A room should never allow the eye to settle in one place. It should smile at you and create fantasy. -Juan Montoya
If you’ve ever thought about updating your flooring, you may have soon realized just how many options there are out there for flooring types, styles, colors, and qualities. From the different varieties of wood to the difference between linoleum and vinyl flooring, there’s enough information out there to make you abandon the idea of updating your flooring altogether or, worse, pick the first thing that pops up without taking the time to consider whether it’s actually going to meet your needs and be what you want long-term. Instead, we’ve taken the time (so you don’t have to) to do some research about different types of flooring to showcase an exciting trend - gray floors. ”Gray floors?” you might be thinking, ”Could you be more boring?” But gray floors, depending on style, type, and the rest of your interior decorating, can look anything from whimsical and fun to elegant and refined. Read on to learn about the 5 ‘shades’ of gray flooring we’ve researched and don’t cross of ‘gray’ (or ‘floors’) from the list just yet!
Gray Hardwood Floors
Hardwood is a classic choice, but did you know you can find hardwood floors in gray, too? From light to dark, the color still allows the natural grain of the wood to shine through, keeping that classic look you want, but can also add a bit of style to an otherwise cookie-cutter home. Paired with white and gold accents, the room becomes a modern take on ‘elegant’.
- Material: Hardwood of any variety, stained with any shade of gray you like
- Durability: Varies with wood hardness, but generally a durable option
- Maintenance: Regular sweeping or dusting, monthly cleaning with wood cleaner
Gray Laminate Floors
Generally not as expensive, laminate flooring is a great choice for a hardwood look-alike, especially for gray floors. Made of synthetic materials, laminate is less likely to scratch than hardwood and is highly durable. Plus, it can be made to look any way you want it to - some suggest laminate for the bathroom for a more durable hardwood-like look.
- Material: blend of synthetic materials
- Durability: Highly durable
- Maintenance: low maintenance, weekly sweeping
Gray Linoleum Floors
Many homeowners confuse linoleum flooring with vinyl flooring, and some homeowners think linoleum means drab, old-fashioned floors. Not so! Linoleum is made of natural materials where vinyl is made of synthetic materials, making it the more eco-friendly choice for flooring, and luckily it now comes in a myriad of colors (which are through the linoleum rather than painted on top, like vinyl), including any shade of gray you can imagine. Plus, it’s more comfortable than ceramic tiles and cheaper than other options (like wood floors).
- Material: all-natural materials, including linseed oil and tree resin
- Durability: super durable (some linoleum floors are rumored to have lasted 30-40 years - not bad!)
- Maintenance: higher maintenance due to porousness, and yearly application of sealer-coat
Gray Tile Floors
Tile floors are great options for plenty of different spaces in the house, and you can incorporate gray tile in many ways - through large, solid colored tiles, smaller, marbled tiles, or even a combination. The versatility of tile means you can really design the floor you want, incorporating gray into the floor but giving it your own flair of style, too! Don’t be afraid to use patterned tiles that incorporate gray with other colors if that’s what suits you.
- Material: usually ceramic or porcelain
- Durability: super durable and long-lasting
- Maintenance: low maintenance, occasional cleaning with non-abrasive product
Gray Stone Floors
Stone might be what comes to mind when you think of gray floors but few homeowners have incorporated stone flooring into their homes. Well, now’s the time! Natural stone is usually incorporated in stone tiles, which can be beautiful options for mudrooms or sunrooms that combine indoor elements with an outdoor feel. And gray is a great option for the floor - not only can you highlight the natural beauty of the stone, but the color is versatile enough for a formal sunroom or more relaxed, plant-filled environment.
- Material: natural stone tiles (anything from marble to granite to slate)
- Durability: super durable, but might depend on type of stone
- Maintenance: medium maintenance (acid (even citrus juice) can corrode the stone and should be cleaned immediately, but stone floors last forever)