Linoleum flooring: A natural choice

The word LINOLEUM often conjures images of grandma’s 1950s kitchen floors - a relic of the past. It’s a word that has been largely misunderstood, most often being confused with vinyl. But unlike vinyl - which is made of petroleum-based plastics and toxic ingredients - natural linoleum is made from simple, plant- and mineral-based ingredients: linseed oil, limestone, wood flour, jute, and natural pigments.

This blend makes it not only eco-friendly, but also healthier, durable, and surprisingly versatile. Far from outdated, linoleum is a sustainable and high-performing flooring material for both residential and commercial spaces. Today, it’s used everywhere from homes and schools to hospitals and offices - and for good reason.

1. Natural and sustainable

Linoleum is made from rapidly renewable materials and is fully biodegradable at the end of its life cycle. Choosing linoleum supports a circular economy and reduces reliance on plastics, making it one of the most sustainable flooring choices available.

Fact: Tarkett's natural linoleum flooring is made exclusively of natural materials, and is cradle to cradle certified, meaning that it's manufactured within framework that focuses on eliminating waste by creating products and systems that are designed to be perpetually reused or recycled.

2. Durable and Easy to Maintain

Linoleum stands up to decades of use in high-traffic spaces. Its color runs through the material, so scratches are less noticeable, and it’s easy to clean with non-toxic products. When seams are welded, linoleum forms a hygienic, watertight surface that’s ideal for hospitals, schools, and labs.

Fact: Installed in hospitals worldwide, Forbo's Marmoleum natural linoleum flooring has an average lifespan of 30–40 years and is trusted in healthcare facilities such as The Precision Cancer Medical Center, where hygiene and durability are critical.

3. Healthy for Indoor Air Quality

Unlike vinyl flooring, which often contains PVC, phthalates, and formaldehyde (all Red List chemicals), linoleum is free from harmful additives. It’s naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, contributing to cleaner indoor air - an essential for wellbeing.

Fact: A large-scale Swedish study found that children living in homes with vinyl flooring were 1.5 times more likely to develop doctor-diagnosed asthma over a 10-year follow‑up period compared to those with non-vinyl (e.g., wood or linoleum) flooring in their bedrooms. The association grew even stronger—double the likelihood—if the mother had vinyl flooring in her bedroom during pregnancy. https://www.ecocenter.org/phthalates-toxic-chemicals-vinyl-plastic

4. Aesthetically Versatile

Today’s linoleum comes in a vast array of colors, textures, and finishes. It can be cut into custom inlays, patterns, or even logos—making it an excellent choice for corporate branding, wayfinding in large facilities, or playful designs in schools and childcare spaces.

Fact: Forbo’s Marmoleum can be water-jet cut to incorporate custom logos and intricate designs, a technique used in the Discovery Lounge of the William Morris Gallery, in Walthamstow, recreating an original William Morris design in the floor.

5. Comfortable & Warm Underfoot

Linoleum provides an ergonomic resilient surface that reduces strain on joints and muscles compared to harder flooring like tile, terrazzo or concrete. Its thermal properties also make it naturally warmer in winter and cooler in summer, creating a more comfortable environment year-round.

Fact: Studies in healthcare settings have shown that ergonomic flooring reduces worker fatigue and musculoskeletal complaints, supporting improved performance compared to staff standing for long hours on hard surfaces.

Project Electric Blue: A Living Example

In our Project: Electric Blue, we selected a slate-look natural linoleum flooring that works with the industrial aesthetic while complementing the abundant wood features. This flooring not only enhances the natural character of the space, but also provides comfort in both warm and cool seasons, contributes to healthy indoor air quality, and delivers the durability needed for everyday use.

Natural linoleum is not your grandma’s flooring—it’s a timeless, eco-conscious choice that blends sustainability, durability, health, aesthetics, and comfort. Whether you’re designing for a home, healthcare setting, or commercial project, linoleum is a flooring option that checks all the boxes for both performance and wellness.