Soft Flooring: The Perfect Blend of Comfort and Style for Your Space
Nothing combines aesthetics, comfort, and functionality like floors.
Though a simple element of any living space, different types of flooring have a powerful role in interior design. When done correctly, floors can bring cohesion and a distinct personality to your space.
Among a plethora of flooring designs, soft flooring has become a popular choice among homeowners and interior designers.
Whether redecorating a living room or creating a new office space, soft flooring enhances the visual appeal and brings comfort under your feet.
If you want inspiration to revamp your property, Alacritys will help you find the right flooring materials.
Here, we will explore different types of soft floorings, their pros and cons, and maintenance tips to help you turn your space into an oasis of beauty and serenity.
Want to get floored? Keep scrolling down…
What is Soft Flooring?
Gone are the days when flooring materials were limited to concrete, porcelain tiles, or bricks.
With the recent interior design trends focusing on functional and inviting spaces, soft floorings have emerged as a versatile option.
Soft flooring refers to floor coverings made from soft and cushioned materials such as vinyl, engineered wood, or cork.
Unlike hard flooring, such as concrete or porcelain tiles, soft floor coverings have a high level of elasticity. Due to this, the footfall becomes more muffled compared to hard floors.
Since soft floorings absorb impact, they create better acoustics for quiet and peaceful interiors.
The market is saturated with an array of options for soft floorings. And if you have little knowledge of different types of flooring, you may feel overwhelmed.
Professional interior designers will help you choose the perfect type of flooring and flooring design that seamlessly aligns with your unique requirements.
Hard and Soft Flooring: What are the Differences?
A: Hard Flooring
- Material Types : Tiles, stone, and concrete
- Levels of Comfort : Generally less comfortable, though easy to walk.
- Installation : Require professionals
- Eco-friendly : Largely depends on the material used.
- Safety : Can be slippery when wet, thus increasing the risk of fall injuries.
B: Soft Flooring
- Material Types : Carpet, vinyl, laminate, and more…
- Levels of Comfort : Has better cushioning and is generally comfortable to walk on.
- Installation : Quick and easy to install. Many DIY options are also available.
- Eco-friendly : A lot of them are made from recycled material, which is sustainable.
- Safety : Elasticity makes the surface less slippery, reducing the chances of injuries due to falls.
Why is Soft Flooring a Perfect Addition to Your Home?
Soft floorings bring the best of both worlds – these types of flooring are sturdy and stylish.
Here are some of the advantages of installing soft floorings:
- Ergonomic and versatile designs
- Extensive range of flooring textures
- Anti-skid and slip properties
- Better acoustics
- Sustainable solutions
- Relatively affordable
- Easy to maintain
- Abundance customization options
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Different Types of Soft Floorings: There’s Something for Everyone -
From luxurious carpets to elegant linoleum, there are different types of soft flooring designs in the market.
Each type brings its unique texture, charm, and feel to the floor, allowing you to create a cozy, alluring, and inviting space.
Here, we have rounded up some of the widely used soft floorings –
1. Hardwood Floorings
If you love a mix of timeless elegance and contemporary style, hardwood floorings are your best bet.
They offer an attractive, durable, and functional wooden flooring option, further boosting the value of your property by 2X.
Whether in a flat or a sprawling bungalow, hardwood floors can cast an irresistible spell.
These are some of the most durable flooring designs and can last for years if maintained correctly.
Pros and Cons of Hardwood Floors:
Pros:
1. Enhances the look of your space – Nothing can beat the appeal of hardwood floors. Available in various flooring texture, designs, and colors, these wooden flooring can effortlessly elevate the look and feel of your space.
2. Durable and long-lasting – Want something that doesn’t wear out with years? These floors are worth the investment. These are durable and rarely develop scratches and dents. All you need is regular sanding to maintain the flawless look.
3. Easy to clean – Hardwood floors are super easy to clean. Simple sweeping, mopping, or even vacuuming will remove dirt and debris.
4. Low maintenance – Unlike carpets, hardwood floors are considerably stain and scratch-resistant. Regular mopping ensures the floor remains sparkling and radiant.
Every coin has two sides. While installing hardwood floors has many advantages, it has some cons, such as:
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Cons:
1. Cost – While hardwood offers an amazing ROI, it comes with an upfront cost that can burn a hole in your pocket—this type of flooring costs between Rs. 400 to 1,500 per sq. ft.
2. Prone to water damage – Hardwood floors aren’t a good choice if you live in a humid place like Mumbai. Hardwood floors can develop cracks or mold when exposed to humid regions for a long time.
3. Susceptible to termites – Timbers of all kinds are susceptible to termite infestation. If you install hardwood floors, inspect them every few years to check for any signs of infestations.
4. High inflammable – Wall-to-wall hardwood flooring can cause incredible damage if there’s a fire outbreak. This flooring material can act as fuel, allowing the fire to spread quickly across your property.
Where Can You Install A Hardwood Floor?
You can install this type of flooring anywhere except in areas exposed to humidity and standing water, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or basements.
Talk to your residential interior designer about the best place to install hardwood floors.
How To Maintain Hardwood Flooring?
Want to maintain the sheen of your hardwood floors? Follow these simple steps:
- Sweep and mop daily.
- Clean spills immediately to prevent moisture damage to floorboards.
- Apply a fresh finishing coat every five years.
- Avoid placing heavy furniture to avoid deep scratches.
2. Engineered Wood Flooring
Want to add a dramatic effect to your space? Engineered wood flooring is the ultimate pick!
They add a distinctive character to your space, giving it a classy look and feel. So, what is engineered flooring?
Engineered, here, neither means artificial nor lamination. The top layer is a solid hardwood with a core consisting of multiple layers of plywood.
Whether you want an evergreen look or something modern, they offer endless customization options in flooring texture, cut, finish, and color.
Pros and Cons of Engineered Flooring:
Here’s why installing engineered floors may be a good idea:
1. Easy on your pocket – Are you running tight on the budget? Here’s some good news: Engineered floors are relatively affordable.
These are made from multiple layers of plywood, so the material cost decreases drastically. The average cost ranges between Rs. 200 to 800 per sq. ft.
2. Lasts longer – Woods expand, contract, wrap, or cup when exposed to extreme temperature variations. But engineered wood flooring is built differently.
Instead of a single plank, this type of flooring has layers of bonded plywood with a solid wood top. This unique structure makes these floors tough and can withstand heavy footfall.
3. Easy to Clean- No one has the time to clean stubborn stains off the floors in this fast-paced world.
If you are looking for easy and quick-to-clean options, these wooden flooring are your thing. Regular mopping and occasional polishing will keep your floors spic and span.
But before you zero down on this flooring design, here are some of the cons you need to consider:
1. Low-quality core – Some planks might have multiple layers of low-quality wood bonded with a high-quality solid top.
Even if the top plank is solid oak, the inner layers might be inferior-quality wood—this hollow core impacts the acoustic.
2. High Maintenance – These types of flooring are less vulnerable to moisture and chemicals but need extra maintenance.
While regular mopping and sweeping keep the wooden flooring clean and shiny, it cannot prevent scratches or dents.
Using harsh cleaners is a big no as they can erode the finish of the top layer.
Where Can You Install Engineered Flooring?
The answer is pretty much anywhere except for places with standing water, such as laundry rooms, restrooms, or kitchens.
Maintenance Tips on Engineered Wood Flooring
It is easy. Consider the below pointers:
- Avoid chemicals such as bleach ammonia, which can damage its finish.
- Don’t use sandpaper or abrasive material to remove stains. It can cause scratches and scuffs.
- Use a gentle brush and floor wax to clean and polish the surface.
3. Laminate Flooring
Want to bring the glamor of hardwood floors without breaking the bank? Consider laminate floorings.
A Swedish company invented laminate floors during the 1970s as an alternative to hardwood flooring. And since there’s no looking back.
These types of flooring have found their place in high-end residential and commercial properties.
These are hybrid covers made from a particle board base with a top layer mimicking a wood flooring texture.
With technological innovations such as deeper embossing, laminate floorings are becoming more attractive, durable, and feel better underfoot.
Pros and Cons of Laminate Floors
Pros:
1. Budget-friendly – Do you love the charm of hardwood floors? But you have budget constraints. Go for laminate floorings.
These are high in visual appeal, sturdy, and highly economical. The average cost of these floors ranges between Rs. 80 per sq ft to 400 per sq ft.
2. Moisture resistant – Who doesn’t love the beautiful hardwood flooring design? But they aren’t a feasible choice, especially in regions with extended monsoons.
Enter laminate floors. These floors don’t absorb moisture as easily and quickly as hardwood ones. So, they are a better choice for a tropical country like India.
3. Anti-Skid – Do you have children and elderly at home? Are you always worried that they might skid on a glossy surface? Then, laminate floors offer the best solution.
They have anti-skid and slippery properties, ensuring the kids or elderly can walk without any worries.
If this laminate floor material has advantages, there are also some downsides. Check out the below pointers:
1. Difficult to repair – If a single plank gets a little scratch or dent, you can restore it with specialized tools. However, the whole floor is replaced when the plank gets heavily damaged.
2. Visible seams – The flooring texture on a laminate plank may replicate wood floors, but they aren’t seamless. When you observe closely, the seams are visible on the surface.
Where Can You Install a Laminate Floor?
Being a versatile and durable alternative, these floorings are excellent for areas with heavy footfall, like entryways, living rooms, and even kids’ rooms.
Maintenance Tips on Laminate Flooring
Keep your laminate floors in showroom condition. All you need is:
- A soft bristle angle broom to sweep and collect pet hair or dirt.
- Monthly damp mop to clean the dust build-up.
- Avoid oil-based cleaners.
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4. Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is not limited to records or VCRs! Over the years, vinyl has evolved into beautiful flooring designs.
Considered one of the most durable, cost-effective, and versatile flooring options, vinyls are extremely popular among interior designers and homeowners.
These luxurious floorings are constructed from polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC). It is heated and pressed into thin layers to form vinyl planks with photorealistic flooring texture resembling hardwood, stone, or ceramic tiles.
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Floors
Let’s check out some advantages of vinyl flooring:
1. Price – Hands down, these floorings are incredibly affordable and fit any budget. The average price for vinyl floors is between Rs 60 and 80 per sq ft. If you love intricate patterns, the cost will go as high as Rs. 200 per sq. ft.
2. Durability – If you are looking for a one-time investment, vinyl flooring is just what you need. We would highly recommend it if you have kids or pets. No matter how much your pet scratches the floor, the surface won’t get scuffs, dents, or stains.
3. Waterproof – These floors are waterproof and ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and even laundry rooms. Whether accidental spills or pet messes, these floorings can withstand moisture.
Cons:
1. Not Eco-Friendly – This flooring isn’t a good friend of our planet. These planks use synthetic polyvinyl chloride, which is non-biodegradable and non-recyclable.
They eventually end up in landfills, contaminating the soil and underground water tables in the long run.
2. Non-repairable – If a vinyl plank is broken or damaged, the only way to fix it is to replace it. You cannot repair it.
The replacement cost can be higher and even disrupt your budget.
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Where Can You Install Vinyl Flooring?
Anywhere that experiences heavy foot traffic. These vinyl floorings are the most desirable in commercial spaces as they can withstand wear and tear for years. Also, they are ideal for wet areas such as bathrooms or kitchens.
See How We Can Reveal Fantastic Designs For All Needs!
- Interior Design - Enhance interiors with real result.
- Architecture - Revamp lifestyle with genuine ideas.
- Landscape - Elevate senses, ensure fair designs.
- Vastu - Calm anxiety, appply science correctly.
How to Maintain Vinyl Floors?
Though low maintenance, regular mopping, and vacuuming are needed to maintain the flooring texture. Add a few drops of the dishwasher and use a damp mop to clean the floors weekly.
To remove stubborn stains, take some rubbing alcohol and a gentle brush.
5. Carpet Flooring
Nothing can come closer to carpet flooring if you want to give your space a touch of regal charm. They have been the most preferred floorings in Western countries where winters are brutal.
However, these are now getting popular in India, especially in commercial spaces, as they mark royalty, class, and sophistication.
Moreover, these flooring materials provide ultimate underfoot comfort, absorb the impact of heavy foot traffic, and muffle noises.
Carpets are available in various colors, textures, and fibers.
Here are some of the common fibers used for carpets:
- Nylon
- Polyester
- Cotton
- Wool
Pros and Cons of Carpet Floorings
Pros:
1. Carpet flooring adds softness and comfort to the surface.
2. Absorbs noise transmission between spaces and for better acoustics. Great for offices or big commercial recording studios.
3. Available in a plethora of colors, patterns, and textures, it allows you to customize your space.
Cons:
1. It quickly accumulates dust, becoming a primary source of allergy.
2. Vulnerability to staining and requires regular cleaning. Also, They are highly combustible. A tiny spark and the place can catch fire in a few seconds.
3.It is not suitable for humid regions. When exposed to excessive moisture, it can promote mold formation.
4. It is susceptible to quick wear and tear and has a shorter lifespan than other floorings.
Installation Cost for Carpet Floors
According to recent trends, its costs range from Rs 70 to Rs 300. The prices vary depending on the material, brand, and color.
Maintenance Tips on Carpet Flooring
- Vacuum regularly to prevent dirt, dust, and allergen build-up.
- Don’t place heavy furniture directly on the carpet. Put a coaster or pad to prevent early wear and tear.
- Clean spills and spots immediately to avoid permanent stains.
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*At the time of publishing, the price was ₹4,464.00.
6. Bamboo Flooring
Give your space an exotic and rustic look with beautiful bamboo flooring.
They are known for irresistible aesthetic appeal, versatility, flexibility, sustainability, and easy availability.
Pros and cons of Bamboo Flooring
Pros:
1. It offers a sleek and contemporary look. An excellent choice for a modern home.
2. Bamboo has a high growth rate. Thus, the raw material is readily available, making it an affordable choice.
3. It is easy to clean and maintain. All you need is regular moping to keep it pristine.
Cons:
1. Low-quality bamboo floors are susceptible to scratches and dents.
2. Bamboo is a natural material, so exposure to excess humidity causes warping, mold formation, swelling, and shrinking. This can damage the floors if not maintained properly.
3. Unlike other floorings, bamboo floors have limited texture, color, and shade options.
What is the Installation Cost of Bamboo Flooring?
Depending on thickness, area, and color, the bamboo flooring price ranges between Rs. 120 – 600 per sq ft.
Maintenance Tips on Bamboo Flooring
- Clean bamboo floors regularly. Use microfiber mops, rags, or soft-bristled brushes to avoid surface abrasions.
- Use blotting to clean up the spills and splashes to prevent permanent stains.
- Damp mopping is recommended to avoid moisture-related damage.
7. Cork Flooring
Corks are not only used to seal off your favorite wine bottle. They are an excellent choice for your floors, too!
Cork may seem unusual, but it has been widely used in libraries and churches as they are better at absorbing noise.
Unlike carpets that assimilate heat, cork keeps your interior cool during summers and warm in winters. Thus making cork flooring a perfect choice for Indian homes.
An eco-friendly option, corks are durable, easy to maintain, aesthetically appealing, and comfortable.
Pros and Cons of Cork Flooring
Pros:
1. Super durable – Corks are incredibly durable and can easily withstand heavy footfall. Moreover, they resist scratches, dents, and stains for years.
2. Sustainable – One of the most eco-friendly floorings, cork is made from oak bark trees. These trees can be easily harvested once in 9-10 years. Moreover, only the bark is used to manufacture these floorings, so there is no need to take down the entire tree.
3. Visually versatile – Who says corks are boring? Cork floorings are available in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes. So, whether you want to overhaul your bedroom or construct a new store, choice is abundant!
Cons:
1. Weather sensitive – Cork is weather sensitive, which means a rise in humidity or temperature can alter the shape of your floor. They are not an ideal choice for places with high moisture or temperatures.
2. Not waterproof – Planning to install cork floors in bathrooms or kitchen? Think again. These floors aren’t waterproof, and prolonged exposure to water or spills can damage its structure.
Cost of Installing Cork Floors
These flooring materials are quite pocket-friendly. Depending on the flooring texture, size, and brand, the cost ranges from Rs. 150 to 500 per sq. ft.
Maintenance Tips on Cork Flooring
Want to keep your cork floorings shining and attractive even after years? Use soft bristle brooms and mild or non-abrasive cleaners. Also, don’t install these floorings in areas getting direct sunlight.
8. Linoleum Flooring
What if we say you can experience the charm of 1940s-style homes in 2023?
Get linoleum floorings! They were a sensation from the 1940s to the 1990s. And now, they are making a comeback to the interior design scene. They are attractive, extremely sturdy, waterproof, and eco-friendly.
Pros and cons of Linoleum Flooring
Pros:
1. Exceptionally sturdy and can last for at least 40 years with proper care.
2. Water-resistant and perfect for humid regions and wet places such as bathrooms.
3. These are biodegradable and don’t pollute the landfills.
4. Highly economical – linoleum flooring installation costs Rs. 150 – 300.
Cons:
1. Requires professional installation. Thus, the overall cost might go up.
2. New or freshly waxed floors can become slippery, increasing the risk of fall injury.
3. When exposed to direct sunlight, these floorings can fade away or turn yellow.
Linoleum floors look good only when they are pristine. Schedule regular cleaning with mild cleaners to remove dirt, dust, or stains. Also, using floor wax to polish the surface is essential to maintain shine.
How to Choose the Right Soft Flooring for Your Space?
With an extensively huge number of flooring designs, choosing the right type of flooring can be difficult. Here are some factors to remember while buying flooring for your space:
- Determine the rooms where you plan to install the floor. For example, soft carpet floors are best for bedrooms, while the same won’t work for wet areas like the kitchen.
- Check the amount of footfall before deciding anything. For example, hardwood floors aren’t recommended for hallways.
- Most types of soft floorings come in a wide range of price points. So, determining and setting your budget is crucial and helps you narrow down your options.
- Your choice of material also matters. Consider vinyl or linoleum floorings in humid places such as Mumbai.
Conclusion
Picking up the right flooring is a huge investment. You cannot just decide at the spur of the moment!
Before you finalize anything, consider various factors such as design, cost, function, and application area.
There is a sea of information online. However, consulting experienced residential interior designers is crucial.
These professional designers possess the expertise to help you find the most suitable product that fits your needs and budget.
Before you hire expert interior designers, ask them the following questions to get the best deal –
1. Which type of flooring is best for your kitchen, laundry rooms, and bathrooms?
2. How can the designers help you pick the best product that fits your style and budget?
3. Which flooring would be most suitable to renovate an ancestral property?
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FAQs
Q: Which are the easy-to-clean soft flooring?
A: Dirty and dull floors can ruin your space’s visual appeal and comfort. While floorings such as carpet can be difficult to clean and maintain, these soft floorings are easiest to clean:
- Vinyl flooring
- Laminate floors
- Rubber flooring
Q: Which soft floorings are waterproof and most suitable for humid regions?
A: If you are looking for soft floorings for wet areas, you must pick an option that can withstand moisture and prevent mold or mildew formation. Vinyl, linoleum, and rubber floorings are great at withstanding long exposure to moisture.
Q: Are vinyl floors waterproof?
A: Vinyl floors aren’t really “waterproof”; they are water-resistant. Flooring texture of vinyl floors might get damaged by long-standing spills, such as plumbing problems or flooding.
Q: Is wooden flooring expensive? Which wooden flooring is best?
A: Yes, wooden flooring is expensive compared to other flooring materials. The average cost is between Rs. 400 and 1500, depending on the material, quality, and application area.
Q: Which is better, laminate or engineered flooring?
A: While both are durable, attractive, and cost-effective, laminate and engineered floorings have advantages and disadvantages. However, if you want flooring that resembles solid hardwood but is easier to maintain, engineered floors are your best bet. Similarly, laminate flooring is a better choice for a more cost-effective floor covering as they are more durable, water resistant, and easy to install.
Q: Which is better, hardwood or engineered?
A: Engineered floors are more stable and durable and come at a pocket-friendly rate. While the charm of hardwood is irresistible, they are hard to maintain and quite expensive. Engineered floors are the best choice if you want to bring the aesthetic appeal of hardwood floors without breaking the bank.
Q: Is PVC good for flooring?
A: PVC floorings are an excellent choice for residential and commercial spaces as they are attractive, water-resistant, sturdy, and easy to maintain.
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