Choosing the perfect flooring for a child’s room is no easy task. First and foremost, it’s essential to ensure that the floor is safe and comfortable for children to play on, especially the youngest ones. Factors such as easy cleaning and maintenance should not be overlooked, as it’s important to keep the floor in a child’s room clean at all times.
When furnishing a room intended for children, selecting the right flooring is crucial. This particularly applies to young children who will crawl and learn to walk on the floor, and later spend a significant amount of time playing with toys. Materials like tiles, natural stone, and terrazzo are immediately ruled out as they are not suitable. Let’s explore suitable options:
Laminate Flooring – It’s Good, but it can be Better
Laminate flooring in a child’s room offers easy maintenance. Spills can be quickly cleaned, and the surface is safe even for the youngest children as it is free from dust mites and other allergens. While laminate isn’t cold to the touch, it may not be as cozy as some other flooring options.
However, one drawback is its acoustics. Plastic toys falling on laminate can produce considerable noise, potentially disturbing not only you but also your downstairs neighbors.
Read More: IS LAMINATE FLOORING A GOOD SOLUTION FOR YOUR HOME?
One solution could be using laminate with a rug in areas where children spend most of their time. Additionally, soft puzzle mats, similar to those used in playrooms, can complement laminate flooring excellently.
Hardwood Flooring – Common and Adequate
Hardwood flooring shares characteristics with laminate – it’s not cold to the touch, easy to maintain, and stains from spilled food can be easily removed. Compared to laminate, it’s less acoustically noisy, making children’s play slightly quieter.
Read More: UNDERFLOOR HEATING AND PARQUET FLOORING – ARE THEY A GOOD COMBINATION?
However, to make hardwood truly ideal for young children, consider covering parts of the room with rugs or other soft surfaces.
Carpet – Pleasant and Safe with Regular Maintenance
From the perspective of a child’s play and comfort, carpet is an ideal flooring choice. It provides thermal insulation, ensuring the floor remains warm, and it’s not slippery. In case of falls, it cushions impacts, reducing the risk of injuries.
Read More: FOUR RULES FOR CARPET CLEANING
However, unlike laminate or hardwood, carpet is harder to clean if spills occur. It also requires more maintenance to prevent the accumulation of dust and allergens, making it less suitable for children prone to allergies or with sensitive respiratory systems.
One advantage of carpet is its portability for professional cleaning. Cleaning smaller carpets is not expensive, so it’s recommended to have them cleaned annually for children’s rooms.
Cork Flooring – Possibly the Ideal Choice for a Child’s Room
All things considered, cork flooring may be the ideal option for a child’s room. Cork is a natural material that doesn’t trigger allergic reactions. It’s soft, safe in case of falls, non-slippery, and an excellent thermal insulator, allowing children to spend the whole day comfortably.
Read More: MAINTAINING AND CLEANING CORK FLOORING
Conclusion
When weighing the options for flooring in a child’s room, it’s crucial to prioritize safety, comfort, and ease of maintenance. Each flooring type has its advantages and drawbacks, but with careful consideration, you can select the one that best suits your child’s needs and your preferences.
In the event of spills, cork is easier to clean than carpets, and it’s worth noting that cork floors absorb sounds from toy impacts.
Photo: Freepik