It’s understandable that concrete floors have a reputation of use in primarily industrial spaces. Concrete fits the bill for these spaces perfectly thanks to its longevity and affordability. But is it possible such a reputation has minimized the potential impact concrete floors can add to any and every space?
While it’s true that concrete floors effortlessly contribute to the overall impact of industrial or commercial spaces, different concrete paint and stain colors open a whole new world of use beyond lifeless manufacturing plants and warehouses.
In design, juxtaposition can be key, and one of the best ways to harness this aspect is by carefully considering concrete floor colors.
Color and texture options are abundant when it comes to concrete floors. They can be smooth, textured, marbled, and patterned. They can also be stamped, painted, and engraved, opening a heaven of possibility outside the usual rough gray surface.
But the biggest influence your concrete floors, interior and exterior alike, will have on your design aesthetic is in which color concrete floor you choose, so here’s a guide to choosing a complimentary and versatile concrete floor color for your space
Why Choose Concrete Floors At All?
Concrete, while cold and hard, is more durable than almost any known surface (hence its use in sidewalks, driveways, and other heavy-impact areas). It’s virtually impenetrable. But does this factor alone determine whether concrete floors are right for your space? Not necessarily.
There are several components that, when combined, can create the perfect environment for this style of flooring.
- Exterior Spaces: Because the outside is exposed to elements of every kind, concrete floors are ideal for their durability and longevity.
- Slab Foundations: Laying flooring on a slab foundation requires extra layers of waterproofing, subfloor and other material, making installing flooring on these foundations pricy. But you can skip these steps by building up, coloring, and sealing a slab foundation, creating beautiful concrete floors.
- Commercial Areas: Colored concrete floors are ideal for commercial areas since they’re hardy, and concrete floor paint colors can increase safety and improve the overall working atmosphere.
For more reading regarding this material, take a look at our full concrete flooring guide.
Interested in other flooring options? Get estimates for hardwood, carpet, and laminate floors below:
How to Choose Concrete Floor Paint Color
A concrete floor paint color is a multifaceted decision, with several options and factors weighed alongside each other. Here are some things to keep in mind, helping you choose the right floor color for you:
- Utility of the space: Utility is probably the most important factor to consider since different types of concrete floor colors have different levels of durability and can be used in different spaces. For instance, in an interior space you may choose a stain over a paint, which is a very big difference. But in a garage, a paint may be just the right thing.
- Atmosphere: It’s no secret that color choice heavily influences the atmosphere. Blue creates a sense of relaxation, browns are soft and natural, and red makes a bold statement. So make sure the color you choose suits your desired atmosphere.
- Location: Location is just as important as utility. A high-traffic location will wear down faster, so make sure the color you choose is still attractive when some wear begins to show. It’s also important to consider how natural light sources in the location will affect the look of the room as a whole with concrete floors.
Concrete Flooring Color Options
Painting a floor can be an inexpensive alternative to installing new flooring for decoration. These are the most important factors, but take time to consider what may impact your unique concrete paint color decision before jumping the gun. Here are some concrete floor color options to get you started:
Clear Sealed Concrete Floors
One of the most popular concrete floor colors is a clear sealed finish.
A neutral gray tone coordinates well with other industrial aspects like metal and brick for a cohesive, polished environment.
A clear seal allows the concrete to show its natural texture and movement while providing a smooth, protected finish.
DK. Gray
For something deeper and more dramatic than clear sealed concrete, consider DK Gray concrete seal, a popular concrete seal color that maintains the look of concrete, embracing the variations of gray therein.
Such a color is perfect for moody designs, both interior and exterior.
Safety Yellow
Safety Yellow concrete seal, stain, and paint is usually used in commercial spaces, providing heightened visibility and caution, but can make an unexpected statement in a residential space.
Paired with the right home finishes and interior decor, safety yellow concrete floors can add a pop of color to an otherwise bland flooring situation.
Brown Colors
As interior and exterior design trends begin to lean more toward softer, more natural textures and finishes like wood, brick, and rattan it’s no surprise concrete floor color trends follow suit.
While a gray seal, paint, or stain on a concrete floor will forever remain classic, brown hues continue to gain traction, often paired with warm neutrals and natural elements.
Georgetown Gray
Georgetown Gray concrete stain or seal is perfect for an environment that calls for a truly cool neutral floor.
While unfinished or clear stained concrete floors typically offer a truly neutral gray, Georgetown Gray pulls blue undertones into the floor, complimenting blue, pops of red and orange, and other cool colorscapes.
Green Concrete Floor Paint Color
Beyond traditional seals and finishes available for concrete floors, paint is a popular choice for aesthetically altering concrete.
Green paint is an excellent choice in exterior spaces thanks to the way it coordinates with natural outdoor elements like grass, landscaping, and trees.
Using a green paint maintains the texture and durability of standard concrete but provides a visual change.
More Rust-Oleum Concrete Floor Paint Colors
Some concrete paint colors are more popular than others, but options abound to round out your design and color scheme.
Neutral tones are more popular because they’re universally easier to coordinate, and still other spaces call for a bold change of pace.
Concrete paint color options include vivid shades like yellow, orange, blue, and green and understated hues like cream, khaki, and deep brick brown-red.
