Expert Reveals: Flooring Choices That Boost Well-being and Mood

If your home is a safe place to get away from the stresses of everyday life, then the effect of interior design and Flooring on our mental health has never been more important. Many people focus on the colours of the walls, the furniture, and the lighting when making a place that makes them feel better, but the ground we walk on is just as important to our emotional health.

Ben Herbert, Director at the high-end carpet store Designer-Carpet and an expert in interior design, says that the textures and materials we walk on every day have a strong but slight effect on our stress and mood. “Natural fibres like wool, sisal, and jute bring organic elements into the home that can reduce anxiety and create a sense of connection to nature.”

Researchers have found that the things we are around have a direct effect on how we feel. There are different chemical reactions in the brain when you step on a soft wool blanket versus a cold, hard surface. Soft, warm surfaces can make you feel safe and comfortable, and natural fibres can help control humidity and make the air better, both of which are good for your health.

Colour Psychology in Flooring

Colour of your flooring has an effect on more than just how it looks; it also has an effect on how you feel.

“Neutral tones like soft beiges and warm greys create a calming backdrop that helps lower stress hormones, while blues can promote tranquillity and better sleep quality when used in bedrooms,” he says. “For areas where you want to stimulate creativity or social interaction, carpets with subtle patterns or warm undertones can energise the space without overwhelming it.”

Color psychology is used in this way for more than just personal taste. Studies have shown that the colours blue and green can lower blood pressure and heart rates. This makes them great choices for places where you want to relax. On the other hand, tones that are more earthy make people feel more grounded, which helps them be more present and centred. For a cozy and calming atmosphere, explore quality Carpets St.Helens designed to enhance both comfort and wellbeing.

The Wellness Benefits of Natural Fibres

More people are growing interest in sustainable living in a way that is good for the earth and our health. This has brought attention to the benefits of natural fibre carpets.

Wool carpets are better for your health in ways that manufactured carpets can’t match. Wool naturally doesn’t bother people with allergies because it traps dust and allergens until they are cleaned up. The material also controls humidity by taking in extra water when the air is damp and letting it go when it’s dry.

“Wool is nature’s miracle fibre when it comes to creating healthy living environments,” he says. “It improves air quality by filtering out pollutants and maintains balanced humidity levels, which can help reduce respiratory issues and promote better sleep.”

Sisal, seagrass, and jute are some other natural choices that are good in their own ways. These plant fibres are made with very few chemicals and give off almost no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). This makes them great for people who are sensitive to chemicals or who want to make their home cleaner.

Creating Zones for Different Emotional Needs

Setting up different areas of the house with flooring that serves different psychological goals is one of the best ways to use flooring for emotional health.

“We encourage homeowners to think about the emotional function of each space,” he says. “A bedroom might benefit from a deep-pile wool carpet that feels nice on the feet and blocks out noise to help people sleep better. For a home office, a more structured weave with a subtle pattern can help you stay focused while still being comfortable.

This idea of “zoning” works especially well in open-plan living, where different types of flooring can make useful areas seem to be separated without being there. Changing from a durable sisal floor in an eating area to a softer carpet in a relaxation area tells your brain and body that you’re changing how you’re being.

The Rise of Biophilic Flooring Design

Biophilic design, which means bringing nature into indoor areas, is becoming more popular because it has been shown to improve mental health and brain function.

“Carpets made from natural fibres like wool, jute, seagrass, and coir bring the restorative qualities of nature indoors,” Herbert says. “The varied textures, subtle colour variations, and even the earthy scents of these materials create sensory connections to the natural world, which research shows can reduce stress and improve mood.”

These natural features meet our innate need to connect with nature, which is especially important for people who live in cities and may not have easy access to outdoor areas. A natural fibre rug can make a small space of calm even in a high-rise flat.

Practical Tips for Wellness-Focused Flooring

If you want to improve your health by choosing the right flooring, Herbert has some useful tips:

• Consider barefoot areas: Set aside places to take off your shoes, and pick flooring that feels good on your skin. The feeling of being grounded by touching the floor with your feet can help lower your stress.
• Address acoustics: Carpets and rugs absorb sound, which makes them a great way to cut down on noise pollution. This sound buffering can help people who live in busy cities or homes feel less stressed and sleep better.
• Think seasonally: Just like we change our clothes with the seasons, you should think about how your floors feel at different times of the year. It’s normal for wool to adapt to changes in temperature, and summer-inspired grass weaves can help keep you cool in the summer.
• Embrace imperfection: Unlike man-made materials, natural fibres take on a personality over time. “This wabi-sabi quality – finding beauty in imperfection – can actually help us cultivate a healthier relationship with our homes and belongings,” says Herbert.
• Connect with colour: pick colours that make you feel good. Warmer tones move forward and give off energy, while cool colours move back and make things quiet.

The Investment in Well-being

It might seem like a big investment to buy high-end flooring, but Herbert sees it as an investment in your health and well-being.

“When clients understand that their flooring choices affect how they feel every single day, the decision becomes about more than aesthetics or durability,” he adds. “The right carpet can change not only how a room looks, but also how you feel when you’re in it. One of the best things you can do for your health is to put it in your home.

As our knowledge of the link between surroundings and mental health grows, it becomes clear that the ground beneath our feet needs just as much thought as any other part of an interior design project. If we choose our floors with care, we can make places that not only look nice but also help our mental health from the inside out.