12 Stunning Kitchen Flooring Ideas That’ll Match Any Space and Style

<span> Credit: <a href="https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/authors/natalie-jeffcott?utm_source=yahoosyndication&utm_medium=referral-distro" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Natalie Jeffcott;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Natalie Jeffcott</a></span> <span id=Credit: Natalie Jeffcott" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1GuMuYqxB4Avz9HFUaljmg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_kitchn_605/46fb6300d26d84b7fd34e13eb50666ac fetchPriority=high data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1GuMuYqxB4Avz9HFUaljmg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_kitchn_605/46fb6300d26d84b7fd34e13eb50666ac>

This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

The kitchen works harder than any other room in your home, and is a magnet for both people to gather and accidents to happen. Because of this, Lauren Wodicka, principal designer and owner of LBW Studio in Virginia, insists that the kitchen floor should be durable, but also beautiful and timeless. “I wouldn’t recommend a floor that’s too trendy or delicate,” she explains. “Select a floor that you know will last for many years to come and don’t be afraid to let it be a focal point if the rest of the kitchen is fairly simplistic.”

From classic checkerboard to cozy rugs, I talked to design experts about all the kitchen flooring ideas you could ever want when personalizing one of the most important spaces in your home. Here are 12 favorites that’ll work for any space or style:

<span> Credit: <a href="https://www.dianaliang.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Diana Liang;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Diana Liang</a></span> <span id=Credit: Diana Liang" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mjXuu6qv3y0X4jSk7S1xFg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_kitchn_605/3a660d976627179b7b7feb3bd8816fa2>

1. Cut a Rug

Whether you’re trying to protect your floors, add some texture, or fill empty space, there’s always a reason to put a rug in your kitchen. If you’re concerned about cleanup and stains, consider a rug that you can toss in the washer as needed.

kitchen with white cabinets with black pulls, black and white checkered floor, narrow wood wall shelves with food storage jars and plants, small built in extra counter space, buff colored wall, white cabinet with glass doors, main kitchen cabinet open to show white shelves with glasses and dishes

2. Make It Stick

The answer to any unsightly surface, or flooring you don’t know what to do with? Peel-and-stick tiles, especially if you’re a renter. There are so many options available, it’s impossible not to find exactly what you’re looking for.

kitchen with peach backsplash and doors, wood ceiling, floral wallpaper, and wood bar and counter

3. Add a Pop of Color

You may be hesitant to bring color to your floors, but this kitchen proves it can be done. To seamlessly incorporate the checkerboard into the space, the owners picked a classic color scheme (pink and green) and used a wallpaper with the same green hue.

White kitchen with black accents and black and white painted floor
Credit: Katherine Nye Credit: Katherine Nye

4. Paint the Town Black

Why limit yourself to what you can buy from a store? Consider going the DIY route instead and give your floors a one-of-a-kind paint job. Don’t worry about potential scuffs over time: They’ll add character to the kitchen and, if you really dislike them, they can be easily touched up.

Stephanie Wong's kitchen
Credit: Petra Ford Credit: Petra Ford

5. Clay Is Key

Terracotta tiles offer warmth, character, and rustic charm — plus, they age beautifully. Though not as commonly used as they once were, this one detail can completely transform the personality of your kitchen.

<span> Credit: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theartemuse/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Diana Farberov / @theartemuse;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Diana Farberov / @theartemuse</a></span> <span id=Credit: Diana Farberov / @theartemuse
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/owQ6DTq3VplX5lBj_VVUkw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEyODA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_kitchn_605/0c4e23477185454ed733e2dd91216e72>

6. A Pretty Penny

Though penny tile is most commonly used in the bathroom, it’s definitely a kitchen flooring idea worth considering. Because of the amount of grout you’ll have to maintain, it’s best for a smaller space, but the customization possibilities make it totally worth it.

White kitchen with rustic wood cabinets and black and white checkered tile floor
Credit: Ineke Nordt Credit: Ineke Nordt

7. Black and White Isn’t Boring

There’s hardly a kitchen flooring idea more classic than black-and-white checkerboard tile. Versatile in that it works with a range of styles, it has the power to ground your space while adding some graphic pattern.

<span> Credit: <a href="https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/authors/esteban?utm_source=yahoosyndication&utm_medium=referral-distro" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Esteban Cortez;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Esteban Cortez</a></span> <span id=Credit: Esteban Cortez
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/e2eIyRqT7GQbTw6z0erh1Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NTA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_kitchn_605/20498260e8ac7e2da59ce479e198c070>

8. Set in Concrete

For pet parents and serious cooks busy in their kitchens, the unparalleled durability of concrete floors is appealing: you never have to worry about scuffs, scratches, or dents. If you want to stray away from the classic concrete look, this modern option can be customized with stains and stamps.

<span> Credit: <a href="https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/authors/jsteele?utm_source=yahoosyndication&utm_medium=referral-distro" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Julia Steele;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Julia Steele</a></span> <span id=Credit: Julia Steele" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/etl6_OptR11cckPUfO31kg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTcwNw--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_kitchn_605/40b59ae4878b1dddd78f0c2bd9164de5>

9. Knock on Wood

The go-to choice for many high-end homes, hardwood is, of course, timeless. It also offers continuity between spaces, particularly if you have an open-concept floor plan.

Kitchen with patterned tile backsplash and herringbone floor

10. Zig and, of Course, Zag

For a more custom-looking take on hardwood, herringbone is the way to go. Aside from being an impressive visual when you walk into the kitchen, it makes the kitchen look longer (aka bigger).

<span> Credit: <a href="https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/authors/leela?utm_source=yahoosyndication&utm_medium=referral-distro" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Leela Cyd;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Leela Cyd</a></span> <span id=Credit: Leela Cyd
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/FE9xfbAk4YZthxc3lz4cDA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEzNjE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_kitchn_605/4f27c5f74bc7de9167b4e9ab541a480f>

11. Gray Matters

A version of the checkerboard floor that’s softer and lower contrast, this tonal gray tile immediately elevates the kitchen it’s in. Located off the living room, the tile also helps create a defined area for cooking.

Kitchen with herringbone white tile backsplash and large white tile floor with natural accents

12. Squared Away

This kitchen flooring idea is simple, but if the above has proven anything, it’s that many of the best are. These tiles adopt a contemporary feel, and because they’re bigger, you have less grout to worry about cleaning. It’s a win-win!

Which is your favorite kitchen flooring idea? Let us know in the comments below!

Further Reading

The Only Labor Day Kitchen Deals Worth Shopping Right Now (So Many Incredible Prices!)

Sign up for The Kitchn's Daily newsletter to receive our best recipes, posts, and shopping tips in your inbox.