The following questions will help you pinpoint not just what you like, but what your room needs, so your new floor will be ideal for your home and lifestyle.

Think about room logistics:

• How do you use the room most—what types of activities are common there?
• What is the room's size?
• Does the room open to others or stand alone?

Think about existing or intended aesthetics:

• How do you want to feel when you're in this room?
• What types of furnishings do you have?
• What's the style or feel of the room? Traditional, contemporary or rustic?

Consider risk factors for the room:

• Will people have food in this room?
• Will kids play in this room?
• Does the room directly open to the outside?
• Do you have indoor pets?

Understand expectations for the room:

• Is your flooring purchase prompted by the desire for style or for practicality?
• What's the first thing you want to notice when you enter the room?
• Is the floor for your use, or do you plan to sell your home?

MORE SHOPPING TIPS

Carpet: colorful fashion
Carpet is luxurious, comfortable, and wonderfully soft. It's also one of the most versatile flooring options, with dozens of styles, patterns, and colors to choose from.

Area Rugs: exciting chic
For quick-change artistry, toss a jazzy area rug on the floor. It changes the look of your room in an instant.

Laminate: durable style
Get the terrific designer look of hardwood and tile—for less. Today's laminate is hard to tell from the real thing, so it makes a stylish statement on a budget.

Hardwood: classic simplicity
It's a given—a new hardwood floor adds warmth and elegance to a home. This classic among floors just gets better with age. And there's a hardwood to suit every style!