Linoleum for laminate: types, colors, design ideas, pros and cons

A little about coverage

Linoleum is a soft, warm finishing material. It can be natural (made from pine resin, wood flour, linseed oil and lime) and polyvinyl chloride, that is, consisting of PVC and additives. For apartments, household or semi-commercial class coatings are chosen, since commercial linoleum will not justify the costs in this case.

The peculiarity of this material is that it is available in a much richer palette than even the equally popular laminate. These can be plain models, with a pattern, glossy or matte, with or without texture, with imitation wood, brickwork, and much more. etc. Thanks to this, linoleum allows you to solve almost any design problem.

Types of linoleum with laminate patterns

There are three main varieties:

• Commercial. Single-layer or multi-layer commercial linoleum has high wear-resistant, fireproof and durable qualities. It is based on polyvinyl chloride and special additives that significantly exceed the positive characteristics of the coating.
• Semi-commercial. It has an attractive appearance and is a kind of hybrid that combines commercial and household appearance.
• Domestic. It is a natural or synthetic soft PVC coating on a fabric and foam base, about 4 mm thick and has excellent sound and heat insulation, practical, aesthetic qualities and a low price.

The photo shows household matte linoleum under a brown laminate in the interior of the kitchen-living room.

What light shades of linoleum are most often used in interiors?

• Blue. This color is good for the bedroom, it calms, reduces appetite, and helps to relax. A light blue floor looks especially good in eco-interiors and in tandem with photo wallpaper.
• Grey. Linoleum in light shades of gray is suitable for any room in the apartment. It will be a soft background for accents and will add nobility to the atmosphere.
• White. The color of purity and harmony. Pairs well with any other colors.
• Honey or light yellow. Gives warmth and positive energy, goes well with red and orange, ideal for children's rooms.
• Beige. A classic of interior design, a soft and warm tone that gives comfort and puts you in the mood for relaxation.
• Pink. Relieves emotional stress, activates creativity.
• Light green, the color of young grass. One of the most trendy, it will be an excellent basis for an eco-interior and will add freshness to the atmosphere. According to psychologists, it is the best color in terms of comfort of perception.

Design options and drawings

New designer items in a variety of styles and colors harmoniously coexist with vintage prints and patterns.

Graphic print, retro

Under tiles

At the crest of fashion is linoleum covering under ceramic tiles. A large print is harmonious in spacious rooms. Miniature tiles, which visually enlarge the space, are good for a small kitchen or bathroom.

Black and white chess print, decor of a spacious kitchen

Linoleum covering with a small print
By combining linoleum under tiles with laminate, parquet boards, inlaid parquet, monochrome covering, you can visually delimit the space:

• living room, seating area and place for receiving guests;
• kitchens, dividing the work area and the dining room;
• children's room, separating the sleeping area from the desk where the student does his homework.

The work area is visually separated from the dining room.
By choosing natural linoleum that imitates ceramic tiles to match the color design of the interior, you can quickly and inexpensively restore the old floor in the living room, bedroom, or home office.

Natural linoleum for tiles, stylish home office interior

Under laminate

Linoleum under laminate (with the texture of oak, beech, cherry, pine, wenge) is good for Provence, classicism, modern, minimalism, loft interiors. If you place slats across a narrow room, it will seem more spacious. In the bathroom it is possible to combine linoleum flooring with ceramic tiles.

Linoleum flooring under laminate in the bathroom

Linoleum under laminate in a futuristic living room

Under parquet

Linoleum imitating herringbone parquet or palace parquet with original patterns is a timeless classic.

Linoleum flooring imitating parquet, living room interior
Linoleum flooring imitating parquet will create an atmosphere of noble chic. Combines with classic, ultra-modern and antique furniture. This is an excellent choice for the hallway, living room, office, dining room, bedroom. Patina-effect linoleum floors are ideal for vintage interiors.

Linoleum under parquet in a futuristic interior

Under an aged board or wooden floor

Linoleum imitating an unpainted wooden floor can be:

• light beige;
• sandy;
• amber;
• coffee colors;
• dark chocolate,
• almost burgundy.

Linoleum floor imitating an unpainted wooden board, living room interior
Linoleum with a bleached oak texture is combined with bright and pastel colors. Its shades range from light gray, almost white (Arctic oak) to dark gray. The covering under an aged board is suitable for country, Provence, Scandinavian, loft styles. The material is in harmony with ceramic tiles imitating wood, sand, and natural stone.

Imitation of stone and brick

For finishing a kitchen, hallway, or bathroom, linoleum flooring with a texture is suitable:

• marble;
• granite;
• slate;
• travertine;
• quartz;
• sandstone;
• pebbles;
• ceramic brick.

Imitation granite
Floor coverings that imitate natural stone and brickwork are distinguished by a variety of color variations in natural tones. Eco-colors and textures are on the crest of fashion, use linoleum in combination with leather and wood.

Grass and flowers

Linoleum imitating a grass lawn or green meadow is a popular new product with 3D images. Emerald greenery will fill the space with freshness. A three-dimensional picture will lift your spirits and promote relaxation.

Linoleum with 3D effect
Linoleum flooring with vintage floral graphics is fashionable chic. It will transform the space, add depth, and breathe life into a boring standard apartment interior.

Floral print

Drawings

For a child's room, you can choose bright linoleum with patterns - these are pictures with detailed images of city streets. A map of the metropolis is drawn on the floor, with residential buildings and museums, squares and parks, highways, parking lots, airfields, and helipads. Little ones love to play on the floor and love original prints. When combined with furniture and toys, a three-dimensional space is created in the children's room.

Colorful linoleum for a children's room with a pattern of city streets

Did you know that an author’s graphic design is created on linoleum - linocut? Using a graver, like a wood carver, the artist carves an image onto a polymer canvas. Paint is rolled onto the drawing with a roller, then paper is applied, on which a graphic printout remains.

Wildflowers, graphic drawing by Lynette Weir

Patterns and ornaments

Patterned linoleum allows you to create harmonious modern interiors with floral patterns and bright exotic colors. Antique ornaments are suitable for classic interiors and ultra-modern ones in the spirit of eclecticism. Chip design interspersed with mother-of-pearl - for modern and contemporary styles. When choosing a coating, maintain stylistic unity. Other design elements should be in harmony with the floor pattern.

Floral patterns enliven the functional design of a modern kitchen

Patchwork

Linoleum covering Patchwork is an imitation of patchwork. Unique patterns, collected into a single canvas, produce an unusually beautiful effect. The created drawing is not easy to distinguish from a skillful mosaic. Combinations of different colors, patterns and textures are surprisingly harmonious. Patchwork floors are good not only for retro and ethnic styles. Seamless patterned fabric will fit perfectly into any of the trendy interiors, designed in monochrome colors.

Patchwork. Color design

Geometric prints

Bright prints on linoleum (zigzags, stars, polyhedra) are in fashion. The world is experiencing a renaissance of the 70s; urban design is appropriate in the hallway, living room, formal office, or cozy bedroom.

Geometric print, vintage
Graphic pattern will enliven a functional interior. If the drawing is placed diagonally, it will visually increase the space.

Geometric print, play on color contrast

Plain

Large floor patterns are not suitable for the design of a small room where there are many other decorative elements. The background for bright furniture will be a plain neutral coating. A monochrome floor will visually expand the space. Color accents in the decor will add dynamics. Monochrome linoleum design is good for minimalism style.

A single-color linoleum flooring harmoniously connects all the elements of interior design.
An example of a successful color scheme for an interior with a monochrome floor:

1. Gray main color - 60%.
2. Wenge color, secondary - 30%.
3. Coral color accent—10%.

Monochrome linoleum covering, good color combination

Pros and cons of light floors

Those who have light linoleum on the floor of their apartment or house note its many advantages:

• makes the interior light and airy;
• visually expands the space;
• serves as an ideal backdrop for bright accessories;
• attracts attention to exquisite interior items and beautiful furniture;
• combined with modern appliances, which makes light linoleum one of the best solutions for the kitchen;
• allows you to create fashionable contrasts, for example with dark skirting boards or doors;
• maintains a well-groomed appearance longer because dust is invisible on it;
• “lightens” massive dark furniture if it is present in abundance in the room;
• allows you to paint the ceiling in a dark color, including black, without fear of overloading the room;
• goes well with many other colors in decoration.

Tips for choosing

Choosing the right type of linoleum, similar to laminate, is very simple, just use the advice of experts:

1. Check the seller for a quality certificate.
2. Choose the correct coating markings that match the characteristics of the room.
3. We should not forget about the wear resistance indicator; it is different for each room.
4. Pay attention to the composition of the coating; natural raw materials should predominate in it.
5. The color scheme should be in harmony with the overall interior.

The main thing is to buy products from trusted manufacturers of well-known brands.

Disadvantages of light linoleum

This floor is very easily soiled. Although dust will not be visible, debris and stains will be very visible. Therefore, it is not recommended to lay light linoleum in the kitchen and hallway. Even if you quickly remove stains, marks will still remain over time. The second drawback is the lack of comfort and the feeling of a solid foundation under your feet. A light floor can make a large room feel overly spacious, especially if there are other similar tones in the decoration. This disadvantage can be easily corrected by laying a carpet, but not completely hiding the floor, but only zoning it. For example, you can highlight the so-called sofa area in the living room.

What do you need to know when choosing?

With the same appearance, linoleum can have different performance characteristics, so making the right choice is not easy. To avoid making a mistake, you should carefully study the labeling presented on the packaging. It is recommended to decide in advance on the following points:

• wear resistance class of linoleum;
• thickness of the flooring, density of the base and the presence of a protective layer;
• manufacturing company. Before purchasing, you should carefully study the most common trademarks and become familiar with the features of products manufactured under well-known brands.

In the marking of floor coverings, the wear resistance class is indicated by numbers 2 – 4. If the coating is intended for a residential area, feel free to choose linoleum marked with the number 2. In a public place, it is better to lay the coating marked with a three. For industrial premises, it is permissible to purchase rolls whose markings include the number 4.

The thickness of the deck, the density of the base and the presence of a protective layer directly affect the life of the deck. If there is no protection, the risk of premature destruction of the coating increases, and therefore you should definitely choose a material with a top protective layer of sufficient thickness.

If we are talking about a residential area, the thickness of the protective layer is in the range of 0.12 - 0.15 mm. For rooms with intense traffic, it is better to choose linoleum, whose top layer thickness reaches 0.2 mm. If a lot of visitors pass through the room every day, it is worth choosing a material with a top layer of 0.25 mm. In order for the flooring to last a long time when installed in a public building, it is better to purchase a material whose top layer is at least 0.5 mm.

The composition of linoleum is also important. To impart the required strength characteristics, special fillers and additives are introduced into the composition, which significantly improve the performance of the material. Having given preference to a heterogeneous coating, there is no doubt that the laid flooring will last a long time. If minor defects appear on the surface, restoration can always be performed.

Installation is not difficult

The manufacturing company is important when choosing. In an effort to maintain their business reputation, conscientious manufacturers carefully comply with technological requirements, use proven raw materials and the latest innovative developments. This means that with the same density, wear resistance class and thickness of the protective layer, linoleum of a well-known brand will last longer.

So, linoleum is a suitable type of flooring for any room. Manufacturers offer to purchase material with different designs and performance characteristics. With its help you can create a good imitation of a laminated floor. The purchase and installation of such material will be much cheaper, and its performance characteristics will remain high throughout the entire period of operation.

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Useful tips from designers:

• a glossy white floor is ideal for high-tech, modern, art deco styles, and a matte one for Scandinavian;
• you can decorate a neoclassical room with a white floor, but the texture should only be glossy;
• It is recommended to lay plain, smooth linoleum under wooden or iron furniture, and textured one under woven upholstery;
• to create a traditional classic interior, choose dark furniture to complement the white floor;
• for country or eco style, it is better to choose not a single-color coating, but one with imitation wood;
• an effective contrast can be created if you match the light floor with dark baseboards and doors;
• if the furniture has already been purchased, then choose a floor covering of a universal light shade, including white, walnut, oak, ash, marble;
• the plinth, floor and walls should not be the same color; the best option is when the walls and plinth have contrasting colors;
• if the walls are plain, then the floor can be with a pattern, and one third of it should contain the color of the walls;
• A plain white floor does not match black furniture; such a contrast is acceptable if the linoleum has a wood texture.

Nuances of installation technology

The process of laying a rolled product is divided into two main stages: preparation of the rough base; direct laying of the coating.

Features of preparatory work/span>

Depending on the type of material from which the floor is made, the sequence of actions changes. The main requirements for the rough base: dryness, absence of chips, cracks, differences in height on the surface. If you have to work on a concrete base, the recesses are filled with putty, and the protruding areas need to be knocked down.

Preparing the surface for flooring

Such a floor must be protected from moisture and, if necessary, thermally insulated. If the surface is severely curved, you can remove the old coating and make a new screed. For minor surface imperfections, it is enough to fill the floor with self-leveling mixtures.

If you plan to lay wood-look linoleum, tile, laminate or other texture on a wooden base, you need to check it for the presence of fungus. It is also important that the boards do not “play” under your feet, and that the entire structure is rigid.

To do this, if necessary, individual boards are replaced, chips of appropriate sizes are placed under the joist structure, and knots are removed. In the case where the rolled material is planned to be laid on a substrate (plywood, chipboards), it must be covered with a special primer (tyunoprene).

For household and semi-commercial types, cold welding and double trimming are allowed.

What is better, light or dark linoleum?

A dark floor, unlike a light one, is not universal. It needs to be combined very carefully with other colors and styles. However, at the same time, it gives comfort, unlike white or simply light-colored coatings, and visually slightly reduces the space. As for practicality, dark colors also have disadvantages associated with contamination. Dust, stains, whitish spots, and small debris are visible on dark linoleum. Therefore, it is also not recommended to install it in kitchens, but at the same time it is quite suitable for a corridor, unlike a light one. Wenge is considered a universal dark color for the floor, which looks great in almost all interiors, but is most suitable for classic and modern styles.

Using glossy linoleum

Glossy floors are spectacular. The mirror surface of the linoleum canvas reflects light reflections. The room is filled with radiance. An ideal living space is created. Glossy linoleum flooring is good for a spacious room with low traffic, where there is little furniture.

Advice! Defects are clearly visible on a smooth surface, so glossy coating is not recommended for installation in areas with high loads.

Glossy linoleum marble floor

Comparison results

According to our comparison list, linoleum wins. But, in fairness, it should be noted that in the most important categories, laminate and linoleum received the same number of points.

The conclusion is that, all other things being equal, linoleum is preferable in the hallway, since it can be washed more often without damaging the coating, the choice of colors is greater and it absorbs noise better.

If you think that it is better to choose laminate or linoleum for other rooms in the apartment, then we recommend focusing on the general concept of your interior and choosing the flooring that you like best from an aesthetic point of view, since the performance qualities of these materials are approximately equal.

A few more expert opinions on whether laminate or linoleum is better:

Write in the comments which of these coverings is most suitable for the hallway and other rooms in the apartment. What have you laid in your house?

Unusual ideas

If the linoleum is bright red, let the walls and furniture be beige, cream, or white. A coral, emerald or gray accent, wall panel, painting will soften the color composition.

Red linoleum floor design

Red color is combined with orange, white, pale pink, gray. In the catalogs of online stores you can find a sample of linoleum covering, where tones and shades of scarlet are combined.

Black floors are a fashionable detail of the Art deco style. Gold is a unique design element because it combines with all materials, textures and colors. Black color is powerful, domineering, mysterious, and evokes strong emotions. The combination of gold and black is the quintessence of bourgeois luxury and looks intriguing.

Black floor, black furniture, gold
The color purple has many shades and tones, muted pastel, bright saturated. Purple flooring in a residential interior is a non-standard and controversial solution. This floor gives off a cold feeling. But the good thing about linoleum is that it’s not difficult to re-lay it if you get tired of the design.

Purple linoleum floor in a Scandinavian living room

Caring for white linoleum

One of the advantages of white linoleum is that it is easy to clean. To prevent dust from flying around, it is better to vacuum the floor rather than sweep it. Following simple rules for caring for the coating will help not only extend its service life, but also preserve its appearance:

• Do not use hot water for cleaning;
• Bright sunlight will cause the coating to fade;
• Do not dry or ventilate in winter to prevent cracking;
• Do not use abrasive cleaning products when cleaning;
• Do not use detergents containing chlorine;
• When cleaning wet, wring out the cloth well.

It is not recommended to clean the white oak patterned flooring with bleaching agents, otherwise the pattern will be destroyed.

Traces from furniture are clearly visible on a light-colored canvas; this can be avoided by placing wooden plates under the legs. It is advisable to use special care products for coating.

Snow-white Tarquette flooring can be used for various rooms, be it a spacious living room or a small bedroom.

By choosing the right tone and texture, you can get an extraordinary and beautiful floor that you won’t want to hide under a lot of furniture.

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Classification by raw materials and production technology

Gray linoleum in the interior can be:

1. Alkyd. It differs from other types in its composition, which includes oils and resins. Sometimes the material is impregnated with an antiseptic. Typically the product has a fabric backing treated with an alkyd-type resin.
2. PVC. May have a different number of layers, but always remains cool. The high level of thermal conductivity makes it not very comfortable to use. The product is resistant to fungi and is convenient for use in the bathroom. Sometimes the backing can be of a fabric type, but much more often it is of a cork nature.
3. Rezinov. The material lining is made from a mixture of bitumen and rubber. The front side is made of rubber and filler, the coloring is done using pigments.
4. Natural. Made from natural materials, using natural dyes. The main components are wood flour, resin and lime.