When it comes to creating a welcoming first impression, your entry flooring in a split level can make a huge difference. In our recent flip house, the entry was dark and dated. By choosing a light and bright luxury vinyl flooring from Carpet One, the entry was instantly better. The lighter color reflected more light, made the space feel fresh, and gave it an instant lift. If your split level entry needs a makeover, changing the flooring might be the fastest way to transform it. In the post, I will be sharing split level entry flooring ideas to brighten your space instantly.
Why Flooring Makes a Big Impact in a Split Level Entry
In many split level homes, the entry is surrounded by stairs with limited natural light. Outdated or dark flooring can make the area feel even more closed in. Choosing lighter-toned flooring such as luxury vinyl not only brightens the space but also adds durability for high-traffic areas. This is why the flooring should be at the top of your list when planning an update.
Split Level Entry Flooring Ideas to Brighten Your Space Instantly
When we bought this flip house, the original 1966 red tile that was in the entry made it feel so dark and depressing. I could not wait to pull that tile up and make this entry much more happy and brighter.
They carried that red tile down to the bottom of the stairs before you enter the lower level. I liked that idea and decided to put the new flooring here as well.
The original red tiles came up so easily. They were chipping and coming apart in some areas, so they needed to be replaced anyway. The flooring underneath looked better than that dated tile.
We live in a split level home as well, so this makeover was right up my alley. You can see everything I did in our split level entry HERE.
For this flip, I wasn’t going to decorate the entry, but I wanted to change everything we could to make the space brighter. The first thing we did was paint all the walls a bright, neutral color. Then, we removed the carpet from the set of stairs leading upstairs, and then we got all the hardwood floors redone. You can find my post about that entire process HERE. Next, we had the new flooring installed.
I went with LVP. I chose the exact same flooring we put in our house for this entry. It comes in so many beautiful designs, it is durable, and it is budget-friendly. Don’t sleep on LVP. I was blown away when I was introduced to it many flips ago. It has really come a long way.
Split Level Entry Flooring Ideas That Are Great For Brightening The Space
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) – Durable, affordable, and comes in many light shades to reflect more light.
- Tile with a Subtle Pattern – Brightens and adds visual interest without overwhelming a small space.
- Engineered Hardwood – A warm classic look with lighter finishes to keep the entry feeling airy.
- Waterproof Laminate – Great for homes with kids and pets while still offering a light, bright finish.
More Ways to Brighten a Split Level Entry
While flooring is a game-changer, other simple updates can make the space feel open and inviting.
- Install a Front Door with a Window
A front door with glass panels or a window lets in natural light and instantly makes your entry feel bigger. I am hoping to do this at our house when this flip is over. - Add Sidelights
If your layout allows, sidelights on either side of your front door bring in even more sunlight and create a warm welcome. - Upgrade Your Lighting
Replace old fixtures with bright energy energy-efficient options. Consider a chandelier, ceiling fan with light, pendant light, or even wall sconces for added brightness. We added sconces to our entry in our house. I LOVE THEM! You can see my entire review of the sconces HERE. - Use Light Colored Paint
Choose neutral shades like soft white or light gray for walls and trim to reflect more light and create a clean backdrop for your flooring. - Add a Mirror
A well-placed mirror bounces light around the entry and makes it feel more open.
The Flip Entry Before & After
Before we installed new luxury vinyl flooring, the entry was dark and uninviting. As soon as the lighter flooring went in, the space felt completely different. The new floors complemented the walls and the hardwood floors, reflecting natural light from the door and setting the stage for the rest of the home. These Split Level Entry Flooring Ideas can have such a powerful impact with minimal effort.
To see what this flip house looked like on the day we got the keys, head to my YouTube channel HERE. Make sure to SUBSCRIBE when you are there. I am launching new videos every single week, and I don’t want you to miss any of them!
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