Designers say painted floors are making a comeback
Vintage home features like pocket doors and wainscoting are making a major comeback in home design. The latest old-fashioned design element that's back in style? Painted floors. Designers say painted floors are making a major comeback among today's homeowners.
This statement feature brings "personality and character" into a home, according to designer Emily Vaughan. Some people opt for painting the floor all one color, while others paint eye-catching patterns onto the floor. But designers note that this trend isn't the easiest to pull off — it requires plenty of prep and an understanding that you'll probably need to touch up the paint from time to time. If you ask us (and plenty of the designers we spoke to), it's absolutely worth it.
"They carry a sense of history while still feeling fresh and versatile, making them a perfect bridge between traditional charm and modern sensibilities," says Vaughan.
Meanwhile, New York designer Barrett Oswald says that in a world where the best ideas are a mere swipe and double-tap away, painted floors have plenty of viral potential. "Social media has brought them into the spotlight, and checkerboard patterns in particular are having a major inspiration moment," she shares.
barrett oswald painted floor
How to Paint Your Floors
Easy on the eyes, yes, but easy to replicate? Well, not exactly. "These projects are tricky because they require the right prep work, paint formulation, and sealing to last over time," Oswald explains. "It’s not the place to push your DIY limits!" She recommends hiring an experienced specialist who can bring your vision to life, stroke by stroke.
However, if you're going to try to go at it alone, Vaughan says proper prep is key. "Floors should be sanded to remove any previous finish, then thoroughly vacuumed and swept to eliminate all dust and debris before applying primer," she explains.
The designer also encourages you to follow the recommend drying times, letting the paint fully cure before bringing in furniture, and testing your color on your underfoot. "Colors tend to look lighter on a flat surface than they do on walls or in swatches," Vaughan shares. "For example, if you want a white floor, consider choosing a light beige instead. This will keep the space bright without the glare of a stark white."
emily vaughn painted floor
How to Maintain Your Floors
While painted walls and ceilings can hold up nicely over the years, a lacquered floor is going to come in contact with shoes, toys, and lots of furniture. Wear and tear is inevitable, but high-quality paint can make your floor look fresher for longer. Vaughan, for example, is a big fan of Benjamin Moore's Advance Line.
"It cures to a hard, durable finish that can handle regular cleaning," she shares. "It’s a water-based alkyd, so you get the smooth, self-leveling application associated with traditional oil paints, but with lower odor and fewer VOCs."
Oswald suggests applying felt pad to the bottom of your furniture, avoid dragging anything too heavy, and scheduling touchups when you're out of town. "That way the work can be done, the paint can fully cure, and you won’t be around for any fumes," she says.
painted checkered floor
The Best Painted Floor Styles
Just like any other surface in your home, your floor is a blank canvas: With so many colors and patterns to choose from, virtually anything's possible. So, where to begin? Since painted floors are not a "one-size-fits-all style," Oswald advises doing your homework to see which frescos will look best underfoot.
"If your space already has a lot of patterns or bold features, adding a painted floor might make things feel too busy," she explains. "Also, if the look doesn’t match your home’s architectural vibe, it can feel out of place."
When in doubt, embrace classic colors and repeats. "Patterns are a big commitment," Oswald cautions. "Stick to timeless options like checkerboard, lattice, or painting wood planks in a solid color." Trends might come and go, but with a discerning eye, a painted floor will continue to wow with each step.
