Area rugs are a popular choice for nurseries, as you can layer them over an easy-to-clean floor to provide comfort and warmth without the struggles of installing a wall to wall carpet. Rugs help anchor the design elements of the nursery when you choose one with an accent color or pattern. The number of appealing, comfortable and easily cleaned rugs available provide many options for any design preference. Nursery rugs are available in various price points both through brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers.
It is advisable to look for a rug with a low pile, as these are easy to clean, though you may choose a shag rug if you need something warmer. Make sure the rug has a non-slip back for safety. As with carpets, it is important to look for an eco-friendly, low VOC rug, to ensure there are no harmful substances in your nursery.
Cork
This may be a popular choice for anyone trying to watch their carbon footprint in 2019. This is a fully renewable resource and is increasing in popularity as a result. Cork is long-lasting and durable and can be sealed against liquid staining, although it must be cleaned with care. This type of flooring retains warmth better than other flooring alternatives, such as wood or laminate. The material is a little soft and requires supports to be placed under heavy furniture to ensure you do not damage the cork over time. Cork is known for its ability to absorb sound which may prove beneficially when being placed in a nursery as this helps provide a calm atmosphere for your baby.
The popularity of cork means there are an increasing number of designs, colors and finishes available for this flooring option. You may need to refinish or reseal the cork periodically depending upon the type of cork you have select.
Bamboo
Like cork, bamboo is a renewable resource. It may be an alternative to hardwood flooring for the more eco-conscious consumers, because it is tough, hard-wearing and easy to clean. Be sure to look for a durable make, as some aesthetic treatments might weaken the material.
It is important to ensure the bamboo flooring you choose does not contain high VOCs or formaldehyde. Provided it is free of these additives, bamboo is the perfect option if anyone in your family suffers from allergies.
Rubber
Rubber flooring is an added option for a nursery, as it is both comfortable and noise-absorbent. If you are concerned about your environmental impact, seek out a sustainable rubber supplier when looking for the perfect flooring. With its increasing popularity, the colors available for this choice are wide enough to allow its adaptation to any room design.
The material is relatively inexpensive to purchase. With the prevalence of home gyms in 2019, this type of flooring may become more accessible.
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