When choosing design elements or structural items for your business, there is more to consider besides simply how it will look. Whether you are engaged in a remodel of your business space or moving to a new location, flooring is an important consideration to make.

Evaluating Your Space

In order to determine what type of flooring is best for your business, the first step is to think about what your business needs are. Almost every decision made about a business space should serve to further the business’ image, or, to make work easier. The same is true of the flooring. You will want to think about things like space climate, will you keep your business well heated in the winter and air conditioned in the summer? Will there be potential for lots of rain and water to trek into the space? The amount of foot traffic will play a role in the flooring you choose.

Hardwood

Many businesses go for hardwood floors because of their classic look. It is important to keep in mind that hardwood floors are affected by humidity and moisture so if the space retains moisture, hardwoods may not be for you. Also hardwoods can scratch easily and retain spills. For a hardwood look, modern laminate can be a great option because of its resistance.

Carpet

There are several types of carpet that can serve your business well. Carpet naturally lessens the noise in a room. Carpet is also easier to clean.

One type of carpet that’s great for businesses is wool. Wool carpet has an attractive texture and is flame resistant. It is also durable and resilient, thanks to centuries of sheep who have refined their coats in various climates.

Nylon is another type of carpet that can work. Nylon can be used for outdoor carpeting so you know it’s durable. It also is great for heavy traffic. Customizable colors make it easy to adjust to your business’ image. An evaluation of business flooring is available at Architecture Art Designs.

Vinyl

Vinyl is another option that is durable and very low-maintenance. No expensive hardwood refinishing or carpet cleaning necessary. Vinyl lasts a long time and can be customized in several different ways (like luxury vinyl tile). 

Once you consider what’s best for your business and budget, you can weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each flooring option.   

Area rugs are a great way to complete the design of a room. When choosing an area rug and determining placement in the room, it is best to start with considering the current elements of the room.

Area rugs can blend with the current flooring. Or, to add some flair, the rug could be a different pattern or color family.

Placing Area Rugs

The type of room influences the placement of a rug. Many interior designers start with common design placement standards when looking at fitting a rug to a room. InsideOut offers some great tips from an interior stylist on rug positioning.

Dining Room

In a dining room, the area rug should be centered around the table and should be large enough to extend 24 inches from the table. This makes pulling out chairs comfortable.

Living Room

For the living room, if your furniture is set up against the walls standard design rules will have your rug sitting under the front legs of the furniture. In a floating living room layout where the furniture is set in the middle of the room, the area rug should fit under the entire piece of furniture – all four legs. These design rules are in place to ensure that the room looks unified. In practice you may wish to play around with these standards. Leaving bare floor in various places in the living room could provide some artistic value or highlight contrast between the rug and the floor.

Bedroom

Bedroom rug placement can be a little tricky depending upon what type of rug you want in the space. If you are looking to place a large area rug, preferably it should be placed under the bed and extend out several inches. Runner rugs can also be used to add style to a bedroom by gracing the sides of the bed or the foot of the bed.

Beyond The “Rules”

For other rooms in the home, the placement of the furniture or the size of the room may dictate the type of placement. A large bathroom is a great place to try a circular rug. A child’s bedroom may need a large “free area” of rug showing for play – this is also a great way to protect the floor underneath!

The placement of area rugs should be a consideration of the type and function of the room.