Is Carpet Outdated? Designers Say This Flooring Staple Is Here to Stay

This cozy design material continues to add style and comfort.

Some say wall-to-wall carpet is an outdated look, but current design trends say otherwise. While specific types of carpet might be out of style—and its use has become reserved for certain areas of the home as opposed to the entire space—it remains a popular flooring option. “We still find carpet relevant in our projects, especially in closets and bedrooms”, says interior designer Maggie Griffin.

In recent years, natural wood floors layered with area rugs have been a go-to look, replacing wall-to-wall carpet in both public and private areas of the home. However, as Griffin points out, carpet is still a relevant choice that’s particularly well suited for rooms where comfort and relaxation is a key priority. As you’ll see below, there are both practical and aesthetic benefits to installing carpet in your home. So, if you’re wondering whether wall-to-wall carpet is still in style, or worth the cost and commitment, consider this expert advice.

Related: 6 Carpet Trends that Prove This Flooring Material Is Better Than Ever

Benefits of Installing Carpet

Comfort

One of the main benefits of installing wall-to-wall carpet is comfort. Not only does a plush layer of carpet underfoot feel soft and cozy, it adds warmth both visually and practically speaking. It helps insulate a room and retains warmth more than hard flooring, which can be beneficial for conserving energy during the cold winter months. In addition to being more comfortable to walk on, carpet is also softer and cozier to sit on, which can be particularly important in areas such as a kid’s bedroom, playroom, game room, or family room. Plus, if someone slips and falls, carpet provides a little extra cushioning to help prevent an injury.

Cost-Effectiveness

The cost per square foot for hardwood floors is approximately double the cost of wall-to-wall carpet. And while carpet ranges in cost just as hardwood flooring does, it is generally considered a more budget-friendly option. If you really want wood floors but installing them throughout the home doesn’t fit in your budget, think strategically and only install them in more formal gathering areas such as the living room and dining room, or where an open floor plan demands visual continuity. Then, opt for carpet in the rest of the home, whether that’s bedrooms and closets or an entire floor such as a finished basement.

Cozy Aesthetic

The cozy home aesthetic has been trending and speaks to people’s preference of comfortable and relaxing spaces over formal ones. Carpet is the perfect design element for setting a warm and inviting tone in a room, and one that provides a cozy layer to build upon with furniture, decor, and a color scheme. Just as a wall color sets the tone for a space, flooring helps convey a mood and carries an aesthetic in both a visual and functional sense.

Easy Maintenance

Maintaining wall-to-wall carpet in good condition is easy and inexpensive. The majority of newer carpet styles are designed to be stain-resistant and to repel liquids, plus there are various stain and odor removers and eliminators available to effectively treat spills when they do happen. In addition to regular vacuuming, it is recommended that carpets are professionally cleaned at least once a year in order to remove dust and allergens and to help prolong the carpet’s lifespan.

Related: Carpet vs. Rug: What’s the Difference?

How and Where to Use Carpet In Your Home

For the look of carpet without the full-on installation, Griffin suggests a clever in-between solution. “If you’re a little gun shy on wall-to-wall carpet, try a bound carpet rug over your wood flooring,” she says. “It gives the same look and feel as carpet but without the larger commitment.” Binding carpet allows you to customize its shape and size and choose a border color, plus you get the soft and comfy feel of carpet and the flexibility of an area rug.

Wall-to-wall carpet is best suited for private spaces like bedrooms, adjoining closets, a lounging area like a finished basement, and kid’s rooms and playrooms. Stay away from using it in rooms that experience excessive humidity such as bathrooms. (Believe it or not, shag-carpeted bathrooms were a thing in the ’70s.) Additionally, avoid using carpet in a high-traffic area like an entryway or mudroom where it’s likely to get damaged quickly even with regular maintenance.

Related: We Tested 100 of the Best Carpet Cleaners in 2024—These 12 Will Save You from Stains

Current Carpet Trends

In addition to its practical benefits, carpet presents an opportunity to get creative and introduce a great pattern, continue a color scheme, or bring in a cozy texture. When it comes to her favorite carpet trends, Griffin says, “We love using a carpet with a subtle stripe or a plaid.”

Opt for classic patterns that add visual interest but are subtle and timeless enough to pair well with other patterns and design elements in the room. If you want to get more playful, take inspiration from Griffin, who says, “We have even used a star pattern for a bit of whimsy.”

Related: How to Mix Patterns: 4 Things Interior Designers Want You to Know

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