Always on the search for retro flooring options, I ordered some samples from Mannington’s Progression line of 12″x12″ vinyl composition tile. There were several colors that looked like they could work for a vintage-era kitchen, basement, or even living room. Sure enough: I declare winners among:
55228 New Geranium — a wonderful apple red…- 55503 Banana Cream — a nice but not cloying yellow…
- 55170 Duchess Blue — a crisp classic blue…
- and 55101 Classic Black — although I’d compare that with the more streaky, super scrumptious Armstrong Standard Excelon Imperial in Classic Black, which has been around for decades, before making a final decision.
Note: I ordered these samples a while back. They’ve been sitting on my desk waiting their moment in the sun. Now that I go back to look at the site, I see there are some new colors. Check them out — my experience is that the image online and the tile in-hand look pretty different.
Link love:
- Mannington Progression VCT.
- All of our research on flooring options are filed in our Kitchen Help / Flooring subcategory here.
Karen says
Just noticed Mannington stopped making VCT in July 2017. Follow your link to see.
Diane says
Does the retro blue and yellow come in linoleum instead of PVC???
Pam Kueber says
Check the linoleum suppliers. See our Kitchen Help / Flooring subcategory for our story on where to look
JOHN DYLLA says
Hi,
Besides ceramic tile or hardwoods, is their a no maintenance or very little maintenance option for our kitchen and living room/dining room combo? We have a dog so hardwoods are out. We assume cork is a problem as well. Perhaps a slate-look tile? Real slate looks like a real pain over time but the slate-look tiles just don’t look retro enough. Any ideas would be appreciated. THANKS!
pam kueber says
I’ll have to think about this.
Slate? https://retrorenovation.com/2010/01/20/multi-color-slate-flooring-an-authentic-mid-century-choice/
Very hard underfoot, but maybe not too much maintenance. I’m not an expert. Worth checking out.
pam kueber says
Check out commercial sheet flooring. Perhaps there is something with a hard, no-wax finish…
Steven says
Pam,
You mentioned that you wish that the Armstrong pattern that was made from the 30s till the mid 90s (the random brick pattern) was available in off white/beige. Google “montego beige peel and stick tile”.
Joe Felice says
VCT is always a good choice. Very durable and the closet thing made today to the linoleum we remember.
Mary says
Has anyone compared this VCT to the Armstrong VCT? The Armstrong has some beautiful colors that will work well in my house which sits at the intersection of MCM and beachy. Armstrong also has quite a bit of info about installing/using/caring for VCT in a residential setting.
pam kueber says
I mention and link to Armstrong in the story….
Also see this macro-story: https://retrorenovation.com/2015/02/10/23-companies-flooring-cork-linoleum-midcentury-house/
Maria says
Beautiful! Wish I could find a good MCM sheet flooring option. My old floor is coved and would love to be able to keep the style.