Although TikTok and Instagram have become an invaluable source of interior inspiration and DIY hacks, not all of these ‘tips’ should be carried out, according to one expert, particularly when it comes to your flooring.
Alex Heslop, Trend Expert at Flooring Superstore, shares which social media DIY trends are best avoided, and what to do instead.
Painting tiles
“In the last 30 days alone there’s been a 1000% increase in TiKTok searches for ‘paint bathroom tiles’ as people increasingly look for cost-effective ways to update their interiors. While painting floor and wall tiles can be a quick and easy route to brightening up a small space like a bathroom, and is a task that even DIY novices can achieve, it isn’t a long term solution and can sometimes do more harm than good to your finished décor.”
“The finished look will really rely on the quality of your tiles in the first place, if they are poor quality or damaged, paint will likely highlight these imperfections further, rather than conceal them. Painted tiles are more prone to wear and tear, especially in high footfall rooms like the bathroom. The painted finish will also have a flat appearance and won’t emulate the feel of high-end materials like natural stone or marble which natural porcelain tiles and even vinyl tile options will offer.”
“In some instances, investing in a new floor will be the best option. While ceramic and porcelain tiles are a fantastic and hardwearing solution for bathrooms, hallways and kitchens which will be sure to stand the test of time, Luxury Vinyl Tiles, are also extremely durable and can emulate the look of natural tiles for a fraction of the price.”
Get the look:
- Flooring Superstore’s Sky Blue Victorian Tiles are expertly crafted from hardwearing ceramic and add a touch of Victorian mosaic design to any interior. £38.99 per square metre.
Peel and stick tiles
“We can see more and more people are seeking inspiration to transform bathrooms on a budget, with an 89% increase in searches for bathroom peel and stick floor tiles on TikTok over the last 30 days. Good quality peel and stick tiles can be a good short-term solution or temporary fix while working out interior plans but it’s important to remember what may be a quick and cheap option now, may not be in the long run.”
“Peel and stick tiles don’t tend to be waterproof so don’t fare well in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms, so repair and replacement will likely be needed, incurring additional time and costs. Consider vinyl tile options as an alternative cost-effective way to update your floor with added durability, and are easy to install for any competent DIY-er.”
Get the look:
- Flooring Superstore’s Vinyl Flooring in Kalaidoscope combines style with practicality – making it a perfect option for bathrooms, wetrooms and hallways. £14.99 per square metre.
Painting floorboards
“Painting floorboards can be a cost-effective way to freshen up and extend the life of your wooden flooring. It can also be a great way to change the overall look of your room and brighten up a space. It’s a job that anyone can do, without calling in the professionals. However, it’s all in the preparation to ensure a finished look which has the wow factor, particularly where your floorboards are already showing signs of wear and tear as these imperfections will be even more visible when painted.”
“Painting floorboards shouldn’t be viewed as a temporary fix or trend-led décor update, as it’s very difficult to reverse. You could change a painted floor by re-painting it, but it’s almost impossible to go back to the original wood grain after painting. Paint removal is possible, however very time consuming, particularly if the paint is oil based.”
“Opt for rugs and runners to update your decor, as well as refreshing existing hardwood flooring by sanding and re-varnishing every couple of years. Where the floor is beyond repair, a new floor can be well worth the investment and with advances in technology and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) options available, homeowners can achieve the charm of real wood for a fraction of the price.”
Get the look:
- Flooring Superstore’s Signature Herringbone in Woodland Oak features realistic knot and grain detailing for the look of real wood while being waterproof, hardwearing and functional for any room in the home. £34.99 per square metre.
