Linoleum was invented in the late 1800s and popularized during the Victorian era. Sanitary, continuous, inexpensive, easy to care for with innovative colors and patterns marked the benefits of linoleum over other flooring options of the times, including wood, stone and tile.

My, how times have not changed at all! Besides laminated and other engineered products, we’re essentially still using the same old flooring materials with the exceptions of vinyl products starting in the 1960s and continuing today, often mistakenly called “linoleum.”

Today’s vinyl products are much better quality and better looking than vinyl flooring from the '60s and '70s, and can be less expensive, though high end vinyl products can be as much as linoleum products. 

True linoleum is made from natural ingredients including linseed oil, pigments, wood pulp or cork powder which combine to create an impressive variety of subtle patterns and beautiful colors. Its recent rise in popularity began in the 1990s when consumers became more interested in a “greener” flooring product than sheet vinyl.

True linoleum, when properly installed, is durable because the colors go all the way through the product and it hardens with age. Keep it clean, and you should periodically wet mop a stripping product and a polish according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to further enhance the appearance and longevity.

Innovative patterns such as simple borders, “area rug” accents and decorative elements can be inlaid into a floor with contrasting linoleum colors. This was frequently done in homes through the 1960s.
While today's vinyl products often mimic wood, tile and even true linoleum flooring, linoleum has a unique beauty of its own. 

If you’re concerned about an authentic timeless look, are interested in a green product for a more natural home, or just enjoy a durable resilient floor that hides dirt and wears really well, consider linoleum.

Until next time!

--Elaine Bothe

Click here for a quick history of linoleum.

Click here for in-depth consumer information to linoleum courtesy of Armstrong:

Get a book about linoleum! (Image at left.)

Other photos (and another great article) courtesy of This Old House.