7 Flooring Choices That Instantly Look Classy

Flooring sets the tone for your whole house. Even if your furniture is nice, outdated or worn flooring can drag everything down. The good news is, you don’t need rare wood or marble to get a high-end look. There are plenty of flooring options that instantly upgrade a space without blowing your budget.

Wide-Plank Hardwood

Wide planks create a more upscale look compared to narrow boards. They make rooms feel larger and less busy.

Options like oak or hickory are timeless and hold up to wear well. Brands like Bruce and Shaw carry wide-plank hardwoods at prices that are more approachable than custom orders.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

LVP has come a long way and now mimics hardwood so closely that most people can’t tell the difference. It’s also waterproof, making it perfect for kitchens and basements.

Brands like CoreLuxe and LifeProof offer realistic finishes at a fraction of hardwood costs. The durability makes it a practical and stylish upgrade.

Engineered Hardwood

If solid hardwood is out of budget, engineered hardwood is a smart choice. It has a veneer of real wood on top but uses stable layers underneath, which makes it less likely to warp.

Shaw and Mohawk offer engineered options that look identical to hardwood floors. It’s a balance of appearance and practicality.

Polished Concrete

Polished concrete is sleek and modern, and it works especially well in open layouts or basements. With the right finish, it looks more custom than you’d expect.

You can stain or tint it for added warmth. DIY kits from Quikrete or hiring a local finisher make this option accessible.

Natural Stone Tile

Stone like slate, travertine, or marble creates an instant upscale feel. It’s durable, unique, and ages well.

If marble is too costly, porcelain tiles designed to mimic stone (from Lowe’s or Home Depot) are an affordable workaround that still gives the same impression.

Herringbone Pattern

You don’t need special material for this look—installing wood, LVP, or tile in a herringbone pattern elevates the whole room. The layout itself feels high-end.

Flooring companies like Floor & Decor offer herringbone-ready planks, or you can lay standard planks in the pattern with the help of an installer.

Large-Format Tile

Tiny tiles can look dated, while large-format tiles instantly feel modern. Sizes like 24×24 make spaces appear bigger and cleaner.

Porcelain or ceramic versions from brands like Daltile offer durability while mimicking natural stone. Even in laundry rooms, this upgrade makes a big impact.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.