Personally, I like the linoleum better. I think it is warmer, looks more upscale, and will be easier to decorate around. How dedicated are you to a very strict period look?

I like vct in a pattern e.g. checker, gingham, or without the white variegation as a monolithic looking floor.

If you're trying to avoid vinyl, then have a look at marmoleum. Similar look to VCT but nicer to walk on (I have it in my kitchen) and made from natural materials. It's available as tiles as well as sheet goods too.

VCT might feel quite busy. Love the lino esp in 10".

I looked at Marmoleum and they didnt have anything that true black iirc

The white dots in the VCT definitely seem to have a direction, so would you lay the VCT straight or checkerboard? And for the linoleum, would you do sheet or tile?

I think they both would look fine. I favor the linoleum probably because I have more personal experience with linoleum, its durability, and it's upkeep. My experience with VCT is limited to walking on it.

@mtnrdredux_gw they do in the MCT 2.0mm tiles. It's similar to the VCT but less busy. The link in my first post shows it.

VCT lasts forever and wears like iron. I had it in my kitchen until I remodelled with marmoleum. Marmoleum is nicer underfoot but will scratch. On the plus side, rubbing the scratch with a little oil takes it right out.

VCT gets my vote. Especially if also goes in the kitchen with your copper appliances.

Here are views of the VCT from eye level in bright sun and shade: This is a 6-inch sample.

Hmm. I like the VCT better in the photos, the linoleum looks like tar paper. Maybe it looks better IRL?

Probably a lot like tar paper yes, but it does have the streaky appearance of linoleum as well, it's probably not photogenic.

I think I prefer the linoleum, though it does look rather like stone. Then again, it won't feel anything at all like stone : ) .

Here are real, not virtual, images of the VCT in place albeit checkerboard with white, when I would do all black

Our tendency would probably be to have a high polish ( I always fined it very satisfying to see the newly buffed floors in my workplaces), although the satin may really be best

I have VCT black and white checkerboard in my old house laundry room, but it was never ever highly polished!

I like 1 and 3 above.

^Me, too, very pretty. Wish I had known about it sooner, it might have worked for my bathroom reno. I'm also a big fan of Marmoleum and have it in two rooms. When my bathroom is done, I may use the sealer I bought to give it a bit more gloss, if possible.

I like the high polish finish, I think its because of my experience in the work place. My hospital has one wing with terrazzo but only one floor exposed. When that floor gets polished, I thank all the housekeepers I come across. A high polish terrazzo is stunning. With the terrazzo tiles that Sophie shows, would the glint of metallic and pearl give the illusion of polish without the high upkeep? I really like the #3, if you have copper finishes in your kitchen I would think that would be a great combo.

I like the VCT too. At eye level its not too busy. It looks like it has a bit of tan in the flakes. That is a classic too. What is VCT? I've seen that look in flooring forever.

Anytime there is terrazzo to vote on, I vote terrazzo. Agree that the warm flakes would look amazing in the kitchen.

VCT stands for Vinyl Compostion tile and it is made of limestone and Poly vinyl Chloride.

Here is a floor of supposedly Armstrong Exelon imperial classic black (definitely vct):

looks good!

here is their description of maintenance/buffing

http://www.redneckmodern.com/2010/09/shiney-happy-flooring.html

and I thought this comment was interesting: “Love shiny VCT! Ours needs a new coat...we use a janitorial service that comes in ever year and scrape off the wax and recoats for about $150. Messy business, and we have totally been putting it off.”

i like the idea of hiring a janitorial service

I thought VCT was environmentally hazardous?

VCT contained asbestos at one time but no longer does.