15 Kid-Friendly Flooring Ideas

Don't underestimate the importance of flooring in a house with kids. Here are 15 ideas for kid-friendly flooring, from activity rugs to floors that will go the distance under heavy foot traffic.

May 21, 2020

By: Mina Hochberg

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Photo By: Wes Tarca

Photo By: Momeni

Photo By: Ruggable

Photo By: Curated Nest

Photo By: Havenly

Photo By: Tempaper

Photo By: Crate & Kids

Photo By: Maisonette

Photo By: Spacecrafting Photography

Photo By: Aimee Mazzenga

Photo By: Ryann Ford

Photo By: Lulu and Georgia

Photo By: Ikea

Photo By: Spacecrafting Photography

Carpet Tiles

Carpet tiles, such as these tiles from Flor, are ideal for high-traffic areas where rugs are most likely to get beat up. If an area of rug becomes worn or stained beyond repair, simply pop out the offending tile and replace it with a new one. The tiles can also be arranged into any configuration, whether it's an area rug for the playroom or an L-shaped runner in the kitchen. Architecture and interior design by Susan Alisberg of Alisberg Parker Architects.

Playhouse Rug

Kids love rugs that have activities on them, like roads, tracks and games. This rug from Momeni offers a playhouse for your child's dolls and stuffed animals to dine and sleep in.

Machine-Washable Rugs

Unlike most rugs, which can only be spot cleaned or dry cleaned, Ruggable rugs can be washed in your own washing machine. They're low-pile and lightweight, making it easy to stuff even an 8x10 rug into your machine.

Geometric "Road" Patterns

Rugs with certain geometric patterns can double as a network of "roads" for kids to drive their toy cars around. In other words, you've got yourself a fun play surface for the kids without having to sacrifice style. Room designed by Curated Nest Interiors.

Welcome to the Jungle

A jungle-print rug is an unconventional but playful choice for a kid's room. In this nursery designed by Havenly, a jungle-print rug completes the jungle theme and contrasts nicely with the pink carpeting.

Vinyl Floor Rug

Known for its removable wallpaper, Tempaper also offers waterproof vinyl rugs that are durable, easy to wipe and pretty to look at. They work well in areas like kitchens and bathrooms, but they're also ideal for nurseries and playrooms where spills and potty accidents might occur.

Everything Coming Up Roses

This rosebud rug from Crate & Kids is a lovely bedroom rug for children of all ages. The applique rose pattern is one-of-a-kind and provides a pleasant sensory experience for little kid feet.

2-in-1 Play Rug

This nifty rug from Ruggish, sold on Maisonette, is a play rug on one side and a pretty patterned lilac rug on the other. The rug is waterproof and has a layer of memory foam to create plenty of cushion for playtime.

Fun With Tiles

Add some whimsy to your floor by writing words with tiles. Bria Hammel Interiors spelled "Hello" with white and gray hex mosaic tiles in the mudroom of this home.

From: Bria Hammel Interiors

Don't Forget the Stairs

Whether your kid is just learning to walk or already bounding up stairs two at a time, a stair runner is good insurance against accidental kid slippage. Bria Hammel Interiors picked an attractive striped runner for the stairs of this modern home.

From: Bria Hammel Interiors

Busy Patterns

A rug with a busy pattern is ideal for hiding all those stains that are sure to happen with kids, whether it's spilled juice, stray markers or general grime and dirt. Designed by Killy Scheer.

Use Outdoor Rugs Inside

If you're looking for a rug that's both durable and stylish, opt for an indoor/outdoor rug. These rugs are built to withstand the wear and tear of outdoor elements, making them ideal for high-traffic areas inside your home. This indoor/outdoor rug from Lulu and Georgia is made of eco-friendly materials and is perfect for entryways, family rooms or patios.

Wool for the Win

Wool rugs — such as this one from Lulu and Georgia — provide an unbeatably soft surface for children to play on, and their repellent quality provides some protection from spills and stains. These rugs also have plenty of longevity if you're looking for an investment rug.

Reversible Rug

This flatwoven wool rug from Ikea is reversible, which means it looks equally good on both sides. If one side becomes too worn and stained, simply turn the rug over for a fresh new start.

Brick Mudroom

Brick floors in mudrooms and entryways are great at handling whatever dirt and mud your kids track in — not to mention dirt is also way less obvious on brick than it is on rugs and other flooring. Designed by Bria Hammel Interiors.

From: Bria Hammel Interiors

15 Kid-Friendly Flooring Ideas

Related To:

Shop This Look

Carpet Tiles

Playhouse Rug

Machine-Washable Rugs

Geometric "Road" Patterns

Welcome to the Jungle

Vinyl Floor Rug

Everything Coming Up Roses

2-in-1 Play Rug

Fun With Tiles

Don't Forget the Stairs

Busy Patterns

Use Outdoor Rugs Inside

Wool for the Win

Reversible Rug

Brick Mudroom

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