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What is the best neutral color for laminate flooring?

Introduction

When choosing a new laminate floor, one of the most important decisions is picking the right color. Neutral laminate flooring colors are popular options because they can match well with various furniture and décor. The best neutral color for your laminate flooring depends on the look you want to achieve and your personal preferences. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of neutral laminate floors, provide an overview of popular neutral color options, and make recommendations for choosing the best shade for your home.

Benefits of Choosing a Neutral Laminate Floor Color

There are several reasons why neutral laminate floor colors are good choices for many homeowners:

  • Versatility – Neutral shades like tans, grays, and beiges are versatile and pair well with many furniture styles and paint colors. This makes decorating and updating your home easier over time.
  • Visually appealing – Neutral floors help create a calm, soothing aesthetic. They don’t visually overwhelm a room like very dark or very light floors can.
  • Easy to match – It’s simple to find area rugs, furnishings, and accent pieces that coordinate with neutral laminate floors.
  • Brighten up space – Light tan or gray floors can help brighten up rooms with little natural light.
  • Resale value – Neutral shades have widespread appeal to home buyers. Bold or trendy laminate colors may turn some buyers off.

Choosing a neutral floor color provides flexibility in home design now and in the future. You really can’t go wrong with a neutral shade.

Popular Neutral Laminate Floor Colors

Here is an overview of some of the most popular neutral colors for laminate flooring:

Light Tan/Beige

Various shades of light tan or beige are top choices for many homeowners. They provide a warm, welcoming look. Light tan works well in living spaces, bedrooms, and even some kitchens. Different shades can provide contrast – go for a camel tan in one room and a warmer sand beige in another. Ivory and buttercream are soft light tan hues.

Gray

Gray floors are very on-trend right now. Gray laminates come in cool tones like sleet gray and warm grays more like smoke or ash. Go for a light heathered gray for a breezy, relaxed look. Charcoal gray makes a sophisticated statement. Gray floors pair well with many color schemes from bold primaries to pastels.

Medium Wood Tones

Laminates are available in endless wood looks. Mid-tone woods like acacia, maple, and oak in their natural unstained state are great neutral options. They provide warmth and texture without dominating a space. Driftwood and weathered wood effects are rustic variations.

Black

Although darker than typical neutrals, black provides an elegant, modern look. Black floors stand out in a striking way. They pair best with bright accent colors and lots of light. Keep the rest of the space minimalist in design when using black laminate.

How to Choose the Best Neutral for Your Home

When selecting a neutral laminate floor color for your home, here are some tips to pick the perfect shade:

  • Lighting – Rooms with ample natural light can handle darker neutrals better than dark rooms where light colors open up the space.
  • Existing elements – Look at all the finishes, furniture, and decor you plan to keep and choose a neutral hue that complements those items.
  • Style – Modern homes tend to suit grays. Traditional décor pairs well with tans and wood tones. Cottage-style rooms look lovely with soft neutral shades.
  • Traffic – Darker neutrals show scuffs and dirt less than light colors. Take traffic flow into account.
  • Experiment – Most laminate brands offer neutral swatches. Bring several colors home to get a true sense of how they’ll look.

When evaluating neutrals in your home, be sure to check samples in both natural and artificial light. This allows you to see variations in shade and undertone. Paint color chips can provide inspiration for coordinating neutral colors.

Best Neutral Laminate Brands

Quality makes a difference when choosing laminate flooring. Look for durable brands known for realistic visuals and textures. Here are some top-rated neutral laminate product lines from leading manufacturers:

Mohawk RevWood Plus Hellendale Oak

Mohawk’s RevWood Plus line features hyper-realistic wood looks. The Hellendale Oak option has a natural, unstained gray oak appearance. The matte finish minimizes shine for an authentic wood aesthetic.

Shaw Weathered Vintage Oak

From Shaw, Weathered Vintage Oak offers a timeworn driftwood visual. This water-resistant laminate works in kitchens, baths, and other damp areas. The textured surface looks hand-scraped.

Pergo Outlast+ Driftwood Hickory

Pergo Outlast+ laminates resist scratches, stains, and fading. Driftwood Hickory has dramatic gray variation for a reclaimed wood look. The locking system ensures tight seams.

AquaSeal 24-Hour Maple by Armstrong

Armstrong’s 24-Hour Maple line is waterproof enough for mudrooms and laundries. The pale maple visual provides durable, neutral style. Boards come in extra-long lengths up to 86 inches.

Happy Feet Charcoal Oak by Happy Feet

From Happy Feet, Charcoal Oak is an affordable gray laminate option. It resembles weathered European oak planks. An aluminum oxide coating improves resistance.

Conclusion

When searching for the perfect neutral laminate floor, focus on choosing a versatile shade that complements your existing furnishings and décor. Light, medium, and dark neutral colors all have their benefits. Aim for a high-quality laminate in an authentic visual from a reputable brand. Considering lighting, traffic, and your personal style preferences will help you select the ideal neutral color for your home’s laminate flooring. Contact a flooring retailer for laminate samples in top-rated neutral shades. This lets you see colors in your space before committing to give your new floor the best chance of suiting your home.

Neutral Color Benefits
Light tan/beige Warm, welcoming, pairs with many decors
Gray Trendy, sophisticated, matches with bold colors
Medium wood tones Provides texture and warmth
Black Striking and elegant, works in modern spaces

Here are some additional tips when selecting the best neutral laminate floor color:

  • Consider room lighting – darker neutrals for well-lit rooms
  • Look at existing furniture and finishes
  • Think about traffic areas and durability
  • Get samples to view shades in your space

Top-rated neutral laminate product lines include:

  • Mohawk RevWood Plus Hellendale Oak
  • Shaw Weathered Vintage Oak
  • Pergo Outlast+ Driftwood Hickory
  • Armstrong 24-Hour Maple
  • Happy Feet Charcoal Oak

Choosing the ideal neutral floor color requires considering your room’s needs and style. With popular options like beige, gray, natural wood, and black, you can find the perfect neutral laminate to suit your home’s décor. Evaluating samples first helps ensure you pick a shade with versatile, lasting appeal.