Most Popular Vinyl Plank Flooring Colors in 2023

Vinyl plank flooring has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its durability, affordability, and versatility in design. One of the key aspects that homeowners appreciate is the wide array of colors and styles available. From warm, rich tones to cooler, contemporary shades, there is a vinyl plank flooring color to suit any design aesthetic and personal preference.

As a versatile flooring option, vinyl plank offers realistic wood and stone textures that can create the desired ambiance in any room. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of vinyl plank flooring installation falls between $3 to $7 per square foot, making it an attractive and cost-effective choice for many homeowners. The wide spectrum of colors available in vinyl plank allows for customization and enhances the overall interior design of a space.

A few popular vinyl plank flooring color options include light, medium, and dark tones. Lighter shades, such as ash or whitewashed oak, create a sense of spaciousness and airiness in a room. Medium tones, like classic oak or hickory, provide a balance between warmth and modernity. Darker shades, such as walnut or ebony, add depth and sophistication to the space. With this diverse range of color options and accompanying textures, homeowners can easily find vinyl plank flooring that complements their design preferences and overall home aesthetic.

Popular Vinyl Plank Flooring Colors

Vinyl plank flooring is a versatile and durable option for any home or commercial space. With a wide variety of colors available, it’s easy to find the perfect hue to complement your interior design style. In this section, we will cover some popular light, medium, and dark tones in vinyl plank flooring.

Light Tones

Light shades of vinyl plank flooring are ideal for creating a bright, open, and airy atmosphere. Some popular light tone colors include:

Whitewashed Oak: This pale, grayish-white hue imitates the look of whitewashed wood, bringing a touch of coastal style to your space.

Bleached Pine: With subtle hints of beige and soft wood grain, bleached pine offers a neutral foundation for your design.

Greige: A mix between gray and beige, greige is a popular choice for creating a warm, modern look.

Medium Tones

Medium-toned vinyl plank flooring strikes a balance between light and dark shades, making it a versatile option for many interior design styles. Consider these popular medium tone colors:

Classic Walnut: This rich, warm brown offers a timeless appeal and complements a range of furniture and décor styles.

Smoky Oak: With its muted gray undertones, smoky oak gives a contemporary twist to traditional oak flooring, adding sophistication and depth to your interior.

Dark Tones

Dark vinyl plank flooring is excellent for creating a cozy and elegant ambiance, and it can also help disguise dirt and scratches. Some popular dark tone colors are:

Espresso: This deep, dark brown resembles the color of fresh coffee grounds and adds a rich, luxurious feel to your space.

Ebony: With its black hue and subtle wood grain, ebony vinyl plank flooring offers a dramatic, modern look suitable for both residential and commercial settings.

In summary, vinyl plank flooring comes in various colors, ranging from light to dark tones. Whether you want to create a bright, cheerful atmosphere or a cozy, elegant space, you can find the perfect color to suit your design needs.

Trending Color Families

Gray and Greige

Gray and greige are dominating the world of vinyl plank flooring as they create a modern, sophisticated look for any space. This color family tends to blend seamlessly with various interior design styles. According to a survey conducted by Home Innovation Research Labs, in 2021, gray accounted for 23% of new home flooring. Greige, a blend of gray and beige, offers versatility, as it pairs well with a variety of hues, making it a popular choice among homeowners and designers.

Brown

Brown vinyl plank flooring, especially in warm and rich shades, remains a timeless choice for many homes. This classic color family adds warmth and a sense of comfort to living spaces. In the same Home Innovation Research Labs survey, 45-50% of new home flooring was brown. As there are numerous shades available, from light to dark, brown vinyl plank flooring can suit various preferences and styles.

Whitewashed

Whitewashed vinyl plank flooring brings a fresh, airy feel to any room, often favored in coastal and farmhouse settings. This light and subtle color family is gaining popularity for its ability to brighten up spaces and create a more expansive appearance. A 2018 Houzz study found that whitewashed wood flooring increased from 3% in 2017 to 9% in 2018, showing a growing interest in this style.

Color Family	Percentage (%)
Gray	23%
Greige	25%
Brown	45-50%
Whitewashed	9% (in 2018)

These trending color families offer a range of options for homeowners seeking to enhance their space with stylish and versatile vinyl plank flooring. Different shades within each family can complement varying design styles and personal preferences.

Choosing the Right Color

Room Size

Choosing the right color for your vinyl plank flooring largely depends on the size of the room. Lighter colors can make a small room appear larger, while darker shades can create a cozy, intimate feel in larger rooms. For example, whites, light grays, and tans are suitable options for small spaces, whereas darkest walnut, espresso, or even black tones are excellent for more expansive areas.

Lighting

Lighting plays a vital role in determining the color of your vinyl plank flooring. Rooms with an abundance of natural light can accommodate darker colors without feeling cramped or dim. However, if your room has limited natural light, it’s best to opt for lighter shades to brighten the space. Always assess the room’s lighting situation before finalizing a color choice, and if possible, test samples in various lighting conditions.

Room Lighting	Suggested Colors
Abundant Natural Light	Darker shades: Walnut, Espresso, Black
Limited Natural Light	Lighter shades: Whites, Light grays, Tans

Interior Style

Lastly, consider your interior style when selecting a vinyl plank flooring color. For instance:

• Modern and minimalist: Opt for simple, neutral colors, like gray or white. Avoid busy patterns or textures that could detract from the overall design.
• Rustic and traditional: Earthy, warm shades, such as browns, and rich wood-like textures complement a cozy, rustic ambiance.
• Eclectic and bold: Unique flooring colors or patterns can contribute to an eye-catching, eclectic look. Standout options include deep blues, greens, or geometric patterns.

In summary, when choosing the right color for your vinyl plank flooring, consider room size, lighting, and interior style. This will ensure a harmonious and visually appealing result.

Color Consistency and Variation

Vinyl plank flooring offers a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing homeowners to customize their floors to suit their individual preferences and design schemes. In this section, we will discuss color consistency and variation, important factors to consider when selecting vinyl plank flooring.

Color consistency refers to the uniformity of color across different planks of vinyl flooring. Manufacturers strive to maintain high levels of color consistency, as it contributes to a more seamless and cohesive appearance when the floor is installed. Advances in production technology have led to improvements in color consistency over time. This is especially true for high-quality vinyl plank flooring, where color variation is kept to a minimum.

However, some homeowners prefer a more natural, varied look in their flooring, more closely resembling wood or stone. In these cases, a vinyl plank flooring option with natural color variation may be more desirable. Vinyl plank flooring products designed to mimic natural materials will often include intentional variations in color, pattern, and texture. These variations can add visual interest, creating a more organic and authentic look.

It is essential to view samples from the specific vinyl plank flooring product you are considering, as color consistency and variation can vary between manufacturers and product lines. Some manufacturers provide detailed information on the degree of variation to expect from their products, which can be a helpful reference when making your decision.

In summary, considering color consistency and variation is a crucial step when selecting vinyl plank flooring. Balancing personal preferences, desired aesthetics, and product quality will ensure you choose the perfect color and pattern for your space.

Color Durability and Fading

Vinyl plank flooring is known for its durability and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. However, one concern for homeowners is the color durability and potential fading of the flooring over time. In this section, we will explore the factors that contribute to color durability and fading in vinyl plank flooring.

One of the primary factors in color durability is the quality of the vinyl planks. Higher-quality planks typically include a UV-resistant coating that protects the color from fading due to exposure to sunlight. Additionally, higher-quality planks may have a thicker wear layer, which provides added protection against scratching and scuffing that can lead to the appearance of fading. It is essential for homeowners to consider the quality of the vinyl plank flooring they choose to ensure the best color durability.

Another factor in color durability is the exposure to direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause fading in any flooring material, including vinyl plank flooring. Homeowners can reduce the risk of fading by installing window coverings or UV-blocking window films to limit direct sunlight exposure on the flooring.

An important consideration for color durability is the maintenance and care of the vinyl plank flooring. Regular cleaning with appropriate products will help maintain the appearance and color of the flooring. It’s recommended to avoid using abrasive cleaning tools or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the flooring and lead to color fading.

In summary, vinyl plank flooring is designed for durability, but color durability and fading may vary depending on several factors. By choosing high-quality planks, limiting direct sunlight exposure, and following proper maintenance practices, homeowners can enjoy long-lasting, vibrant colors in their vinyl plank flooring.