Surely most of us the word “linoleum” is not the best association. Naturally, a picture emerges before my eyes: Soviet brown linoleum with an unpresentable seam on a felt basis. In addition to all this, it is painfully old, since it is unlikely that anyone will immediately recall its original appearance.
However, modern linoleum has nothing to do with the Soviet. And for many designers, such a floor is indeed one of the most convenient, practical and equally attractive materials. We advise you to look at him.
And yet, which linoleum is better to choose and what is necessary to know about it?
9 reasons for linoleum
1. Invisible stitches.
At the present time, linoleum is welded using modern technologies and the seams are completely invisible. Moreover, linoleum is additionally glued to the base, so you no longer have to stumble over the bulging edges.
2. Heterogeneous linoleum - realistic imitation.
Linoleum is different - it all depends on the method of production.From this often depends on the choice of the buyer. Heterogeneous linoleum is in wide demand. A pattern is applied to the surface of such material, and then a protective layer is applied. The only negative - with serious damage (scratches or cuts) the base of linoleum can be exposed (as a rule, it is white).
A significant advantage of heterogeneous linoleum is the skillful imitation of high-quality, expensive materials. Repeating not only the pattern, but also the texture of a natural tree, it imitates it very realistically. An ordinary person, even by touch, is unlikely to distinguish heterogeneous material from a wooden coating.
3. Homogeneous linoleum: inimitable color
A similar type of linoleum throughout the thickness consists of the same material. And even if it is wiped or scratched, it will not affect the pattern and color in any way. True, this feature imposes certain restrictions directly on the design. As a rule, homogeneous linoleum has a rich palette of shades and a rather blurry pattern “to the point”.
However, it is ideal for creating a concrete effect. But unlike concrete, this material is not cold, not solid and perfectly absorbs noise. And in everyday life, you will appreciate linoleum when inadvertently drop the glass on the floor and it does not break.
4. Linoleum is not cheap!
There are quite expensive quality varieties that, due to their durability or interesting original design, are not cheaper than high-class laminate or average parquet.
Of course, there may be cheap options, but then don’t be surprised if, over time, he again resembles our glorious Soviet times.
5. Easy to lay.
Another advantage of linoleum is its ease of installation. If parquet, tile or laminate need to be cut, linoleum is quite easy to cut with a special knife. It is very easy to roll and glue to the base.
There are also hybrid coatings that combine the coating of natural linoleum and the laying mechanism is exactly the same as that of the laminate. This is practically the same vinyl tile, the base of which is MDF with a castle structure. Most often it is produced in the form of modules of various shapes and sizes, which are easy to fit using the floating method.
6. Naturalness.
Linoleum is not always synthetic. Many manufacturers produce natural varieties of cork, natural resins and linseed oil. But such materials are usually produced under a different name, the most famous of which is Marmoleum.
The photo shows an example of natural linoleum - an excellent floor covering, which in addition to practicality, brings bright colors to the interior of the children's room.
It is worth noting the strength of the environmentally friendly coating. It is almost always homogeneous, so it is not afraid of minor damage and scratches.
Linoleum is on sale both in the form of rolls and in the form of tiles. In any case, from the source material you can cut out any pattern that allows you to implement interesting design ideas.
7. Aesthetics.
From bright and saturated colors to laconic patterns and light shades - everyone can choose a design to his own taste. But the richness of colors and textures is so great that sometimes it is even difficult to make a choice.
8. Practicality.
Modern linoleum increased wear resistance. This is a great option for offices and premises with a fairly high cross.
Commercial type linoleums are noise absorbing, with anti-slip coating, and may also have antibacterial properties (for cafes, restaurants and hospitals). But no one will prevent you from using this look at home. After all, it's great to have a non-skid anti-bacterial coating in the bathroom or in the kitchen, or a floor with noise-absorbing effect in the bedroom.
9. Organically looks on the background of a classic interior.
Usually, linoleum is laid in rooms decorated in modern style. But it is worth taking a look at how it looks in this classic kitchen, the old prejudices immediately lose all meaning.
Put linoleum instead of tile. Its durability is almost the same as that of ceramics, and the level of comfort is much higher. After all, linoleum at times more pleasant for bare feet.
Linoleum in the kitchen
The kitchen will look great linoleum, skillfully imitating natural materials - marble, stone, wood or granite. Also no less impressive are the geometric patterns and unusual patterns, various imitations of tiles. There is no single rule in design. The main thing - harmony and compliance with the overall style.
Tarco Linoleum
Tarkett - the type of linoleum, with accuracy imitating a tile. The cage, pattern, any complex pattern, as well as on the tile, can also be depicted on linoleum. It happens that even a professional will not immediately notice the difference, so high are modern technologies! Usually this material is used for the floor in the kitchen. It is here that he looks the most harmonious.
Linoleum under the laminate
Small nuance
Some believe that linoleum can be simply rolled out and properly fixed with a baseboard. This is a gross mistake: the linoleum is only glued, so much so that it fits. Otherwise, shrinkage may occur and even the baseboard will not hold the canvas. It is also very important that the base for linoleum is extremely smooth and even.
When choosing linoleum for your apartment, keep in mind all the nuances and think about which kind will be best for you.
And what flooring do you consider the best versatile and high-quality option?
