When it comes to bathroom flooring, style and functionality need to work hand in hand. Bathrooms are high-moisture areas, which means not every flooring option is up to the challenge. While hardwood floors and laminate flooring can be beautiful, they often don’t stand up well to frequent splashes, steam, and humidity. That’s why more and more homeowners are turning to luxury vinyl flooring, a versatile, durable, and stylish solution for both small powder rooms and full master baths. 

If you’ve been wondering what to consider for luxury vinyl flooring in bathrooms, this guide walks you through the essentials so you can choose the ideal surface for your bathroom renovation or bathroom remodel. 

Why Luxury Vinyl Flooring Works Well in Bathrooms 

Luxury vinyl flooring is designed with layers that provide excellent resistance to moisture while offering the look and feel of high-end materials like ceramic tile, stone tile, or even wood floors. It’s available in three main styles: luxury vinyl plank (LVP), luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and sheet vinyl. 

Empire Today’s selection of luxury vinyl plank flooring and luxury vinyl tile collections are especially popular because they combine style flexibility with practical benefits: 

• Water-Resistant: Great for wet environments where splashes and spills are inevitable.
  Durability: Stands up to daily foot traffic, even in busy family bathrooms.
• Design Variety: Mimics everything from warm wood flooring to sleek tile floors.
• Comfort: Softer underfoot than stone or ceramic flooring, which can make mornings a little more pleasant.

Key Considerations Before Choosing Luxury Vinyl for Your Bathroom 

When shopping for vinyl bathroom flooring, you’ll want to keep more than just color and pattern in mind. Here’s what to evaluate before making your final decision: 

Moisture Resistance and Waterproof Features 

Bathrooms are high-moisture environments, so your first priority should be selecting a water-resistant floor.  Many vinyl plank floors and LVT flooring options from Empire Today® are specifically engineered for this purpose, making them ideal for a luxury bathroom or guest bath. 

Wear Layer Thickness 

The wear layer is the protective top coating that shields your vinyl flooring from scratches, dents, and stains. For bathrooms, a thicker wear layer helps ensure your floor can withstand dropped items, cosmetic spills, and even the movement of heavy furniture like vanities or storage cabinets. 

Style and Design Goals 

Luxury vinyl comes in designs that mimic porcelain tile, ceramic tile, stone tile, and even natural wood flooring. If your bathroom design calls for a spa-like aesthetic, a light oak-look luxury vinyl plank might be just what you're looking for. If you prefer a more modern, polished look, consider a marble-look luxury vinyl tile or tile flooring pattern. 

Comfort Underfoot 

Bathrooms often have cold tile floors, which can be unpleasant on bare feet. Vinyl plank flooring and LVP flooring offer a warmer, more cushioned feel compared to stone tile or ceramic flooring, making them a great choice for comfort-conscious homeowners. 

Comparing Luxury Vinyl to Other Bathroom Flooring Materials 

While luxury vinyl flooring is one of the best flooring options for bathrooms, it’s worth comparing it to other materials you might be considering. Take ceramic or porcelain tile for example; durable and classic bathroom staples, but both feel colder and harder underfoot and can offer less water-resistance than luxury vinyl. Laminate floors are an attractive and affordable alternative to hardwood (which we DON'T recommend for bathrooms) but not all laminate is water-resistant or as budget friendly as luxury vinyl. Sheet vinyl is prized for its seamless look and water-resistance but offers fewer high end design options than luxury vinyl plank or tile. 

One of the biggest benefits of luxury vinyl flooring is how easy it is to care for. For long-lasting beauty, follow these simple steps: 

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent dirt from scratching the surface.
• Wipe spills immediately to avoid potential staining.
• Use gentle cleaners formulated for vinyl flooring to maintain its finish, making sure to check the flooring manufacturer’s guidelines first.
• Use protective felt furniture pads when necessary and avoid dragging heavy furniture across the floor to help protect the wear layer.

With minimal effort, your vinyl floor can stay looking great for years, even in a busy bathroom! 

Why Choose Empire Today for Your Bathroom Flooring 

Empire Today offers a curated selection of luxury vinyl plank, luxury vinyl tile, and sheet vinyl designed to perform beautifully in bathrooms, and our in-home shopping experience is a great way to choose between styles in the comfort of your own home. Schedule your FREE in-home appointment to discover how luxury vinyl flooring can elevate your bathroom from basic to beautiful!