I'm embarking on another home improvement project: transforming our bedroom into a true cozy retreat. It's partly finished and perfectly functional for sleeping, but there's room for enhancement—like updating the current laminate floor. The existing floor is in good shape but doesn't match my vision. I'm debating whether to paint it or lay down new laminate. Follow along with our thought process; I'd love your insights!
When considering unfamiliar DIY tasks, my first step is always thorough online research. I paint furniture regularly, but laminate floors? That's new territory for me.
Initial searches revealed mixed advice: many sources caution against it or highlight the labor-intensive process. However, I discovered a compelling real-world example on Stephanie's blog, Fijnhuiszijn, where she documented painting their living room laminate floor.
This proves it's achievable with the right approach. It requires thorough degreasing, multiple coats of paint, and finishing with matte lacquer. Stephanie used Annie Sloan chalk paint—popular for furniture transformations. Their first two coats weren't fully opaque, so they embraced a weathered white look by sanding, achieving a beautiful beachy vibe I'd love in our bedroom. With her permission, here are photos of the process:
Several factors drive this decision. The current dark laminate clashes with our oak bed and bedside tables, creating too much wood tone. Painting it white would lighten the space beautifully, pairing perfectly with wood accents for that serene wood-and-white aesthetic I crave.
Additionally, I'd love a unified floor across the entire upper level. Currently, bedrooms have laminate, but the landing features black carpet, with the bathroom and toilet sporting outdated small tiles. A consistent flooring solution would tie it all together.
Instead of painting, we could remove the old laminate and install fresh flooring. Options include white laminate, a concrete-look style like our living room PVC, or a light herringbone pattern—I'm still smitten with fishbone designs!
This remains sustainable: the removed laminate from our three bedrooms could refresh the two guest rooms in the annex, which have worn-out coverings.
So many appealing paths forward. What would you choose—paint the existing laminate or lay new? Share your thoughts below!
