FREE DELIVERY ON UK ORDERS OVER £60 *except on Interior Design & Construction Products
Is Cork Flooring Good for Bedrooms?
More and more homeowners are discovering how incredibly useful and versatile cork really is, and bedrooms provide an excellent example of how to take full advantage of it.
In this article, we’ll summarise some of the basic information that you should know about cork flooring before getting one, including their main advantages and downsides, and we’ll explore how they compare with other flooring options for bedrooms.
The Benefits of Cork Flooring in Bedrooms
Comfort
Cork’s softness is one of its most widely appreciated qualities: it’s nice and cushiony under the feet, especially when compared to hardwood or tile.
This is an important benefit, especially when it comes to bedrooms, as it will make walking barefoot much more pleasant and help to create a cosy atmosphere.
Insulation
Mainly because of its structure at a microscopic level – where each cell acts like a tiny air-filled compartment – cork is an excellent insulator.
Consequently, it helps to stabilise the temperature in a room, keeping it cool in summer and warm in the cold months. This helps to reduce heating and cooling expenses; yet another way cork is a friend to the environment! Apart, of course, from simply making your bedroom more comfortable.
Sound Absorption
This benefit is also related to those helpful little cells. Cork absorbs sound incredibly well, shielding you from noise outside the bedroom, as well as being quiet to walk on. It helps to dampen, for example, traffic sounds, or sounds from other rooms in the house.
It will help you sleep peacefully, making your bedroom a sanctuary of tranquillity, away from the chaos of daily life.
Visual Appeal
Cork is full of rich visual possibilities, from natural earthy tones to a variety of different finishes and patterns. It’s amazingly versatile, and you’ll find it can add something to any room and fit naturally into a wide range of styles, from the traditional to a more modern look.
Additionally, many manufacturers make cork planks that mimic hardwood, replicating the appearance of wood for those who favour it, while keeping the eco-friendliness of cork.
Potential Drawbacks of Cork Flooring for Bedrooms
Concerns with Durability
There is a trade-off implied in cork’s softness, which is to say that, while resilient, cork is not indestructible.
Though quite resistant to simple wear, cork is susceptible to scratches, dents, and other forms of damage caused, for example, by dragging heavy furniture, high heel shoes or sharp objects.
While it’s possible to maintain and repair a cork flooring, regular care is recommended. Simple precautions such as furniture coasters and rugs can do much.
Maintenance and Cleaning
If you want your lovely cork flooring to look its best, a bit of regular maintenance is needed.
Luckily, though, this is very easy to do. Most of it will simply consist of regularly removing dirt and dust, which could cause scratches, with the help of a vacuum or broom.
Every now and then, for a more vigorous cleaning, use a mop, taking care, however, not to use too much water, as that could cause damage. Also, for this purpose, use a mild cleaning solution, not harsh chemicals.
Comparing Cork Flooring with Other Bedroom Flooring Options
Cork vs Carpet
Both aesthetic appeal and practical differences are significant here.
While carpets are soft and warm, they also tend to trap dust, allergens, and odours. Cork is also naturally resistant to mould and mildew, which makes it a cleaner option.
Still, when it comes to sheer softness, carpet is hard to beat.
Cork vs Hardwood
Both cork and hardwood will provide elegance and warmth, but cork comes out the victor when it comes to comfort and insulation. Hardwood floors are less soft, noisier and more difficult to heat.
On the flip side, hardwood may last even longer.
Cork vs Laminate
Laminate is known for being inexpensive and easy to maintain. Those pluses come at a cost, though, and laminate makes no claim of being either eco-friendly or especially comfortable. And while laminate can resist scratches and moisture reasonably well, cork offers better insulation.
Conclusion
Cork presents a compelling option for your bedroom flooring, combining beauty, comfort, and functionality. As with everything else, there are drawbacks to keep in mind, but its unique and remarkable qualities have made it increasingly popular, and thousands of satisfied homeowners swear by it.
Ready to transform your bedroom? Explore Portuguese Treasures' wide range of cork flooring options for bedrooms, specifically designed to meet your needs and add sustainable elegance to your home.