It doesn't look like either one matches the stair treads. Instead of a wood pattern on the vinyl, would you consider a stone look? Or have you looked into Marmoleum? They have so many interesting colors and patterns and it's a nontoxic green product.

Maybe what you are REALLY saying is you'd like a flooring stain/refinish on the living floor that matters more than the lower level getting a sheet vinyl?

Failing that, the one you don't looove is a somewhat better blend, albeit VERY red. Buy a nice big area rug for the lower level, and you won't be as bothered. : )

Or? Pop for engineered flooring, more dollars, that will also afford many more wood tone options much like your existing flooring, and can be refinished at some point with the main floor , should you ever want to do that.

Depends resources, and how long you will remain in the house.

In a walk-out basement that’s visible from the front hall and parts of the living room, the choice of flooring really makes an impact on visual continuity and overall harmony. The instinct to match with what’s upstairs is solid (it promotes flow and cohesion), but that doesn’t mean it has to be an exact match. If you prefer the darker planklook vinyl (because you like its character, proportions, or feel), you can still make it work by using transition strategies for instance, a threshold strip, a rug, or a shift zone (like a small landing or step) that visually signals the change. That said, many people recommending the lighter “match” option are favoring safety: consistency helps the eye move smoothly, reduces jarring shifts, and often prevents the basement from feeling like a separate space. One designer in the thread suggested considering alternate materials altogether like stone or Marmoleum for visual interest and durability.

In short: choose the floor you love and that’s practical, but use color, texture, transitions, and lighting to make that change feel intentional, not accidental. If you like, I can mock up a few visuals (your darker vinyl vs a closer match upstairs) so you can “see” which feels better in your space. Want me to pull that together for you?

Would you consider thin brick veneer for your basement flooring?

Look at sheet vinyl patterns that are not wood-look, such as tile or terrazzo patterns.