Choosing a flooring color can be one of the most exciting yet daunting parts of home design. Finding the right shade that perfectly complements your room's features and style can be a challenge. The color of your floor can have a major impact on a room's mood and tone — they even influence how other elements come together.

To help you make an informed choice, we've compiled a list of key factors to consider as you navigate this exciting project. Let's find the perfect hue for your home. 

7 Factors for Choosing the Best Floor Color

Below are several considerations for how to pick a flooring color.

1. Room Functionality

Different rooms serve different purposes, and your flooring color should reflect that. When we look at high-traffic areas, like hallways or kitchens, they might need darker, more forgiving shades. 

Darker colors help hide scuffs and stains better. However, lighter tones can help create a calming effect in a bedroom or living room. Think about how you use the space and choose a color that can handle the wear and tear while still setting the right mood.

2. Existing Décor

Already have major furniture pieces and staple décor items in the room? Use the flooring to complement them. Look around the space — are your walls neutral, or do you have bold accents? Do you have minimalistic décor and furniture? 

Light-colored floors can balance out darker items. Conversely, deeper floor tones may help lighter pieces stand out. Also, consider your item's texture and patterns. If you have a lot of patterns or textures, a more subtle flooring color might be the way to go.

3. Room Lighting

A room's light will change gradually throughout the day. Before finalizing a floor color, use samples to judge them under different lighting — including natural to artificial. 

The room's lighting, together with your flooring, will create different moods in your space. Play with the light. For instance, observe how the kitchen feels in the mornings. Does the sunshine cover the room? A lighter-toned floor may complement the morning glow if you're looking for a cozy, sunlit kitchen. Alternatively, darker shades might add warmth during the evening when artificial lighting takes over.

4. Room Size

The color of your flooring has a major impact on how you feel about the room, big or small. 

Let's imagine a small office room. You may feel a bit cramped, but using neutral or lighter colors can make the space seem bigger. In contrast, larger areas like the main bedroom may feel empty. Go for darker and warmer tones in your flooring to create a cozier space. 

5. Mood Preference

Flooring makes up the majority of your room, so choosing the right color is important. Define the vibe or mood you want to achieve in the space — this is where color psychology comes into play, impacting how we respond to certain colors and tones. 

For example, a room can feel rustic and cozy with dark, textured hardwood. A light, beige carpet can make it feel more open and airy. 

6. Floor Cleanability

Think about how easy the flooring will be to keep clean. Dark floors can hide dirt but might show dust or pet hair more easily, while lighter floors can make crumbs and spills stand out. 

Do you have kids and pets running and playing around? Busy households may benefit more from shades that hide wear and tear between cleanings. Pick a color that works with your lifestyle.

7. Flooring Type

Various types of flooring come in different colors. When deciding on flooring, always consider the room's purpose and other factors in this list. 

To help you navigate your options, here are common flooring types: 

• Hardwood: Depending on the species, hardwood flooring colors can range from light to dark. Using natural hardwood can also helps raise your property's value. 
• Vinyl: With vinyl flooring, it's easy to mix and match its style depending on your preferences. Opting for more luxury vinyl provides a more realistic appearance. 
• Carpet: You can have fun with carpet flooring as there are various colors and types. They're perfect for making rooms warmer and cozier. 
• Tile: Then there is tile flooring, which is the perfect option to make a place feel polished and personalized. 
• Laminate: Achieve a natural look with laminate flooring — be it wood or tile. You can find various shades and styles. 

It's also okay to have different types of flooring in your home if you ensure your flooring transitions are well-installed. For example, there are carpet-to-tile transitions, and then there are hardwood-to-carpet transitions.

Popular Flooring Colors

Here comes the fun part — exploring the possibilities and finding the best floor color for you. There are various colors, each depending on the type of flooring you want. Explore them below:

• Classic gray: Gray floors are modern and versatile. They can work well in almost any room, adding a sleek and contemporary look. It's perfect for creating a clean, neutral backdrop.
• Warm beige: Do you want a cozy and inviting atmosphere? This floor color adds warmth without overwhelming the space, and because of this, it can complement various décor styles. 
• Rich walnut: Think deep and luxurious. Rich walnut floors work beautifully in formal settings, giving any room an elegant and timeless feel. They're also the perfect contrast in modern spaces. 
• Cool white: Want a more fresh and airy vibe for your room? Choose cool white to help brighten a room and make it feel more spacious. This color also gives off a contemporary and minimalist look and feel. 
• Soft taupe: This neutral flooring color can blend well with different décor styles and colors. Soft taupe flooring is subtle and sophisticated. 
• Natural oak: This color is popular for its classic look and durability. Natural oak gives off a warm, organic feel and can complement rustic and modern interiors.
• Slate gray: Want something more dramatic? Slate gray floors can add a sophisticated ambience and work well in light and dark furnishings. 
• Charcoal black: What's more dramatic than slate gray? Charcoal black! This bold and striking floor color can make a powerful statement. It’s an excellent choice for modern and industrial styles to add depth and contrast. 
• Seafoam green: Looking for a bit of color? Seafoam green gives a calming, coastal feel, balancing a subtle hint of color and neutralism. It is a perfect choice if you want a relaxed, beach-inspired room.
• Maple brown: This color is a warm and inviting option. The maple brown color adds a rich and natural touch to any room. Pair it with traditional or contemporary décor. Either works well with this flooring color. 

These colors are just the tip of the iceberg — there are various hues, each with a unique charm, to choose from.

Bring Your Vision to Life with Carpet & Tile Mart

At Carpet & Tile Mart, we have an extensive range of flooring options to suit every taste and budget. With our unbeatable prices, knowledgeable team and fast service, we make it easy to get started on your flooring project. 

Ready to bring your vision to life? We understand that your flooring color can have a big impact on your space and that you may need help seeing the bigger picture. Use our Room Visualizer to see how our different flooring and colors will look in any of your home's rooms. 

Visit us in person at one of our 14 convenient locations to see and feel our samples.