New house bought? Here's how to find the perfect floor

Buying a new house is exciting. Everything is still empty, smells new and offers endless possibilities. The floor forms the basis of that new beginning. It determines the atmosphere, comfort and feel of the room. But how do you choose a floor that suits your interior and daily life?

How do you start by choosing a floor?

A floor has to match the style of your home and the rhythm of your life. If you live in a busy household, you want a floor that can stand up to rough treatment. If you have underfloor heating, you want a floor that conducts heat well. The right floor combines atmosphere, ease of use and durability.

PVC and laminate score high here. They are affordable, stylish and available in countless designs, from light oak to concrete look. The difference lies mainly in comfort and durability. PVC feels softer and is quieter with every step. Laminate looks sleek and is easy to lay. Both types of flooring offer a modern look without compromising on quality.

How do you make sure your floor matches your interior?

A floor determines the balance of your interior. So choose a colour and texture that matches your furniture, walls and lighting. Light floors - think beige, white-grey or light oak - make a room feel bigger. They reflect more light and create a fresh look. Ideal for compact rooms or flats with little natural light.

Dark floors, on the other hand, add warmth and depth. They fit well in large rooms with lots of natural light. Think walnut or anthracite: shades that exude tranquillity and character. Combine such a floor with light walls and you get a powerful contrast that brings together style and balance.

PVC is particularly versatile here. Thanks to its thin layers and natural texture, it fits in well with both modern and classic interiors. Laminate offers the same aesthetic, but makes slightly more noise while walking. Tip: Also check out Flooring Market for inspiration. This is the largest online flooring shop in the Netherlands. They offer many beautiful PVC and laminate floors.

Which floor shows the least dirt?

A frequently asked question: which floor stays beautiful the longest without daily maintenance? Floors with a matt finish hide dust and small scratches better than glossy surfaces. With gloss, you can see every speck of dirt in the light.

PVC has a top layer that repels dirt. A quick mop and it looks like new again. Laminate is just as easy to maintain, as long as it does not stay wet for long periods. In kitchens and bathrooms, PVC offers more security as it is completely water-resistant.

Medium colours like taupe, sand or grey-brown are ideal if you want to spend less time cleaning. They hide dust as well as matching almost any style.

How to choose the right floor for your lifestyle?

A floor is not only a design choice, but also a practical investment. Think about the future: pets, playing children or renting through an estate agent, like VBT. PVC floors are hard-wearing and flexible, which makes them suitable for intensive use. The wear layer - often 0.55 millimetres - protects against scratches and impacts.

Laminate has a hard top layer of plastic, making it less likely to be damaged if furniture falls or slides. It is also easy to lay yourself, which is handy if you have just bought a property and want to keep costs down.

With both floors, it is important not to forget the subfloor. It determines insulation, walking noise and durability. A levelling subfloor prevents the floor from creaking or shifting in the future.

Which floor colour makes your room look bigger?

Colour has a big effect on the spatial experience. Light tones such as white oak, sand or grey reflect light and make a room seem larger. This effect intensifies even more with floors with wide planks. They draw the eye to the length of the room, making your interior feel deeper.

With dark shades, the opposite is true: they make a room feel more cosy and intimate. Ideal for large living rooms or lofts. Combine them with light furniture and soft fabrics for balance.

PVC and laminate follow current colour trends: natural oak tones, matt finishes and realistic wood textures. Thanks to modern printing techniques, the difference with real wood appears minimal.

What makes PVC and laminate suitable for new homes?

New-build homes often have underfloor heating. PVC is perfect for this, as it lets heat through quickly and is energy-efficient. The floor immediately feels comfortable and has a soundproofing effect. This is also an advantage in flats: it dampens walking noise better than wood or tiles.

Laminate is suitable for rooms where there is less moisture, such as bedrooms or living rooms. With the right underlay, noise will be limited and the floor will retain its appearance for years. Make sure you immediately use a a good laminate cleaner immediately.

Both floors are low-maintenance, which is nice in the first few months after completion. While you are still painting and decorating, there is already a nice, solid foundation.

The foundation of your new home

A floor is more than decoration. It is the foundation of your new home. It connects the rooms, determines the walking sound and gives the house character.

At VBT estate agents we see that many new residents want to personalise their home from day one. The floor plays a leading role in this. Whether you choose PVC with a realistic wood grain, or classic laminate with a timeless look: you literally lay the foundation of your living comfort. Our staff understand how important that feeling is.

Home inspectors see daily how a well-chosen floor contributes to satisfied tenants and buyers.

Ready for the next step?

Just got the key? Then take a walk through your new home and ask yourself this question: which floor really makes this house mine? Think about the atmosphere, the light and the sound you will hear with every step.

PVC or laminate: both offer style, comfort and durability. Choose the floor that suits your life, not just your furniture. That way, your new chapter will start on a solid, quiet and stylish foundation.