Whether you prefer sticking to tradition or chasing the latest trends, affordable flooring is not as hard to find as you might think. Here’s where to start based on what look you want to achieve. 

Get Realistic Wood-Look Floors Without the Cost of Hardwood

For many years now, hardwood floors have been the fan favorite when it comes to sophisticated flooring. Nothing classes up a room like the clean look of white oak or the richness of a cherry wood floor. But, of course, that upscale aesthetic usually comes with a price tag to match. What many homeowners don’t know is that they can get a designer look without the designer price, thanks to modern affordable flooring options that accurately mimic the look of real wood. 

Laminate Wood

Though it’s not a solid hardwood, laminate flooring is made in large part from wood materials, lending it a real wood feel when you touch or walk on it. The photorealistic surface gives it the high-end look of real hardwood, while a robust wear layer and dense backing provide impressive durability. That trio of features makes it an impressive replacement for real wood, and because it’s easy and inexpensive to manufacture, it’s still quite an affordable flooring option. 

Vinyl Plank

Vinyl flooring is another wood-look floor option that has taken the design world by storm in recent years. What was once a last resort flooring consideration only talked about in hushed voices has now become an affordable flooring product at the forefront of the industry, thanks to advancements in design that have greatly improved its look and feel. Like laminate, vinyl plank flooring is not only resistant to scratches and stains, but is also highly water-resistant—and in many cases completely waterproof. Vinyl plank presents another more affordable flooring choice when compared to hardwood, while still providing a realistic wood look and texture.  

Porcelain Tile

When you think of wood flooring alternatives, tile is probably not the first product that comes to mind. But today’s modern wood-look tile can give you the style you’re after—plus the high resistance to moisture and mold that tile is known for—while still being more affordable than most real hardwood floors. Similar to laminate and vinyl plank flooring, wood-look tile uses a highly realistic wood grain image to simulate the look of hardwood. But below that is the durable ceramic or porcelain tile that has been used in homes for ages.  

And don’t think that tile should be restricted only to rooms that deal with heavy moisture, like the bathroom and kitchen. With a variety of stylish and functional options, wood-look tile can fit well in just about any area of your home.   

Modern Trends in Affordable Flooring

A common question that comes up when considering the affordable option of many stylish products is something along the lines of “Okay, but does it actually look nice?” Essentially, many people equate affordability with a low-quality product and a compromise in style, and they fear that any affordable floors in their budget will look dated before they’re even installed. But we are here to say unequivocally that yes, you can get beautiful, affordable flooring in all of the same on-trend styles as today’s high-end products. Here are a few trends you can use to modernize your home at a lower cost than hardwood. 

Add Space to the Room with Wide Planks

If you have a small room that you wish looked larger, it’s a good idea to go big with your planks. In addition to giving your home an authentic, rural aesthetic, wider wood planks are often chosen because they create the illusion of a bigger space. However, this sought-after look comes with a price; in the category of genuine hardwood flooring, the wide plank products tend to be the most expensive. But thankfully, those on the hunt for a more affordable flooring option can find the wide plank style in laminate, laminate vinyl plank, and even tile flooring. 

Get a More Natural Look with Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood is popular for both its eco-friendliness as well as its unique character. There’s no denying the natural, warm look and feel that the material can give your home. And although you might think that a flooring material has to be made from wood to get the distressed wood look, you can duplicate that character in a non-wood material. Finding affordable rustic flooring is easier than you think—the style can be found in both vinyl plank and wood laminate products. 

Bring a Sophisticated Touch with a Matte Finish

While glossy finishes on wood and tile are perennially popular, matte and satin have become increasingly sought-after finishes. Not only does a matte finish give a sophisticated touch to your home, it makes it easier to maintain a tidy look. Dents, scratches, and dust don’t appear as readily on a matte finish as they do on a glossy floor. Easy maintenance and style create a perfect combination for functional flooring. 

Get Distinctive Flooring with Pattern Carpet

While it might not be as popular as it was in the 70s and 80s, carpet is still a classic, practical choice for many rooms in your home. With its soft and warm touch, it’s a perfect way to add comfort to a bedroom or living room while still being stylish. One of today’s most popular styles of carpet is pattern carpet. Constructed with a combination of cut and looped fibers, it uses variations in the fiber structure to create visual patterns. Pattern carpets are a popular affordable choice for living rooms, studies, and other rooms that demand a certain level of sophistication when the budget doesn’t allow for a genuine hardwood floor. 

Choose Trending Tones

Whether you go with carpet or a hard surface, the visual tone of your flooring can make a huge difference in your overall design scheme. Choosing an affordable floor product won’t limit you on this front—you can find all of today’s hottest hues in budget-friendly options.  

Dark and Moody Tones

Dark floors give a chic and edgy look to your home but usually come at a cost. The style is often achieved with fine hardwood or stone flooring materials, but plenty of affordable options exist. Look for a dark wood laminate floor or a luxury vinyl tile that mimics marble. 

Neutrals: Grey and Greige

A color everyone seems to love lately is gray, and it appears to be here to stay. Its popularity is thanks mostly to its ability to match almost any interior design scheme imaginable, while still helping make rooms feel brighter. Because it’s such a popular choice, multiple gray options are available in every category of affordable flooring. Greige is another neutral flooring “must have” that has come to the forefront in recent years. A mix of grey and beige, this tone makes it easy to coordinate your flooring with other décor and gives your home a modern touch. 

At the end of the day, modern style does not have to come with a big price tag. You can get most of today’s hottest design trends for your home even if you’re on a tight budget. Floors tend to take up a massive chunk of the average renovation budget, and by shopping wisely and choosing affordable flooring alternatives to high-priced products, you can save a pretty penny. Feeling overwhelmed by all of the available options? Start updating your home by contacting Empire Today®. Schedule a Free In-Home Estimate to start shopping for modern, affordable flooring for your home. 

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Don’t Count Out Quality

Shopping for affordable carpet doesn’t mean you have to skip out on quality. Whether the flooring is expensive or budget-friendly, having durability, easy maintenance, and comfort is possible. Take our Tailor Made pattern carpet for example. It’s not just an affordable, yet distinct option. It’s durable, stain-resistant, and even pet-friendly, making it fully equipped to handle busy households.

Assess Your Home’s Needs

The most important thing to consider is your home’s needs. Are you looking for functionality or style? Does the space have low or high traffic? Do you have pets or kids? While you can find less expensive carpet with good quality, you can also avoid paying for features you don’t necessarily need. Why pay for pet-friendly benefits if there is no pet in your home?

Consider the Fibers

Known for its durability, nylon is a popular choice for carpets. However, it can be more expensive than other synthetic choices. Instead, choose a less expensive fiber for your carpet. Enhancements over the years have made polyester a durable yet, typically, less expensive fiber. Not only can polyester be a more budget-friendly option, but it’s naturally stain-resistant! Knowing your fiber options will not only help you find affordable carpet, but a durable style that’ll last.

Get a Packaged Deal

Aside from carpet, paying separately for padding and installation can add to your financial hassle, and stress! Empire Today makes getting new floors easy for you. When you schedule your in-home appointment, a flooring professional will give you an all-inclusive price for your entire project that includes the cost of the flooring, padding, materials, and installation. Call for your free in-home estimate!

Consult a Professional

You’d like to believe no one knows your home as much as you do. Yet, finding affordable carpet to fit your budget and household can become tricky. If you want to avoid a mess, it’s always best to ask the professionals. Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate and have a flooring professional help you find the perfect affordable carpet for you and your family.

The post Styling on a Budget: How to Shop for Affordable Carpet appeared first on Empire Today Blog.