Cottages are one of the most beloved home design styles in history, known for their comfortable, cozy aesthetics and quaint charm. When you think of a cottage-style house, you probably envision grassy knolls, flowery countryside meadows, moss-covered rooftops and large, steadily billowing chimneys.
If you’re renovating your cottage-style house, you’ll want to maintain these aesthetics with durable flooring that will age with your cottage for years to come. From natural hardwood and laminate to cozy carpet options, many types of flooring can enhance your cottage house style and complement its natural look.
Keep reading to learn more about the cottage house style and the best flooring for cottage homes.
What Is a Cottage-Style House?
Cottage-style houses are small homes intended to house single families, known for their simple design and cozy accommodations. Commonly found in rural areas, what we know today as the cottage house style dates back to the Middle Ages. They were first used to house English farmers — or “cotters” — and have always been simple in design and compact, providing intimate living conditions for those inhabiting them.
While the English cottage-style house was always prevalent in the English countryside, the style eventually made its way to the United States in the late 19th century, becoming even more widespread. Cottage homes have become so popular, in fact, that you can find them worldwide, both in cities and the countryside. While many use them as vacation or summer homes, some people choose to live in cottages full-time, especially historical ones.
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Features of a Cottage-Style Home
Cottages are known for their distinct features and architectural style. They’re often asymmetrical, single stories, with low-pitched gable roofs and small covered porches. The chimney is the most prominent feature of the interior, significantly contributing to the cozy and comfortable charm the cottage house style is known for.
Distinct architectural features of the cottage house style include:
Top Flooring Choices for Cottage-Style Homes
Schedule an appointmentWhether you live in your cottage home full-time or use it as a vacation or summer home, you’ll want flooring that will enhance its charm and last for years to come. The best flooring for cottage homes will be durable and low-maintenance for your family’s needs. Keep reading to discover the best carpet, hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl and tile flooring styles ideal for your cottage home.
Best Carpet for Cottage-Style Homes
Carpet adds instant comfort and flair, whether in a bold pattern, classic plaid or natural shade. Opt for a lively design for your cottage for personality and visual warmth. Carpet is also an excellent sound insulator for older cottage homes with creaky floorboards.
Frieze carpets make ideal cottage flooring due to their loosely constructed, relaxed look. Often made from wool or nylon, frieze carpets provide a textured style to enhance the coziness of your comfy cottage. Frieze carpet also has twisted fibers and will not reveal vacuum marks, footprints or furniture marks the way some plush carpets do, making this flooring ideal for active families.
Its softness will increase the comfort factor of your cottage-style house, with pure wool and felt options being especially warm due to the insulating qualities of the natural fibers. Add an extra layer of comfort to your cottage home with carpeted floors.
Best Hardwood for Cottage-Style Homes
The warm tones and textural character of hardwood are an ideal fit for a cottage interior. The current aesthetic for cottage-style homes is a weathered look that retains wear and tear, though simple, clean looks are also popular.
Hardwood reflects the natural beauty of the outdoors and enhances your cottage home design. It will also add to the resale value of your home, with red oak, white oak and maple all being excellent hardwood species that are sure to impress. Softer woods like walnut are also wonderful for adding a vintage feel to your cozy cottage space.
Best Tile for Cottage-Style Homes
If you are looking for cottage flooring ideas, consider luxury vinyl tile (LVT). This material is becoming one of today’s most popular choices for these home styles. While ceramic and porcelain tiles were popular years ago, modern homeowners choose LVT for its ability to replicate natural materials like wood and stone at a fraction of the cost. LVT outperforms conventional tile on many levels, including ease of installation, low maintenance requirements and overall cost.
Advances in imagery technology allow manufacturers to create LVT in nearly any color or pattern to complement the lighting and decor of your cottage-style home. In addition, this flooring’s high functionality and versatility allow it to perform well in nearly any room or space.
Best Laminate for Cottage-Style Homes
If your cottage home is next to a body of water, you understand the challenges of keeping your floors dry. Laminate could be an ideal option if your cottage-style home is near water. Laminate is ideal for handling high traffic, sand and the sea. Designed to mimic the look of natural wood, laminate is even more durable and can withstand tough conditions, making it the ideal flooring for cottages. You might also try stone or other rustic options to craft the perfect old-world aesthetic.
Best Luxury Vinyl for Cottage-Style Homes
Luxury vinyl is also exceptionally durable and designed for water resistance in cottage interiors. It’s also highly practical and cost-effective, ideal for kitchens and bathrooms and widely available in designs that mimic natural wood and stone textures. You might try a gorgeous floral design to add to your country-inspired cottage home.
Choose the Right Flooring for Your Cottage Home With 50Floor
From vintage and country-inspired looks to rustic Medieval styles, cottage interiors make a unique and cozy respite from the rest of the world. Complement that style with comfortable, stylish and durable flooring at 50Floor. We can help you choose the perfect flooring for your cottage home when you partner with us.
Choose from laminate, luxury vinyl, carpet and hardwood options that are sure to enhance your cottage’s natural beauty and charm.
To get started, schedule a free in-home estimate or call us today.
