2017 Laminate Flooring Trends: 11 Ideas for Show Stopping Floors
Don’t make the outdated choice when you update your floors – use these 2017 laminate flooring trends to choose something durable and stylish that will stay in style the lifetime of your floor.
Have you heard about laminate lately? It was the big thing for a while; then we started talking about vinyl and wood-look tile. So…does laminate still have a place on the trends list?
Absolutely!
Laminate flooring has maintained its status as the staple go-to wood flooring alternative for residential use.Tremendous advancements are being made in flooring technology, allowing laminate to resemble solid hardwood more closely than ever before. The laminate flooring business is booming in a big way.
In fact, real estate experts are calling laminate flooring one of the top options for increasing home value, preceded by solid hardwood, stone and tile. Laminate flooring offers homeowners an affordable way to achieve their dream wood look.
In the 80s, when laminate first gained popularity, it looked and sounded cheap and unrealistic with hollow sounding planks and uncompelling designs.
Times have changed.
Laminate floor is going strong than ever with exceptionally realistic looks mimicking the current flooring trends in solid hardwood. And not just traditional hardwood. Technologies now allow us to even replicate hand-scraped and reclaimed wood looks in affordable, easy-to-maintain laminate flooring.
Let’s take a look at what you can expect to see in 2017.
Other Flooring Trends >> 2017 Flooring Trends, 2017 Wood Flooring Trends, 2017 Tile Flooring Trends, 2017 Vinyl Flooring Trends, 2017 Carpet Trends, 2017 Wood-Look Flooring Trends, 2017 Flooring Layout & Pattern Trends, 2016 Flooring Trends
What Other Experts Are Saying
“Laminate flooring is still one of the most sought after floorcoverings today. Its realistic visuals mimicking traditional, exotic, reclaimed and vintage woods, as well as tile and natural stone keep consumers coming back for more. Now with the latest technologies, in scratch and stain resistance and even anti mold and mildew properties built in, laminate flooring can be at home in any setting from cottages to palatial estates.We are seeing the trend continue toward reclaimed and weathered looks mixed with more modern or industrial walls and decor accessories.” – Margo Locust, Fabulous Floors“Laminate flooring continues to improve in both performance and appearance, and I think we will see more and more homeowners choosing laminate over other flooring options. The most popular styles of laminate flooring planks will continue to mimic hardwood floors, with lighter colors, wider planks, and dimension in the appearance becoming more and more popular. As the process for creating laminate floors becomes even more streamlined, I imagine we will start seeing a drop in the price per square foot for laminate floors as well, without sacrificing any of the quality, which will only lead to an even greater increase in their popularity.” – Cindy Weinstock, The Flooring Lady
2017 Laminate Flooring Looks
Similar to tile and vinyl, laminate flooring is upping the ante on realistic wood looks. Once upon a time, you could only get the smooth, basic, not-even-believable wood looks.
Now, you will find laminate flooring available in styles that mimic current wood flooring trends. And chances are, you won’t even know they’re laminate.
Reclaimed Wood Look Laminate
Unique and rustic, with each plank telling a story, it’s no wonder the laminate floor manufacturers are copying the reclaimed wood look.
While, in theory, manufactured material completely eradicates the purpose of using reclaimed wood (recycled materials, environmentally conscious), many homeowners are simply looking for the modern style and reclaimed hardwood prices are soaring!
Reclaimed wood look laminate offers an engaging and cost-effective solution for stylish, middle-class homeowners that cannot (or just prefer not to) spend an arm and a leg on reclaimed hardwood.
We don’t foresee the reclaimed wood trend lasting too long (I mean, it’s a limited resource as it is!) and we anticipate that as that trend dies, the reclaimed wood look laminate will slowly die with it.
Weathered & Distressed Wood Look Laminate
Similar to reclaimed wood look, right now character is in.
You can now get the same weathered and distressed looks available in traditional solid hardwood, such as wire-brushed, in easy to maintain, affordable laminate.
How will this trend survive? I believe there will always be a market for this type of flooring. It’s not something that every homeowner will love, but I predict it will stay relevant for the next 20 years.
Rustic & Hand Scraped Wood Look Laminate
Are you noticing a trend?
Distinct. Original. Complex.
That is what people want in their flooring in 2017.
Hand scraping makes each wood plank appear to be handcrafted and one of a kind. In the past, laminate flooring has merely been embossed to look hand scraped, but newer planks are given this realistic touch to be able to fully compete with solid hardwood in both looks and texture.
Long, ingrained scrapes show in the finish, leaving the floor looking finished, classic and rare. This is often very expensive in solid hardwood, but notably less costly in lookalike laminate.
This unique, individual, handcrafted look will absolutely stand the test of time. It looks expensive, and people love expensive.
*Note: Many floors will claim to be hand scraped when, in reality, they have been etched by a machine. Make sure you’re purchasing your flooring from a reputable manufacturer to ensure things are truly as they are labeled.
Exotic Wood Look Laminate
Laminate is taking things to the next level and truly matching every type of wood currently available on the market.
Exotic hardwood is one of the newer, more notable trends this year, and laminate has managed to replicate this look and fool many design experts. Rather than importing expensive, exotic solid hardwood from countries across the world, homeowners are now purchasing convincing exotic wood looks in laminate.
This trend is ultra specific. It may stick around in stylized homes, but don’t expect to see it widely marketed. Our guess is that these looks will likely stick around, but the market for “exotic looks” will fall, and they will be marketed differently.
Related post >> Tile Flooring Trends
2017 Laminate Flooring Color Trends
Laminate looks this year are trending towards modern and beachy. You’ll see some old favorites and a new kid on the block.
Like other flooring options, most of these color trends lean towards the more extreme options, making the milder, natural browns slightly less sought after for the moment.
White Washed Laminate
Beachy!
White washed laminate gives the allure of a California beach house. Modern and trendy, but laid back and cool. This trend is extending outside of the typical vacation rental and making its way into homes all over the country.
Let’s be honest about white floors for a hot second. White shows ev-er-y-thing. Dirt, dust, scrapes, you name it. While the light, bright look will make your home look larger and more open, white is a needy color, and it’s not for everyone.
This look is cool, but homeowners will soon be onto something else. Probably a more natural blonde wood look that we’re already starting to see popping up.
Blonde Laminate
Why blonde? So many reasons! Light, bright blonde laminate floors make your space look big and bright. Unlike white floors, they are less likely to appear dingy and dirty, so they basically give you the best of both worlds!
Additionally, blonde is on the newer end of the trend spectrum so you won’t see too many homes that have gotten the memo just yet. That means, if you jump on board soon, you will look like a total trendsetter once it really takes off.
I anticipate we’ll see blonde laminate flooring for the next few decades and, possibly, beyond.
Gray Laminate
The twenty-teens trend turned classic. Does anyone call these twenty-teens? And does this mean in 4 years when people refer to the “20s”, it will no longer be the era of flapper dresses and prohibition, but just, like, right now?
Okay, I’m sorry. We were talking about flooring (but, for real, if you have thoughts on how to explain what decade we’re in, please leave a comment and teach me how to live in this century).
Gray flooring has been exploding in a big way, and laminate floors are no exception. You’ll see gray floor, gray decor, gray walls, you name it – gray is in.
Gray laminate flooring appears to be here for the long haul. If you like it, go for it – it’s not going anywhere soon!
Espresso Laminate
Chic, modern, sleek espresso laminate floors are quickly becoming a staple in contemporary, urban homes. Dark floors have always screamed elegance to me (although, elegance would probably politely speak in an inside voice, rather than scream). These rich, deep colors look as gorgeous in laminate as solid hardwood.
While these dark floors are beautiful, they can tend to make your room look small and show dirt/dust more easily. While light colors brighten your room and immediately make the space look bigger, dark colors tend to do the opposite. And we’ve all seen those black cars after a windy day – Dust City.
Will they stick around for the long haul?
Eh, I’m not so sure. But you can certainly expect to see espresso brown, almost black floors throughout 2017 and the near future.
Related post >> Laminate vs. Vinyl Flooring
2017 Laminate Flooring Layout & Pattern Trends
People are getting ultra creative when it comes to the layout of their floor. Patterns, angles, you name it. Of course, not all patterns are created equal. Let’s look at what’s hot right now.
Herringbone & Chevron Laminate Floors
*Note: The above images are wood and tile, not laminate.
Okay, you’re probably wondering ‘what the heck is herringbone?’ or ‘aren’t those the same thing?’. Well, herringbone is a cool pattern that looks like chevron but isn’t. And chevron is, well, chevron.
In the chevron pattern, the two planks are angled at the end to come together and form a perfect point. In the herringbone pattern (basically, the easier, more affordable chevron for flooring), planks are laid in a zigzag, but stacked on top of each other to create the “point” – this means less cutting, less labor and less wasted materials.
This may not be the trend to do your entire home in. However, long entryways, hallways and bathrooms can look absolutely stunning.
If you’re going to go with either of these trendy layouts, we highly suggest going with herringbone (see above). Although this trend isn’t likely to last forever, it sure looks pretty while it’s here. If you’re someone who likes to change up their home often, or you’re looking to sell to a young, trendy crowd, it could be an excellent choice!
Diagonal Laminate Floors
*Note: The above image is wood, not laminate. It is here to share the design idea that can also be achieved with laminate.
My favorite. Homeowners are changing things up by laying their laminate flooring at an angle rather than straight on. This gives your floor (and home) a unique, expensive look.
It does cost more in materials (and often installation), but the outcome is dreamy, yet still uncommon enough to maintain its luster.
Can it still be a trend if it’s uncommon? We think so.
It’s more likely you’ll see this look with solid hardwood because it is more pricey, and people that tend to spend a little more on their flooring often go with hardwood. However, you can totally steal the show without spending an arm and a leg and achieve the same thing with laminate.
We predict it will not only stay relevant for years to come, but even up the resale value of your home.
Wide Plank Laminate Floors
It’s no secret that larger planks make your room look bigger. These large planks look modern, elegant and expensive in any room in the home.
In fact, manufacturers are only trending towards even larger, wider planks as we roll into 2017. However, this expansion can only last so long and will, eventually, become over the top like those “cell phones” that are actually sized like tablets.
So you don’t have to go with planks the size of a large human, but larger 8″-10″ wide planks are hot, hot, hot, and readily available on the market today.
Are you thinking about jumping on board? Well, you should!
As I mentioned, manufacturers are only trending towards even wider and longer planks. This trend will soon become a classic staple and will likely last the test of time.
Mixed Width Laminate Floors
Our eyes love detail and the unexpected. That is why it is no surprise that mixed width laminate floors are in demand.
Mixed width laminate floors (unsurprisingly) combine multiple width planks to make the flooring pop. This can be done in a pattern or randomly for more variety.
As far as longevity, we predict this trend will be around for a while, but it is unlikely that it will become a flooring staple.
In conclusion
Did we miss anything? Leave it in the comments – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
As you can see, there’s a lot going on in the laminate flooring industry right now. There are plenty of different, unique options trending that will likely stick around for years to come, which means your possibilities are endless.
If you want something hot that will last for the long haul, we recommend going for a rustic looking laminate in large, wide planks.
If you’re looking to get started with new trendy laminate flooring, here are a few of my favorites:
Experts share different flooring trends that bring style and function to any space.Thanks for sharing, very useful informations for wood floor lovers.
Laminate floors are really amazing.. I can’t wait to have this next year.. I have a lot of designs in my mind but this trend guide really helps.. Cheer for you Ari Ziskin.
So where does one go to purchase high quality laminate flooring?
We are about to build & I am rethinking the 600×600 mm tiles because of cost to lay mainly.
Is there any feedback about how pet friendly they are. Thinking about dog claws.
Hi Tanya,
Well, not to toot our own horn, but would recommend purchasing your high-quality laminate flooring from us at FlooringInc.com. Laminate is durable enough to stand up to dog claws. However, I would encourage you to go with a textured laminate. Many laminate floors are slippery, making them not ideal for dogs who love to run and play. Additionally, you can also check out luxury vinyl planks, which will give you the same wood look and affordable price, but they are even more dog-friendly.
Feel free to order some free samples of each to see what you like. And you are welcome to use code Blog28 for 28% off the original product price.
Here you can check out all our laminate flooring –> https://www.flooringinc.com/laminate/all.html?utm_source=blog&utm_campaign=Laminate%20Trends&utm_medium=comment
And here you can check out all of our vinyl flooring –> https://www.flooringinc.com/all-vinyl.html?utm_source=blog&utm_campaign=Laminate%20Trends&utm_medium=comment
Thanks for commenting and please let me know if you have any further questions!
Laminate flooring is certainly a revolution in the home interior as it helps to ensure the desired appearance of certain areas of the home. The range of embossing makes it preferred choice.
So thanks for sharing a detail information about latest trends and culture within the laminate flooring.
Fabulous Post! Thank you so much for sharing this one very helpful and peaceful info share by blog, Love it Thanks again.
Glad you enjoyed it, James!
I’m planning my flooring for my new home and your post has me considering laminate now insteadinstead of engineered wood. Thanks for great info;
Glad you enjoyed it, Terri! Please let me know if we can help you with your selection or set you up with any free samples to check out in the process.
Laminate Flooring brings your rooms relaxing and modern look. The installation of flooring is easy and affordable. But if you are using glueless locking system, then that makes flooring installation fast. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post with us!
I’ve been looking @Pergo Timbercraft to replace my living rm carpet. I already have large, beautiful light gray rectangular stones from the entry thru the front hall, guest bath, on into the open concept kitchen. I’ve been struggling w/doing more gray toned flooring to totally match (light or medium) for the Pergo or else more of a Blonde oak for a bit of subtle contrast. I have a Trilogy Shea, small home (1450 sq ft one level) in a retirement community & need to keep it simple or the room will shrink. My cabinets are a medium to dark oak contrasted w/white quartz countertops. I’ve not finished painting but have contrasting feature walls w/warm taupe, grey blue & white (may do some white walls a very light grey. Some of our furniture is very dark like my upright piano..making the open concept a bit crowded (hence no dark floors but I do like Pergo Harbor View Oak). My chairs (high low, dining, recliners, island) are mainly grey, white & dark brown leather. Curtains are white & smoky sheers. Pergo Salt mill Oak is a perfect match (seamless) to my stone floors. I saw a Pergo Modern Oak in photos online & it looks beautiful. Lowes has measured & are ready to go..but I’m stuck right now as I know that it’s an investment to tear up my carpet & put in new floors..so I want to get it right.Your article gave me some ideas…but any thoughts?
Hi Mary,
It sounds like you have a lot of ideas! I definitely think staying with something light and consistent is the way to go. If you already have gray decor, you may consider doing the blonde wood-look floors to complement that and keep your home from looking too cave-like. I’d take a look at some of these:
https://www.flooringinc.com/laminate/all.html?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=comment&utm_campaign=Laminate%20Trends#!filter=360
Thank you for sharing us your knowledge about laminated flooring, uses and keeping it clean
The information you have shared is very useful and helpful. Hoping to have more tips from you. Thanks.