Flooring for Nurseries Introduction
In 2018, 650 000 babies were born in England and Wales. That’s a lot of new life and a lot of new nurseries being designed and fitted in UK homes. Whilst we can’t advise on types of cot, paint and curtains, we can advise you on the suitability of your floor. There are some floors which are more beneficial for nurseries with young children than others. So, let’s explore the baby-friendliness of some popular flooring types.
Carpet
Carpets make up over half of all flooring sales in the UK, so it’s safe to say they are popular. Carpets are a great choice for nurseries as they are soft, which helps protect children when they crawl, stumble and fall. Carpets also feel warm, which again helps children feel safe and secure. The two main drawbacks are that spillages will soak in and stain. And that over time dust mites and germs can often reside in the fibres, which is not great for children with eczema or asthma. In our opinion, it’s best to choose a carpet colour that’s gender neutral and natural-looking, like beige or grey, but really the choice is up to the parents.
Laminate
Laminate is a very affordable flooring. So the money you save on your nursery flooring, you can invest elsewhere in toys and clothes for your baby. Laminate is also water resistant, which helps with spillages. This hard surface can easily be swept, allowing for a hygienic living space. We would recommend choosing lighter shades of laminate wood design like pine, beech or ash to create a bright space, but again the choice is up to the parents.
Vinyl
Whether in sheets or tiles, vinyl flooring is perfect for nursery rooms. It is durable, so scratches from toys will barely show. It is waterproof, so bottle spillages won’t permanently damage your floor. The polyurethane top coat is stain resistant, so milk, chocolate and worse can be wiped away easily. There are no fibres for bacteria and germs to hide in. Vinyl is fairly affordable and with basic maintenance (sweeping and mopping) should last for a very long time. Definitely, the best choice out there for homes with new-borns! Again, design choice resides with the parents, but why not try darker shades like oak, walnut or mahogany to create a more cosy-feeling space?
Wood Flooring
Real wood flooring is not the obvious choice of floor when you think of the messy and clumsy nature of young children. However, if you act quickly upon spillages, no long-lasting damage should occur. And if you find your floor has been scratches to smithereens, you can simply sand it down and refinish once your child has grown up and your floor will look as good as new again! So actually, not a bad choice after all, just a little expensive that’s all.
Nurseries Conclusion
There are many flooring types out there and the one you choose will depend on the style you want in your home. That being said, if you’re expecting children, then some floors will prove much better for you and your precious babies. Luxury vinyl tiles and sheet vinyl tops the list, as it’s waterproof, scratch resistant and very hygienic when cleaned regularly. Real wood looks amazing, but may need sanding and refinishing later on due to spillages and scratches. Laminate is very affordable, so super budget-friendly. And carpet feels comfortable and cosy, and is for many parents the obvious choice of floor. So, if you are looking for a floor for you and your baby, firstly congratulations! And secondly, choose wisely!
