13 Kitchen Flooring Ideas

13 Kitchen Flooring Ideas

by — Andra DelMonico
Published on July 19, 2021
Updated on March 21, 2025

“I always had a fantasy of being a chef, because I like kitchen life.” – Geoffrey Rush

Updating your kitchen is one of the best ways to upgrade your home and increase its value. While many people focus on the appliances, lighting, walls, and cabinets, there’s one area that can make an even bigger impact.

Changing the flooring in your kitchen transforms the entire look and feel of the space.

Kitchen flooring ideas embrace almost all types of flooring. However, that doesn’t mean they are all the best options.

The flooring you choose needs to look great, be within your budget, and be durable enough to last. Consider these ideas for the new floor in your kitchen.

1. Create Elegance with Chevron Patterns

Add a unique style to your kitchen floor by arranging the wood planks or tile in a chevron pattern. This is a simpler version of parquet flooring. The chevron design creates a subtle design that won’t overwhelm the kitchen.

Chevron-patterned kitchen flooring in a light wood tone adds texture and elegance, complementing the warm, rustic, and modern kitchen decor — Source: @daniellelouisedoughty via Instagram

Kitchen with herringbone-patterned wooden floor, gray cabinets, and a brown cushioned barstool by an island — Source: @little.1930s.semi via Instagram

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, herringbone wood floor, built-in oven, gas stove, and white herringbone-tiled backsplash — Source: @oneninebridgewater via Instagram

Galley kitchen with wooden herringbone floor, exposed brick wall, teal cabinets, large window, and a dining area at the end — Source: @saintsaens_sancerre via Instagram

Traditionally, wood flooring is used for creating the chevron pattern. You can use small to large planks to scale the size of the pattern to suit the size of your kitchen. However, if you don’t want a wood floor, you can create the same pattern with rectangular-shaped tiles.

2. Add Drama with Dark Flooring

Choosing a dark-colored flooring for your kitchen will add sophistication and drama. It can also help your kitchen to feel larger when you pair it with light-colored walls and cabinets.

The contrast between the light and dark draws the heaviness down while making the upper area feel larger.

Dark wood-style kitchen flooring creates a striking contrast with white cabinetry, adding warmth and sophistication to this bright, modern space — Source: @berkshiretownhouse via Instagram

Modern kitchen with black cabinets, black hexagonal floor tiles, and large windows revealing an ocean view; dining area with wooden chairs — Source: @c.a.m_africa_kitchens via Instagram

Dark stone-look kitchen flooring pairs beautifully with rich wood countertops and modern cabinetry, creating a warm and stylish contrast — Source: @chantalwinsteadhomes via Instagram

Modern kitchen with black tile floor, white cabinets, black backsplash, stainless steel stove, and island under chandelier; large windows — Source: @dapperfranks via Instagram

Dark stone tile flooring enhances this moody, rustic kitchen, complementing black cabinetry and warm wood accents for a sophisticated look — Source: @mariannenordby via Instagram

Dark wood-style flooring grounds this modern kitchen, complementing white cabinetry and black countertops for a sleek, balanced contrast — Source: @mybest.interior via Instagram

You could stick with a natural look by choosing a dark hardwood or engineered wood floor. Your kitchen will have a traditional feel with this approach. For a modern feel, choose a sleek black slate.

It will have varying shades from dark charcoal grey to pitch black. You can also opt for a black tile for a contemporary feel.

3. Classic and Durable Tile Flooring Options

Tile is one of the most popular materials for the kitchen floor because it’s affordable and durable.

You have two main types of tile to choose from: ceramic or porcelain tile. Both are strong, but porcelain is less porous and more durable. Both types of tile come in a range of sizes, colors, and shapes.

Kitchen with green cabinets, black and white checkered floor, red chairs around a dark wooden table, and red flowers in a white vase — Source: @colombe_studio via Instagram

A kitchen with beige rectangular and square tiles on the floor, surrounded by dark cabinets — Source: @gypsy_lane_ via Instagram

Light wood-look tile flooring adds warmth and contrast to this modern black-and-white kitchen, creating a sleek yet inviting atmosphere — Source: @homereno.no9 via Instagram

Light square tile flooring brightens this U-shaped kitchen, complementing wood countertops and soft cabinetry for a cozy, rustic charm — Source: @intothewoodscw via Instagram

Kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and gray tile flooring, sunlight streaming in through the glass doors — Source: @luislin52 via Instagram

Glossy white tile flooring enhances this sleek modern kitchen, reflecting light to create a spacious and sophisticated look with black and white contrasts — Source: @meridieninteriors_kitchens via Instagram

Speckled black tile flooring grounds this modern kitchen, complementing light wood cabinetry and a bold geometric tile backsplash — Source: @ulfven via Instagram

If you aren’t ready for the full commitment of tile replacement, then a more affordable and less permanent option is vinyl tile. You can lay luxury vinyl tile over your existing floor for a quick and easy change.

While it may not last as long as other flooring materials, it will quickly transform the look of your kitchen.

4. Embrace Modernity with Grey Flooring

Grey is the popular modern neutral. It’s replaced beige and tan as the soft neutral color used for designing and decorating. A light grey floor is best accomplished with natural materials.

A plain grey tile will look dull and industrial, which isn’t the look most people are going for in their home kitchen.

Checkered grey tile flooring adds character to this cozy kitchen, complementing soft cabinetry, wooden accents, and vibrant teal walls — Source: @elm_terrace_interior via Instagram

Soft grey wooden flooring complements this rustic kitchen, blending beautifully with pastel walls, white cabinetry, and a cozy farmhouse aesthetic — Source: @gunnkmonsen via Instagram

Light grey tile flooring enhances this modern kitchen, complementing navy cabinetry, white subway tiles, and open wooden shelving for a stylish look — Source: @home_of_the_os via Instagram

For an easy floor solution, try concrete flooring. You probably already have concrete as the foundation in your kitchen. Clean it up and seal it to prevent stains and make it more sanitary.

5. Brighten Spaces with Light-Colored Floors

Choosing a light-colored floor for your kitchen will help to keep the space feeling light and bright. Modern kitchen design embraces light woods that blend well with the minimalist design approach. You’ll see it often used in Scandinavian interior design.

Bright kitchen with white cabinets and marble countertops, a blue door, fruit bowl, and plants add color, herringbone floor pattern — Source: @_thirdcoastinteriors_ via Instagram

Light wood flooring adds warmth and contrast to this modern kitchen, complementing white cabinetry, black accents, and industrial lighting — Source: @aniula87 via Instagram

Minimalist kitchen with taupe cabinets, white countertops, and wood flooring featuring a small sink and vase on the counter, complemented by natural light from a window — Source: @carolinerydenfelt via Instagram

Light wood flooring enhances this sleek modern kitchen, complemented by ambient LED lighting, neutral cabinetry, and a clean, minimalist design — Source: @house_of_lytham via Instagram

You could also choose a light-colored tile. It doesn’t have to be pure white. Instead, choose a light marble that features shades of grey veining. You could also use natural stone that’s in a light shade.

What’s nice about these two options is that the light color is predominant, but the floor has depth with the darker shades accenting the floor.

6. Luxury and Elegance with Marble Floors

Large marble sheets are the classic look of elegant and high-end homes. A bright white or light grey marble will look elegant and keep your kitchen looking bright.

The large sheets of marble will look and be the most expensive. However, it also creates a smooth and continuous look that will flow throughout your whole kitchen.

Modern kitchen with stainless steel oven, white cabinets, and light gray marble floor tiles — Source: @brushcolumbia via Instagram

Luxurious kitchen with marble floors and backsplash, gold accents, round table, gray cabinets, and modern chairs under glass pendant lights — Source: @floors2luv via Instagram

Glossy white marble flooring adds a luxurious touch to this sleek black-and-white kitchen, enhancing its modern and sophisticated aesthetic — Source: @ournumbereleven via Instagram

White marble flooring enhances this all-white kitchen, adding elegance and a seamless, luxurious feel with soft veining for subtle texture — Source: @the.home.of.grey via Instagram

Polished white marble flooring with subtle veining enhances this sleek all-white kitchen, reflecting light for a bright and spacious feel — Source: @the_buttercup_home via Instagram

Glossy white marble flooring with grey veining adds elegance to this modern kitchen, complemented by soft-toned cabinetry and ambient lighting — Source: @time_for_a_toast via Instagram

If you have your heart set on marble for your flooring material, consider using marble tile flooring. These are smaller tiles that are made from marble.

A popular shape in flooring trends is a small rectangular, similar to subway tile. This combines the vintage feel of subway tile with the elegance of marble.

7. Go Green with Modern Sustainable Flooring

A rising trend in home flooring materials is sustainable and environmentally friendly flooring materials. This is material that’s made from natural materials that won’t damage the environment and are easy to restore.

Cork flooring is one of the most popular flooring materials for this trend. While you could choose cork that looks like traditional cork, you could also choose cork flooring in a more elegant pattern.

You can find modern cork flooring with a chevron, plank, or geometric pattern.

Dark marble flooring with white veining adds a luxurious touch to this modern kitchen, complementing black cabinetry and warm wood accents — Source: @artlinedesigns_ via Instagram

Glossy white tile flooring enhances this modern kitchen, reflecting natural light and complementing sleek grey cabinetry for a clean, sophisticated look — Source: @bungalowrenovationglenview via Instagram

Modern kitchen with sleek cabinetry, built-in oven, stovetop, island with sink, and light wood flooring next to a staircase — Source: @c.a.m_africa_kitchens via Instagram

Sleek kitchen with white cabinets, gray floor tiles, stainless steel appliances, and a small round wall mirror by a large window — Source: @hellershome18 via Instagram

The other most popular sustainable material is bamboo flooring. It looks like standard light wood flooring.

What’s nice about bamboo is that not only is it environmentally friendly, but it’s also incredibly durable. This helps your flooring to last a long time, even with heavy use in the kitchen.

8. Make a Statement with Patterned Floors

Kitchen floor tile tends to be a bit boring, with either wood or plain tile floors.

Make your kitchen stand out by creating a pattern on your kitchen floor. You can do this with almost any kitchen flooring option you decide to use.

If you want wood flooring, skip the standard running planks and create a chevron or herringbone pattern. Or you could lay a parquet flooring for an elegant pattern.

Narrow kitchen with white cabinets, black faucet, patterned tile floor, large windows, and modern appliances — Source: @farmhouse_on_bennett via Instagram

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, red backsplash, patterned floor tiles, skylight, and large window overlooking trees — Source: @globalflooringstudios via Instagram

Kitchen with black and white checkered floor, gray cabinets, and a marble countertop, dark wooden door in the background — Source: @limelightflooring via Instagram

Black-and-white patterned tile flooring adds a vintage charm to this bright, farmhouse-style kitchen, complementing wood countertops and open shelving — Source: @marydecrescenzio.photo via Instagram

Geometric patterned tile flooring adds a stylish touch to this charming blue kitchen, enhancing its vintage-inspired design and bright, airy feel — Source: @no.ordinary.gal via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, patterned floor tiles, black appliances, and a "My Coffee Bar" sign on the countertop — Source: @stepbystep.home and @decorandobyvalentinna via Instagram

Kitchen with blue cabinets, star-patterned floor tiles, white walls, and stainless steel oven. Bright lighting and minimalist design — Source: @thepropertyfixersuk via Instagram

Tile is another easy flooring material to create patterns with. You could use a small tile to create a mosaic pattern. This works best for small kitchens.

Lay a larger tile that has a pattern on each tile. Larger-sized tiles and scaled patterns work best in larger kitchens.

You can also use multiple plain tiles to create a custom pattern on the floor.

9. Achieve a Warm, Rustic Look

Give your home the final touch to your rustic aesthetic with a wooden floor. You could do this with authentic reclaimed or salvaged wood.

This will give your kitchen floor an uneven and worn look. This is nice but also not completely practical. You don’t want to risk injury to someone who is barefoot in your kitchen.

This can result in a lot of cleaning up of the wood before you install your rustic kitchen flooring design.

Warm hardwood flooring enhances this elegant kitchen, complementing dark cabinetry and arched windows for a timeless and inviting rustic charm — Source: @fruitfulinteriorsandstaging via Instagram

Rich hardwood flooring enhances this cozy rustic kitchen, complementing black cabinetry, wood countertops, and warm natural light for a timeless feel — Source: @joinashome via Instagram

Warm wood-look flooring adds rustic charm to this modern kitchen, complementing white cabinetry and a bold magenta island for a stylish contrast — Source: @missibrough via Instagram

Rustic mixed-tone wood flooring adds character to this modern kitchen, complementing neutral cabinetry and warm wooden countertops for a cozy feel — Source: @ourruffordgreenwoodvalley via Instagram

Rustic multi-toned wood flooring adds depth and character to this cozy kitchen, complementing warm wooden cabinetry for a timeless, inviting look — Source: @therobsonsmum via Instagram

A great alternative is to use laminate flooring. Both laminate and vinyl flooring can mimic the look of rustic wood flooring without all of the work and maintenance requirements. Finish the look by laying a kitchen rug on top that’s woven out of jute or a low pile oriental rug.

10. Timeless Beauty with Stone Flooring

Natural stone can give your kitchen a warm and welcoming feeling while also looking sleek and modern. The aesthetic you give your kitchen will depend on the type of stone and how it’s cut.

Rustic stone flooring is hand-cut and irregular in shape. They tend to look more generic in color and work well in a kitchen that has a rustic or farmhouse feel.

Natural stone flooring adds a rustic charm to this cozy kitchen, complementing wood countertops, white cabinetry, and dark subway tile backsplash — Source: @boxmoorhome via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, a large island with wicker stools, glass pendant lights, and stone tile flooring — Source: @gem_at_yewtree via Instagram

Natural slate flooring adds rustic charm to this cozy farmhouse kitchen, complementing white cabinetry, wooden countertops, and vintage décor — Source: @joy_interiors via Instagram

Spacious kitchen with stone tile floor, cream cabinets, and a central island, where a cat peers out the window next to an oven — Source: @ourhouseonluceslane via Instagram

Modern kitchen with large stone tiles, a central island with a white countertop, and pastel blue cabinets creating a bright and spacious ambiance — Source: @parish_stone1 via Instagram

Large stone tile flooring enhances this elegant kitchen, complementing soft gray cabinetry, marble countertops, and warm wood accents for a timeless look — Source: @talesofsilverdale via Instagram

Stone tile is a better option for kitchens that are more sophisticated. Subway tile made from stone can give your home a vintage feel. Especially if you choose a white or black stone.

Large slabs of stone can look at home in a modern or contemporary kitchen. The large sheets minimize grout lines and create a continuous look.

11. Earthy Charm with Terracotta and Brick

For a rustic and earthy feel, choose a natural material like terracotta or brick. Both of these have a warm reddish or orange hue. Using either as your kitchen tile will add a coziness to your kitchen.

Traditional terracotta floor tiles are smaller, which doesn’t always look great in all kitchens.

Warm terracotta brick flooring adds rustic charm to this open-concept kitchen, complementing exposed wooden beams and classic cabinetry — Source: @devolkitchens via Instagram

Hexagonal terracotta tile flooring enhances this rustic kitchen, complementing rich wood cabinetry, warm lighting, and decorative tile backsplash — Source: @forevertileandstonedesign via Instagram

Rustic kitchen with terra cotta tile floor, wooden cabinets, hanging pots, a wooden shelf, and a central wooden door — Source: @poggiugoterrecotte via Instagram

Give your terracotta a modern look by choosing one in a geometric shape or large-scale tile. This will update the look of the terracotta and keep your kitchen from looking outdated and old.

Instead of laying bricks in a traditional pattern, give them a different look by placing them in a chevron or fishbone pattern.

12. Express Creativity with Unique Flooring Designs

If you’re the more innovative or creative type, then get creative with your kitchen flooring. When choosing a unique flooring idea, don’t let yourself get swept up by kitchen flooring trends. Some flooring trends look beautiful but lack the durability your kitchen floor needs.

Wooden staircase with white railing, modern design; marbled floor with brown swirls; bright lighting from above — Source: @epoksi_tasarim_zeminler via Instagram

Copper penny tile flooring adds a unique and eye-catching touch to this modern kitchen, complementing deep blue cabinetry and warm wood accents — Source: @ourlittlevictorian1896 via Instagram

Some resilient flooring options that you could consider are poured resin, limestone, concrete, and rubber flooring. These are all strong and water impervious materials that will hold up in the kitchen.

Some of them you’ll want to seal. Otherwise, their porous nature will create a health risk as they harbor bacteria.

13. Classic and Versatile Wood Flooring Choices

Hardwood flooring is an easy way to upgrade the look of your kitchen. If you have the budget for it, replace your flooring with a hardwood floor.

This solid wood flooring is beautiful and incredibly durable. Harwood tends to have a dark tone, which adds richness to your kitchen.

Light wood flooring adds warmth to this modern kitchen, complementing dark cabinetry, wood accents, and a bold black backsplash for a stylish contrast — Source: @coobeh.design via Instagram

Light hardwood flooring brightens this classic kitchen, complementing white cabinetry and a contrasting dark island for a timeless and inviting look — Source: @holmesinthehills via Instagram

Warm hardwood flooring adds natural charm to this bright farmhouse kitchen, complementing white cabinetry, marble countertops, and rustic bar stools — Source: @jamieraerichards via Instagram

Wide-plank wood flooring adds warmth and character to this farmhouse-style kitchen, complementing white cabinetry, industrial lighting, and a spacious island — Source: @kira_turner via Instagram

Polished hardwood flooring with decorative inlays enhances this black-and-white kitchen, adding warmth and contrast to the classic cabinetry and modern appliances — Source: @livingfordecor via Instagram

Rich hardwood flooring adds warmth and elegance to this bright farmhouse kitchen, complementing white cabinetry, granite countertops, and natural light — Source: @rehmeyerwoodfloors via Instagram

Warm hardwood flooring enhances this cozy farmhouse kitchen, complementing blue cabinetry, butcher block countertops, and exposed wooden ceiling beams — Source: @sararae_realtor via Instagram

If real hardwood floor is out of your budget, don’t give up. A more affordable alternative is vinyl or laminate flooring. These are planks that are engineered hardwood to look and feel exactly like real wood but aren’t.

Modern options are incredibly durable and even waterproof. This makes them perfect for use in the kitchen.

They also come in a range of wood types and shades, which makes it easier to match the rest of your kitchen.

What is the best flooring for a kitchen?

The best flooring for your kitchen is one that’s durable enough to withstand high foot traffic and is impervious to water. This will help it to last as long as possible and be easy to clean. Tile is a great option because it checks all of the boxes.

What is the most durable floor for a kitchen?

The most durable flooring for your kitchen is porcelain tile. This tile is tough and non-porous. It’s scratch-resistant and waterproof. Natural stone is also a great option because it can also last a lifetime.

How do I choose a floor for my kitchen?

The flooring that you choose for your kitchen needs to be durable and easy to clean. This will help it to last as long as possible. Consider the style, design, and color of the floor. It should match the rest of the kitchen and your home’s architectural and design aesthetic.