Take Another Look: Vinyl & Linoleum Tiles Can Actually Look Good (Really!)
Even though it’s something that we walk all over and that really takes a beating, flooring is a big part of any room design. In fact, it’s probably a room’s biggest single design element, since it spans the whole space, and changing the floor is a great way to give a room a refresh without doing a full reno. There’s no shortage of flooring options out there, and if you have a healthy budget, you can have your pick of colors, textures, materials, and designs. However, if you’re on a budget—and you don’t shy away from color and pattern—maybe you should take another look at those old standbys: vinyl and linoleum adhesive tiles. Here are 15 inspirational spaces that use inexpensive vinyl tiles in creative and stylish ways.
Most of us think of old, dated kitchens and bathrooms, basement floors, or uninspiring commercial spaces when we think of vinyl and linoleum tiles, but they are most definitely worth considering for your next update. Today’s tiles come in more modern colors and patterns, and people are finding creative ways to use the classic black and white combo—as well as mixing tiles with different textures—for a unique look.
A leader in bright and bold tile design—and a personal favorite—is Mirth Studio, which has a selection of tile eye candy to tempt just about anyone. They have a whole gallery of customer projects like this one to inspire you.
Creating a random pattern in your favorite color combination, like in this Apartment Therapy House Tour, is a great way to add color to an otherwise neutral kitchen.
No budget for Moroccan tiles? No problem! Get the look with these vinyl tiles from CarpetRight.
Or try this great pattern, Parquet Charcoal by Harvey Mari, for an eclectic look.
A busy chevron pattern in a subtle color palette complements the muted colors of this Kensington kitchen designed by Smith Creative.
Go with one color in two tones for a vibrant pattern with less contrast, as in this 1920s kitchen from Arts & Crafts Homes.
There are also plenty of options in the adhesive wood panels department, and if you can’t decide between wood or tile, do both. This look by East Coast Creative, which combines DIY wood tiles and vinyl hex tiles, makes for a unique and incredibly luxe-looking space. Check out the full tutorial from Lowe’s.
Then, of course, there are plenty of examples and options when it comes to the classic black-and-white vinyl tiles. There’s the classic checker look, which is timeless and adds a little vintage inspiration to any modern kitchen, as seen in this makeover by The Art of Doing Stuff…
And in this fresh, white, modern kitchen by Holly Mathis Interiors.
If you’re looking to break away somewhat from the classic, there are lots of creative takes using black-and-white tiles. In this kitchen, featured on Design*Sponge, a DIYer made “seriously budget-friendly linoleum tiles ($0.59 per sq. ft) look majorly luxe by cutting them in half and laying them in a striped pattern.”
You could also cut the tiles in half on the diagonal, as in this tutorial from A Beautiful Mess, which creates a whole new look.
If you really want to get graphic, you can use tiles to create a 3D look. This woven floor was designed by Tom Newman of Newman & Wolen Design for his home in Hancock Park…
And this optical illusion was created by Crogan Inlay Floors.
Get a little bit of country in your modern space with a larger-than-life gingham pattern, like this one by Allison Burke Interior Design.