Bring Bright, Airy Style to Any Room with Light Vinyl Plank Floors
Looking to add more light and brightness to your home? Consider installing light colored vinyl plank flooring. With their neutral, airy tones and variety of wood looks, these floors can make any room feel more spacious and illuminated.
Benefits of Light Colored Vinyl Plank Floors
There are several reasons why light vinyl plank flooring is a great option for brightening up a space:
Durability
While light colors show dirt and wear more easily, vinyl plank flooring is designed to resist scratches, stains, and dents. The planks feature a durable wear layer on top that protects against daily use. This makes vinyl plank a practical flooring choice even for high-traffic areas. Just be sure to research the specific wear layer thickness and warranty when selecting a product.
Affordability
Vinyl plank flooring provides the elegant look of natural wood or stone for a fraction of the cost. The planks are made from synthetic materials which are more affordable to produce and install than solid hardwood. For a budget-friendly floor that appears high-end, vinyl plank is a great solution.
Style Versatility
You can find vinyl plank flooring in a diverse range of light, airy colors. Soft beige, light grey, whitewashed oak, weathered pine - the options are plentiful. Such variety lets you match the floors to any style you desire, from modern to farmhouse. Light vinyl plank floors complement both bold, colorful decor and more neutral palettes.
Popular Styles and Color Choices
What are some of the most popular light colored vinyl plank flooring options on the market today? Here are a few top styles and color trends:
Whitewashed and Weathered Wood
Wood-look vinyl plank floors with a whitewashed or weathered finish are very popular. They have a light, almost bleached appearance that feels bright and airy. Brands like Armstrong, Mannington, and Shaw offer vinyl planks mimicking driftwood, oak, pine, and other whitewashed wood types. The weathered, worn finish adds vintage character as well.
Light Grey Tones
For a more modern, sophisticated look, consider light grey vinyl plank flooring. Cool greys work well in contemporary spaces and pair nicely with bold accent colors. Many brands now offer grey-toned planks ranging from a pale smoke color to warmer greys with brown undertones.
Beige and Cream Shades
Warm beige and cream vinyl planks also help open up a room. Lighter oak, birch, and maple vinyl flooring options fit this color scheme. Beige with subtle orange undertones can make a space feel welcoming and cozy. Cream colored planks keep things bright but subdued.
Textures and Finishes
Vinyl plank flooring comes in a variety of textures like smooth, embossed, or distressed. Matte finishes minimize glare while glossy finishes reflect more light. Combining finishes and textures adds visual interest. For example, pairing a smooth, matte beige plank with a textured, whitewashed vinyl plank creates contrast.
Installation Tips for Vinyl Plank Flooring
Installing light colored vinyl plank flooring allows you to transform the look of a room. Here are some tips for a successful installation:
Prep the Subfloor
Proper subfloor prep is crucial for vinyl plank flooring. Make sure the subfloor is clean, dry, and flat. Fill any cracks or holes, and sand down high spots to prevent imperfections from showing through the planks. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
Plan the Layout
When laying the planks, mix up the direction and patterns. Offset end joints between rows, and randomly stagger plank lengths to create a more realistic wood appearance. Leave proper expansion gaps around the perimeter.
Click Planks Together
Most vinyl plank flooring today features a click-lock installation system for easy DIY installing. Simply connect the end and side joints of the planks together until the floor is complete. Use spacers to maintain even gaps, and tap planks gently into place with a tapping block.
Choosing the Best Vinyl Plank Flooring Brand
With so many brands of vinyl plank flooring on the market, it can be tricky choosing which one to go with. Here are some top options to consider:
Shaw Floorte Vinyl Plank Flooring
Shaw Floorte offers a wide selection of vinyl wood plank floors. Popular light colored options include Dovetail Oak in cream/white and Weathered Pine in misty grey. Shaw provides a Lifetime residential warranty.
Armstrong Vinyl Plank Flooring
Armstrong vinyl plank flooring comes highly rated for style and durability. Some of their best light-colored collections include Whitewash Oak and Natural Canvas Oak, both with distressed finishes.
Mannington Vinyl Plank Flooring
Trusted brand Mannington makes high-quality vinyl plank floors that mimic wood realistically. Light-colored choices like Portland Ash and Revere Oak are perfect for brightening up a room.
Installing light colored vinyl plank flooring can infuse any room with luminosity and spaciousness. The planks come in endless styles and colors to match your desired aesthetic. Just be sure to prep the subfloor properly and use manufacturer recommended products for installation and maintenance.
Light vinyl plank flooring is a great option for adding an airy, refreshed look to your floors.