The Most Popular Laminate Flooring Trends for 2025

Laminate has levelled up. In 2025 it’s not just the clever budget option—it’s the versatile, design-driven choice that nails the look of real wood while adding waterproof tech and DIY-friendly installation. Here’s your concise guide to what’s hot right now and how to pick the perfect floor for your space.

Laminate has levelled up. In 2025 it’s not just the clever budget option—it’s the versatile, design-driven choice that nails the look of real wood while adding waterproof tech and DIY-friendly installation. Here’s your concise guide to what’s hot right now and how to pick the perfect floor for your space.

Quick takeaways

• Looks that lead: light natural oaks, warm mid-tones, and heritage patterns like herringbone and chevron.
• Feel it: EIR (Embossed-in-Register) textures aligned to the printed grain for ultra-realism.
• Built for life: water-resistant edges, AC4–AC5 wear ratings, and attached underlay for quieter steps.
• Easy installs: click-lock systems, wider planks, and micro-bevels for a crisp, modern finish.
• Cleaner air: low-VOC and third-party emissions certifications.

1) Colours & styles everyone’s choosing

Scandi light oaks remain the crowd favourite—pale, low-yellow tones that brighten rooms and make small spaces feel expansive. Warm mid-browns are back in a big way, offering cosy, lived-in vibes without going orange or red. For drama, rich walnut-inspired tones add depth that pairs well with matte black hardware and stone counters.

Patterned layouts are surging:

• Herringbone & chevron: timeless style that elevates hallways and living rooms.
• Mixed-width planks: subtle variance that reads custom and design-led.
• Extra-wide boards (200–260mm+): fewer seams, cleaner modern look.

Matte and low-sheen finishes top the charts—they hide footprints, diffuse light nicely, and mimic an oiled wood feel.

2) Texture & realism: what to look for

• EIR textures that align with the printed grain.
• Low pattern repeat for a more natural look.
• Micro-bevels that frame each plank.

3) Durability, water protection & comfort

• AC rating: AC4 suits busy homes; AC5 is ideal for heavy traffic or pets.
• Waterproofing: edge-sealed joints and hydrophobic cores are essential for kitchens and entries.
• Core thickness: 8–12mm for stability and a solid feel underfoot.
• Attached underlay: speeds installation, improves sound absorption and adds warmth.
• Pet & scratch resistance: tough wear layers and matte finishes keep scuffs discreet.

4) Sustainability & indoor air quality

Choose floors with low-VOC credentials and verified emissions testing. Efficient use of resources combined with responsible manufacturing gives you the style you want with cleaner indoor air.

5) Room-by-room picks

• Open-plan living: extra-wide, light oak planks for an airy, contemporary feel.
• Hallways & entries: herringbone for impact; AC5 if it’s a busy home.
• Kitchens: water-resistant laminate with sealed edges and attached pad.
• Bedrooms: warm mid-tones with matte finish for a calm palette.
• Home offices: mixed-width boards or mid-brown oak for balance.

6) Installation: the 2025 cheat sheet

• Click-lock with angle-tap systems are DIY-friendly.
• Acclimatise boxes (48–72 hours) in the room before fitting.
• Subfloor must be flat, clean, and dry.
• Leave expansion gaps around walls and fixed objects.
• Use underlay suited to the subfloor if not already attached.
• Leave a  (10m) gap around the floor for floor edge trim

7) Budgeting smartly

• Good-better-best tiers: moving to mid-tier often adds EIR texture, lower repeats, and stronger locking.
• Bundle trims and transitions for consistency.
• Order 5–10% extra for cuts, pattern matching and repairs.

8) FAQs

Is laminate truly waterproof now?
Many 2025 collections are highly water-resistant with sealed edges and moisture-repellent cores. Wipe up standing water promptly.

Will wide planks make a small room look smaller?
Not if you keep them light and matte. Fewer seam lines can make rooms feel larger.

What’s the best thickness?
8–12mm gives a stable feel and better sound performance, especially with an attached pad.

Can I put laminate in a bathroom?
Some water-resistant laminates are rated for bathrooms; follow guidance on sealing and wipe spills quickly.

The 2025 short list

• Light natural oak, matte finish
• EIR texture + low pattern repeat
• AC4–AC5 wear rating
• 8–12mm thickness, click-lock
• Edge-sealed, water-resistant core
• Attached underlay (or suitable underlay)
• Low-VOC certification

With these boxes ticked, you’ll get the 2025 laminate look—beautiful, durable, easy to live with—without the price tag of real wood.