3 Flooring Choices for Small Homes

With the high cost of housing nowadays, many renters and homeowners are turning to practical living in smaller spaces to save money. There are plenty of advantages to more compact...

Karl Batson Karl Batson -   Head of Operations
5 min read
Last Modified: 30 July 2025
3 Flooring Choices for Small Homes

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With the high cost of housing nowadays, many renters and homeowners are turning to practical living in smaller spaces to save money. There are plenty of advantages to more compact housing, but it comes with its struggles, too.

One issue that many people face when redecorating their small homes is finding the right flooring material to suit their needs. Big, bulky materials such as marble and hardwood are an awkward fit in tighter spaces, but the best floors still need to be comfortable, durable, and resistant to moisture and heat.

The best floors for a small home are versatile materials that can work in all areas. You likely won’t have the space to separate your home with different floors for each room, so finding a good all-round option for living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms should be a priority.

We’ll walk you through some of our top choices for flooring in a small home and show you why each of them is a great fit for compact spaces. We also offer a wide variety of options for all of these materials on our website, so if one catches your eye, be sure to browse our collection to find the best deals available!

Vinyl flooring

If you’re looking to replace your floors in a small space, chances are you’ll be trying to save as much money as possible. Some materials have a high cost when redesigning even the smallest of rooms, so it’s always sensible to look for cost-effective flooring options. That’s why vinyl is such a popular pick for refurbishing smaller homes.

Vinyl floors are durable, versatile, and very easy to maintain, meaning you won’t have to spend much time or money keeping them in good shape. They’re good for sound-dampening, meaning your small home won’t be as noisy from day to day, and they can be installed relatively easily compared to other materials if you have the right DIY experience.

Best of all, vinyl is available in a wide variety of designs, letting you pick the perfect one for your home. If you want to give your floors the look of wood or stone without spending on the real thing, you’ll be sure to find a vinyl pattern that suits your tastes.

The water-resistant properties of vinyl also make it a strong choice for small homes, as you can use the same material in your kitchen area and bathroom as the rest of your living space. For a comfortable, lightweight, and reliable option to use around your home, consider a vinyl floor.

Laminate flooring

Similar to vinyl, laminate flooring offers simple installation and easy maintenance, making it a great choice for anybody looking to replace their floors on a tight budget. It’s also a sturdy, durable option that can withstand years of heavy foot traffic without showing signs of wear and tear.

Laminate floors come in a range of designs that can mimic other textures, such as wood and marble. This makes them a great alternative, offering the same look and feel of more expensive materials without the high price and tedious maintenance routines. Waterproof and water-resistant laminate floors are also available, making them a versatile choice that can cover your kitchens and bathrooms just as well as your main areas.

If you care for your laminate flooring well enough, it can last between 15 and 25 years before needing a replacement. That means you can save the money needed for costly repairs, and spend it on the things that really matter to you.

Finally, laminates are made from environmentally friendly recycled materials, so you’ll be doing your part for the planet and giving your small home a sustainable edge. 

Engineered wood flooring

Hardwood is loved for its traditional look and signature underfoot feel, but with a high price and difficult installation, it’s not typically well-suited to smaller spaces. Engineered wood is a cost-effective, low-maintenance alternative that gives your home the same visual appeal, but with improved durability and less hassle.

Each plank is made of layers of plywood that have been compacted, then topped with real wood for a convincing finish. A protective layer is then applied, making engineered wood resistant to moisture damage and heavy foot traffic. Your engineered wood can also be refinished, letting you restore its original looks over time.

Compared to other wooden options, engineered floors are a versatile and affordable option that can be used in almost all areas of your small home – just be sure to clean up spills immediately to avoid water damage. Otherwise, they’re very low maintenance compared to hardwood, letting you look after your floors without the need for a costly cleaning routine.

Plus, engineered wood expands less than other materials when faced with atmospheric changes, so fluctuations in your room’s humidity and temperature are much less likely to damage your planks.

Browse the Flooring King range

We hope you now know what goes into a good flooring option for a small home, and that our guide has given you some inspiration for what materials are available. Remember to prioritise versatility, cost, and durability for your home, so you can get the best value for money possible out of your flooring. With the right level of care, you can choose a floor that will survive for years without the need for repairs.

Still looking for your ideal flooring materials? Flooring King has you covered, with a wide range of options at affordable prices! Test your floors before you buy with our free sample service, or get in touch today to see how we can help you find the best flooring for your home.

Need assistance? We’re here for you!