The Best Flooring for Your Mid Century Modern Home

When updating a mid century modern home, flooring is one of the most impactful choices you can make. It sets the tone for your space and bridges functionality with that timeless aesthetic we all love. So, what are the top options for MCM flooring? Let’s explore!

Polished Concrete: Sleek and Modern

Polished concrete offers a minimalist, industrial vibe that fits beautifully with MCM design. It’s extremely durable and easy to maintain. Durable and low-maintenance, it’s a favorite among Sacramento’s Streng Brothers and Eichler homeowners, who often polish their slab foundations to achieve that iconic look. The go-to vendor is town is Prep Concrete - earning rave reviews from clients for their expertise. They even restored original exposed aggregate features commonly found in Streng Bros atrium models, bringing authentic mid century details back to life. Great for warmer weather climates and can be made cozy by using decorative rugs. If your slab has minor cracks, they can patch those for a more seamless look. Fun Fact: It was Frank Lloyd Wright’s favorite flooring material!

Tile: Stylish & Practical

Tile flooring can totally transform your mid century modern home, especially if you live somewhere warm. It's stylish, practical, and super durable. For a timeless look, stick to classic colors like white, black, or gray. But if you want to add some oomph, go bold with color or patterns! Ceramic and porcelain tiles are tough and easy to clean. For larger rooms, opt for larger tiles can make the space feel more open and stick to a solid instead of a pattern to look less busy. But for smaller spaces, smaller tiles with patterns can add a fun, playful touch of personality.

Love the 70s boho vibe? A modern take on terracotta tile is a great way to channel that era. Or for a more organic feel, consider a slate stone tile.

Safety first: Choose a tile with a bit of grip to prevent any slips and slides. Our go-to vendor in Sacramento is Icon Tile - A client favorite for their top-notch work and meticulous attention to detail.

Bonus tip: think about the contrast of the color of the flooring and your current cabinetry, furniture and wall color. You dont want too many thing blending in or clashing in tones. Finding the right harmony is key when making this decision. Creating a virtual mockup of the space and playing with the different options is a great way to see what feels right.

Terrazzo: The Luxe Classic

If you want your floors to echo the sleek, elegant vibe of the mid-century era, terrazzo is a standout. This composite material made of chips of marble, quartz, and glass creates beautiful speckled patterns that are oh-so-MCM. Plus, it’s durable and low-maintenance. The downside? It’s one of the pricier options and can look a little busy. It’s also best suited for warmer climates. For a simpler approach, opt for terrazzo tiles. But if you want the authentic more seamless look, consider the original way of creating it with a custom pour-in-place method.

Hardwood: Timeless & Warm

Hardwood floors are a classic choice for mid century modern homes. They add a warm, natural touch that pairs perfectly with clean lines and low-profile furniture. While they're durable, remember to give them some love with regular refinishing, especially if you've got a busy household. And, let's avoid the "too much wood" syndrome. If you've already got wood ceilings, paneling, and cabinets, consider a different flooring material to add some contrast and visual interest.

Now, let's talk about LVP, or Luxury Vinyl Plank. While it might sound fancy, it often falls short in the style department. It can look a bit... plastic-y and cheap, especially in a mid century modern home. Grey LVP, in particular, can be a real crime, stay away at all cost. We’ve seen too much of it and it’s unavoidable at this point. If you're on a budget, engineered hardwood is a better option. It has a real wood veneer that can give you that authentic mid century look without breaking the bank.

Cork: Cozy and Sustainable

Cork flooring was a mid century favorite and is making a big comeback. It’s soft, warm, and eco-friendly, which checks off so many boxes for today’s homeowners. Cork works beautifully in living areas and bedrooms but is prone to scratches, so it’s not the best choice for high-traffic zones or homes with pets. Also, with all the sun we get in Sacramento, it tends to fade over time so when you move your furniture, you’ll be left with discoloration.

Finding Your Perfect Fit

The best flooring for your home depends on your lifestyle, climate, your personal style and the home’s finishes. No matter your choice, focus on materials that balance mid century aesthetics with modern practicality and make sense for your home. Flooring is an investment, so choose wisely and enjoy the process of crafting your dream home!

Which flooring are you leaning towards? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear from you!