7 bedroom flooring ideas for a cosy but practical sleeping space

Choosing to include the right bedroom flooring ideas is a fine balancing act that is very personal to each individual lifestyle and home style. 

As different materials will impact how you want the rooms to feel, take the time to weigh up the pros and cons of each type and it will pay off further down the line. For instance, while carpet provides a cosiness that painted floorboards might not, the cost or maintenance might be off-putting for those with young children. Budget also plays an important part, as does ease of installation, so consider the options thoroughly before committing. 

"Flooring provides a prime opportunity to introduce textures into your interior, whether you opt for natural hardwoods, a sumptuous carpet or sleek polished tiles – your flooring choice can transform the feel of any living space," explains Alex Heslop, trend expert from the Flooring Superstore.

Take a look below at our guide to the different types of flooring which are ideal for bedrooms, plus how to coordinate with the overall décor scheme, or make a feature of it in itself. 

1. Reclaimed engineered wood is both characterful and versatile

Using engineered wood flooring isn't just great for a characterful look, it is also an incredibly versatile flooring choice for a bedroom. Engineered wood doesn't warp like solid wood flooring ideas can and is therefore suitable to use with underfloor heating - perfect for added comfort in a sleeping area.

Here, reclaimed engineered wood flooring has been used alongside soft grey walls and a burst of colour in the ceiling to floor length curtains, giving a relaxed feel to the bedroom.

“Celebrated for its one-of-a-kind nature, reclaimed engineered wood flooring offers a unique aged aesthetic, breathing history and character into bedrooms", explains Alex Main from The Main Company. "Opting for an engineered reclaimed floor means you can enjoy the visual and sustainable elements of these rustic boards, paired with the modern properties of engineered flooring. This option can be laid on top of underfloor heating, it has superior stability and it is warm underfoot - ideal for bedrooms."

Alex Main

Alex Main is director of The Main Company, which specialises in reclaimed wood for kitchens, flooring and furniture. The majority of their wood is over 100 years old, often coming from old textile factories, and is specially treated ready for installation in homes across the country.

2. Use jute or sisal carpets for a natural look

Bedrooms are a space to unwind after a long day, so ensure the bedroom flooring idea you choose will further create a relaxing sanctuary. 

Here, a neutral natural flooring has been installed (jute is ideal for bedrooms, as is sisal and seagrass) to complement the subtle greys of the décor for a grown-up, calm environment. 

3. Lay LVT flooring for a practical finish

It is rarely advised for homeowners to lay their own carpet as it takes years of practise for it to look as easy as it does. However, if you're looking to keep costs down by taking it on yourself, choose LVT flooring (luxury vinyl tile)

Most systems are click-fit for quick installation, is soft underfoot and comes in a wide range of high quality patterns and effects. It's also a great candidate for modern bedroom ideas when you're looking for an alternative flooring solution. 

4. Install a real wooden floor for a rustic feel

Be it using real or engineered wood flooring, wood creates a timeless effect in a bedroom. Celebrate its natural vibrancy, or make a statement by painting (see more below) different types of wood flooring in the bedroom can be matched to pretty much any style, allowing you to express yourself in this personal space. 

While cooler underfoot than carpet or other types of flooring, a patterned rug can always do the trick will bringing a splash of colour to a neutral backdrop. 

5. Add texture with a loop pile wool carpet

Nothing feels quite as soft underfoot as a natural wool carpet, with a loop wool carpet in particular giving a particularly sumptuous finish to a bedroom. 

“There are a number of different ways you can incorporate different materials, surfaces and patterns into your flooring choices to truly embrace the textural trend. But there’s no better way to add soft and sumptuous textures into your bedroom than with a high-quality carpet," continues Alex Heslop, trend expert at the Flooring Superstore.

“A natural wool carpet is a great way to experiment with interesting textures to add that little something extra to your space, with many different finishes to choose from including herringbone and ribbed. A loop pile finish provides added interest and durability as well as feeling soft comfortable underfoot – providing a textured, luxurious look, which is also hardwearing.”

6. Paint floorboards yourself for a unique look

Depending on the state of what's under the existing surface, you may want to revive wood floors and give a bedroom a refreshing update with paint. A fairly simple job to take on a DIY basis, this route is be as calming or as show-stopping as you like. 

This bedroom masterfully utilises the black painted floorboards and matching furniture to contrast with a light-colour on the walls and ceiling. 

7. Go for subtle blush pink in a short pile carpet

It helps when choosing a type of carpet to consider alongside the overall design scheme and look for general master bedroom ideas. A long-pile light grey carpet will pretty much go with any cosy interior, but a more unusual colour in a short pile – like the blush pink pictured – matched with a feature wall creates a well-considered bedroom design. 

Texture isn't just confined to flooring when it comes to bedroom design, it can also manifest in terms of bedroom wallpaper ideas, curtain fabrics as well as your choice in furniture and soft furnishings.

“Textured interiors are having a moment. Interior designers are increasingly experimenting with a variety of different materials to add depth, detail and extra ambience to living spaces," explains Flooring Superstore's Alex Heslop.

But turning these ideas into a reality can depend on other factors such as wood flooring costs and carpet costs so it is essential to work out your budgets properly before setting your heart on a particular flooring material.