Fantastic FLOORS

Set the scene for a beautiful interior with a floor finish that won’t blow your budget

Soft touch

A newly carpeted floor never fails to make a home feel fresh and it’s perfect for retaining heat, too. Materials range from luxurious natural wool to budget-friendly synthetic fibres, such as nylon and polypropylene. When it comes to carpet, what’s underneath really does make a difference so be sure to add underlay for more cushion and longevity. Raglan carpet, £27.99 per sq m, Tapi

What a corker

Think green when you’re updating your floors and choose cork, which is a great thermal and acoustic insulator. It’s soft underfoot and available in a variety of colours to suit your scheme. This sustainable option can be restained in years to come and, if you’re into DIY, you might be able to lay it yourself depending on the format. Ideal for low-traffic areas, cork will help you create a unique, comfortable space.

Una, £80 per sq m, Recork

Trend led

Are you updating a period home, or adding the finishing touches to a modern abode that could do with a little jazzing up? These terrazzo tiles aren’t only great for kitchen and bathroom spaces, they can also help you create a showstopping entrance or living area, too. Made from ceramic, they’re durable and low maintenance. Popsical Earth Terrazzo ceramic tiles, £24.95 per sq m, Walls and Floors

Floor them

Inject colour and glamour into your interiors using robust tiles. Many can be used both internally and externally to create a seamless link between two areas, eg your kitchen and patio. Play around with Victorian or geometric designs, bold colours and atypical formats and sizes. Berkeley Slate Blue, £24.99 per sq m, Topps Tiles

Cover up

Vinyl has been around for a while, but today we have a wide variety of styles to play with. Cover up big areas using the large-sheet formats, which can resemble wood, stone and tiles, or choose a rug version. It takes less time and money to install than tiles and timber planks – win-win! Mardi Gras 576 Estrella vinyl, £19.99 per sq m, Carpetright

Wood works

Engineered wood is ideal if you like the look and feel of wood, but don’t want the upkeep. Plus it’s less prone to scratching, can be fitted on top of underfloor heating and comes in a range of shades and sizes. You can also lay it in a classic herringbone pattern for a timeless finish. Harlech feather oak, £85 per sq m, Woodpecker

Fancy finish

Get the look of hardwood timber, porcelain or stone for a fraction of the price by installing luxury vinyl tiles. These tiles are one of the easiest flooring solutions to maintain and they also work with underfloor heating. Available in tile or even plank formats, they can last up to 15 years. Londres Mountain Grey luxury click vinyl, £19.95 per sq m, Tile Mountain

Natural step

Looking for a natural carpet option? A sisal covering might be just what you need. There are different weave patterns on offer, and some manufacturers make combination blends with wool to create a softer feel. Made from the leaves of the agave plant, sisal is often coloured with vegetable dye and is less likely to have dust mites. Agra Platinum, £37.90 per sq m, Sisal & Seagrass