What are the best floor coverings for children?

The type of flooring you install in your home could affect your children’s development. A study by the University of Salford concluded that the school environment affects a child’s learning by as much as 25%. These findings have influenced school designs, but can also guide your choice of flooring in the home.

Studies have shown that colour affects children. Red, yellow and orange stimulate, while more tranquil shades are restful. This may not be important for the colours chosen for your living room, but it can affect the colour choices for your children’s bedrooms.

Impact resistant flooring is advisable. Many schools have rubberised floors, but a good quality vinyl floor will cushion falls by children. Luxury vinyl lessens the chances of items breaking when children drop them.

There have been increases in children suffering from allergies and asthma. Exposure to dust and dust mites can trigger allergies, so install floor coverings that are easy to clean or ones with the Allergy UK ‘Seal of Approval’. If you have allergy sufferers in your family, regularly clean floors, and have carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year. You may need to avoid using cleaning products containing chemicals.

Another factor is acoustics. Laminate and wood flooring in a child’s upstairs bedroom can transmit noise through the ceiling that is heard below. Either install an acoustic underlay or luxury vinyl that has noise reducing properties.

If you have children, there are definite benefits to installing vinyl flooring in your Chester home.