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Painting Floors

Painting Floors

15 July 2026
Two images of different top-down views of painted floors, the left-hand side painted a deep blue, and the right-hand side painted a light green-blue with a dark accent stripeTwo images of different top-down views of painted floors, the left-hand side painted a deep blue, and the right-hand side painted a light green-blue with a dark accent stripe

If the fifth wall is the ceiling, then the sixth is definitely the floor – and painted floors are a wonderfully characterful way to transform a space. Thoughtful, creative and surprisingly practical, a painted floor can anchor a room, add a joyful burst of colour or quietly unify an entire home. And with the right finish, it’s also tough enough to stand up to everyday life. We’ve brought together some inspiration for using colour underfoot, including guidance on choosing the right finish, and practical advice to help you paint your floor with confidence. 

Go monochrome 

A single, confident colour creates a look that’s both stylish and practical. For a quiet, grounded feel, a single neutral shade is a beautifully simple approach. Used throughout a house, one colour creates a sense of flow and calm, forming a strong foundation for furniture, artwork and everyday life. 


And by extending the same colour onto the walls, you can create a cocooning effect that makes rooms feel calmer – and often larger too.  

A color drenched bathroom in light blue with a white tub and black sitting stoolA color drenched bathroom in light blue with a white tub and black sitting stool

 Unexpected stripes 

A marble fireplace with resting logs on a light purple wood floor with blue pinstripesA marble fireplace with resting logs on a light purple wood floor with blue pinstripes
A light-yellow bookroom with a dark wood desk and purple striped floorA light-yellow bookroom with a dark wood desk and purple striped floor

Stripes can introduce personality and a sense of surprise, particularly in traditional spaces. Two simple stripes around a fireplace hearth can add a playful touch, while varied stripe widths across a room create visual interest and act as a graphic alternative to a rug. Pairing complementary shades keeps the look curated yet relaxed. 

 Classic checkerboard 

Two different sittings spaces, one with checkered yellow and white tile floors and various indoor plants, and one with a blue and white tile floor and white dining tableTwo different sittings spaces, one with checkered yellow and white tile floors and various indoor plants, and one with a blue and white tile floor and white dining table

Bold yet friendly, a checkerboard floor always makes an impact. This geometric design suits a wide range of colour combinations and is far easier to achieve than it looks. 

A faux feature 

Two top-down views of floors, the one on the right is a colorful children's room with a painted rug of yellow and red circles, the one on the left is a colorful staircase with blue and yellow stripesTwo top-down views of floors, the one on the right is a colorful children's room with a painted rug of yellow and red circles, the one on the left is a colorful staircase with blue and yellow stripes

Painted stair runners or faux rugs are a flexible way to add pattern and colour. Unexpected combinations make a striking statement, with the added bonus that they’re easy to refresh or resize over time. 

A floor painted with blue and green hexagonal designs and a brown coffee table on topA floor painted with blue and green hexagonal designs and a brown coffee table on top

Choosing the right finish

Floors take a lot of wear, so choosing the right finish is as important as choosing the colour itself. The Farrow & Ball Interior Range offers two durable options suitable for floors, each bringing its own character to a scheme: 

  • Flat Eggshell – a low-sheen, scuff-resistant finish that’s wonderfully forgiving. Easy to wash and gentle on the eye, it softens uneven or timeworn boards while letting their character shine through. 
  • Modern Eggshell – a mid-sheen finish with a little more reflectivity, perfect for lifting darker rooms and making the most of any available light. 

Both finishes protect heavily used surfaces while delivering a finish that feels considered and enduring. 

How to paint your floor

Painting a floor may feel like a bold step, but with careful preparation and a little patience, it’s a rewarding project that can completely change the atmosphere of a room. 

  1. Prepare the surface 
    Take time to prepare your floor properly. Ensure the surface is sound, clean and dry, removing dirt, grease and loose debris. Repair damaged boards where needed, then lightly sand the surface to help the paint adhere evenly. 
  2. Prime for durability 
    Priming helps set you up for success. Using our Wood Primer & Undercoat improves durability, enhances colour depth and brings together patched or mismatched areas – particularly on older floors with plenty of character. 
  3. Apply your finish  
    Apply two coats of your chosen finish, allowing the recommended drying time between coats. Work steadily and, where possible, follow the direction of the boards for the smoothest result. Colour on the floor often feels gentler than expected, even when you choose something bold. 
  4. Allow time to cure 
    Once painted, allow your floor time to fully cure before heavy use. This final pause is when the paint fully hardens and reaches its maximum durability, ensuring your finish stays looking its best for years to come.