If all those months of quarantine taught us anything, it’s that families need space. Space to work, space to work out, space to gather, space to relax, and—especially for the youngest members of the family—space to grow and play.
Designated playrooms provide a “kids-only” territory for toddlers and young children to express their creativity, channel their energy into physical activity, and even relax and unwind in an area set aside just for them.
All of this means that choosing the right flooring material is critical, since you want a floor that stands up to messes and heavy foot traffic, but also one that is comfortable and attractive in your home. Check out some of our top choices below!
Carpet (and Carpet Tiles)
For toddlers and younger kids especially, carpet is a great choice for safety. It gives kids a soft surface on which to sit, kneel, and lay down, and it helps to cushion new walkers in case they fall. Carpet also is also great at absorbing noise that would otherwise carry through the floor and walls.
On the downside, kids are messy and carpet can stain easily. Two great solutions? Choose an inexpensive wall-to-wall carpet that can be replaced easily as kids get older, or consider carpet tiles. The tiles are super simple to pop out and replace if an area becomes stained or worn. (Also check out our Quick Tips for Everyday Carpet Care and Maintenance.)
Hardwood
Hardwood floors are well known for their beauty and durability, but they are also very easy to clean and maintain. Dirt and debris can be swept up quickly, and spills wiped away with a towel or a wet mop. Another bonus? Hardwood flooring doesn’t collect dust and dander like carpet flooring, making it a good choice for children with allergies.
Laminate & Vinyl
Love the look of hardwood floors but not the price tag? Laminate or vinyl flooring may be the way to go. Durable, moisture resistant, and scratch resistant, they hold up extremely well against heavy wear and tear—perfect for little ones who are constantly on the go.
Rubber
Rubber floors? Really? Yes, really! Rubber floors offer a little extra “spring” in case of falls, plus they resist spills and stains, wash up easily, help with noise control, and can last a long time if properly maintained.
Cork
Did you know cork floors are antimicrobial? They resist mold and mildew, making them a popular choice for playrooms where kids spend a lot of time. Plus, eco-friendly cork is much easier to maintain than you might think. When properly sealed, cork floors excel at resisting stains, and regular sweeping or vacuuming is all it takes to keep them looking great.
