When it comes to flooring, there’s plenty of choice out there. While veined marble looks undeniably luxurious and planks of salvaged timber can lend spaces a sense of rustic materiality, the soft, comfortable tread of wall-to-wall carpet cocoons in a way that other types of flooring can’t match.

With so many different shades and styles available, though, there’s no need to default to a safe neutral option. The colored carpet trend continues at pace, with interior designers using their projects to prove that flooring is an essential tool for defining a room’s visual identity. As one of the designers so succinctly posed, “Why go beige, when you can go bold?”

Feeling bold? These are the five carpet colors that are trending right now — and how you should bravely use them in your own space, according to designers.

1. Pink Umber

A pink carpet can be a surprisingly sophisticated choice, but success hinges on the exact shade. For a look that’s more grown-up than it is Barbie, opt for an earthy, smokier pink rather than a sugary sweet one.

“I love those in-between colors that are hard to pinpoint,” explains Lauren Egan, the interior designer who created the bedroom pictured above. “While there’s definitely a place for bold and vibrant pinks, shades that are reflective of the natural environment are more calming. This pink carpet has some lovely, muddy brown undertones that make it feel quite natural.”

Pink carpet will reflect warmth up and around your room, so keep that in mind when choosing other colors and finishes for the space. “Remember that laying carpet is a longer-term commitment than painting the walls,” says Lauren. “Once you settle on a vision, though, move ahead with confidence.”

2. Grassy Green

With biophilic interior design an enduring look for 2026, it’s no surprise that green earns a spot on our list of trending carpet colors. “We call it nature’s neutral,” says Patrick Kennedy, principal at Kennedy Nolan. “It’s like walking on grass.”

“In this space, we chose a green on the yellow end of the spectrum,” explains Patrick. “The shade has connotations of new growth, but it’s also resonant of the complex, tertiary palettes of the 1960s. In a project that draws on the late modernist period, this felt like an appropriate reference.”

As green is so directly related to nature, the color is surprisingly easy to live with. Even in a brighter or much darker hue, it has a calm quality that makes it a versatile choice. Green is also highly responsive to light, so treat carpet samples more like paint and place them in various spots around your room before settling on a shade.

3. Oxblood Red

“There’s something wonderfully atmospheric about a red carpet,” says interior designer Sam Grigg. “It feels almost unapologetic, and the color is perfect for adding an instant sense of glamour to bedrooms.”

Not all reds, of course, are created equal. “Avoid a bright, award-ceremony red,” instructs Sam. “Oxblood has a rich, cocooning depth that looks more intimate than brighter versions of the color, therefore feeling much more luxurious.”

The hue works well paired with indulgent materials. Trending textures like lacquer, velvet, and bouclé take on an even more sensuous look against such a deep, dramatic backdrop.

4. Taupe (but Tactile)

Decorating with neutrals doesn’t have to be the soft option, but if you’re tempted by carpet in a shade of cream, beige, or taupe, then finish really matters. “You need some texture to bring dimension in an understated, sophisticated way,” says Rebecca Hughes.

“A neutral carpet in a rich texture creates a light, calming foundation for the rest of your space,” the London-based interior designer explains. “A tonal, textured design adds depth and visual interest without overwhelming the room or competing with other materials.”

Carpets in quieter colors do come with practical considerations — they’re far less forgiving of scrapes, scuffs, and spills, so choosing a cut-pile or irregularly woven design does much to address this, too. “Just choose one with enough depth to hide everyday wear,” advises Rebecca.

5. Pitch Black

In rooms dedicated to relaxation, the darkest hues are often the most immersive choice. Black carpet may be bold, but it can look rich and feel enveloping. “The color creates a moody, sexy aesthetic,” says interior designer Greg Natale.

“Black carpet helps to intensify, bolden, and sharpen the other elements in a room,” he explains. “In this bedroom, using black underfoot accentuates the textured stucco walls and glossy cabinetry. The color adds drama and tension.”

For a contemporary look, pair black with other cool colors. Blues, grays, and silvers take on a sleek, graphic quality against black, whereas warmer tones often soften that visual impact.

Wall-to-wall carpet can look just as design-led as wood, tile, or natural stone. These trending carpet colors make spaces feel layered, rich, and warm, proving there’s no point simply staying neutral underfoot.

Once you’ve chosen a shade, discover where to buy with our pick of the carpet brands worth considering now.

Plus, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter for even more design inspiration.

I can't believe I am saying this, but carpeted flooring is cool again. I know it may not be what you were expecting, but it turns out the retro look is not always grounds for removal. In fact, a bold color spanning wall-to-wall can be a chic design statement. However, don't be mistaken, there are still right and wrong ways to install carpet in your interior, and color has a lot to do with getting it right.

Where we once wanted to hide the fact a room was carpeted by choosing a light carpet color, contemporary carpet trends are embracing a bit more drama and creativity by going dark. Designer and founder of Art+Loom, Samantha Gallacher, says, "A darker carpet can be grounding and contrast beautifully against lighter walls, creating a more balanced look." Samantha adds, "It can also help hide dirt, wear, and stains in high-traffic areas."

So should your carpet be darker than your walls? Short answer: yes — with the emerging trend for bold colored carpets, a dark-carpet-light-wall look will be sure to score on style. However, before you make any permanent decisions, here are a few designer tips to consider.

Much like a ceiling, I like to think of your floor as a sort of fifth wall. And just like when painting a dark ceiling with light walls, a dark carpet has a certain time and place when it works best. "Using a darker carpet grounds the space, anchoring it while pulling the eye upward," says San Diego-based interior designer and founder of Christina Kelley Interiors, Christina Kelley. Christina adds, "I prefer darker carpets for cozy spaces like family rooms, bedrooms, and playrooms."

When picking a shade of carpet, consider the light the room receives, its use, and the surrounding finishes. Samantha Gallacher says, "A dark wall-to-wall carpet can make a room feel cozier or more intimate, but it can also make small spaces feel cramped or darker." The color of your carpet affects everything from how large or small your room feels to the overall aesthetic you are trying to create. So you want to be sure you are choosing a carpet that works well in your unique space. Samantha says it is all about finding the right harmony between the walls and the floor. "Your carpet color should balance the room’s size, lighting, function, and overall aesthetic," says Samantha.

If you want to add depth and personality to your space, a darker carpet color will certainly amp up the visual appeal. Don't know where to start? Earth tones (like warm taupes, soft beiges, and charcoals) remain timeless, tried, and true go-tos. However, there are plenty of ways to incorporate a darker carpet than your walls without fear of dating your space.

When Carpet Should be Darker Than the Walls

In Large Rooms with Good Natural Light

One of the easiest and best places for a carpet that is darker than your walls is in a large room with good natural light. If you have a lighter color on your walls, a darker carpet helps create a distinguished visual contrast while maintaining a softness from the material. Samantha says, "They can create a more grounded and formal look when there is more spacious of a setting."

In large spaces, start with a solid color carpet, and work from there. When working with an open floor plan or in spaces that get a lot of sunlight throughout the day, a solid, dark carpet won't feel too heavy. As for if you should put rugs on the carpet? Yes, you should. Layering textiles will add dimension and create different perceived areas in the room.

In High Traffic Areas

Though I have always been impartial to hardwood floors, the idea of living room carpet is starting to grow on me. Imagine a chic living room donning a 70s color palette of off-white walls and a chocolate carpet, or warm wood walls and a bright red carpet — the dark-light combo is retro-chic in all the best ways.

If you're concerned about stains, dirt, and wear, Samantha says, "darker carpets are often easier to maintain in spaces like hallways, living rooms, or offices."

When You Need a Touch of Drama

The most obvious reason for opting for a carpet that is darker than your walls is when you want to create contrast in your interior. Samantha says, "If you want to create a bold statement with light-colored walls or a more dramatic effect, darker carpets can make a strong accent."

To Create a Warm and Cozy Setting

A darker carpet color than the walls works wonderfully in cozy settings. Dark carpets can create a sense of serenity and warmth, "perfect for bedrooms or lounges where you want a more intimate atmosphere," says Samantha.

Carpet gives our feet a soft place to land when getting out of bed or just lounging at home — a warm, rich color will only highlight that comfort more. My mind immediately goes to jute rugs in cozy seaside cottages, but even a carpet that just mimics that same tan color as jute will add warmth to lightly colored walls.

Shop the Look

Monochromatic Color Schemes

A carpet that is darker than the walls also works wonderfully in monochromatic color schemes. Monochromatic rugs that match the color of the wall but in a darker tone can be a stylish and subtle choice, offering a harmonious and cohesive look. The smooth transition between the floor and walls will feel calm and cohesive. "This look works well in minimalist or contemporary spaces where simplicity and clean lines are key," says Samantha.

Color drenching a space is a bold design choice, so choosing a carpet with a slightly darker variation of the color will have a more grounding effect in the room. And it won't affect the 'drenched' look — Christina says, "A carpet in a similar tone as the walls will still read as one continuous plane with less visual interruption."

When you choose a carpet that is darker than your wall color, the result is a room that feels grounded, refined, and even daring. Will you be bringing back color carpet this year?

I've always dreamed that one day I'll buy a property and rip up its drab and worn-out carpets to reveal original, mint-condition floorboards underneath. I find myself watching videos of people doing it on social media all the time — it scratches that itch.

There's always been something about wall-to-wall carpeted spaces that just doesn't do it for me. Perhaps it's the fact I grew up in Australia and never really appreciated (or wanted) the benefits that come with having the soft surface underfoot. And then there's the argument of whether carpets are even in style these days anyway (for which I often find myself arguing in favor of).

But as much as I'm known for my strong opinions when it comes to trends, I always like to stay open-minded. In fact, I particularly like to be proven wrong (it tends to be a telltale sign of a creative shift). And when it comes to carpet trends, there's one I've found myself falling quite fond of lately: bold colored carpets.

While wall-to-wall carpets are typically favored in neutral, timeless tones, adding interest through texture rather than color, this latest trend flips that idea, instead leaning into solid hues that make a bold design statement, rather than simply acting as a background in a space.

For the modern living room shown above, architect Lisa Breeze explains to me that while she opted for a durable, long-lasting polished concrete as the main flooring in the open-plan room, "the lush, luxurious blue carpet in the sunken lounge provides the space with its own identity, while also complementing the blue stone found within the concrete."

The saturated cerulean carpet not only helps to 'zone' the open-plan space, but the bold living room carpet idea also gives the room a certain softness (both literally and figuratively) that helps afford it a sense of informality — exactly what you want in a living space.

I feel like this trend is a natural extension of the idea of color drenching that's taken over the last few years. We're growing bolder and braver when it comes to color on our walls and ceilings, so why not take it to the floors, too?

"There’s a growing embrace of immersive interiors where color is used to shape mood and atmosphere," interior designer Greg Natale tells me. "At the same time, texture is playing a greater role in design, with plush carpeting offering a tactile quality that enhances a room’s sensory appeal, making it feel both inviting and expressive."

And, of course, you've also got that nod to nostalgic design. "There’s a renewed appreciation for the glamorous, opulent interiors of the 70s, 80s, and 90s right now, when deep-pile carpets in saturated tones were a hallmark of high-end spaces," adds Greg.

A part of me wonders whether this revival is purely about aesthetics, or whether somewhere deep down, we're all aching for the warmth and comfort of eras gone by.

But then again, perhaps the return of fitted carpets is more about the future — it's our way of challenging the ever-growing world of fast furniture and disposable design. Rather than opting for rugs that can easily be switched in and out, we're making a commitment. After all, choosing the best carpet colors can be tricky at the best of times, but selecting a bold hue certainly ups the stakes.

When it comes to doing it well, Greg says there are two approaches: pair a colored carpet with neutral walls and furnishings, letting the flooring take the main focus, or creating a layered scheme where the hue is repeated throughout the space, for a look that feels more cohesive.

"Ultimately, balance in interior design comes down to intention," he says. "Whether the goal is contrast or cohesion, ensuring each element has a clear purpose will result in a space that feels curated rather than overwhelming."

Emma Chozick, a design consultant, curator, and writer, echoes a similar sentiment, telling me it's about treating carpeting as an intentional design decision, rather than simply a default.

To do it, "Designers are using custom-dyed hues, unexpected color pairings, and high-pile textures that feel contemporary and luxe," she says. "Instead of the beige-on-beige carpets of the early 2000s, we’re seeing deep blues, ochres, and magentas that create a mood."

And that's key to this modern iteration of carpeting — color. "A rich, bold carpet makes a strong statement, yet its impact can be surprisingly simple — no pattern, just pure color, allowing the hue to take center stage," says Greg. "This creates a striking visual foundation that can either energize or soothe a space, depending on the chosen shade."

While a lot of 70s design details may still make most people shudder (here's looking at you, popcorn ceilings), it's undeniable that it was an era categorized by bold self-expression, energetic color palettes, and rebellious personalization that led to sensory rich and immersive spaces — and I think that's exactly what bold colored wall-to-wall carpets bring, too.

"There’s a confidence to interiors right now that feels exciting," says Emma. "People are leaning into personal style, embracing bold choices, and realizing that a home should feel like an experience, not just a backdrop." (We've covered this idea of 'loud luxury' on Livingetc just recently, too.)

So now, rather than seeing endless stories of people ripping up carpets, I find myself — and more importantly, my algorithm — being served with inspiring interiors built around bold colored carpets, and, quite frankly, I couldn't be happier about it.

Are you thinking about redecorating or remodeling your home? The flooring of the space is just as important as what is placed on top of it, and when it comes to finding the right carpet brands that fit your home's aesthetic, we know it can be quite the challenge.

That's why I'm here. I've spent hours of my day sourcing fine carpet brands that will elevate your space, rather than make it look dull and a little tired. But does it really matter where you purchase your carpet from? The simple answer is yes. Speaking to Rupert Anton from The Carpet Foundation, he tells us: "Where you buy is as important as what you buy. At the Carpet Foundation, we have over 400 independent retailers (selling not only carpet but all types of flooring) all of whom operate under a Code of Practice approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute."

Rupert continues: "All are local carpet shops owned and run by carpet experts, many of whom have been selling carpets for generations. All are independent businesses, serving local needs and passionate about carpet."

Understanding where your carpeting comes from will allow you to find the best materials, with the highest quality and crafted by some of the best experts here in the UK and around the world. Here, I've curated a list of stylish carpet brands that will enhance your flooring and bring life back into carpets once more — because they're never too old school for us.

1. Ulster Carpets

Ulster Carpets, established in 1938, is known for its renewable and recycled materials. From its boho collection to its patterned Glenacy, Ulster Carpets offers many carpet types to choose from that will certainly brighten up your home and give it the pizzazz and style it's been missing.

Ulster Carpets is stocked across the world, with its range placed in the UK, Ireland, around the EU, USA, and other parts of the globe. So is the investment worth it? We say yes. Andrew Gicquel, retail sales manager from Ulster Carpets tells us: "From the looms that the carpet is woven on and the processing and dyeing of the wool, through to the design, weaving and finishing of the carpet, every step of the process all happens in the UK."

Andrew continues: "That level of control allows us to deliver the high levels of quality and luxury that is synonymous with the Ulster name for over 87 years. We manufacture carpets for some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, cruise ships, and casinos, and the carpets for your home go through all the same processes."

Could you tell me what's going on? When you first visit the website, you can choose your carpet by range, style, and color. After selecting your carpet, you can order a sample or find a stockist in your area who sells the brand.

Where to buy? There are a few stockists you can go to, to get your hands on Ulster Carpets. If you're looking for locations in London — here's the full list of stores.

Price Range? But how much does it cost to buy and install these premium carpets into your home or business? "The most important cost is the overall installation costs, which will be specific to your home," explains Andrew. "Our MultiWidth options help by offering different colour-matched widths that reduce waste and your overall costs."

"Our Wiltons and Loops would typically retail around £48/m2 with Axminster carpets starting from £67/m2. But always speak to your retailer about their current pricing offers and the best solution for your home," Andrew adds.

I asked Andrew why consumers should buy from them, and he says: "Quality and choice. As mentioned, we support local jobs and the economy through our UK-based manufacturing and supply chains. Even the vast majority of our wool is sourced through British and Irish farmers."

Andrew adds: "This all helps to create premium carpets that offer the highest levels of luxury. When it comes to choice, we have a vast array of different designs and colors, so we are confident that you will find a carpet to match your individual tastes."

2. Cormar Carpet Company

Cormar Carpets has been creating high-quality British carpets for over 65 years. Made in the UK, David Cormack, marketing director at Cormar Carpet Company tells us their carpets offer durability, style, and comfort for modern homes. "From luxurious wool to stain resistant polypropylene, we have options to suit every lifestyle," says David. "With a focus on quality and innovation, our carpets are designed to look great and perform well for years to come."

The brand also has a network of over 3,000 retailers across the UK and Ireland, "With a dedicated fleet of delivery vehicles to ensure prompt service and availability," David adds.

What's the process? To find out more about the brand and what it has to offer, you can head over to its website for inspiration and explore its range of carpets. Its range includes easy-clean carpets, soft deep pile, wool twist, wool loop, and easy-clean loop.

Where to buy? The best way to get your hands on Cormar Carpet Co. is to head over to the website and find the nearest retailer/stocklist. If you're based in London, there are several stores you can head into — including Yazco Carpets Ltd, backed by The Carpet Foundation. You can explore the full list of retail stores here.

Price Range? "We offer carpets at a range of price points to suit all budgets while maintaining high quality," says David. "To find the best carpet for your needs and to get a quote, we have a network of trusted retailers across the UK and Ireland who can assist you. They can provide expert advice on selecting the right style, material, and budget to suit your home."

So, why should you buy from the Cormar Carpet Company? Well, David tells us: "As a trusted British carpet manufacturer with a long-standing reputation for quality and reliability, our carpets combine style and practicality, offering a wide selection of colours and designs to suit any home."

He continues: "With options ranging from stain resistant and easy clean carpets to luxurious wool collections, we provide solutions for every lifestyle. By working with a nationwide network of retailers, we ensure customers receive expert advice and excellent service when choosing their perfect carpet."

3. Elements London

ELEMENTS LONDON is a boutique luxury carpet company founded by Gregory Powley-Lynch and Mike Barber. First established in 2010, under the name "Natural Elements," with its first collection of pure new wool and wool-rich products — the company rapidly expanded across the country. Its vision and brand identity later grew to focus on luxury carpets and is now loved by designers across the globe.

Speaking on the brand, Melissa Budasz, from Elements design team says: "We conceive new flooring concepts in London, working with partners and clients across the globe to keep one step ahead. Offering only the finest quality wool carpets and faux silk carpets for domestic and commercial use."

But is the brand worth the investment? Made from the finest of materials, Melissa says the carpets are "engineered with supreme materiality to perform and last like no other; sumptuously soft to the touch, sustainably good for our planet. Our partner Wools of New Zealand is a 100% grower, passionate about promoting wool as a natural fiber into beautiful textiles."

That's not all though, the brand now holds a flooring technology called TEKSILK, which is a yarn system that feels just as soft as silk but is highly durable underfoot. "Providing ethical and sustainable wool is our primary focus, harnessing clever science and innovation," explains Melissa. "Our wool growers have the utmost care and integrity in growing the perfect fiber for its destined product. Introducing a new generation of silky-soft yet extraordinarily resilient luxury carpets, TEKSILK is a revolutionary flooring technology, which we have in 9 of our collections and in over 80 colors. Designed for a multitude of interior styles it's made to last. "

What's the process? The process is simple, all you need to do is head over to the website to view the brand's luxury collection.

Where to buy? Once you've found your carpet of choice, you can then head over to find a stockist by adding your postcode into the box and hitting 'find'. There are a few stores in London to keep an eye out for.

Price Range? "Our collections are available to purchase from nationwide retailers and prices vary depending on the product," says Melissa. "Stockists of our collections can be found on our website."

Looking for more reason to get your carpet from this luxury brand? Melissa tells us: "Carpet isn't just about the surface — It's also about the backing, and ours is one of a kind. Our backing doesn't contain the carbon-based chemical styrene-butadiene. Instead, we use a compound which is far less harmful to the environment — vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE), which is less flammable than most standard carpet backings.

"Our backing procedure makes sure that it is a perfect match for both domestic and commercial interiors. And with VAE, you won't endure the annoying after smell of a new fitted carpet. A little extra luxury worth having."

4. Roger Oates

Roger Oates is known for its finely crafted designs, beautiful pieces and heritage craftsmanship. As well as its wall-to-wall floor covering, this brand provides consumers with runners and rugs. Its runners are woven in the UK and specially created from 100% wool yarn that is spun and dyed in Yorkshire.

Every stage of the production is done with care, with the finishing of the product done by hand, staying true to the brand's traditions. Andy Guard, creative director, Roger Oates Design tells me: "Roger Oates Design is renowned for its signature stripe stair runners and rugs. The unique flatwoven texture, vibrant designs and bold use of colour, form the company’s iconic striped handwriting for rugs and runners."

What's the process? Whether you're looking for runners, rugs or wall to wall floor coverings, Roger Oates has it all. The website is easy to use and you can browse the type of carpeting you want. A few pieces that stood out to me on the site from the runner collection were The Wookeepers Collection, Shetland Collection, and Outlet Hallway Runners.

Where to buy? Once you've chosen your floor covering of choice, you can head to the 'Where to Buy' section on the website to find a local stocklist in your area. You can also visit a showroom to learn more about the designs and what might work best for you and your home. The showrooms are based in London's Chelsea Wharf and Ledbury, Herefordshire.

Price Range? The prices differ depending on what you go for, but the brand does state on its website that: "Your staircase is as individual as your house, which is why it is difficult for us to give you an exact price for your runner on these pages." But if you are looking for a better idea, here are some quotes below for UK sales only from its website:

1) For one flight of straight stairs with 13 steps (approx. 7m):
Flatweave, Narrow (60cm) or Standard (70cm) (no stair rods) £1358
Flatweave, Wide (85cm) (no stair rods) £1470
Shetland (no stair rods) £1666.
Add 13 plain iron stair rods £650

2) For one flight of stairs with 11 steps and a three step winder/turn at the top or bottom (approx. 8.5m):
Flatweave, Narrow (60cm) or Standard (70cm) (no stair rods) £1649
Flatweave, Wide (85cm) (no stair rods) £1785
Shetland (no stair rods) £2023
Add 14 plain iron stair rods £700

"100% wool runners in a 60cm or 70cm width are £194 per linear meter," explains Andy. "The narrow width flatweave runners can also be joined by hand to create bespoke rugs of any size. Bespoke color and widths £252 per meter (min order 20 Metres)."

"All Roger Oates flatweaves feature a repeating pattern that makes them ideal for joining together to form a distinctive made-to-measure hand-finished area rug or wall to wall floorcovering," Andy continues.

5. Alternative Flooring

Let's talk Alternative Flooring. A British brand known for its design-led carpets, rugs and runners. Kirsty Barton, brand storytelling manager for Alternative Flooring tells us: "We take pride in combining quality craftsmanship with a bold, creative approach to flooring. Sustainability, natural materials, and innovation are at the heart of what we do, offering unique textures, vibrant patterns, and responsibly sourced fibres that bring character and warmth to any space."

Alternative Flooring's carpets are ethically sourced and remain climate-friendly. The brand strives to put the planet first while also bringing luxury and fine craftsmanship to your home.

What's the process? The process is simple, all you need to do is head over to Alternative Flooring's website and select from its range of carpets, which includes: Natural, wool, faux, patterned, striped, and its 'essentials collection.'

Where to buy? The brand is based in the UK, with a network of trusted retail partners located in 700 different locations across the UK and Ireland. To find your closest store, all you need to do is head over to the website, scroll over 'where to buy' and pop in your postcode or city.

Price Range? As for pricing, Kristy says this all depends on the material, design, and finish used. "We offer a wide range of options, from affordable yet high-quality wool carpets to premium, hand-crafted designs," explains Kristy. "Bespoke rugs and runners, which can be custom-made with our Make Me A Rug Service, offers different border finishes and colour options, at a range of different price points.

"Whether you're looking for an everyday essential or a statement piece, we have options to suit different budgets."

6. Crucial Trading

Crucial Trading is known for its natural floor covering made from wool, sisal, sisool and seagrass. The brand holds over 50 unique collections and "are dedicated to providing innovative design, quality craftsmanship, and excellent customer service, using knowledge of fabrication techniques and eye for aesthetics," says Jon Flannigan, head of product at Crucial Trading.

"Crucial Trading is here to guide and educate, ensuring consumers find the perfect natural flooring to elevate the home," says Jon Flannigan, Head of Product, Crucial Trading. Here is a breakdown of each material and what makes it perfect for certain spaces within the home.

Wool: Timeless and versatile, wool carpet adds warmth, comfort, and natural insulation. It’s luxurious, durable, and great for various areas of the home.

Sisal: One of the strongest natural fibers, ideal for high-traffic areas. Its rustic texture and variety of woven patterns suit many design styles.

'Sisool': A blend of wool and sisal, combining softness with strength. It offers warmth and durability, perfect for busy households.

Seagrass: With its earthy texture and chunky patterns, seagrass is water-resistant, making it ideal for areas prone to spills, like dining rooms or utility spaces.

What's the process? Once you head over to the website, you can choose the type of carpet that you want according to color, material, room, pattern, and range. You can also use the website's visualizer to see how the carpet fits into a certain space.

Where to buy? Looking to get your hands on Crucial Trading's floor coverings? There are a few stockists across London that you can head over to and learn more about the pieces. All you need to do is pop your postcode into the finder.

Price Range? "Crucial Trading’s price ranges vary depending on style and material but usually between the £25-£50 per square meter mark," says Jon.

FAQs

What Types of Carpet Do the Best Brands Sell?

It's important to think about the type of carpeting you choose for your space and as Rupert from The Carpet Foundation tells us, "There is a growing trend towards eco-friendly and biobased materials (the new Purely Natural Collection from Brintons is made from 100% undyed British wool with cotton, jute and natural rubber latex backing)."

Rupert says home-owners are becoming a lot more concerned about the materials they use in their space and the impact it has on the planet. "And you can’t get much more natural or sustainable than wool! Furthermore, it has numerous inherent benefits — its resilience, ability to ‘bounce back’ from compression, comfort, the fact it is flame resistant, absorbs noise, and insulation," continues Rupert. "This latter point is important as with higher energy costs, consumers are looking at other ways to insulate their homes. Wool is a natural solution and has been proved to be the best floor insulator."

Whether you're looking for living room carpet ideas or if you're wondering if you should add carpet to your bedroom flooring — we've got you covered.

This list of brands has been carefully selected to ensure you get the best products that deliver fine craftsmanship as well as beautiful carpets for you and your home. Choose materials and brands that will last a lifetime and make investments that will age perfectly with your home.

Replacing carpets is a big task — it comes with all the disruption that follows emptying a room of its furniture, and that's before we start to talk about the cost. But, if you're starting to ask 'how often should carpets be replaced?', there's a good chance yours are heading that way.

To answer that question, we need to know something. Are you looking to replace yours to keep up with the latest carpet trends, or just replace carpet that's looking a little worse for wear?

If the former — well, that's up to you — maybe the better question is 'how long do people keep carpet for?' "There is a proxy that goes around the flooring world that says a carpet on average is changed every seven years," says Rupert Anton, of the Carpet Foundation, "but with the dawn of Instagram and faster trends this will probably become a faster half life than before as people reset their interiors more rapidly and are influenced more widely."

If the latter, we can offer some expert advice on the signs to look out for, and the average lifespan of carpet in the home. If you give this question a cursory Google search, it'll probably tell you that carpets should be replaced every five to 15 years — a broad range, but how accurate is that? We talked to carpet experts to get the lowdown on what factors play a role.

What's the Average Lifespan of a Carpet?

Andrew Giquel of Ulster Carpets agrees with the five to 15 years timeframe, but does say where your carpet sits in that period really depends on where and how it's used. "Carpet lifespan depends on the material, underlay, foot traffic, and cleaning," Andrew says. "A carpet in high traffic areas will last about 5 to 10 years plus, while carpet with less foot traffic can last 15 to 20 years plus. A wool mix, woven product will look better for longer."

High traffic areas are more likely to include entryways and living room carpet, while bedroom carpet often gets a much easier ride. Carpet laying beneath a table or where it's unlikely to be walked across frequently is going to last far longer than one that's been added to your bedroom flooring, or high-traffic areas like the living or dining room.

Can a carpet last 20 years? "Yes it can," says Rupert of the Carpet Foundation. "A well-made wool carpet made of quality yarn from quality raw materials can indeed last a long time. Long enough the color may be on its second trip around being fashionable!"

How Do I Know When My Carpet Needs Replacing?

You'll probably know when your carpet really needs replacing, but there are signs that it's time, for sure. "The carpet will start to look “tired” and flat with potential color loss, and the underlay will no longer support adequately," Andrew says. "Also, stains and odors could occur over time."

Color loss often occurs where sun directly hits your carpet, thanks to UV rays, but there are plenty of anti-fade carpet options on the market now, too. Something like carpet wrinkling on stairs or around the edges of the room is more likely to be an installation issue, and may be easily fixed, rather than replacing the whole carpet.

However, replacing your carpets is, of course, a personal decision, and you may decide to hang on for a few more years from when you first notice signs of wear.

What Type of Carpet Lasts the Longest?

Certain carpet types have a longer lifespan than others. "When it comes to durability, wool and wool blends are a great option, known for their natural resilience, bouncing back even in high-traffic areas," says David Cormack from Cormar Carpet Company"Alternatively, for those prioritizing stain resistance and easy upkeep, high-quality polypropylene carpets are an excellent choice."

"A wool mix (80% wool / 20% Nylon) will perform the best over time," Andrew suggests.

What Color Carpet Lasts the Longest?

When it comes to choosing a carpet color for durability, stick to the middle, says David. "For longevity, mid-tone and darker shades are the most practical choices," he says. "Grays, taupes, and heathered blends not only help disguise everyday wear and dirt but also remain timeless in home décor trends."

How Do You Prolong the Life of Your Carpet?

Of course, once you've invested in a carpet that you love, it's going to be in your best interest to learn how to make it last for as long as possible. Although there will eventually come a time when your floors are too worn out to go on, there are always tricks and switches you can try out to keep that day far, far in the future.

Carpet expert Rupert Anton, from the Carpet Foundation, has plenty of handy tricks and ideas to keep your carpet in its best condition. As a starting point, Rupert says doormats are a must. "They will significantly reduce the rate at which your carpet will soil and so look better for longer," he says. If you don't want to shell out for a whole new set of doormats for each room, Rupert suggests using carpet offcuts instead.

Another key tool in maintaining the health of your carpet is the vacuum. "Vacuum regularly," says Rupert. "This prevents dirt and grit etc from matting the fibers. An upright vacuum cleaner fitted with a beater bar and/or brushes is recommended for cut pile carpets."

Andrew and David both suggest that a good underlay is the secret to a long-lasting carpet, too — skimping here is a false economy in the long run.

Ensuring all your products are certified by Woolsafe is crucial when selecting cleaning products for your carpets. Steer clear of traditional detergents, like liquid soap, as these can be extremely damaging to the fibers of your carpet. Try to keep up with cleaning your carpets properly and find the best products. For example, this Furniture Clinic Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner Spray from Amazon should do the trick, or this Carpet Stain remover with a cleaning applicator from Amazon.

Who would have thought carpet could be so complicated? Want to know what's replacing carpet? There's a list to keep an eye on, especially if you're looking to redecorate your home.

But alas, if you choose to stick to carpet, there are a few things you should keep in mind, as stated by the experts above.

As joyful as decorating for Christmas can be, there tends to be some inevitable cleaning aftermath to tackle. And that can be the one con to dressing your home up for the holidays.

Now, one of the more irritation-inducing tasks is definitely freeing your home from the glitter residue that drops off baubles as they sway from your tree. And if your living room happens to be carpet-clad, then this can seem all the more daunting. However, knowing how to clean your carpet thoroughly and getting rid of glitter in the process can be completed in three simple steps.

Don't believe us? The experts have weighed in on their best tips for a refreshed carpet that shines all on its own without a speck of glitter in sight.

What You'll Need

"Glitter is one of those things that can be so frustrating to clean up because it sticks on the carpet," says Vanessa Terra Bossart, owner of Green Terra Cleaning. She goes on to explain that the best way to approach this chore is to arm yourself with the right supplies.

So before you slot this task into your household cleaning schedule, here's what you'll need.

TOOLS

• A vacuum cleaner with a hand wand attachment, like this Shark Wandvac Cord-Free Handheld Vacuum from Walmart.
• A dual-motor vacuum cleaner - this dreame R10 Cordless Carpet Vacuum Cleaner from Amazon is a top choice.
• A sticky or lint roller, like this up&up Lint Roller from Target.

How to Get Glitter Out of Carpet

Carpet flooring requires regular housekeeping to ensure that it stays in tip-top shape. So in order to avoid any rug cleaning mistakes or carpeting in this instance, you should aim to clean out glitter as soon as possible.

Here is Vanessa's go-to method for ridding carpet of glitter with the flair of a professional.

Step 1 - Start with the Hand Wand: First, she recommends grabbing your vacuum and using the hand wand attachment. "This tool will focus on the spots where the glitter is concentrated," she explains. "Thereby helping you pick up the bulk of the glitter without pushing it deeper into the carpet or scattering it to other areas."

Step 2 - Switch to a Dual-Motor Vacuum: After you’ve tackled the glittery areas with the wand, she suggests switching to a more heavy-duty machine like a dual-motor vacuum cleaner. She finds that these vacuums will work efficiently since they combine powerful suction with a rotating brush.

"The brush loosens any glitter trapped in the carpet fibers while the suction pulls it right out," she says. "It’s hands-down one of the most effective tools for stubborn messes like glitter."

Step 3 - Use a Lint Roller for the Stubborn Bits: If there’s still some glitter hanging on after vacuuming, she recommends going in with a lint roller. "This is especially great for picking up those tiny, persistent specks," she notes. "Or if you don't have a roller, you can even wrap some duct tape around your hand, sticky side out."

If you're using our pre-holiday cleaning list to prepare your home for a NYE soirée, then this is one task you'll want to tack onto your schedule. It's the little things that take a home to the next level, especially when entertaining.

And while accessorizing your space is a must-do, so is giving your home a thorough clean. Glitter aside, if you've had a spill or two, you can always use enzyme liquid detergents like Tide Ultra Stain Release to remove stubborn spills and return your carpet to its stylish self.

Plus, if you opted for glimmering baubles and glitter-soaked ornaments, knock this chore off your to-do list now and enjoy the holidays in peace.

FAQs

Can Glitter be Vacuumed?

"Yes, a standard vacuum can handle glittered carpet as long as you use the right attachment," says Elizabeth Shields, operations manager at Super Cleaning Service Louisville. "But it’s even better if you use those designed for pet hair."

She explains that these tend to do a better job of picking up the littlest of specks. "But still, even if glitter is light, it can still clog up the bag or filter if you’re not careful," she warns. "So if you’ve got a lot to clean up, empty halfway through, just to be safe."

Does Glitter Come Off in Wash?

If you’re dealing with a washable rug, Vanessa finds that a gentle wash or steam cleaning can help. However, she notes that glitter can be stubborn even in water. "So, always vacuum thoroughly first, as glitter often clings to carpet fibers due to static or sticky residue," she guides.

Elizabeth also warns against washing as it doesn't always clean it thoroughly. "You might need to shake or brush them off afterward and I suggest using cold water while washing," she says. "Hot water can melt the glitter and cause it to bond more tightly to the fabric making it way harder to remove."

Accidents happen, and when it comes to candles, a momentary lapse in attention can result in wax dripping onto your carpet or area rug. This common household mishap can seem disastrous.

However, removing candle wax from carpets doesn't have to be a daunting task. Although removing candle wax when cleaning carpets can seem impossible, with the right tools and approach, it's pretty easy.

Whether you're dealing with a fresh spill or a hardened wax stain that's been overlooked, this guide will walk you through the steps to safely and efficiently remove candle wax from your carpet. By following these methods, you can save yourself the expense of professional cleaning services and avoid the need to replace your carpets.

What You'll Need

It happens. You're so busy hosting or cooking up your favorite meal that, in one small movement and moment, a bit of candle wax spills onto your luxury carpet. What do you do? Well, we're all about finding solutions, and to remove wax from the carpet, you'll need just a few household items.

You should avoid a few carpet and rug cleaning mistakes. The first one is not having the right tools at hand. But we're here to help you with just that. Here's what you need to get to cleaning.

TOOLS:
• Ice cubes or an ice pack
• Plastic bag (if using loose ice cubes)
• Butter knife
• An Iron
• White cotton cloth or paper towels. Like this Make-A-Size Paper Towel from Target.
• Carpet cleaner like this Resolve High Traffic Carpet Cleaner Foam from Walmart or Amazon Basics 70% Ethyl Rubbing Alcohol• Vacuum cleaner

How to Clean Candle Wax Off of Carpet

Before you start cleaning, ensure you know what carpet type you're working with and read your carpet care label. Uliana Miklyukh, owner of Illinois-based cleaning company EuroMaids, has put together a step-by-step guide for clear or colored wax for us.

Paraffin Wax (For Colored and Clear Candles)

Step 1: Freeze the wax

Place ice cubes in a plastic bag or use an ice pack and apply it directly to the wax stain. Leave it for about 15 minutes. This step hardens the wax, making it easier to remove without spreading.

Step 2: Scrape off the wax and prepare for heat treatment

Once the wax is frozen and brittle, use a dull knife or credit card to gently scrape off as much wax as possible. Similar to knowing how to clean an area rug, you should do things carefully, try not to damage the carpet fibers, and vacuum up the loose wax pieces.

Use a white cotton cloth or several layers of paper towels over the remaining wax stain. This will absorb the wax as it melts.

Step 3: Apply heat

"Set your iron to a low or medium heat setting without steam," suggests Uliana. "Gently press the iron over the cloth or paper towels for about 10 seconds at a time. The heat will melt the wax, which will then be absorbed by the cloth or paper."

Next, lift the cloth or paper to check if wax has been absorbed. Replace with a clean section and repeat the process until no more wax transfers to the cloth or paper.

Step 4. Clean any remaining residue

If there's any discoloration or residue left, apply a small amount of carpet cleaner or rubbing alcohol to a clean white cloth. Blot the area gently, working from the outside of the stain towards the center to prevent spreading.

Step 5: Dry and vacuum

Allow the carpet to air dry completely. Once dry, vacuum the area to restore the carpet's texture. This method effectively removes candle wax from carpets by first freezing it to prevent spreading, then using heat to melt and absorb the wax, and finally cleaning any remaining residue. The process is gentle on carpet fibers and can be repeated as necessary for stubborn stains.

Natural Honey Bee Wax

So, is natural honey bee wax any different? Well, the expert tells us: "The only difference of honeybee wax from paraffin (other than price) is that it consists of oils, making it harder to remove from cloth materials," continues Uliana.

"To remove the yellowish stain I suggest mixing turpentine and ammonia in equal parts and gently blot the stained area with the solution and leave for about 30 minutes."

After 30 minutes, finish off the area by scrubbing it with this Clorox Medium Scrub Brush from Target and vacuum up the residue.

Maintenance Tips

There are a couple of important things to remember with this method, professional cleaner and laundry expert, Logan Taylor from The Dazzle Company points out. "First, don’t put the iron directly onto the carpet. The heat could melt synthetic materials, but the paper towels will insulate the carpet enough to prevent this from happening. If you’re concerned about this, you could use a hairdryer instead, although this will take a lot longer."

"Second, bear in mind that paraffin wax could leave an oil stain on the carpet," Logan continues. "This would happen regardless of the removal method, as it happens due to the oil soaking into the carpet when the wax is melted. To get rid of an oil stain, you can use baking soda or rubbing alcohol or a standard stain removal product."

FAQs

Will rubbing alcohol remove candle wax from carpet?

In short, yes vinegar can help to remove candle wax from carpets but breaking the wax down into small pieces. Blot using clean white cloth with rubbing alcohol until the stains and excess moisture is gone.

For carpets that can’t handle heat, petroleum jelly is a game-changer. To remove candle wax without leaving a sticky residue, let the wax harden completely—don’t try to scrape it while it’s still soft.

Once it’s dry, apply a small amount of petroleum jelly, focusing on the edges of the stain to loosen it. After about 10 minutes, gently lift the wax with your fingers or a spoon. Finish by wiping the area with a cloth dampened in diluted vinegar to remove any oily residue.

To carpet your bedroom or not to carpet your bedroom? That seems to be the question. Normally, plush padding to pamper your feet is most welcome in a space as cozy as the bedroom, but is the wall-to-wall carpeting look becoming a style of the past?

New York City-based interior designer Paris Forino certainly thinks so. She even went so far as to call it "dated and suburban". While I'm not quite sure I'm ready to ditch the design idea completely, it certainly sparked some serious debate in the Livingetc office. Not only were we discussing about whether wall-to-wall really was an out-of-style carpet trend; but it also raised questions as to how you should then style the floors of your bedroom.

Bedroom carpet ideas have long been considered (by some) to be a standard design choice. We all want our sleeping quarters to be as relaxing and serene as possible, after all. So, are you currently staring at your bedroom carpet in loathing or regret? Or do you love the soft texture and warmth it adds to your space? Let's weigh up the pros and cons.

Carpets in Bedrooms — The Cons

According to Paris Forino, the biggest con in the 'is carpet out of style' debate comes down to the design era it tends to emanate. "Wall-to-wall carpet is reminiscent of the dominant trend in the 1970s-1980s to carpet a whole home," she says.

When I personally hear the phrase 'wall-to-wall carpeting', I must admit, the first images that come to mind aren't great. I think first of the seafoam green carpet in the bathroom of my grandmother's house (it was the first thing to go), and the stain-ridden carpet of my college rental house.

Knowing how to clean carpets in order to keep it fresh from wear and tear can also be extremely difficult. Considering your lifestyle and what is practical for you home is an important factor when weighing up the pros and cons of this look.

Livingetc's style editor Julia Demer says she's never had carpeting in any of her bedrooms. "I’ve occasionally visited homes and envied its plush coziness, but overall, I don’t miss it," she notes. "It really comes down to personal preference and, perhaps, whether or not you wear shoes inside (if you do, carpet might not be the best choice!).”

While it may be true that many of the designs of the 70s are back, but better right now, perhaps bedroom carpets are one trend that should stay there. "My position in the bedroom carpet debate is intrinsically tied to my love for older, historic homes," says Livingetc's editor-in-chief Jessica Cumberbatch-Anderson. "The character of original planks or parquet is a huge part of the appeal of these homes, and it feels like sacrilege to cover them up with wall-to-wall carpet."

Carpets in Bedrooms — The Pros

To me, the biggest argument in support of carpets in bedrooms still being stylish is the simple fact that incorporating comfort into this space is one of my top priorities. Almost all of the best cozy bedroom ideas involve some sort of fuzzy landing for your feet.

Livingetc's interior editor Emma Breislin says that while she's not an outright advocate for carpets in bedrooms "a part of me has always felt like they belong in a bedroom. It’s a space where softness and comfort outweigh all else, so why would you want to step onto cold timber floorboards when you could sink into a plush carpet?"

And there are definitely ways to make your full bedroom carpet look fabulous. Choosing styles that are full of patterns, texture, and color, brings an undeniable layer of visual beauty to a space, and they become the statement piece of the room. "I’ve had a picture of a bedroom with sisal carpets on my mood board for years now, and it’s still yet to date, in my mind," says Emma.

So, is wall-to-wall bedroom carpets an outdated style?

I know it's annoying to say, but I really think it depends on the carpet you choose and how you style it. When done right, a wall-to-wall bedroom carpet can be a striking visual in a room (just look at the image above). The only thing is, knowing how to choose the best carpet color and style can be hard.

But there was an alternative option that the Livingetc team was all able to agree on: rugs. Opting for a fun abstract rug or simple modern style to cozy up the bedroom is the happy middle-ground. And Paris Forino agrees that a custom area rug is the way to go. "It allows more versatility with patterns, colorways, and shapes," she says. "In addition to versatility, you can also swap and clean area rugs with more ease."

Jessica also agrees. "While I do love the calming and quieting effect you get from carpeting a bedroom, you can get the same effect from an area rug (especially a high-pile, plush one) without stripping away the visual interest of wood floors," she notes.

Shop Cozy Bedroom Rugs

Carpet flooring has been around for ages, and now, it's making a comeback with a contemporary twist. We totally get why — it can be chic or luxe depending on your design of choice, it takes up tons of space and in turn, reduces the need for a decor overload, and it's a super comfy finish.

The only noticeable downside to carpet flooring is the often-overlooked need for cleaning. Perhaps it's dependent on the carpet type — from wool to polyester— some may take a good amount of time to clean, or maybe it can be owed to carpeting's ability to hide dust build-up. Either way, neglecting your carpet is not something we stand behind.

Not to worry though, for we have called on some professional cleaning experts to walk us through carpet cleaning 101. And while the process is time-consuming, the results are oh-so-rewarding.

What You'll Need

Just as you'd want to avoid any rug cleaning mistakes when tending to your living spaces, it's best to avoid any carpet cleaning mistakes too. So to set yourself up for success, it's important to arm yourself with the appropriate tools. According to Muffetta Krueger, cleaning expert and founder at Muffetta's Domestic Assistants, here's what you'll need to render your carpet spotless:

TOOLS:
• Vacuum cleaner with a beater bar, like this Shark UZ565H Pro Cordless Vacuum from Amazon.
• Warm water
• Sponge or soft bristle brush, similar to this Ergonomic Soft Bristle Carpet Brush from Walmart.
• Clean cloths
• Carpet cleaning solution - this Resolve High Traffic Carpet Cleaner Foam from Walmart is another well-rated option.
• Carpet cleaner or steam cleaner - this PurSteam Carpet Cleaner Mop from Walmart is great for a deep clean.

If you choose to concoct your carpet cleaning solution at home, then you'll also need:
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Dish soap

How to Clean Carpet

In conversation with Muffetta, she tells us that her five-step method of cleaning carpet is a trusty technique to get all the hidden muck out of your flooring fabric. So without further ado, let's get into it.

Step 1 - Prep: Muffetta tells us to start by vacuuming the carpet thoroughly to remove dirt, dust, and loose debris. She calls for extra attention to high-traffic areas.

Step 2 - Spot Clean: "If there are visible stains, pre-treat them with a homemade solution of 1 tablespoon of dish soap, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 2 cups of warm water," she advises. "Apply the mixture with a clean cloth, blot the stain, and avoid scrubbing, which can damage carpet fibers."

Step 3 - Deep Clean: Once the stains are treated, Muffetta explains that it's time to prepare your carpet cleaner or steamer. "Follow the machine’s instructions, using the appropriate carpet cleaning solution," she notes. "If you’re working by hand, gently scrub the carpet with a brush or sponge, using warm soapy water."

Step 4 - Blot Dry: After cleaning, she suggests using clean towels or cloths to blot any excess moisture from the carpet. She tells us that it's important to ensure the carpet dries completely to avoid mold or mildew growth.

Step 5 - Refresh: For a fresh, clean scent, she recommends sprinkling baking soda on the carpet, letting it sit for about 15 minutes, and then vacuuming it up. This is a great finishing touch to cap it all off.

As you can tell by now, the carpet-cleaning process is similar to that of area rug cleaning — only more complex considering carpet tends to cloak every square foot of your home.

How Often Should You Clean Carpet?

For regular maintenance, Muffetta recommends vacuuming carpets once a week. However, she points out that carpets in high-traffic areas should be vacuumed twice a week to prevent dirt build-up. "As for deep cleaning, it’s best to do this at least twice a year," she says. "Though households with children, pets, or allergy sufferers may require more frequent cleaning."

Rocky Vuong, founder at Neatbrite, also finds this to be a good timeline for carpet cleaning. "When it comes to deep cleaning your carpet flooring, high-traffic areas should be cleaned every three to six months," he says. "And low-traffic zones, every 12-18 months or so."

Enforcing your dream living room carpet ideas is all fun and games until the fabric's color has dimmed and the odors are less than pleasant. Chances are that a thorough carpet cleaning is all your space is missing out on — and once you're done, your carpet will be back to setting a bright and tidy ambiance.

Carpet trends are already making ripples in the interior space. And let's be honest, they hold a ton of power when it comes to setting the vibe. With the right colors, patterns, and textures, you can really transform your home.

But even the best designs can falter in the face of a sorry cleaning routine. So if you've chosen to invest money and effort into carpeting your home, don't let the gorgeous fabric flooring go to waste.

Simply schedule some task time, grab your tools, and get to cleaning. It'll all be so worth it when you finish up, step back and take a second to admire your (now) immaculate carpet.

FAQs

How to Keep Your Carpet Clean for Longer?

To prolong the carpet cleanliness, Muffetta tells us to consider using entry mats to reduce the amount of dirt being tracked in. She also suggests enforcing a no-shoes policy indoors to minimize the spread of dirt and debris.

"Regular vacuuming is key, as it prevents the build-up of dirt that can settle deep into the carpet fibers," she says. "Additionally, quickly addressing spills and stains will prevent them from becoming permanent."

A sofa can often be victim to spills, dust, and unwanted odors. With daily traffic, upholstery furniture can undergo a great deal of wear and tear without you even realizing it. Although regular vacuuming can often help with picking up surface-level dust, sometimes it's just not enough.

That's why learning how to clean a sofa with the right products is key. We're here to find out what the best couch cleaner is on the market right now. With so many options, it can be a challenge to find the right solution for you and your home.

I spoke to a cleaning expert to find out what product they think is the top couch cleaner. Here's what they had to say about it.

What Is The Best Couch Cleaner?

When giving your couch a refresh, you'll want to get your hands on the right tools, as this will help you avoid those sofa cleaning mistakes and, in turn, allow your furniture to last longer. Remember, before you start cleaning, you'll want to know and understand your sofa codes. Sofa codes will help you navigate what solutions you can use to freshen up your furniture.

The sofa cleaning code is "W" for Wet, which refers to water-based cleaning. "S" for Solvent means water should be avoided, and the couch should be dry-cleaned with a solvent-based cleaning product. "WS" for wet and solvent allows you to clean water- and solvent-based products. "X" is for vacuum only, and last but not least, "D" is for dry cleaning only.

So, now that you've locked down the sofa codes, what product can you use to clean your couch properly? We asked a cleaning expert to share their favorite product. Elizabeth Shields from Super Cleaning Services tells us her top choice has to be Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover from Walmart. Priced at just $9.75, this product has over 150 reviews, with buyers saying it's "pain-free" and "a lifesaver." It may be labeled as a 'carpet spot remover,' but clearly, this cleaning product is more versatile than we might know.

Elizabeth says: "I swear by Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover for couch cleaning. It’s a miracle worker for all kinds of stains, from red wine to pet messes. Spray it on the stain, blot it with a clean cloth, and watch the magic happen."

The expert says no rinsing is needed, "which makes it super convenient. It’s also non-toxic, so you can use it without worrying about harsh chemicals around your family or pets." She continues: "Seriously, this stuff has saved my couch more times than I can count. I live with toddlers plus cats, so you can just imagine how it goes."

Folex is a non-toxic product that can be used to clean any colorfast carpet or material that can be safely dampened with water. Folex Carpet Spot Remover is also available on Amazon for $6.65 and is listed as the site's number one best-seller, with over 90,000 reviews. Before using any products, please check your sofa codes and spot-clean before spraying cleaning solution all over the couch.

What Can I do to Avoid Spills and Stains?

To stop spills and stains from lingering on your couch, you can opt for using a fabric protector to help you along the way.

Furniture expert Bradley Montanez from TableUps says: A good fabric protector should improve the durability of your furniture without compromising its look or feel."

Bradley continues: "Scotchgard Fabric & Upholstery Protector (from Walmart) is a tried-and-true option for safeguarding your upholstered pieces. It's a trusted solution that keeps your upholstery looking fresh, even with everyday use."

FAQs

What other options are out there for cleaning a couch?

Whether you're trying to clean a microfiber couch or a velvet couch, you'll need to use the right methods and tools. Another option would be to use BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner from Amazon.

This will help remove tough stains from carpets, sofas, car interiors, and more. It also includes a tough stain tool, a hydro rinse self-cleaning hose tool, a spraying crevice tool, and a trial-size spot and stain formula.

You can also make your own couch cleaner by mixing 1/4 cup vinegar, warm water, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap. Place the mixture in a bowl or spray bottle and spray it directly on the area of the stain. You can then blot it with a soft microfibre cloth (like this Mr.Siga Microfiber Cleaning Cloth from Amazon) and clean it off with water to remove excess soap. Once that's done, dry it off with a dry towel.

Both area rugs and carpets can bring color, pattern, comfort and texture to a room. The question is, then, do you need both? We're so used to using rugs on hardwood flooring, but it may feel a little alien to layer two textiles together on your floor.

If you're looking for an excuse to decorate with a stylish new rug, however, don't discount a carpeted room. W asked interior designers: should you put a rug on a carpet? The answer was an outwards 'yes' — if you know some of the rules of this decorating trick.

Should You Put a Rug on a Carpet?

Yes, adding bedroom rugs and living room rugs over an existing carpet is completely endorsed by designers.

'If the carpet is low profile and needs a pop of color or texture, a layered rug can be a great option, as long as it doesn't create a tripping hazard,' says Nadia Watts, founder of Nadia Watts Interior Design. 'Layering a rug on the carpet is also a great way to extend the life of your carpet. Plus, this technique creates more drama in a room as well as outlines a focal point. It also brings in extra color and texture.'

'If you have a large room and you would like to define an area such as seating or dining, adding a feature rug will create a focal point,' adds interior designer Juliette Byrne.

Plus, rugs can help hide stains and marks on carpets too. 'Layering a rug under a carpet can be effective in spaces where you want to add depth and dimension,' says Dara Huang of Dara Maison. 'This technique allows for a visual contrast that draws attention to the layered statement, creating a more dynamic and visually interesting space. The key benefit lies in seamlessly merging different design elements to achieve a harmonious look.'

'And a rug can add extra cushioning, warmth, or sound insulation, or even address uneven flooring,' adds Nick Cryer, founder of Berkeley Place.

What should you know about sizing and measurements?

One of the biggest things to know about rug placement is ensuring it is anchored in the center, and is also of the right measurements.

'It is important to consider the size of the room as well as the furniture within,' says Nadia. 'Think about where the furniture will sit, relative to the rugs and the wall. And you never want to layer the same size rug over the same size carpet. It should be a layer so you can see both.'

When laying down the carpet, ensure that carpet space is between six and 24 inches open around the sides of the area rug.

What should you know about carpet and rug materiality before layering?

'When layering, ensure that the rug material complements the carpet,' shares Nick. 'Natural fiber rugs (like wool) work well over synthetic carpets (like nylon or polyester) and vice versa, to prevent slippage and wear. Consider the pile height and durability of both layers to avoid creating tripping hazards or excessive wear.'

You may be choosing colorful rugs or graphic rugs to elevate your space, but ensure that the contrast between the rug and the carpet is visually appealing but not too stark. Generally, hides, kilims, and dhurries look good layered on the carpet because of their low profile.

'It's advisable to select rugs and carpets with varying levels of plushness or thickness to create distinct layers that complement each other visually and functionally,' says Dara. 'The shapes and patterns should also be complementary to avoid overwhelming the space.'

Is there a drawback to adding a rug over a carpet?

While it may be a rug trend to layer over carpeting, there are a few instances where it doesn't work.

'While layering a rug over a carpet can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space, it's key to ensure that this addition appears intentional and well-integrated into the overall design,' advises Dara. 'One potential downside is that if not executed thoughtfully, it can make the space feel crowded or detract from the cohesiveness of the room.'

'A potential con of adding a rug over a carpet is that it can lead to uneven wear and tear on the carpet beneath, potentially causing dents or discoloration,' avers Nick. 'Additionally, it may create a tripping hazard if not secured properly.'

How can you ensure that the rug does not slip under the carpet?

A well-anchored rug can stop unwanted ripples, prevent accidents, and keep the rug from sliding. One way to ensure that the piece does not slip is by adding non-slip rug pads. These prevent the rug from shifting and rippling and also hinder damage to the carpet under the rug.

Another way is to use the furniture as your guide, so place it under a bed or sofa. 'Layered rugs look great under a bed or a sofa, or as a "stage" for a special piece of furniture,' avers Nadia. In other areas like the dining room, you can put a rug under a dining table or a sideboard.

When should you not use a rug over a carpet?

Placing a rug over a carpet is usually done for aesthetic reasons. But if you already have a plush, stylish, and bright carpet, it is probably best to avoid a rug on top as it might make the flooring a bit too thick, and throw off the room's aesthetics. Also, if you live in a really small home or a studio, where every square inch counts, it's better to have cleaner, sleeker, and minimalist aesthetics. Keep the floor less crowded so that the room feels more open.

How do you put a rug on a carpet without bunching it?

This can be done by properly anchoring and positioning the rug over the carpet. To ensure it stays in place, you could use a rug tape, a rug pad, or place the rug under the furniture.

Confused between carpet vs wood floor? Selecting the best option for your space means considering the room's function and usage, your design preferences, and the overall maintenance requirements. Both carpet and wood floors are great contenders, with distinct aesthetics, durability, and advantages.

Finding the best choice for your home requires some thought. So we reached out to experts who helped us break down these floor types based on certain factors so the decision-making is easier.

Style and character

Carpets are available in a wide range of colors, textures, and patterns, allowing for endless design possibilities to suit any decor style. Wood flooring also comes in many different forms, and its timeless beauty as well as sophisticated look never goes out of fad.

‘I always suggest hardwood over the carpet,' says Patti Allen, co-owner of Allen and James Home. 'I think hardwood provides more character to the home and has a more custom look especially when you find the perfect rug to complete the space. With all the wood types and stains available, my go-to is 100% hardwoods. Plus you always have the option of adding a rug to the space.'

Comfort and warmth

Carpet provides a soft and cozy surface underfoot, plus there are several carpet types to choose from. ‘They're ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and children's play areas where comfort is a priority,’ says Nina Lichtenstein, founder and principal Home Designer at Custom Home Design by Nina Lichtenstein. 'Honestly, there’s nothing better than getting out of bed to place your feet upon a soft, warm surface.'

Noise and safety

Noise and safety are key elements to help you make the decision on floor types, especially when children are in the mix.

‘Carpet absorbs sound, reducing noise transmission between floors while creating a quieter and more peaceful environment,’ says Nina. This is also ideal if you have light sleepers in the family. In those cases a bedroom carpet becomes essential. ‘On the other hand, wood floors can amplify sound and echo in large, open spaces, which may require area rugs or sound-absorbing materials to minimize noise,’ avers Nina.

With regards to the safety aspect, ‘carpet offers traction and reduces the risk of slips and falls, making it a safe option for households with young children or elderly individuals,’ shares the designer.

Durability and cost

On the debate on carpet vs hardwood flooring, remember that carpet requires regular vacuuming and occasional deep cleaning to remove dirt, stains, and allergens, making it higher maintenance compared to hard flooring options. Also, in high-traffic areas or homes with pets, carpet may show signs of wear and tear over time, requiring replacement or professional cleaning to maintain its appearance.

‘Carpet fibers can trap dust, pet dander, and other allergens, potentially exacerbating allergies and respiratory issues for sensitive individuals,' says Nina. 'Unlike carpet, wood floors do not trap allergens, making them a healthier option for individuals with allergies or respiratory sensitivities. Hardwood floors are durable and long-lasting.' With proper maintenance, they can withstand heavy traffic and maintain their appearance for decades. Thankfully, they are relatively easy to clean and maintain, requiring regular sweeping and occasional mopping to keep them looking fresh.

‘Wood flooring can be more expensive upfront compared to carpet, especially for high-quality hardwoods or engineered wood products,’ warns Nina. The installation cost is usually more than a carpet too, so depending on your situation, a carpet can be a fairly cost-effective quick fix, and wood floors are more of a long-term investment. Wood is also susceptible to moisture.

‘Wood floors are sensitive to moisture and humidity fluctuations, which can cause warping, cupping, or buckling if not properly sealed or maintained,’ says Nina. For high-traffic areas such as entryways, kitchens, and hallways, where longevity is essential, Nina suggests opting for wood. And if natural wood flooring isn't essential to you, then even engineered wood flooring can be a good option. Carpet holds a lot of dirt and debris so vacuuming often is vital, even more so if you have pets.

So, which is better?

The decision between carpet and wood floors ultimately depends on several factors alongside your home lifestyle. Nina tells us how she decides for her clients what’s best: ’It depends on the specific needs and preferences of the space and the client. However, I often lean towards wood floors for their timeless beauty, durability, and ease of maintenance. In areas where comfort and softness are paramount, such as bedrooms or cozy reading nooks, I may opt for carpet to create a warm and inviting ambiance.’

Both carpet and wood floor types offer unique benefits and can enhance the beauty and functionality of your space. By considering the pros and cons of each and evaluating your space, you can select the perfect flooring option to complement your lifestyle. ‘Whether you choose the plush comfort of carpet or the timeless elegance of wood floors, investing in quality flooring will elevate the aesthetic and value of your home for years to come,’ assures Nina.

3 products to maintain carpet and wood floors

When renovating a room or a single floor or even an entire house, it’s wise to consider the flow throughout the spaces before making any rash decisions on floor coverings. With softness underfoot, you'll find spaces like living rooms and bedrooms uncomfortable to be in, to say the least — but there's a decision to make between hard flooring with a rug vs carpet.

The options depend on a few factors and can drastically change the feel of a space and you may even end up opting for layers of both carpet and rugs to hit the spot. Understanding the pros and cons in this part of your home's interior design, from aesthetics to practicality, will help you make the right decision. We asked the experts to lay out what you need to know.

What are the pros and cons of carpet

A carpet is without a doubt a lovely addition to a space, whether it’s a room to relax or run through entrance halls. Wall-to-wall carpet will provide a satisfying layer of tactility and welcoming warmth while offering a pleasant underfoot experience. Carpets nowadays tend to be much more hardwearing yet can be difficult to maintain due to the size and the fact that they are immovable. The other issue comes in when it comes to furniture placement and regularly open and closed doors. Although it’s comfortable underfoot, gradually where carpet is walked on, created friction upon, or heavy furniture is placed, signs of wear and tear will start to appear and areas may begin to flatten. Depending on the makeup of the material and the type of pile, some show much more quickly and obviously than others. A low woven carpet is known to be one of the most high quality and hardwearing and there’s still plenty of choice for the design.

‘Carpet can often be a more budget friendly option, yet my go to is a rug’, designer Patti Allen, co-owner of Allen and James Home says, because of larger the surface area is covered, the less quality is needed, and the option to layer up a carpet with interchangeable rugs is more appropriate. It may be worth thinking of a carpet as a base in which you build upon to create statements and style, in this case.

What are the pros and cons of rugs?

Bedroom and living room rugs are generally made from softer materials than carpets, yet they usually still hold a serious amount of weight within them. They can be heavenly soft underfoot, allowing you to glide over them as they provide a tasteful floor covering contributing even more style to a space.

Patti says when she meets with her clients, they go over the desired feel of the space and the realistic price point. ‘Most of the time I prefer rugs, I find that there is more opportunity to provide a custom look with a rug,' she says.

There does seem to be a lot more flexibility offered by a rug than by a carpet, ’For example: broad loom bound rugs can be cut to any custom size and hand knotted rugs come in many specific sizes and colorways that can fit many aesthetics.’ They can also be easily swapped out to completely change a space. ‘I have personally found that you have more “creative freedom” with rugs over carpets. I love having the endless options of style and sizes.’ However, much like carpet, fibers can break down over time with general living and this can cause bulges, flattening, discoloration as well as fraying edges; all costly repairs and something to take into consideration.

Choosing and combining

When it comes to making the floor covering decision, taking into account the above may help steer you in the right direction, but don’t forget to layer where possible.

A rug of a certain size over the top of carpet or even combining rugs, in specific areas can deliver a sense of home and comfort bringing that finishing touch to a space.

Although there are no official style rules when it comes to interior design, there are some best practices that people use to make their home look more elevated.

For starters, many people hang curtains by the windows. Not only do they work to keep the light out, but they can also serve as an added element of your interior design. That said, there’s one question that people still seem unable to wrap their heads around — should curtains match the carpet?

To get to the bottom of this, we spoke with interior designers about all things curtains and carpets, including how to hang curtains properly, and what types of curtains are trending this year.

Should your carpet match your curtains?

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to whether or not your bedroom or living room curtains should match the carpet. The general consensus from interior designers is that you’ll want to have curtains that work well with the space. 

'Curtains do not necessarily need to match the carpet; however, we do recommend them to be a color that is pulled from another element in the space,' says Andrea West, interior designer and founder of Andrea West Design.

What should you match your curtains to?

In terms of what you should match your modern window treatments to, our interior design experts say it’s not really about any specific element of the room, but more of the design as a whole. 'They should either tie in with the decor or go completely neutral so they soften the space but disappear in the overall design,' says Jennifer Stephan, interior designer and founder of Jennifer Stephan Interiors. 

On the flipside, Natalie Papier, interior designer and star of Magnolia Network show Artfully Designed says that while matching the color of your curtains to a rug in the same space isn't necessary, it can help achieve a seamless flow of your home's color story.

What kind of curtains go with anything?

If you’re looking for curtains that’ll match any room in the house, then neutral colors are the way to go. 'Neutral colors work with most everything: grays, beiges, taupes, and greiges,' says Claire Paquin, founder and principal designer at Clean Design Partners LLC. 'Smaller, more textural patterns can work in a variety of situations and pair well with almost anything.'

Darrell Gardner, director of product development at CORT, adds that shades are timeless and can serve as a backdrop that calls for other elements in the room to stand out — lighting fixtures, coffee tables, throw pillows, etc.

On the flipside, Paquin recommends trying to avoid putting too many patterns in a single space. 'If the rug has a strong pattern, then leave the drapery and other fabrics more textured and luxurious and vice versa,' she adds. 'Select either the rug or drapery to pop, but not both – too much will overwhelm the room.'

What types of curtain are on trend?

Not sure what type of curtains to add to a living room or bedroom in your home? Pleated curtains are a timeless trend that can suit any space and are having a revival this year in the home improvement space. Other types of curtains that are on trend include those made from eco-friendly materials and textured fabrics that add dimension.

Do curtains absorb sound waves?

Not only can curtains enhance the style of a space, but also they can be functional. For those who live in loud and crowded areas including major cities or by main roads, curtains can help absorb the noise. This is particularly noticeable in heavyweight curtains, especially those that are pleated, which create a thicker barrier for sound to travel through.

What is the proper way to hang curtains?

After you find a set of curtains that you like, it’ll be time to hang them. Some people find this process to be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be if you have the proper curtain rods. 'Our number one tip when adding curtains to a space is to mount your rod almost to your ceiling height so that you can have extra-long drapes that add height and drama to your space,' says Andrea West. 'Another visual trick is to mount your brackets 18 to 24 inches past your window so that when open, your curtains are clearing your window to make your space feel larger.'

We can't deny that how we pick and choose carpet has changed over the years. From the days when it was wall-to-wall carpet or nothing, to the modern-day flooring trends that can take centerstage, it is true; nowadays, carpet is working harder than ever to brush off its bad rep of being a little boring and hard work.

It might beg the question 'is carpet out of style?' but the reality is that interior design trends – including types of flooring – do simply fall in and out of the spotlight, and let's be honest, that's part of the fun. We are here to keep you on your design toes, after all. So before you think about what is replacing carpet, let's take a look at what are some of the most popular carpet styles around right now, and whether designers think they have what it takes to keep up with the latest flooring trends, not to mention, make it into our homes...

1. Carpets with defined, geometric pattern

You only have to look at the carpet trends designers forecasted for 2024 to see that this floor covering has come a long way since it was a mere canvas for other decorative features, not forgetting cozy toes.

It might not be all that clear how a Y2K aesthetic can fit into your home, but there are things that designers love about it, and it seems that carpet can carry this style well too. 'Textures, color, and pattern are having a moment. Y2K is all the rage in fashion and has made its way to interior design and carpet trends,' says Nadia Watts, a Colorado-based interior designer who is experienced in designing residential spaces bursting with clients' personalities.

When square footage is on your side, you can afford to take a more experimental approach. 'Think deep saturated color, geometric patterns, and abstract designs,' continues Nadia. 'The boldness of carpet designs is not only stylish, but it is also practical as it helps hide dirt making it a great choice for high-traffic areas.' Tempted? K Powers & Company has a nice selection of geometric pattern rugs in good-looking colors too.

2. Rich, celestial tones, and earthy hues

Still, quite the opposite to the quiet luxury notions we've been enjoying of late, it seems that a rich approach to carpet colors for 2024 and old-money looks are having a design moment too 'There is a growing trend towards bolder and more vibrant colors in carpets,' continues Nadia. But should we go there?

'Jewel tones and celestial colors make a statement and add excitement and movement to your space.' Going bold with color trends is a win, not just for maximalists. Shades of jade and even a glimmer of gold in a living room carpet design can lift a space that feels too vacuous and will be at home in a modern bedroom that wants a relaxing ambiance too. 

'There have been no significant changes in carpet styles over the last 12 months, but there are a few subtle changes underway,' Sean O’Rourke, National Director of Merchandising at Floor Coverings International tells us. 'I have noticed a swing back to people choosing carpets with more color, rather than “greige” which has been the dominant color theme for the last 3-5 years.' 

'Greens and blues bring a sense of serenity and a closer connection to the outdoors. Truer “earth tones” are making appearances again with amber, russets, and muted gold colors starting to shine.' Lowe's has a good selection of carpets in green and more earthy colors. An ideal way to complement greige walls...

3. Soft, recycled, and sustainable finishes

As many of us edit our decorating habits to live more eco-friendly lives, this has unquestionably influenced our carpet choice. Now, carpets made from recycled materials instead of classic polyester, nylon, or polypropylene, are readily available with impressive designs for both the comfort and durability – as you would expect from any carpet underfoot. 

Keep up, choosing recycled yarn fabrics and brands that watch their carbon footprint like the Flor responsible edit, and fibre flooring is in. 'Sustainable and eco-friendly materials continue to be trending in 2024. Natural fibers like wool, sisal and jute are always a good eco-friendly choice, they add an organic feel to your space and reduce the carbon footprint of your home,' adds Nadia. 

4. Wall-to-wall shag carpets

It is no secret that lighter colors can expand a room, and a higher pile (½” or higher) is cozy too. If you're choosing carpet in the first place, warm (and fuzzy) comfort underfoot is clearly a priority – a good one at that. Although it costs a little more and needs more maintenance, a higher-pile carpet is an increasingly popular choice. It is best to be used in low-traffic spaces, such as the bedroom. In terms of high-pile styles, Shag carpets are having a revival, in a big way: 'Shag carpets styles (70 oz and higher) have come and gone over the years as many times as denim jeans have changed styles,' continues Sean.

'Shag carpets are mostly a design statement used as a fun and playful backdrop in a room but not so much throughout a full house,

'That being said, there is a burgeoning re-interest in wall-to-wall shag carpets and the new fiber technology and construction options like Anderson-Tuftex “Fan Favorite”. It is a high-styled carpet, and it has comfort and performance built in. Shag rugs are an alternative to committing to shag carpeting, and just like denim jeans, those rugs will always be in fashion.'

Sean is not alone in seeing our want for carpets with more interesting textures, Ashley Stark Kenner, the creative director at STARK and co-founder of Ashley Stark Home starts by highlighting how the carpet that people lean towards ultimately depends on many factors. 'Does the homeowner have children or pets? Is the carpet going somewhere that’s highly trafficked, like stairs or in a living room? All of these factors affect the type of carpet I’d recommend installing,

'For small homes, dark carpets and carpets with patterns tend to make a space feel smaller than it is. Instead, I’d suggest exploring rugs that have a mixture of textures and pile heights in neutral tones like cream, beige, and gray, which will open up your small space.

'In busy, high-trafficked areas of the home, an option with extra durability works best. Try a flat wool carpet, or STARK Performance Acrylic for extra durability. These carpets are easy to care for and made with extremely strong fiber that can withstand normal wear and tear, natural weathering, and harsh environments.'

5. Rugs instead...

If you're not into wall-to-wall carpets, you are not alone. Although it is clear that designers don't discourage us from installing carpets for comfort underfoot and to shape a room's aesthetic too, custom-fitted rugs remain ever popular to supplement other traditional floor coverings like parquet, hardwood, or even LVT.

Using custom area rugs can frame a space and even complement a small living room by grounding the furniture and defining the layout. 'I love to contrast medium to dark parquet floors with lighter-colored rugs, to let natural light bounce and create a sense of “positive space”,' says interior designer and founder of Ritter & Co, Christine Ritter. 

However, when choosing your living room rugs, designers say it can pay off to be just as particular with the design as if you were installing a more permanent fixture like carpet. 'Many projects I work on are family homes - which includes very young children and, of course, pets, often putting the lighter rugs at risk of…. destruction,' continues Christine who is a big fan of washable rugs, especially those with distressed graphic to disguise light stains...

'For lighter parquet or tiled floors, I find Bed Bath and Beyond has an excellent range of colors for larger, sturdier rugs - I love the distressed look for a dining room (bye-bye food stains) as well as their indoor/outdoor rugs for an easy clean.'

For even more dimension, consider layering rugs together, or over a worn carpet that wants a little digusing. We like these rugs in particular...

Blending vintage heirloom rugs with a new carpet can bring more of a transitional element to your space too. Whatever you do, follow the pros when you tap into these popular carpet styles to create a cool, unique finish that feels like the perfect investment.

Spilling paint on the carpet can feel like the worst kind of DIY accident. Carpets can be expensive to replace which is why knowing how to clean them and clear up any accidental spills is game-changing. This task can, however, start to seem a little overwhelming when there are so many possible solutions out there. 

When it comes to how to paint a room, the best thing you can do is protect your carpet properly in the first place, but accidents, of course, happen. So what do you do to rescue your floors? I spoke to a painting expert to get the low-down on what really works and it turns out that speed is of the essence when it comes to cleaning up your carpet chaos.

'If you accidentally spill paint on your carpet, it's important to act fast!' says Chuck Reger of Five Star Painting. Use these expert tips if you find yourself with a paint splattered carpet on your hands.

What Should I Use to Get Paint out of Carpets?

The best products to use to clean up your carpet depends on the type of paint that has been spilled — different paint finishes may need different approaches. A carpet steamer is often the go-to product as it dampens dried paint to then lift it out of the carpet but this isn't a tool that everybody has lying around.

'For spills with latex paint, quickly use a mix of mild dish soap and water,' says Chuck. Use the soapy mix to gently blot the paint which loosens it up, helping it to lift out of the carpet more easily. 'It’s crucial to blot instead of scrubbing the area as it can move the paint deeper into the carpet fibers,' he adds.

If your paint spillage is oil-based, it's best to go for mineral spirits according to Chuck. 'These substances can effectively break down oil-based paint for easier removal,' he says. 'Once the paint has been removed with the paint thinner, use soap and water to finish.

Do a Spot Test

Damaging your carpet in the clean-up process is a concern for lots of people. To avoid any panic, Chuck says: 'it's a good idea to test any cleaning solution on a small hidden part of your carpet before using it on the stained area'. This is an easy way of checking that the cleaning product you're using won't cause any long-term damage to your carpet.

If you do decide to try out one of your favorite paint techniques on your walls at home then think about adding some good protection to the room before you get started so that any accidental spillages that do occur don't have too disastrous an impact. 'To keep things clean during painting, try using materials like cardboard, canvas, or plastic to cover your floors,' says Chuck.

Three Buys To Help You Clear Up And Prevent Spillages

Wall-to-wall carpet is making a return to schemes as we see it welcomed into the works of interior designers around the globe, and we can see why it might be back in favor. A soft welcome awaits your feet each time you come home and the need for a rug is reduced if you opt for a higher pile height. 

Whilst lighter carpets are praised for their ability to reflect light and echo the airiness of a room, darker carpets offer a sense of drama and depth to your scheme. From a practical standpoint, they also hide stains and spills better making them a more desirable design choice for families. 

Depending on the deep shade you choose, your carpet can help create a rich and encompassing interior that seamlessly flows from the ceiling to the floor. For those seeking inspiration, this list takes a look at how the dark wall-to-wall carpet trend is being used by the experts. From an endless ocean blue to elegant grey, interior designers present their take on this trend and why it's here to stay.

1. Opt for an ocean blue carpet

This ethereal scheme was designed by Kati Curtis Design, a studio based in LA and New York that exemplifies the enveloping nature of a darker wall-to-wall carpet. As the dappled carpet flows, tones of blue are both softened and intensified in the intricate paneling that surrounds this space. Touches of white and brass add to the undeniable glamour of the room. 

'Dark wall-to-wall carpets, preferably ones with patterns, have seen a notable increase in popularity recently (at least in my office!),' says says Kati Curtis, founder of Kati Curtis Design. 'I’m particularly drawn to their ability to add depth, sophistication, and a certain dramatic flair to any space. These carpets, often adorned with abstract or geometric patterns, can serve as a statement piece, pulling together an array of room elements into a cohesive design. Their dark hues are not only practical - hiding stains and wearing well - but also contribute to creating a warm, cozy ambiance. This trend reflects a shift towards more bold, individualistic, and practical interior design choices, and away from boring grey and white.'

2. Choose an elegant grey carpet

This decadent interior designed by Greg Natale shows how darker wall-to-wall carpets can play with pattern and materiality to reflect light around the room and create a sense of movement within the space. The grey feels sophisticated but not safe and works well with the muted tones of pink within the room as well as the metallic brass detailing. 

'In general, darker, more colorful interiors are making a come-back, which is something I’ve always been drawn to and have done across my work,' says interior designer Greg Natale. 'I find it’s best to use silk carpets, as they can still be black or charcoal without being flat. They have a stippling that creates additional texture and light reflectivity to brighten them while still emulating that dark, sexy look.' 

The designer highlights how your choice of carpet material is another key factor in the success of your carpet color, this along with the sources of light within your room should be taken into account when choosing your dark carpet color.

3. Go for a dark denim blue 

This inky blue loft space designed by GRT Architects is made that much cozier with its wall-to-wall carpet. The color drench approach with coordinating sofa, shelving, and stools give the space a coordinated and clean look whilst the books, cushions, and plants soften things by introducing a bit of color. 

When asked about their approach to using dark wall-to-wall carpets, the founders emphasized the role that darker colors play in evoking emotion within spaces. 'We used it to create a mood, in contrast to the brighter work and gathering spaces in the office, and for the change in acoustic ambiance,' says Rus Mehta, co-founder of GRT Architects. A good tip to bear in mind when creating a similar aesthetic for your interior is to create a color palette that brings together similar tones of the same shade. That way your interior feels layered and luxurious rather than one note.

A luscious carpet of healthy green grass will always make your backyard look appealing, but if you want to try something a little bit bolder, brighter, and more imaginative, why not adorn your lawn with a variety of colorful flowers for a few months of the year? That's exactly what the viral bulb lawn craze is all about, and if you're sold on the idea, now is the perfect time to start planting one. 

Bulb lawns are made by planting a host of spring flowers on your lawn. We're not talking about the small pockets of blooms you might typically dot around your backyard in cute little clusters. No, we're talking a mass of bulbs which, come March or April, cover your entire lawn with a sea of beautiful flowers like a scene from a Disney movie. 

Keen to give it a go? Even since an inventive method for planting big-scale bulbs when viral on TikTok, we've been itching to try it ourselves, and we thought it was too good not to share. Here's what you need to know about planting a bulb lawn, a genius planting idea that could just be the garden trend of 2024. 

What is a 'bulb lawn'?  

First, erase any notion of light bulbs from your brain. Those aren't the kind we're dealing with here. We're talking about flowering bulbs that bloom in spring, such as crocuses, daffodils, and tulips. 'A bulb lawn is an area where these flower bulbs are planted beneath the grass rather than, say, a flower bed,' says Tony O'Neill, professional gardener and founder of Simplify Gardening. 'When spring comes, instead of just green grass, you get a beautiful display of flowers sprouting amidst the lawn, turning it into a vibrant tapestry of colors.' 

The trick, of course, is planting the bulbs close together - and lots of them. 'Instead of traditional grass, the primary feature of a bulb lawn is the dense concentration of flowering bulbs that cover the ground,' notes Zahid Adnan of The Plant Bible. That does mean that a bulb lawn will be both easier (and cheaper) if you have a small garden.

What are the benefits of a bulb lawn?

While the primary benefit of a bulb lawn is its aesthetic beauty, there are some practical advantages, too. 'Aesthetically, a bulb lawn offers a dynamic, ever-changing view,' Tony explains. 'The lawn evolves as the bulbs flower and fade, providing ongoing visual interest.'

From a practical point of view, he says it also offers a way to make the best use of the space, especially in a small garden, allowing homeowners to enjoy both a lawn and a flowerbed in the same space. 'Bulbs are also typically low maintenance once planted, making it an easy way for gardeners to add a splash of color to their outdoor space,' he adds. 

Zahid also notes the secondary benefits that come with an array of spring blooms in your backyard. 'One of those is early pollinator attraction,' he says. 'Many spring-flowering bulbs attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which can benefit the local ecosystem.' Besides wildlife gardening, bulbs are also a great long-term addition to your lawn since most varieties are perennials. 'Over time, some bulb varieties can also naturalize, meaning they multiply and spread, creating an even more impressive display in subsequent years,' Zahid says.

How do you plant a bulb lawn?

'Traditionally, bulbs are planted using a bulb planter or trowel to ensure they're at the right depth,' explains Tony. Recently though, a TikTok video that's amassed nearly 5 million likes shows a more inventive method of getting lots of bulbs planted quickly. 

'As seen on TikTok, the drill method involves attaching a bulb auger to a drill to speed up the process,' Tony notes. 'It's effective, especially if you're planting many bulbs, but always ensure you're still planting at the correct depth and not damaging existing roots in the soil.' 

As we hinted at earlier, the good news is now is the perfect time to plant your bulbs if you want a carpet of color come spring. 'Planting bulbs for a bulb lawn is typically done in the fall, a few weeks before the ground freezes,' notes Zahid. While factors like the variety of bulbs and your local climate must be taken into account, mid-October is generally a great time to get your spring bulbs into the ground. That's the case when planting daffodils, too - an all-time spring favorite.

Finally, don't forget to give thought to your grass type and its growing habits, too. 'Some grasses grow faster and might overshadow the bulbs,' Tony explains. 'It's also crucial to ensure that the area is well-draining as bulbs don't like to sit in waterlogged soil as it can cause them to rot.' 

What bulbs should you choose?

In terms of which bulbs to plant, the world is your oyster! That said, for a colorful lawn-like effect, it's best to go for short, low-growing flowers like crocuses or grape hyacinths over the likes of daffodils and tulips. 

But, as Tony points out, the choice of bulbs really depends on the effect you're going for. 'For an early spring show, crocuses are a popular choice,' he says. 'They're quickly followed by daffodils, tulips, and then alliums. Mixing different types ensures a succession of flowers and extended color throughout spring.' 

'For the best carpet of flowers in a bulb lawn, consider using a mix of early, mid, and late-season bulbs,' Zahid agrees. 

Can you mow over a bulb lawn?

While your bulbs are still underground, it's perfectly fine to cut your grass as usual, though you can probably stop mowing throughout the winter months anyway. 'However, once the flowers start to emerge, you'll want to hold off on mowing until after the bulbs have flowered and their foliage has naturally yellowed and died back,' adds Tony. 'This allows the bulbs to store energy for the next year's bloom.' 

Buys some of our favorite bulbs to get started

Carpets aren't as ubiquitous as they once were. Yes, they're still one of the most comfortable flooring options out there, but in terms of style, it's safe to say they've been usurped. The question is, by what? 

Flooring trends tend to move a bit slower than the rest of our interiors, but carpet has been slowly slipping out of favor for some time now. Aesthetically, it's a 'safe' choice for blanketing the space underfoot but, practically speaking, it has its downfalls - particularly the fact that it wears down in high-traffic areas over time. 

So, naturally, we wanted to know what's replacing them. We asked some flooring experts for their two cents, and there was one particular type of flooring trend that came out on top. Here, we take a look at their top three alternatives, including one on-trend option that still offers a cozy feel underfoot. 

Are carpets out of fashion? 

First, let's get one thing out of the way. You don't need to go tearing up your carpets if you don't want to. For warm, relaxing spaces like bedrooms and living rooms, they're a classic choice that will serve you well for years to come. Still, we had to ask the experts, is carpet out of style? 

'People still love the comfort that carpet can add to a room, but today's homeowners and renters are looking for stylish floor coverings without the long-term commitment of carpet,' explains Mary St. John of Rugs.com. 'Instead, they want to change looks easily and stay on top of the latest home decor trends.' 

Besides the flexibility other flooring options have to offer, there are also practical aspects to consider. 'Homeowners are choosing alternative flooring options because they want easier-to-clean flooring than carpet,' Mary says. 'Carpet used to be a practical solution, but people today want to avoid guessing what old spills and stains could be hiding in the carpet or soaked into the pad.'

As Therese Germain, flooring expert Vice President of Product at Ruggable, adds: 'Carpets can also be easily damaged and worn out with daily use, which is why more consumers are choosing other harder-wearing flooring options, like hardwood.' 

What is replacing carpet? 

So, the question remains, what should we be using for our floors instead? The experts we spoke to offered several options, and we take a look at each of them below. Really though, it's a combination of all three together that makes for the most practical and stylish flooring, culminating in a layered look that's trending right now, but promises to serve you for many years to come, too. 

1. Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are a classic choice for underfoot. Durable, natural, and easy to clean, they also come in various parquet patterns which add visual interest to a space. 

'I absolutely think there is a movement away from carpet and a lean-in to hardwood floors,' says Ashley Macuga of Collected Interiors. 'Aesthetically, hardwood floors add instant warmth to a space, plus they allow you to easily layer pattern and color without the long-term commitment of carpet.'

There's a whole host of practical benefits that make wood flooring a more sensible alternative to carpet. 'More people have more allergies than ever before - and carpet is a magnet for dust and other allergens,' Ashley notes. 'If you or a child have severe allergies, one of the top recommendations from allergists is to remove carpet from the home.' Of course, being far easier to clean, wood is also a more pet-friendly surface too, saving you the cost of a professional carpet cleaner. 

2. Stair Runners

For years, carpeted stairs have been the norm. Even if you didn't have carpet elsewhere in the home, covering the stairs was the go-to choice to help cushion your feet as well as reduce noise, since plain wooden stairs can make your stairway seem a bit sparse and echoey. Now though, there's a growing trend for a more hybrid approach. 

Staircase runners are one of the biggest interior trends of 2023, particularly patterned designs. Not only do they introduce some color and vibrancy, but the partial carpeting idea leaves just the right amount of wooden border at the side of your stairs to elongate them and add a touch of elegance. From a functional standpoint, runners also protect your treads from wear and tear, are less permanent than carpet, and work to reduce those loud thuds, too. 

3. Large area rugs

The real top spot on this list, however, goes to area rugs. With this flexible and versatile flooring option the styling possibilities are quite literally endless, with pretty much every color and pattern under the sun available. Right now, extra large living room rugs are very much the mood of the moment, and the good news is, they still offer the comfort of carpet underfoot, too. 

'Whether you opt for hardwood, tiles, or cork flooring to replace your carpet, rugs are a great way to go to offer comfort underfoot,' says Therese. 'Your floor is as much a canvas for creativity as your walls, and because rugs are so much more versatile than carpet, they give you a chance to be bold. They also allow you to create a different mood in each space rather than laying down the same carpet throughout.'

The impermanence of a rug is just another one of its many advantages over carpet. 'Rugs provide a solution for those who love how soft carpet can feel to the touch but without making a long-term commitment to a style or color,' adds Mary. 'Since today's homeowners want to be able to switch things up quickly, they're turning to rugs as an affordable and easy option for their desired aesthetic.' 

For the coziness of carpet, opt for a high pile rug like shag which is perfect for adding an extra layer of warmth. If you want something a little more lightweight and understated, choose a natural material like cotton or jute. Layering rugs is also a great decor trend if you want to experiment with different textures and cover more unusual floorplans by building up your shape. 

Of course, area rugs work best on wood or engineered flooring, which is why a combination of the two makes for the best alternative to carpet. Replicate the feeling on your stairs by throwing in a runner and you'll have on-trend flooring throughout your home that pairs function and style, all without sacrificing comfort either. 

Our top picks of on-trend area rugs to fill your space

Painting baseboards is difficult at the best of times, but it's made even harder if you have carpeted flooring. Not only is it impossible to wipe away pesky paint splatters from fabric, but the gap between your trim and the carpet is typically much smaller, making it harder to fit a shield of some variety in the gap. So, what's the solution?

When it comes to how to paint baseboards, you need to be precise if you want a professional-looking finish. For most of us, that means going freehand is out of the question. If you don't use some sort of shield to protect your flooring below, you'll almost certainly end up with paint marks or splatters. It's like asking a two-year-old to try and color in between the lines - you'll be fighting a losing battle.

Luckily, we have some industry tips and tricks up our sleeve, and it's all thanks to a few expert painters and decorators who have spent years perfecting their technique when it comes to painting trim with carpet. Here's everything you need to know.

Can you paint baseboards without removing the carpet? 

First things first, with all that negative news, you might be wondering whether it's worth removing the carpet (or baseboards) completely when figuring out how to paint trim. While it does seem like the most reliable method to prevent any paint spills, the good news is, you don't need to disassemble your space in order to paint a room.

'It's certainly not necessary to remove the carpet to paint baseboards, especially if the carpet has a low pile, meaning it isn't all that plush,' explains Anthony Kulikowski, owner of Five Star Painting of South Bend. 'That said, this task does become more difficult when the carpet has a thicker pile.'

In cases where you have a thick pile carpet, you might want to hire a professional to do the job for you. If you're on a tight budget and don't want to splash the cash on a professional decorator, peeling back your carpet before you paint might be the best idea after all.

How to protect carpet while painting baseboards

To keep your carpets as the clean as the day you fitted them, you'll need to know some industry secrets. Here are the methods you need to know about, according to the experts.

1. Use tape 

Painter's tape is a decorator's best friend for a reason. Not only is it the answer to crisp, straight lines, but it helps to protect trim, flooring, and in some cases the wall itself, from messy paint marks during a design refresh. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that it's also the most obvious choice when it comes to shielding your carpet (and yes, wall-to-wall is a big carpet trend again).

Lining the bottom of your baseboards is certainly a good way of protecting the carpet underneath, but the type of tape you use is important. While a high stick tape is important to ensure it sticks to the thick-piled material, anything too sticky could end up damaging the carpet by pulling out fibers.

'I would recommend a mid-level sticky painter’s tape, which usually equates to masking tape,' says Tila Lee of Pretty in Paint School. Even then, she highlights that there's no excuse for lazy painting, applying the brush strokes haphazardly across both the trim and tape. 'You should still treat the baseboard like there is exposed flooring and do a proper cut on the bottom of it to help prevent paint from building up and creating a wobbly edge,' she says.

2. Use a paint shield

An alternative method for protecting your carpets is a paint shield. They tend to make the painting process speedier than tape since there's no need to lay it out before application, and they also have the added benefit that they can be used again.

'Paint shields come in varying sizes and are typically very thin plastic or metal that can be slid under the baseboards while pushing the carpet down,' says Antony. Like tape though, they don't just give you free pass to perform a messy job. 'It's important to note however that excessive paint buildup on a paint shield can cause an undesired mess,' notes Anthony. 'We recommend cleaning paint shields off when they start to get a small amount of buildup to prevent paint from spilling or wiping onto the carpet.'

For a budget-friendly hack, you can make your own paint shield using something you're likely to find in your home office - a plastic file divider. Simply slide the plastic sheet below your boards and use it like a paint shield.

3. Double up with a drop cloth

A drop cloth is another decorating staple that no professional painter could go without. If you're a messier painter, they're the best way of protecting larger surfaces of your living room carpet, including your paint brush's journey from tin to trim.

As Tila points out, while drop cloths are a useful safety net, you should still be cautious when using one. 'A canvas drop cloth will protect you from common small drips, but it's still important to be mindful of them as they can still seep through onto your carpet,' she says. 'They also make drop clothes made out of plastic to prevent these leaks, but there's still the risk of spreading any spills around the area by transferring them onto your feet.'

4. Use a (very) steady hand

Finally, if you want to hedge your bets, you could always try going freehand - as long as that hand is a seriously steady one. Really, this should only be considered if you're an experienced painter in some capacity, but just like cutting in your walls, experts will always claim it to be the most reliable method (in their case, at least). As Anthony explains, 'the best most proven method is a steady hand and years of training and experience.'

If that doesn't apply to you and you're not prepared to take any of the precautions above, then it might be time to call in the pros. As they say, if a job's worth doing, it's worth doing properly.

Carpets are so much more than just a floor covering — they can transform a room into a stylish and comfortable haven. In addition to providing softness, texture, and comfort underfoot, incorporating the right carpet trends for 2025 can bring sophistication and elegance to a home.

"The carpet is the base for your space; it’s the glue that brings it all together," says interior designer Nadia Watts, founder of Nadia Watts Interior Design. "Your carpet will ground your room and bring cohesion to the other elements in the space. It’s also a huge style statement, as the design of your carpet will dictate the entire space. I like to start with the carpet and build my design from there, using colors and textures that are pulled from or compliment the rug choice."

Wall-to-wall carpeting offers a wide array of design options. From all the colors, patterns, prints, and materials to choose from, it can be an overwhelming space to navigate. So, to help you keep abreast of the latest interior design trends in the world of carpets, we asked the experts to share the styles they'd recommend using in the coming year.

1. Sustainable materials

Wall-to-wall carpets will continue to be designed with sustainable, eco-friendly materials as homeowners move towards greener living.

“Sustainability is a driving force in design today, and natural materials like wool, jute, and recycled textiles are at the forefront,” says Malin Glemme, CEO and creative director of LAYERED. “Wool remains a favorite for its durability, softness, and eco-friendly qualities. Overall, the focus is on authenticity and craftsmanship. Handmade rugs, for example, are not just about aesthetics — they also represent thoughtful design and quality, which resonates with people today. We've also noticed a growing interest in classic flat-weave rugs, such as traditional röllakan designs, which evoke a sense of nostalgia and timelessness.”

2. Rich floor tones

For the perfect bedroom or living room color scheme, consider a carpet that matches or blends into the interior.

“The entire palette of the room should be considered when installing colored carpeting,” says Britt Zunino of Studio DB. "It’s successful when the carpet is tonal and the entire room — including the ceiling — has a wash of color. I love making a bold statement and leaning into a rich color on the floor.”

3. Rugs on carpets

This is a big trend at the moment. Layering a living room rug over a carpet not only adds softness to the room but also imbues warmth, comfort, and depth to the scheme.

“Layering a rug over a carpet is a fantastic way to add texture, depth, and personality to a room,” says Malin. “Start by considering contrast — pair a low-pile carpet with a high-pile or patterned rug to create visual interest. It's also important to choose a rug that complements the carpet's color tone but introduces its distinct character, whether through pattern, material or finish. For instance, placing a bold patterned rug over a neutral carpet can instantly elevate the room’s ambiance while maintaining balance.”

You can find a great selection of rugs at Wayfair.

4. Low pile designs

For a modern-looking living room or bedroom carpet, consider ones that are made in shorter, tighter loops, and are flatter in appearance. “Carpets can enhance the jewel-box feel of a space and add another layer of interest,” says Zoë Feldman of Zoë Feldman Design. “We typically go for a low-pile option — no shag!”

These carpets are ideal for rooms with heavy foot traffic; like the living room, bedroom, or entryway.

5. Dark Carpets

It seems the whole interior design world has gone dark and moody lately, and the same applies to wall-to-wall carpets too. In recent decades, carpets have tended to be lighter in tone (a decision that does work in your favor in smaller spaces that you want to brighten). However, there's something about a deep navy or brown carpet that can create a seriously sumptuous feel, especially when paired with soft underlay and a high pile.

"Dark rugs are super grounding and a great foundation for a strong and playful design with the furniture or something brighter and lighter," says Shanan Campanaro, founder and creative director of furniture brand, Eskayel. "I think everyone is finally getting sick of just a light-colored neutral." To play into a moody style, pair a dark carpet with color-drenched walls of the same shade, as pictured above, for a truly transportive, enveloping effect.

6. Art-inspired patterns

There's something transportive about an abstract living room carpet. The design pictured above feels as though you're walking across a work of art and becomes the main focus of the space, instantly drawing the eye.

The design is by Alessia Genova, principal at Tihany Design, who is leaning into powerful colors and patterns again this year with artistic shapes. The carpet was influenced by Henri Matisse and the movement of Fauvism, bringing dynamic movement to the flooring of this hotel.

"After a period of very monochromatic palettes, people want to see colors, and they find strong patterns a way to create identity in a space," Alessia says. "Carpet can be a big surface to do so in an impactful way. This one is an artistic expression which takes inspiration from the revolutionary spirit of Fauvism and the pioneering vision of Henri Matisse.”

If you want a more literal artistic look, you could choose art and craft-inspired looks like William Morris patterns, or a printed replica of famous oil paintings (Van Gogh's cherry blossom, for example).

7. Wool Carpets

Besides the aesthetic benefits of carpets, they practically provide a lot of warmth. No textile does that better than wool, a carpet material that's so on trend right now.

"Wool remains popular and continues to grow as a result of more positive awareness of its advantages," says Joanna Ramsden, creative director of Brockway Carpets. "Wool is a natural option and has been proven to be the best floor insulator. Safety is also key — absorbing VOCs, flame resistance, and being anti-slip are all naturally inherent to wool."

If that wasn't enough to convince you to invest in a wool carpet, this material is also one of the most sustainable carpet types out there. "Additionally, wool carpet can massively benefit the air quality in your home as its fibers trap airborne pollen and dust particulates, helping to prevent these from circulating in the air," says Jodie Hatton, design manager at carpet brand, Brintons. Is there anything this wonder textile can't do?

8. Bold colors

According to many designers, carpet is the new paint and by opting for bright and vivacious hues it adds a wow factor to the home — a key focus of current color trends.

For those who might be wary of adding such a statement, choose a tone that complements the wall colors to ensure the look remains cohesive. For maximalists, opt for a contrasting color to ensure it remains a feast for the eyes.

"There is a 70s revival happening and I am here for it," says Nadia Watts. "Warm colors like blush pink, mustard yellow, red, and avocado green are everywhere, and the vibe extends to sleek patterns and maximalist color palettes, too. We're seeing the trend of minimalism and monochromatic changing to 'more is more'. That means more color, more pattern, bigger bolder designs, and lots of texture."

9. Plastic fiber carpets

In an urgent bid to change industry habits, designers are turning to waste to contribute to a circular economy and shift perceptions on materials. Taking a circular approach to carpets is key to taking accountability, especially since this flooring option commonly ends up in landfills.

"Carpets made from plastic fibers such as nylon, polypropylene, or polyester can easily be made from recycled plastic such as water bottles," says Nadia. 'These materials are durable and earth-friendly, and can be cut to make them feel soft like wool but at a fraction of the price."

According to Nadia, another great sustainable option is recycled yarn. "Used carpeting, discarded fishing nets, and textile waste from clothing manufacturing are all examples of repurposed materials used to create carpets," she says. We love this beautiful cross-hatched rug from Target which weaves in recycled denim for a splash of color and a multi-textural look.

10. Decorative Borders

Creating bespoke carpets allows designers to add a unique touch to spaces. When laying a carpet on top of a wooden or tiled floor (a common approach when it comes to flooring trends), leaving a small gap around the edge allows it to stand out and gives space for a decorative border to be added.

"Fringe is a decorative trim that is usually on the shorter end of the rugs, to work well on traditional or contemporary flat woven rugs," says Kashi Shikunova, director of Yam Studios. "That aside, hand serving is a tight, continuous thread along the edges made by hand often in matching yarn to the rug. It's often invisible and looks very sleek."

Right now, rounded edges — and scalloped borders in particular — are all the rage. They look so decorative, and they add a whimsical touch to your carpet. "Vintage-inspired borders such as fringe and herringbone are also in, or step it up a notch with leather or suede borders," says Nadia.

11. Stripes

The timeless appeal of striped patterned carpets is still a firm favorite for many designers today. Giving structure to space, stripes help to bring a variety of tones and shades into a scheme. They work particularly well as a bedroom rug, being impactful enough to feel a little interesting but able to be subtle enough that they still create a restful space.

Stripes are also a great way to add a dynamic element to a design. "Using contrasting colors or tones, they can create a striking visual impact that immediately catches the eye," says Anushka Ahuja, co-founder of Studio By Agni. "The stripes can also be utilized to manipulate the perception of space; horizontal stripes can make a room appear more expansive, while vertical stripes can make it feel taller."

That said, Joanna notes that stripe trends have shifted in recent years. "Soft tonal stripes are very popular in plain yarns and natural yarns while colored stripes are more likely made in two or three bold colors in broader designs," she says. "The muti-colored 'barcode' is being replaced by a more elegant configuration, too."

12. Staircase Carpets

If you're wary of going bold with your carpet choices, start by experimenting with smaller areas, like staircase carpets, which are relatively low commitment as they are simple to install and switch up.

"There's a growing trend to put color and pattern on stairs and landings, especially as edged runners," explains Joanna. "By definition, staircases lend themselves to color and design and there are many exciting collections in the market. They're areas that lead people around the home and are directional. They need to be seen and provide the perfect canvas for 'carpet art'."

13. Color block

Color blocking has taken many different forms over the last few years, but it comes up season after season in interior trends. Going bold on the walls isn't for everyone, and it's certainly not for every space, but the best carpet colors in clashing hues can be a more subtle and exciting way to embrace this ever-popular trend.

"Typically, opposites work as pairings, something light against something dark, something bright against something desaturated," says Barbara Reyes, director of design at Frederick Tang. You can complete this look with a literal color-blocked carpet, or you could layer colorful rugs over a bright carpet. Your decision will depend on if you're looking to replace your flooring option or just build upon an existing one.

14. Textured carpets

Taking inspiration from architectural and structural configurations, many carpet and rug designers are incorporating curves and rounded silhouettes in carpets to add a textural effect.

"Textured rugs add depth and dimension to a space, creating visual interest and tactile appeal," says Anushka. "They bring a sense of warmth, coziness, and comfort to a room, making it feel inviting and cozy. The rug's textures can also help soften the overall look of a space, balancing out smooth surfaces and adding a touch of character."

You might choose intricate patterns, layering rugs, or various materials like shaggy, braided, or woven textures to bring depth and dimension to your room through texture. The choice is entirely yours, but Joanna recommends patterned loops, especially in undyed and natural wool, or tonal and stipple yarn for something different. "These are designed to coordinate more effectively with other materials — carpets, paints, furnishings — and are very sympathetic to current living needs, from practicality to sophistication and elegance," she says.

15. Mixed finishes 

Lately, there's a real trend toward carpets that incorporate more subtle designs that stick to a simple color palette but add interest with a mix of finishes. In the bedroom carpet idea pictured above, the base material is a simple flat woven design with a lovely natural texture. Then, to give a touch of something more luxurious, a delicate abstract print in a softer, deeper pile creates a beautiful subtle print.

"While leaning towards the pricier side, I love rugs that combine wool and silk," says Kashi. "The combination of these materials crafts a luxurious matt finish with a delightful thickness, and the incorporation of silk adds a touch of opulence. Moreover, the plushness of the rug underfoot is truly remarkable, creating an exceptionally soft sensation with every step." This timeless floor material (or should we say "materials") feels so luxe and is well-suited to a sophisticated space.

16. Earthy hues

While carpet trends are showing that we can go bolder with our colors and prints, there's also a strong trend for using carpets known for their most renowned quality — adding warm, cocooning, comforting vibes to a room. And this coziness is only enhanced with toasty, earthy tones. Rich terracotta and ochre shades, for example, are ideal for bringing in deeper hues to a neutral space without overwhelming those softer, paler shades.

"The ever-popular and easy-to-live-with greige, beige, and natural earthy tones, which have been so popular for rugs and carpets this year, can be paired with warm, deep hues to add richness of tone while maintaining the calm spaces we still crave," explains Lynn Llewellyn-Jones, color consultant for fibre. "These colors make us feel grounded and secure, optimistic and energetic."

Preventing a neutral scheme from looking dull all falls down to the texture, says Jodie. "An alternative flooring like wood or tiles can make a room feel stark and bare, whereas a soft woven wool carpet, layered with accessories in cashmere, mohair, and linen will all work to soften a look and create an inviting scheme," she says. Neutral carpets, then, have the seal of approval.

17. Checkerboard Patterns

Sure, a checkerboard pattern can seem a bit overwhelming if used on a large surface like a carpet, but experts suggest this pattern can still be part of modern interiors in the form of shorter carpets. These pieces can contribute to bedroom, passageway, and living room color ideas to make a bold statement.

"Checkerboard patterns always stay in style because they possess a timeless appeal that transcends trends," says Anushka. "The symmetry and balance of alternating colors create a visually pleasing and harmonious design, offering a sense of order and sophistication."

While it might feel like an overwhelmingly contemporary pattern, checkerboard has been used in various design styles across different eras, from traditional to modern, proving its enduring popularity. "It's a versatile choice tailored to suit other color schemes and materials, making it a timeless and evergreen design element in interiors," adds Anushka.

FAQs

So are carpets back in style?

A look at the most popular flooring options of recent years might convince you that carpets are an outdated flooring option never to return, but that couldn't be further from the truth.

Joanna of Brockway Carpets admits that with people spending more time inside their homes and high-traffic areas needing more durable options than carpet, it might not be the cream of the crop in every scenario. "However the carpet that's most on-trend is going on staircases, landings, bedrooms, and smaller living areas," she says. "Rugs and runners are hugely popular, too, helping to bridge the gap."

We can safely say that after speaking with designers and trendspotters, carpets deserve a place in our homes if done right. So if you're considering giving up on those bare floorboards, take the leap and use these carpet trends as inspiration.

What color carpet is on trend in 2025?

2025 is all about rich, moody tones. Colors such as emerald greens, navy blue, and maroon are going to be seen plenty in interiors. These apart, warm neutrals like taupe, ivory, and earthy terracotta will offer a timeless appeal. Jewel tones (like deep burgundy, and sapphire blue) will find favor in homes that are sophisticated and grand.

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Choosing carpet may sounds like a relatively straightforward decision, ruled by colors and patterns and trends. However, once you look past the aesthetics, there’s far more to picking the perfect wall-to-wall carpet. Carpet types may seem to be bit of a minefield, so many material and fibers and then there’s pile and backing choices too. How do you pick the right one for your space? What’s the most durable option? The most sustainable option? The most affordable option? And (the most important) the most on trend option?

But fear not, we’ve asked the experts for all the answers and pulled together a straightforward guide to carpet types that makes sense of all those seemingly jargon words you come across when deciding on the perfect floor type. You can thank us later… 

What are the different types of carpet fibers?

 Let’s start with the easiest element of a carpet to get your head around – the material, or more correctly the fiber. You have plenty of options when it comes to fibers, both natural and man-made and both have their pros and cons, so here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular choices available… 

Natural carpet materials

 If you are after sustainable carpet types, natural carpet fibers are one of the best options. Plus, they are super durable and resilient, so despite being more of an expensive choice, a natural carpet could last you decades.  

Sisal

Sisal is the perfect carpet material if you are after a more minimalist look, it’s subtle and chic and all about texture rather than any bold colors or patterns. It’s huge in carpet trends right now too, and those skeptical about wall-to-wall carpet ideas are often swayed by sisal.

Often sisal has a lovely creamy beige color and the fibers are woven into a very natural-looking carpet, although there are options when it comes to the length and layouts and colors of the fibers so you can choose something that will suit your space and style. 

Sisal fibers are really durable and easy to maintain so work well in areas that see a lot of footfall. As it’s a natural fiber, it’s a great option for people with allergies, as Julian Downes, managing director at fibre explains, ‘Natural flooring, like sisal or jute emits very few VOCs, which means it’s great for those with allergies, conditions such as asthma, or those who simply want the cleanest air in their homes.’

You also have other very similar natural fibers like seagrass, jute and coir. ‘Sisal and seagrass have smooth fibers and offer a crisp, neat effect. Coir is a suitable for those seeking a rougher, more casual effect. Lastly Jute is the softest of the natural floorcoverings, giving a comfortable feel underfoot. However, it is less hardwearing and more absorbent,’ explains Jon Flannigan, Product Manager at Kersaint Cobb.

Just be aware that these carpet fibers often aren’t the softest underfoot – totally fine for a hallway flooring, but if you are choosing them for more lived-in rooms like bedrooms and living room, consider layering with a rug.

Wool

Wool is the most popular carpet fiber, and we have to say we consider it to be the best. Soft, luxurious, durable and easy to maintain, it’s a great option for almost any room and can work with any style. 

‘Wool is the wonder fiber. Again, easy to clean, soft underfoot, inherently fire retardant and practical as it is easy to clean and bounces back after cleaning,’ explains Lorna Haigh, Creative Director at Alternative Flooring. ‘Wool patterned carpets again are great as they hide a multitude of everyday spots and spills.  No need to worry too much if you are taking a cup of coffee or tea up the stairs, any spillages if attended to swiftly will not spoil the textile floorcovering.’

‘The tight structure of wool allows it to hold onto dirt and dust; stopping it from becoming airborne and aggravating allergies. Its natural anti-static properties make vacuuming fast and effective as the dirt is easily lifted away. Wool also naturally binds and neutralizes harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that may be introduced into the home by modern, man-made furnishings,’ adds Julian.

‘Plus, wool is 100 percent natural. It is naturally hypoallergenic and breathable so an ideal choice for allergy sufferers as well as those who just want to breathe pure air.’ says Julian.

You can also get wool carpets that are a mix of natural and man-made fibers, usually the ratio is 80/20, so you still get that lovely soft feel of wool but some of the advantages of man-made fibers too. Add synthetic materials within the yarn can make the carpet more durable, stain resistant and often more affordable.

 Man-made carpet materials 

 More affordable, more options in terms of carpet colors and pattern and more stain resistant, man-made carpet fibres have a lot going for them. However, they don’t have the same pros as natural materials, so they are not as kind to the planet, often not as hardwearing and often don’t have those hypoallergenic properties.  

Nylon

Nylon is a great carpet fibre option as it’s really hardwearing, stain resistant and easy to maintain. Like most man-made fibre carpets it’s a more affordable option than wool too, but you can get a very similar look. In fact you can get that wool, nylon mix we spoke of earlier that has the best of both worlds.

Polypropylene

Much like Nylon, Polypropylene is a really popular carpet type due to its stain resistant qualities and affordability. It’s ideal for areas that come under a lot of wear and tear and potential spillages, like kid’s bedrooms or the dining room. However, avoid in high-traffic areas and the fibres do get squashed overtime as they don’t have that bounce back quality of wool. And don’t use anywhere that sees a lot of direct sunlight or if there’s an open fire – polypropylene melts, and the melting point is low too so it won’t take much to be affected by any kind of heat.

What is carpet pile and which should I choose?

Okay, so after fibers you have the way the fibers are constructed. This is called carpet pile and is essentially just how the fibers are arranged with in the carpet. You may think material has the biggest impact on the overall look of your carpet, but in fact the majority of your carpet feel and style with come down to the pile and type of construction. Here’s are the most common carpet piles and types explained… 

Cut pile carpet types

Cut pile carpets cover the most common types of carpet – Saxony, plush and frieze all come under cut pile. As the name suggests, the construction involves pieces of yarn that are cut to whatever the desired height and then twisted to become tufts. Despite all having the same kind of pile, cut pile carpets can look very different depending on the height and size of the tufts. Here are some of the most common cut pile carpet types…

Saxony carpet

‘Saxony carpets have a really soft pile, making them one of the most comfortable and luxurious options for the home. The longer the yarns, the deeper your feet sink in. Saxony styles feel as good as they look because they are often made from high-quality yarn, making them very soft and durable, as well as stain-resistant.’ explains Johanna Constantinou of Tapi.

Frieze carpets

Then you have frieze pile carpets. These are very thick and textured carpets which are great at hiding dust and dirt and since the tufts are woven so tightly, they are a hardwearing and durable option too. Ideal for areas that get lots of traffic like hallways and landings as they are still lovely and soft but dense. If you have pets, this an ideal carpet type. 

Plush carpets

Plush carpets are a type of cut pile carpet that has very short fibres, so you get that lovely well… plush, luxurious feeling. It’s an incredibly soft and smooth carpet types, making it perfect for bedroom carpets and living rooms to add a coziness underfoot. Avoid using this carpet type in more high-traffic areas, as it will show wear and tear easily. 

Loop pile carpets

Loop pile carpets are, as they sound, looped. So rather than the twisted tufts you get with cut pile carpets, the carpet is made up of a series of loops. Loop pile carpets are also often called Berber or level loop pile carpets.

‘Loop carpets are made of looped yarns and are perfect for high traffic areas such as stair carpets as the loops make the carpet hardwearing and durable. The loops are made from a single strand of yarn, which gives them a beautiful texture and appearance. There are a variety of loop patterns or variations, and loops may also be used to create a pattern alongside cut yarns (known as cut-and-loop).  We don’t recommend loop piles for homes with pets as their claws can snag or pull on the loops.’ explains Inga Morris-Blincoe of Lifestyle Floors. 

Woven carpets

Woven carpets are some of the most popular types as they are incredibly durable and usually made from natural materials. The traditional way they are made, using a loom method is what makes this carpet types so long lasting, however, as you’d expect it’s a time consuming way to make carpet and that’s reflected in the price. 

‘One of the strongest, most durable carpets out there is the woven carpet. Traditionally known as Wilton and Axminster, woven carpets are a brilliant choice for extra busy areas of your home, as they don’t require endless vacuuming. These carpets are hardwearing and the pile bounces back, reducing the visibility of footprints and vacuum marks,' says Johanna.

‘In a traditional woven carpet, the pile yarn (the top layer that you see) is woven into the backing, which gives this style of carpet exceptional stability and durability in your home,' explains Inga. ‘Woven carpets can be patterned or plain. Some plain carpets may also use weaving patterns to give them a subtle but interesting design, similar to cut-and-loop pile carpets. Because of the way they are constructed, woven carpets have a compact finish that is very hardwearing.’

How do you choose the best carpet type for your space?

So now you have all the details on the best options out there, and the different types and pile choices, think about what’s going to work best in your space. 

‘The length of time a carpet will last depends on several factors, and each must be considered at the purchasing stage; the carpet pile itself, the fibre, the weight of the fibre and the density of the pile will all contribute or detract from a carpet’s suitability for your chosen location,' says Charlotte Coop of Abingdon Flooring.

‘So first, think about what the room is used for,' advises Julian Downes. ‘An entrance hall or stairs are high footfall areas so an easy to maintain compact wool loop or a hard wearing tightly woven sisal boucle not only look great but is practical too. In the bedroom and living areas you may prefer to use more open, softer weave and nothing beats the feeling of luxuriousness that a deep pile 100% wool carpet brings.’

‘The rule of thumb in selecting a carpet from your home is location, location, location. You will find that it pays dividends to shell out slightly more for higher quality carpets for areas of high wear such as hallways and living areas, but you may well be able to save your budget in areas where those feet aren’t quite as frequent,' adds Charlotte.

‘Work with the size of the room too. We generally advise that larger rooms work with heavier weaves and finer weaves are better suited to smaller rooms. And consider how the carpets look at various times of the day when the light changes,' she continues. ‘Give yourself time to live with these swatches and make sure you will like them long term as a good quality carpet will not need to be replaced for years. 

‘If your room is south facing it’s wise to choose a lighter carpet colour. All natural and manmade materials will fade in direct sunlight so you need to look after them. The same applies to cleaning and care – make sure you know how to look after your carpet so it stays looking beautiful as the day it is installed.’

What type of carpet is the most sustainable?

When making any choices within our homes, sustainability is increasing becoming a key part of our design decisions. We are all keen to reduce our impact on the environment, and therefore we would of course recommend considering eco-flooring. They may not be the cheapest choice, but sustainability usually goes hand in hand with durability so well worth in the investment.

The most eco-friendly carpet types tend to be those that are natural and renewable. Sisal, jute, wool even bamboo are all good options and you can also find carpets that are made from recycled materials too.

‘Sisal flooring is natural and plant based and so helps those who are choosing interiors with a focus on sustainability; products made of natural materials which wear well and stand the test of time. It will grow each year and so is very sustainable. It’s also super hard wearing so doesn’t need to be replaced frequently.’ Says Julian.

‘Wool is also a natural material that is super sustainable. Sheep grow new fleece each year and shearing them is a natural way to care for them and so we have an on going supply of wool.’

A time not so long ago, you would never have caught us creating a gallery on wall-to-wall carpet ideas. Our only advice on carpets tended to be rip them up, or cover them up, favoring a more... minimalist aesthetic. But, carpets are making a comeback and they are a whole different beast to the thinning, faded things we once associated them with. 

There are so many options out there to suit all styles, from gorgeously sumptuous wool carpets to the minimalistic, rustic vibes of a natural carpet. And while staircase carpet ideas have never gone out of style, we believe you might take a bit of convincing on wall-to-wall. Consider this - they can be very practical choice. Pick the right type and carpets can be every bit as durable and hardwearing as our much-loved hardwood floors. 

Need more convincing carpet is the flooring du jour? We asked some of our favorite designers to talk us through how they use wall-to-wall carpets in their projects, plus offer advice on what materials work best and where and what carpet trends to follow.

wall-to-wall carpet - back as a key flooring trend

1. Consider the practicalities

Wall-to-wall is a big investment, so before you go rushing out to buy living room carpet in the first material you fall for, consider the practicalities.

'It’s key to have the intended use of the room at the forefront of your mind when choosing a wall-to-wall carpet. What kind of feel do you want to create? How will the room be used? Is the space a reception area where you want to make a statement? Or a room you want to use as a retreat creating a calming and relaxed feel? Having that decision in mind as you choose your carpet will help to guide you towards the perfect choice for your space,' explains Jodie Hatton, Designer at Brintons.

'And consider how the carpets look at various times of the day when the light changes.' adds Julian Downes, managing director at fibre. 'Give yourself time to live with these swatches and make sure you will like them long term as a good quality carpet will not need to be replaced for years.'

'Always be thinking about what the room is used for. An entrance hall or stairs are high footfall areas so an easy-to-maintain compact wool loop or a hard-wearing tightly woven sisal boucle not only looks great but is practical too. In the bedroom and living areas, you may prefer to use a more open, softer weave and nothing beats the feeling of luxuriousness that a deep pile 100% wool carpet brings.' adds Julian.

2. Choose carpet with texture for an on trend take

You are going to notice a bit of a similarity between designer-approved carpets. Many are choosing to embrace this wall-to-wall interior design trend, with natural carpet materials. We are talking jute, sisal, seagrass, etc. Unlike solid colored carpets, these carpet types are really minimalist, adding texture yes, but otherwise, they almost act like a large rug that you barely notice covering the whole floor. 

'The demand for wall-to-wall carpets has risen in recent years, although it has always been a popular choice for areas of relaxation. Often a solid-colored bedroom carpet can feel outdated, to avoid this we prefer to use textured carpet such as sisal, seagrass, or jute.' explain Jen and Marr, founders of Interior Fox.  

'Although they can be a little precious when it comes to stains, they are incredibly hardwearing and give a more luxurious finish to a room. Another great option for carpets is wool in a herringbone design, it adds an understated pattern and helps to break up larger areas. To finish, we often layer rugs on top of carpets, particularly a flat weave or short pile rug with a subtle design.'

3. Opt for plush wool to add a luxurious feel underfoot

'We love a plush wool carpet in bedrooms,' explains designer Katie Monkhouse. 'In this case, we chose a warm neutral that would work easily with any decor palette. We then layered a decorative rug on top for a little protection and to add interest to the room. If you are layering an area rug on carpeting make sure to choose a rug with some weight and structure to it so it doesn't bunch.'

'Carpeting adds a lot of warmth and softness to a space. It also helps with sound dampening. In this home, the bedrooms are on the second floor so it was helpful to soften the sound of the 5 children running around up there!'

'In most areas, we would opt for 100% wool carpeting. Natural fibers are easier to clean and healthier to live with, however, you will get some pilling! We prefer a tight loop style vs. a pile carpet for a tidier look,' adds Katie.

4. Go bold with a patterned carpet

And you don't always have to play it safe with carpet. You'll notice a lot of carpet trends focus on the minimal but just like your walls, the floor can be the perfect place to add pattern, especially if space isn't an issue so you don't need to worry about overwhelming the room.

In this living room, designed by Natalia Miyar, the carpet sets the color scheme for the whole space. That's why it works, sure there is a lot going on here with the living room carpet, the wall mural, plus that lovely texture of the exposed brick. But it all works because it sticks with that gorgeous beige, muted yellow, and blue color scheme set by the carpet pattern. It feels bold and contemporary and very on trend but still like a room that's lived in.

5. Use carpet to zone an open plan space

We are always suggesting using rugs to zone open plan spaces, but carpet can work much in the same way and is a much better option if you are working with a larger space as you aren't limited by rug sizes. 

In this open-plan family home, designer Marie Flanigan explains, 'This young family needed a space to relax and call their own. With a design that was both unique and kid-friendly, it was essential to include something soft underfoot that would also anchor the room. To make the large room feel cozy, a wall-to-wall custom rug was designed to perfectly fit the space. An area rug was then added on top to delineate the seating area.'

6. Choose a subtle carpet that blends into the room 

One of the reasons we have had a tendency to steer away from carpet in the past is that they are just too... noticeable. They often don't disappear into the background as easily as a hardwood floor wood and unless you want your flooring to make a deliberate statement, what we really want from a floor is for it just to go unnoticed.  

However, see this bedroom carpet as the perfect example – pick the right material, and the right shade, and carpet can be as subtle and stylish as your hardwood floors. Plus you get the benefit of that added coziness and softness underfoot.

'I am a carpet convert.' says Livingetc editor Pip Rich. 'Admittedly I used to only opt for hardwood, but we've put carpets down in all the bedrooms in our house and I love the softness, and instant coziness they add, and of course, that's exactly what you want in a bedroom. Choose a luxurious wool carpet in a neutral shade like cream of grey and enjoy that feet sinking feeling.'

7. Use wall-to-wall carpet to expand a space

‘If you can, fully fit the carpet instead of using a rug.' suggest Camilla Clarke, Creative Director at Albion Nord. 'Rugs can make spaces look smaller, fully fit the carpet to draw your eye to the edges of the room.’ 

You can see how it really works in this small beige living room. Stick a rug under all that furniture and that becomes the size of your room, however, take a simple, every so slightly patterned carpet right to the edges and you get that unused space that floats around the furniture back. You could then layer a smaller rug on top that sits within all the furniture say just underneath the coffee table if you wanted to add some extra pattern or color. 

8. Experiment with wall-to-wall on your stairs

Want to just dabble in wall-to-wall carpets? Staircases are the perfect place. It's potentially the smallest surface area you could carpet in your home, and it's a transient space too, so you can get experimental as it's not like in a bedroom or a living room where you spend hours every day living with your design choices.

We'd say go bold. Be inspired by this fabulous 70s-esque print used by 2LG Studio and let your staircase be the focus of your hallway. Keep the rest of the space fairly neutral and it won't feel too maximalist. And think practically too, after all this area does see a lot of footfall – patterns in darker colors will help hide everyday wear and tear.

'Although we love a staircase runner as much as the next person, when using a patterned carpet, we love to go full width or wall to wall. It helps increase the impact and help it feel cleaner overall.' explains co-founder Russell Whitehead. 

Is carpet back in style?

Yes! All these gorgeous ideas prove that wall-to-wall carpet is back on trend. And not only can it look chic in its more modern forms, it's a practical flooring choice too. 

'Carpet is making a big comeback and rather than being an afterthought is now an integral part of a room.' says designer Abigail Ahern. 'It's plush, it's cozy and you can express your creativity from introducing patterns think geometrics and stripes to intricate patterns. Alternatively, you could opt for something more earthy and cocooning. It really depends on whether you want the floor to disappear into the background or be the main event.'

Kirsten Krason, co-founder of House of Jade agrees that 'Carpet has come a long in its durability and appearance which is why it can be considered a stylish option for many spaces. If you choose the right product it can be just as beautiful as wood floors which is why we do consider it to be making a comeback. We will always be fans of wool carpet. The natural color variation and tones are hard to match with synthetic materials.'

How can you make wall-to-wall carpet look good?

Let's assume this means you are stuck with a carpet you don't love, say in a rental or if you are working with a budget so having to live with it for now. The key to making a wall-to-wall carpet that's seen better days look good is to distract from it. Throw down a large area rug that's going to cover the majority of the carpet – make this a subtle design, something like jute or seagrass. This becomes your new 'carpet'. Then layer a smaller rug on top to create even more of the allusion that the bigger rug goes wall-to-wall. 

Also cleaning. Give your wall-to-wall carpet a deep clean to give it its best chance. It might scrub up better than you think. 

Soft, warm and textural, carpet has reigned supreme in homes around the world for centuries as a means to up the comfort levels of hard floors and add color to an otherwise soulless scheme. But where it has its practical benefits, carpet can be tricky to keep looking good, too: it requires upkeep and is prone to wearing down in high traffic areas.

But practical considerations aside, there’s another big question: are carpets even fashionable any more? With a move towards hardwood, vinyl and laminate flooring, often warmed up with rugs, some feel there’s no place for carpet in 2026 – while others aren’t quite ready to let go of this interior design trend just yet.

We spoke to the experts to get their take on the debate – and perhaps unsurprisingly, the reaction was mixed. It seems there are ways to make carpet work in today’s schemes if you choose carefully – but for many of the designers and tastemakers we asked, there are more contemporary alternatives that are well worth considering.

Is carpet a dated trend?

Carpets have been used for time immemorial, and some of our most popular rug styles today – like the Persian rug – come from early examples of floor coverings. For centuries, carpets were made from natural materials like wool, but the 20th century brought about innovations in fibres that made nylon, polyester and other manmade materials more popular. In recent years, though, these materials have raised concerns about their environmental impact – which may have played a role in carpet’s fall from favor.

‘Carpeting is a carry over from the bygone era of the 1970s and 1980s,’ says Shoshanna Shapiro, owner and principal designer of interior design studio Sho & Co. ‘It’s an inexpensive option to create a neutral color palette while keeping flooring costs reasonable for homeowners, but synthetic materials easily discolor from spills, dust and stains from daily use.’ Still, she thinks there’s still a place for carpet: ‘If used sparingly in a low traffic area, like a guest room, it still may be a viable option for those on a budget.’

Tom Lawrence-Levy of interior design firm Natural Asthetik agrees that carpet isn’t always practical – and objects to it on a style level, too. ‘I personally always opt against wall to wall carpet,’ he says. ‘I think that although it can feel cozy, it visually doesn't complement the furniture in the room. It can really hurt the overall design of a room because it seems to take over the entire space. It's not the easiest to keep clean over the course of time, and can also make an area look less luxurious.’

Other designers have a different view. ‘There are so many rug options that designers have been gravitating towards them, but a good broadloom is here to stay,’ says interior designer Vicente Wolf of Vicente Wolf Associates. ‘I’m a firm believer that spaces, especially bedrooms, should always utilize wall-to-wall carpeting. It aids in comfort levels, adds warmth in winter, and has the additional benefit of sound absorption. It can either blend well with the room, offering continuity – or it can offer another surface to bring in an accent colour.’

Similarly, Darren Jett, founder of JETT Projects, is still a fan of carpet. ‘People might associate carpet with a dated interior, simply because they haven’t seen it done well recently,’ he says. ‘Carpet is not out of style! It can be so luxurious and transformative.’

How can carpet be used in a more contemporary way?

If it’s not over for carpet, it’s clear it still needs a bit of a rebrand – starting with where it’s used. ‘I think beautiful, neutral carpet is always a good option for a room where you want to create a cozier, softer atmosphere,’ says Amy Leferink of Interior Impressions. ‘Most people default to bedrooms for carpet, and that's a great choice, but I love it for sitting rooms, libraries, dens and slightly more intimate spaces where it can create a more plush atmosphere.’

Grace Baena, interior designer at online pre-loved furniture marketplace Kaiyo, agrees. ‘Modern style typically favors hardwood or tile, so using carpet in a contemporary way usually means taking advantage of more modern, lower-profile carpeting, in modern colors like neutrals or greys,’ she says. ‘This can be a great choice for a living room or bedroom, or anywhere hardwood or tile detracts from a cozy or hospitable atmosphere.’

Darren Jett also prefers using a toned-down, neutral scheme in his projects: ‘Carpet can be the great unifier in a room, bridging all the elements while creating a sense of calmness and relaxation. Consider going in a tonal interior, where a solid velour wool carpet nearly matches the wall color and the fabric on the furniture.’

Consider moving away from ‘traditional’ notions of how carpet should be used and experiment with it. That could be opting for a pattern or bold colored carpet, but it could also be how it’s laid. ‘For some clients, I have done "almost" wall-to-wall wool, offset by four inches on all sides, so that the wood floor underneath peaks out,’ Darren adds. ‘For those who are more adventurous, you can even do carpeted bases for a sunken sofa and the bed, for a built in look, which I’m doing now for bachelor loft in Soho.’ 

And if the practical side of things is holding you back? ‘Don’t be afraid of spills,' says Darren. 'We use a crypton type of sealer on wool, which is already the highest quality fiber you can find on the market. And for those with a lower budget, commercial-grade carpet wears wonderfully without being rough on the feet.’

What are the best alternatives to carpet?

Not convinced carpet is right for your scheme? There are other ways to bring in the warmth and texture that carpet offers – as well as other flooring options that will lend themselves better to certain schemes. The number one choice for the designers we spoke to? Rugs. 

But this isn't rugs how you know them - just placing one on the floor and being done with it. This is a much richer approach, that provides a sense of elegance and helps to zone a space, too.

‘Rugs are a wonderful alternative to carpet when looking to add comfort and texture to a space,’ says Marie Flanigan of Marie Flanigan Interiors. ‘If you have flooring other than carpet, but want the look and feel of carpet, consider layering rugs. I love when there’s a large rug in a neutral tone with a layered rug on top that complements the space and delineates areas of the room.’

Tom Lawrence-Levy, while still keen on carpet, is also a fan of a living room rug...and in other places, too. ‘I think they’re a necessity in every room,’ he says. ‘An area rug provides elements of texture and warmth and gives the room an additional contrast that adds interest. Area rugs can frame rooms, and can even be layered to provide more textures and colors. Unfortunately, I find that adding area rugs on top of carpets usually looks weird, and doesn't offer the same effect.’

Shoshanna Shapiro prefers the organic nature of wood. ‘The industry is trending towards more natural elements such as wood flooring due to its variety of tones and its longevity,’ she says. ‘Strategically placed area rugs can accent the wood tones and pull together the color palette of the surrounding stylistic elements in a room.’

For a fun, forward-thinking alternative that’s a little bit quirky, Darren Jett has a final suggestion: ‘Try a painted floor if you want a tonal interior, like I did in my own New York apartment. Use an outdoor grade glossy oil paint, which will avoid marks. It works wonderfully to lift the space visually if you don’t have nice wood floors, and just needs a wet vacuum for maintenance.’ 

It seems there’s still a place for carpet, though gone are the gaudy patterns and colours of old: the new look is pared-back, grown-up and sophisticated. But if you want to avoid the upkeep, or want an easy alternative for a rented space, take note of these designers’ love of a good rug – it could be the perfect upgrade for your scheme.

With so many options to choose from, picking the best carpet colors can seem like an insurmountable task. There are, of course, failsafe neutrals that will work with every scheme - but what if you’re looking to create a little drama?

There’s a growing trend towards color confidence in interiors, as we’re all becoming a little braver with our use of brighter hues, and Claire Kimble, Design Manager at Crucial Trading observes this shift in carpet design too; ‘We foresee color being used in a thoughtful manner - still timeless and with a strong emphasis on longevity, but also allowing for personality and character.’

So whether you’re hoping to edge slowly out of your comfort zone, or you’re ready to deep dive into bolder shades to match daring paint color ideas, we’ve got ideas from the expert for every room scheme.

What are the best carpet colors?

'You have to start with something, and I always think the carpet is the easiest thing,' says British antique dealer and interior designer, Robert Kime. And we’re inclined to agree.

Introducing a carpet can work wonders for your living room. As well as their function of absorbing both noise and draughts, they play several roles in reinvigorate your living room interiors. 

Unifying a color scheme in your living room is one such purpose, as is enlisting the help of a heavily patterned carpet to act like a piece of art on your floor. We’ve pieced together our favorite carpet colors that use the color wheel as a clever interiors tool, alongside the latest color carpet trends. 

1. Natural

Beginning with perhaps the most popular choice - and for good reason - natural colored carpets are often the go-to for decorators and designers. Not only do easygoing neutral shades provide the perfect backdrop to louder moments of color and pattern, they can make for a cool color combination. By going one step further by also choosing a natural material has many benefits. 

‘Our schemes always mix a palette of beautiful natural materials,’ says Tom Cox, Co-Founder of HÁM Interiors. ‘Chosen not just for their inherent beauty, but also because they are often the more sustainable option too.’ 

There are a few natural carpet options to choose from. ‘When choosing carpet, sisal is ideal for high traffic areas like hallways or stairs, while the softness of wool in a bedroom is hard to beat’ says Tom. ‘Wool has so many great things going for it; it’s natural, easily cleaned, sustainable and a great insulator 

2. Yellow

If you want to gently ease away from natural tones into something a bit zestier, yellow could be the choice for you. Still incredibly versatile and workable in many different color schemes, it adds a sunny, mood-boosting feel to a room. 

‘Yellow is the color of optimism and happiness, and it also amplifies light which can make rooms seem brighter,’ says Lorna Haigh, Creative Director at Alternative Flooring. ‘There are lots of shades to choose from - deeper mustard shades suit bedrooms, whereas you might want to go for a softer yellow in living rooms.’ Plus, there are lots of colors that go with yellow.  

It’s also worth considering a patterned carpet too, and smart stripes are brilliant for adding an extra layer of visual interest into your scheme. ‘Color loves stripes, and this carpet plays with color and scale to create a balanced look that can be used to define different zones within an interior,’ says Lorna. 

3. Grey

Another alternative to natural tones, grey carpet is brilliant for giving a luxe feeling to a room. The key is to amp up the texture and subtle interest, as designer Christian Bense, Founder of Christian Bense interior design studio, explains; ‘Rather than a flat color, we opted for a mottled grey in this bedroom project which provides depth and life to the room,’ he says. 

‘When it comes to grey carpets, it’s always good to go for something that has some depth to it, as well as a visible pattern created within the loop or pile.’ 

If you’re stuck between choosing a carpet or a rug for your room, think about its size. ‘In this project, we opted for the fitted carpet because the dimensions of the room didn’t allow for a sufficient sized rug,’ says Christian. ‘Bedroom rugs have the tendency to make rooms feel smaller, as they can act as a visual internal border within the room, drawing your attention to its small parameter.’ 

4. Teal

Going bold underfoot might feel a little daunting, but it can actually be an incredibly successful way to create a room scheme with real personality and character. The key is to plan the carpet choice into the design of the room from the very start – in this cozy snug, the teal carpet was the starting point and informed the teal walls and upholstery for a 'drenched', monochromatic color scheme

‘Colorful carpets are brilliant for creating a statement,’ says Jodie Hatton, Designer Manager at Brintons. ‘We believe that a design scheme should start from the floor up, with the carpet being the basis for all other design choices in a room.’ 

5. Green

We’re always looking for more ways to bring the great outdoors into our home, and bringing elements of green into your decorating scheme is a surefire way to feel more connected to nature. When introduced across carpet in soft, sage tones, the whole room becomes set against a serene backdrop of greenery for a wall-to-wall hit of wellness. 

Green is also a surprisingly versatile color, allowing you to build different color schemes around it. There are plenty of colors that go with green well. ‘Green sits in the middle of the color wheel, meaning it can easily complement both warm and cool tones,’ explains Joanna Ramsden, creative director at Brockway. Its adaptable nature allows you to swap in a range of furniture and accessories - just as you might with a neutral carpet. 

6. Terracotta 

Another way to bring the benefits of nature into your home is through earthy colors, such as terracotta. Incredibly grounding and comforting, a terracotta carpet is a great choice for rooms that you want to feel relaxed and calming. 

‘We find beauty in pigmented earthy shades that play with light and give depth, as well as restorative interiors with mindful design,’ says Claire Kimble, design manager at Crucial Trading. ‘Look to nature’s own color bank for statement shades that feel thoughtful and timeless yet contemporary.’ 

7. Pink

For creating a room that’s welcoming and full of warmth, decorating with a pale pink is tough to beat. Its inherent red tones provide instant heat, yet it’s soft enough to be very livable and gentle on the eye. Soft pink walls have become an increasingly sought-after choice for living room walls in particular, and opting for a carpet in the same shade makes for a room you’ll love to relax in. 

‘People are now increasingly bold when it comes to choosing flooring for bedrooms and living rooms, with neutral carpets no longer necessarily the automatic choice,’ says Punam Chada, carpets & rugs buyer at Carpetright. ‘Instead, we’re seeing more on-trend patterns and colors being used for a far more aspirational room scheme.’ 

Punam offers practical advice for ensuring your carpet looks and feels its best. ‘Opting for a thicker underlay will boost the longevity and resilience of your flooring, as well as making it feel softer, more luxurious and plusher underfoot.’ 

7. Multi-colored

Want to take your adventure into colorful carpet to the next level? Exploring multi-colored options will add a whole new dimension to your flooring game, whether for a colorful living room, or a hallway. ‘When our clients adore color, we love to use it in clever and unexpected ways,’ says Katie Glaister, founder of K&H Design. ‘A colorful stair runner idea gives us the chance to pull palettes from different rooms into a central, unifying element that, literally, runs through the house and joins all the different themes and color schemes together.’ 

K&H Design had such a positive response to this carpet runner that they decided to launch a retail extension of their interior design studio called No Straight Lines, where the runner is available to buy in eleven different colorways. 

What is the best colored carpet to go for?

Neutrals are often favored when it comes to carpet, and they will certainly make for a comforting, timeless scheme. However, if you’re looking to create a look that’s a little different and unexpected, yellows and greens offer similar versatility while also providing a hit of color. 

For a bigger design statement, deep tones of teal and terracotta will make a stylish impact – just be sure to factor your carpet choice into your design from the start so that the other elements in the room will work harmoniously and not fight against it. 

Wondering how to measure stairs for carpet is a common problem when decorating a home. Because once you've tackled your staircase ideas, and chosen the material, style and shape, the finishing touches can be just as tricky. A well-considered staircase carpet can transform dull staircases and landings into exciting features, as well as set the tone for the rest of your home. 

When it comes to fitting a new carpet, calculating how much carpet you’ll need for your staircase can be a tricky task. That’s why it’s important to get the measurements right. 

This general guide will give you an idea of how to measure your stairs, what carpet materials to consider and how much you should expect to spend. 

How to measure stairs for carpet

Once you've decided how to decorate a staircase, we’d always suggest hiring a professional carpet fitter to do your measuring and fitting. But if you’d like to get the tape measure out yourself, then read on. 

‘Stairs can often seem like a tricky area to measure though the process is surprisingly similar to that of measuring a standard room,’ says Punam Chada, Buyer at Carpetright. 

‘Start by measuring the height and depth of each step and adding them together. This will give you the length. Then measure the width of your stairs and multiply the two figures. This will give you the area of each individual step.

‘In order to calculate how much total area your stairs take up, simply multiply this figure by the number of steps in your staircase. 

‘We recommend adding 10% to this total, as this will help cover for any unexpected errors.

‘If you aren’t confident, booking a professional measurement service will ensure you order the correct size of flooring. Alternatively, our virtual designs service offers the same great expert advice, all from the comfort of your sofa,’ adds Chada. 

How do you measure square footage for carpet on stairs?

Step 1. To measure the square footage for carpet needed on stairs, simply measure the height and depth of one step in inches and add the numbers together. Include an inch extra to wrap around the nose. 

Step 2. Multiply that by the number of stairs. 

Step 3. Divide that number by 12 and round up to calculate the number of feet. 

Step 4. Measure the width of your stairs and round up to the nearest foot. Multiple this number by the number previously calculated in Step 3 to calculate the square footage. 

How much does it cost to carpet stairs?

Carpet fitting can be costly depending on what type of stairs you have and what material you use. 

The average cost of carpet will be between £15/$20 and £20 /$27 per square metre. And if you’re having an underlay, this will cost between £4/$5.50 and  £10/$13.60 per square metre. 

For an authentic woven carpet, such as Axminster carpets or Wilton carpets, you’re looking at an average cost of £60 per square metre. This type of carpet is a popular choice as it’s high quality and durable. 

If you’re on a budget, however, a tufted carpet may be a better choice. These carpets can have either looped or cute piles. A tufted carpet is made when pile yarns are inserted, by needles, into a pre-made backing fabric. Prices can vary massively depending on the material you go for. A basic synthetic carpet can cost just a few pounds per square metre, whereas a basic wool carpet can cost from £12/$16 per square metre. 

When it comes to fitting the carpet, the minimum cost of a carpet fitter is around £300/$400. The price will fluctuate depending on what part of your home you are carpeting. 

How long does it take to put carpet down on stairs?

The amount of time it takes to fit a carpet depends on the amount of carpet that is being fitted and the quality of the fitting. However, it should take about five minutes per step and so the total job of fitting stair carpet should be fairly quick. 

What type of carpet is best for stairs?

Woven and tufted are the two main types of carpet in the UK. Woven carpets tend to be more expensive as they are labour intensive, whereas tufted carpets are easier to produce and so less expensive. 

‘Stair carpets tend to experience a lot of use over their lifetime,’ says Punam Chada. ‘A durable loop or twist style design will make a good choice. The specially designed fibres are durable and will withstand light spillages and can also be easily cleaned with a mild cleaning solution.’

How often should you replace carpet on stairs?

‘The longevity of your stairs will depend on many factors, including the amount of regular use and the style of flooring laid down,’ says Punam Chada. ‘On average, expect a good-quality carpet, paired with the right underlay in a relatively low-traffic home, to still look great ten years down the line.’ 

‘To increase your carpets longevity, it’s always worth investing in underlay as it increases insulation, reduces wear on the flooring and, most importantly, helps create a softer and more sumptuous feel. By acting as a shock absorber, protecting flooring from the comings and goings of a normal household, it ensures the carpet retains its quality,’ adds Chada.

How do you calculate carpet for stairs?

To calculate carpet for the stairs, simply measure the height and depth of each step and add the numbers together to get the length. Then measure the width of your stairs and multiply the two figures. This will give you the area of each individual step.

In order to calculate how much total area your stairs take up, simply multiply this figure by the number of steps in your staircase - this is an important equation in staircase carpet ideas.

How much does it cost to cover 13 stairs?

To work out how much it costs to cover 13 stairs, you’ll need to work out how much carpet you will need. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Measure the height and depth of each step and add these numbers together to get the length. 

Step 2. Measure the width of the stairs and multiply the two figures to get the area of each individual step. 

Step 3. Multiply this figure by the number of steps in your staircase, in this case it would be 13. 

The average cost of carpet is between £15/$20 and £20/$27 per square metre, but what you pay will largely depend on what material you use. 

When it comes to covering a straight set of stairs, you’re looking at spending between £80 and £100 on average. However, the price will vary depending on what materials you use, the type of staircase you have and if you need an underlay. 

How much does it cost to carpet a 12 x 12 room?

To calculate how much it costs to carpet a 12 x 12 room, you’ll first need to work out how much carpet you will need. 

To do this, measure the width and length of your room using a tape measure. Then multiply the width by the length to get the area in square feet. So 12 x 12 is 144 square feet. Then multiply your figure by 0.09290304 to calculate the square metre. So 144 x 0.09290304 = 13.37803776 square metres. 

The cost of the carpet will depend on the type of material you go for, however the average cost of carpet will be between £15 and £20 per square metre. Therefore, for a 12 x 12 room, you might expect the carpet to cost around £200/$270. 

Living room carpet ideas are top of our redecorating list as we go into the cooler months. Yes, admittedly wall-to-wall carpet has fallen out of favor in the interiors world in recent years, but they have been making a resurgence. No longer just there to rip up, carpets are becoming a style statement in their own right, shedding their beige, brown, shag pile skin to become a must-have addition to a living room, adding texture, color, pattern, and warmth. 

'While wooden floors have been center stage in many homes in the recent past, we have seen a dramatic rise in sales in the last few years, and in particular sales of patterned carpets. Fitted carpets are back, and back with gusto. We’ve seen an increase in desire for cosy, warming patterns too like tartans and stripes.' says Jodie Hatton, Residential Designer at Brintons. 'Town or country, period or modern, tartans look striking in any room and can be used to bring a color scheme together. Exceptionally hard-wearing and versatile with a timeless aesthetic, they make the perfect recommendation for any room.'

And just like rugs there are so many options out there to suit all styles, whether you are after a neutral backdrop for your Scandi minimalist living room ideas, or want to treat your floor as the fifth wall and go bold with your color and pattern. We've gathered together some of our favorite looks to get you inspired to embrace carpets once more. 

1. Add texture with your living room carpet

We may not quite be ready to see the comeback of the shag pile carpet, but carpets that have a bit of texture to them, whether that be in a ribbed, herringbone, or looped wool, can add interest to as space as well as feeling wonderful underfoot. 

And take the cozy layered look further by bringing those nubbly textures into the rest of your soft furnishings choosing a mixture of tactile fabrics and decorations to create a scheme with real depth. The perfect look if your like neutral living room ideas too as the interest comes from the mix of texture rather than color. 

'Your carpet is the perfect place to start when creating a cozy living space. The texture of wool underfoot coupled with a warm color or welcoming pattern makes it the perfect base upon which to shape a comfortable and inviting interior scheme.' says Lisa Conway of Brintons. 'Consider tartan or large patterns in autumnal shades like reds, oranges and browns. Where an alternative flooring like wood or tiles might make a room feel stark and bare, a soft woven wool carpet, layered with accessories in cashmere, mohair and linen will all work to soften the overall look.'

2. Keep it minimal with a sisal carpet

We're all fans of our jute and sisal area rugs, so why not take it a step further and switch it for a wall-to-wall fitted carpet. The smoother fibers offer a cleaner design than say wool, that's perfect for more minimal, modern spaces but again you still get that lovely texture.

As Camilla Clarke, Creative Director of Albion Nord says,  'Interiors are all about evoking the senses and therefore texture is a vital ingredient to every design to get our sight and touch senses going. Try mixing different textures such as natural linens with soft velvets or robust leathers with thick wools.'

'My favorite material is Sisal. It’s a natural material with durable qualities which works well in both contemporary and classic homes. As a natural material, it gives texture and warmth to any space.'

3. Stick with a neutral color for longevity 

Selecting a color for your carpet is going to come down to your style and personal tastes, but do always consider the practicalities like how is the room used and by who and think about longevity too. Bold colors and funky patterns can be fun and add a ton of personality they do risk dating so if in doubt stick with the neautrals. 

'A neutral color palette is best suited to rooms you spend a lot of time in, such as a bedroom or living room, where relaxing tones are key to creating a happy space. Neutrals are versatile with the ability to provide a platform and set the scene.' says Lisa Conway. 

'Decorating with neutral shades like grey and beige ensures that your scheme will have longevity, as a base you can bring in accessories to add on-trend elements, whilst retaining an overall scheme that will remain timeless'

4. Or brave the bold and turn a carpet into artwork

And if playing safe just isn't your way treat your floor as you would an accent wall and opt for a bold pattern and colorway. As this living room proves it can work, and in fact not look too overpowering. Just keep the color palette simple, picking up colors from the carpet and using them throughout the rest of the space. Despite the bold scheme going on here, there's a grown-up, cohesive feel too and the blush pink walls tone down the bold colors of the carpet.

5. Factor in the wall color

It's an age-old question, light on the walls and dark on the floors or dark on the walls and light on the floors? Personally, we are of the opinion there's no hard or fast rule and both can work. But if you are leaning towards a dramatic color on all four walls, we'd recommend lifting those moody hues with a lighter carpet. We love how this dark living room clashes charcoal black walls and ceilings with a soft pastel-toned geometric carpet. 

6. Embrace retro designs

Nod to carpets not so stylish past in a chic way by mixing retro designs with modern living room furniture. If you saw this print as a swatch, you'd think it looked like something salvaged from a skip, but in situ, when pared with simple Scandi-style pieces and a minimalistic approach it really works. A reminder to always order plenty of samples when making your decisions, it's important to be able to see and feel prints, colors, and materials before you commit. 

7. Create a cocooning feel with an all over color

You want a living room to be one of the coziest spaces in your home. It should feel warm and cocooning, especially as we go into the cooler months. Carpet is of course going to add that instant comfort but take it further by matching your carpet color to your walls.

 This cozy living room idea is making a serious case for griege, a warm mix of grey and beige. It looks clean and modern but has a welcoming feel to it especially when paired with the subtle orange accents and the mix of textures going on with the natural fiber carpet, velvet armchair, and even the subtly striped wallpaper. 

8. Create a luxurious feel underfoot with a wool carpet

In terms of material, it doesn't get more luxurious than wool. If you want that plush, sink your feet into it feel, it's the best option to go for. It's a practical choice too being hardwearing and easy to keep clean. 

'Wool is a fantastic sustainable choice for flooring. It insulates your home, is easily recyclable and biodegradable, plus shearing sheep is essential for their welfare.' says Lisa Conway. 'Thanks to wool’s hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties, using it on the floor helps to make the air we breathe cleaner.'

9. Opt for a subtle pattern to expand a room

Just like certain colors and wallpapers can be used to trick the eye into thinking a space is larger, if you have a small living room or an awkwardly shaped space, consider using a carpet to 'expand' the space. The obvious choice to go for would be stripes, but for a less traditional look, opt for a busy pattern in a neutral colorway that can be a distraction from the smaller proportions and create the allusion of more floor space.  

10. Create the allusion of a carpet by layering rugs

Not yet ready to commit to a fitted carpet? Create the same effect by layering large area rugs to cover the majority of your living room flooring. It's the ideal option if you just want to give your living room a cozy seasonal update but still want to option of switching it out throughout the year.  

'“If you are looking for an easier alternative to a full carpet install, layering a couple of rugs in your living room will work a treat as an alternative option.' says Noemie Deed, founder of Cosy Coco. 'Stylistically and while still adding the ultimate cozy feel, layered rugs look beautiful and give people the opportunity to integrate varying colors and patterns into their scheme to create something new and unique. In terms of practicality, it’s equally effective for underfoot comfort and warmth, and can be positioned around key furniture. All-in-all, a simple, beautiful substitute to permanent carpeted flooring.'

What is the best material for a living room carpet?

The best material for a living room carpet will depend on your personal style and budget. And there are so many options out there too long to list, however, some of the most popular choices are wool, sisal, jute, and synthetic man-made materials like viscose, nylon, and polypropylene.

'When choosing floorcoverings you need to think about how the room is going to be used and take into account practicalities; different floorcoverings are suitable for different conditions.' advises Jenna Kane, Product Developer at Kersaint Cobb. 'Wool floorcoverings are ideal for living rooms as they are hardwearing and soft underfoot. As a natural fiber, wool is also breathable and it will be warm in the winter but remain cool in the summer. Incorporating wool into your scheme can offer a selection of benefits including; being a natural insulator and is a great way to absorb noise to keep rooms peaceful. Not only does it have practical uses, it is also soft underfoot and can be a luxurious addition to the home. Sisal and seagrass have smooth fibers and offer a crisp, neat effect. Coir is a suitable for those seeking a rougher, more casual effect. Lastly, Jute is the softest of the natural floorcoverings, giving a comfortable feel underfoot. However, it is less hardwearing and more absorbent.'

Natural materials like sisal and jute are growing in popularity too, a good option for those fitted carpet phobes and this over a sleek, minimalistic look. 'Sisal is a natural, plant-based product and has always been popular. More recently it is enjoying a resurgence as we look to source more natural products for our homes. Not only is it a sustainable and renewable material but it is naturally moth and dust mite resistant too. This makes for a healthy solution for those who suffer from asthma, eczema and other allergies. It is also extremely hard wearing and if looked after, will look beautiful for years.' says Julian Downes of Fibre.

'Sisal looks as natural as its eco-friendly benefits suggest, allowing you to create a stylish and contemporary feel, that is kind to the planet. The neutral tones and textured aesthetic that sisal offers allow for a coordinated look to flow between rooms with wooden and stone flooring.'

What is the best color for a living room carpet?

Again, the best color for a carpet will mostly come down to tastes but do think practically too. If your living room is a high traffic area, used by children and pets alike, perhaps avoid anything too light and consider the size of the room too. 

'Floorcoverings in soft, light colorways will brighten a room and create the illusion of space. Deep and rich colored carpets will make a room feel more cozy and can be particularly effective in high traffic areas where dirt can become an issue.' explains Jenna. 'Warmer tonal flooring can help create a more inviting appearance in the home, whilst adding a real designer touch. For the really bold, try experimenting with colour with a vibrant carpet for a real style statement. Think about making the carpet the base of your design scheme, compliment the colorful flooring with a more neutral palette for furniture and accessories to create a modern look.'

Whether you’re after colour, pattern, texture – or all three – well-considered staircase carpet ideas can transform humdrum staircases and dull entranceways and set the tone for the rest of your home.

‘Your staircase can make a huge style statement, it is central to most homes but is often overlooked,’ says Andy Guard, Creative Director, Roger Oates Design.  ‘As a transient area, the hallway is a great place to be more adventurous. Colourful flooring adds instant impact, creating a warm and inviting first impression and carrying colour right up through the heart of the home.’

While neutral hallway ideas were once seen as the safest bet, bright and bold carpet designs are becoming ever-more popular. From multi stripes and geometrics to spots and animal prints, an eye-catching pattern will add instant impact in a plain hallway and create continuity between upstairs and downstairs spaces.

Stair carpet ideas

1. Lead the way with stripes

Go for attention-grabbing stripes to bring a flash of colour to a dark hallway. Using bold designs and bright colours helps draw the eye through a space and towards the places you want visitors to go. 

Avoid an overload of colour by limiting a bold design like this to stairs only. Pattern and colour will create more impact if it’s not over-used. Team with a classic wood hallway floor idea in an entranceway to create subtle contrast.

2. Strike out with a geometric carpet

Make pattern the focal point in a small hallway. With lots of doors and corridors leading off to other spaces, hallways can sometimes feel a little disjointed. 

An eye-catching pattern will grab the attention and repeating it throughout the hallway and on stairs will give the space a sense of flow. 

3. Show off with a flamboyant floral

Not for the faint-hearted, but if florals are your thing, then why not just go for it? Wall-to-wall carpets when floral are admittedly pretty full-on, but you have a couple of options. 

The first is to keep the rest of the scheme super-simple and let the florals be the focus on a grand scale. Or you could take a maximalist approach and introduce deep, dark shades – and even more pattern – on the walls, or even up to the ceiling.

As for the pattern itself, heritage motifs and large-scale florals are on our design radar. Deeper tones will add depth and drama, or softer pastels give a vintage feel.

4. Don’t shy away from dark colours

Lack of windows and natural light can make hallways feel gloomy so using dark colours on walls and flooring can feel counterintuitive. 

Not so says designer Abigail Ahern. ‘White walls just make the lack of light even more obvious. Instead embrace it, go with dark strong colours and you’ll immediately have oodles of intrigue, drama and glamour.’

5. Pattern-clash for a characterful hallway

Bring together a medley of patterns for an eclectic look in a period property. Showcase any original features, such as a decorative tiled floor, but rather than pairing with plain stair carpet, consider a lively polka-dot pattern instead. 

Pick a complementary colour palette throughout for a more cohesive look. It's a particularly smart approach as a narrow hallway idea, as you may have fewer options in terms of adding character.

6. Think of the overhead picture

Neutral walls and paintwork are an easy option for a hall and staircase that runs over several levels. Bringing in colour at floor level with a bright stair runner is a brilliant way of giving a plain scheme some oomph and will create a sense of continuity as you travel upstairs or down.

‘If you have a staircase with turns, a wool flatweave runner is recommended,  woven on traditional looms flatweave has an intrinsic suppleness that allows it to be fitted onto most winders,’ says Andy Guard, Creative Director, Roger Oates Design. 

‘The narrow widths have a natural selvedge edge that makes it perfect upholstery for stairs and landings.’

7. Indulge in luxe neutrals

A fully carpeted stairs and hallway will feel warm and plush underfoot and is a great way of cosying up a draughty space. 

Natural fibres like sisal and wool are a hard-wearing option for stairs and neutrals make an easy-to-live-with background colour that will work with any hallway paint scheme. 

8. Mix and match with subtle spots

Narrow spaces like hallways and stairs have little option for furniture and other decorative features, so a patterned carpet is a good way of working in extra visual interest. 

Mix it up by choosing the same design, but in two complementary colours. Pattern-heavy carpets are a practical choice for high-traffic areas as they’re more forgiving of marks and scuffs than plain flooring. 

9. Go for calm colours to create continuity

Keeping to the same colour theme throughout will create a sense of continuity on staircases and landings that span several levels. 

With lots of doors leading off into other spaces, too many colours can feel chaotic, so a neutral shade will calm any busy-ness down. Soft grey on walls creates a restful backdrop with a stair runner or carpet in a toning shade.

10. Use animal print as a neutral

Animal prints are a great way of adding a touch of warmth and glamour to a space. Liven up a dreary staircase with a zebra pattern or tiger stripe carpet to pack a punch. 

Or if you’re after something more low-key, smaller-scale leopard spots will give a subtler effect, that’s much like a neutral.

11. Earn your stripes

Stripes can change the dimensions of a space. Laid widthways, they’ll make a squat space feel wider; lay them lengthwise and they’ll have the reverse effect, making a room seem longer. 

Go all-out in a hallway, with a striped carpet in the entranceway and on stairs to draw the eye in and lead the way through to the spaces beyond. Let the flooring be the focal point, with one-colour walls and paintwork that won’t detract.

What is the best colour for a stair carpet?

'Often the first thing you see when entering a house, the stairs and hallway create a first and lasting impression on your guests,’ says Jemma Dayman, Buyer for Carpets and Rugs at Carpetright. 

‘It’s the perfect area to take risks and be daring with your styling. Bright colours and bold, geometric designs will give your stairs that wow factor and work well when mixed with minimalist furniture and accessories.' 

'Opting for repeating patterns will not only allow your design to flow easily into other rooms but will be forgiving to everyday marks and scuffs as your stairs see some serious use over their lifetime.’

What carpet is best for stairs?

Stairs are a high-traffic area, so any floor covering you choose needs to be durable and ultra hardwearing. Carpet will help to cushion footfall up and down stairs and will reduce noise. While wool carpet is tough, won’t flatten and repels dirt, it can be pricey. Cheaper man-made fibres are durable and easy-clean though mightn’t be as long-lasting.

Stair runners offer an alternative to fitted carpet. Usually flatweave with an edged border, runners are fitted to the middle of a staircase, leaving some wood visible on either side and are secured with grippers or stair rods.

What is the safest flooring for stairs?

While carpet and stair runners are a safe bet, thickness is an important factor to consider when thinking about any stair covering. A floor covering that is too thick can be a safety hazard as it creates a false tread on the nosing of steps and can cause trips and falls. Aim for a thickness of half an inch or less. Use a professional flooring fitter for the best possible finish.

Goodbye runners, hello painted staircases. Leaving them bare is the way to decorate stairs right now, forgoing the carpet for splashes of bold color, dark and dramatic shades, or rustic country-style white. And it's a practical choice to make too. It can breathe new life into tired, original treads, cover up scuffs and stains in this high-traffic space and painted surfaces are much easier to clean than carpet. 

Staircases are often the first thing you and your guests see, so rather than just blend them into the background of your hallway, turn them into a design statement. We have found plenty of gorgeous painted staircase ideas (lots of which you could DIY in a weekend) to get you inspired to get painting. 

1. Add drama with all over black 

What could be more practical than a black painted staircase? The perfect color for such a well-trodden part of your home, and it looks so chic too, bringing drama without making a hallway feel gloomy. For a more rustic, distressed look opt for a matte charcoal shade and don't be too fussy with the application, you could even attack the stairs with sandpaper once painted to add more texture. Or just let time do its thing.

For an even more gothic look choose a gloss paint. Lacquered walls are making a comeback, embrace the trend on a smaller scale by painting the stairs with an inky gloss finish. 

2. Pair white painted stairs with a neutral runner

If you love the idea of a white painted staircase but it's just not a practical choice for your home, be inspired by this space. Paint your dream white staircase and then add a subtle, neutral runner up the middle. Materials like jute and sisal are ideal for staircases and hallway flooring and you still get that nice rustic effect you would want to achieve with all-white floors. 

3. Or fake a runner with paint

And if you want to create the look of a runner, but want the practicalities of painted stairs, just fake one. This is an easy DIY you could do in just a weekend. Mask off each side of the staircase and keep this in a lighter shade and then paint down the center in a dark shade that won't show up the dirt. 

'If you want your staircase structure to remain the same neutral as most of your woodwork for a more seamless look, then instead of investing in a carpet, paint a ‘runner’ directly onto your stairs.  This is a great way to introduce stronger color like into a scheme without it being overwhelming.' says Joa Studholme, Farrow & Ball Colour Curator.

'This controlled dose of color, which will bring a personal touch to your hall, should be painted down the center of your staircase on both the treads and risers in Modern Eggshell which is designed to be used on floors.  For an extra dimension paint a thin borderline in a darker tone like Paean Black up the sides of the runner.'

4. Just paint the edges

Another way to create that runner effect, is to flip it. Rather than leaving the outside bare with color or carpet running down the center, paint the edges and leave the middle as raw wood. Bare wood is far more likely to stand the test of constant feet up and down the staircase and will still look lovely even as it wears. 

5. Make a staircase the focal point with a bold shade

For your staircase to be a really eye-catching feature of your hallway, go with a bold shade all over. See how this vivid blue punctuates the otherwise minimalist neutral space, grounding all those pale shades and giving the room a focus. Normally we'd advise to keep it cohesive by adding in hints of the same shade throughout the rest of the room, but in a small space often less is more so just let that single punchy color stand out alone.

6. Wallpaper a staircase

Because hallway wallpaper is not just for walls, try it out on the risers of a staircase too. It adds pattern in a space you really don't expect it, and draws the eye down the hallway, making it feel longer. You could alternative prints for each step or create a continuous pattern up the stairs so the design goes uninterrupted. Then pair your print with a painted tread that picks up on the color scheme in the wallpaper.

7. Single out the spindles

Don't ignore your spindles! They can be the most interesting part of a staircase design so draw attention to them by painting them in a bold hue, or in a shade that contrasts the wall behind. 

'It has become increasingly popular to paint just the spindles of a staircase in a dark tone to give a really chic twist to your home. Using a strong color will create a striking spine that runs from the top to the bottom of the house grounding the building.' says Joa Studholme.

'And of course, a darker central element will make everything around it look lighter. There is huge historic precedence for this technique, but it certainly adds a modern touch to the contemporary home as well as introducing some strong color without it being overwhelming. For a more elegant look paint only the spindles, leaving the newel posts and string in the same color as the rest of your woodwork in the hall.'

8. Go for a simple monochrome design

So chic and yet so simple, the striking design of this painted staircase almost appears to float in the all-white hallway. The clean lines and simple monochrome color palette would fit right into a more contemporary space, adding just the right about of interest without interfering with the minimalist aesthetic. This is a look your could easily recreate in your own home using masking tape and a steady hand. 

9. Color clash with your bannisters

Since hallways are possibly the most seen rooms in our homes, and actually the ones we spend the least amount of time in, you can afford to go bolder with your color choices. Blue, yellow, pink, and green in a living room? It's quirky but not the most relaxing color palette. But in a hallway? It makes such a creative and uplifting entrance. 

Experiment with bolder shades on your staircase, clashing colors on the staircase, skirting, and banisters for a fun and playful vibe. And a huge plus of painted staircases is should you ever tire of the look, you can simply paint over it for a totally different vibe. So be daring, as there's really zero commitment.  

10. White wash a staircase for a rustic look

An 'aged' staircase does add a lot of character to a hallway, especially if you want that rustic vibe. So cheat the look and create the impression your staircase has been walked up and down for decades by whitewashing the bare wood and sanding the center of the treads, where your stair would naturally wear down – simple yet effective. 

11. Paint below the dado rail 

Not all staircase paint ideas need to involve the stairs themselves. If your staircase doesn't face your front door, adding colors to the walls can have more impact. Painting below a dado rail (or faking a dado rail) is a great trick for adding height to a hallway as it draws the eye upwards. 

When choosing your colors, think about creating contrast. See how the white banisters sit against the dark background in this hallway to add a striking focal point as soon as you walk through the door?

What is the best color to paint a staircase?

From a purely practical point of view, the best colors to paint a staircase are darker shades, as these will be able to handle the everyday use and general wear and tear staircases face. Blacks, greys, deep blues, dark greens would all work to hide scuffs and stains, so if you don's want that worn look that would be inevitable with paler shades stick to the dark end of the spectrum. 

However, paler shades can work too, especially if you don't mind them ending up a bit... rustic. And if you choose the right kind of paint you might find it copes just as well as a darker shade. White is very on-trend shade for painted stairs but light sage greens, pale pinks, and dusky blues would all add subtle color and character.

What is the best paint to use on a staircase?

When painting your staircases it's all in the prep. Before going in with any paint, seal your stairs with a water-based varnish so your color will last longer and be protected from wear and tear. In terms of how to paint wood stairs, technically, any wood paint can go onto wooden stairs, just be sure you seal it with another layer of varnish. But for the best results you are best choosing a paint that's designed for floors – these will be hardwearing and resist scuffs and scratches. 

In terms of finish, Rob Abrahams, Co-Founder of COAT Paints recommends 'if you're painting the stairs themselves, you'll need a specific hardy wooden floor paint, to make sure it stands up to time. For the spindles and woodwork choose a water-based Eggshell paint - it's durable, with a beautiful matt finish. Standard matt emulsion won't do the job on stairs and could end up looking marked and worn very quickly in such a high-traffic area.

Gloss paint + socks + stairs = disaster, so stick to just the treads if using a gloss finish. 

Bedroom carpet ideas, in fact really carpet in any room, has had a bit of a bad rap in recent years. There's just something about wall-to-wall carpet, everyone at one point was obsessed with ripping it up and dancing with excitement when it revealed 'rustic' wooden boards or original tiles. And if nothing worthy appeared under the carpets, down went the LVT or engineered wood. Carpet just wasn't an option.

Now we can understand carpet in a bathroom is something we hope never returns, but carpets in our comfier living spaces like living rooms and bedrooms is making a strong comeback. So to pay homage to this once shunned flooring choice's resurgence we've rounded up all our favorite bedroom ideas that prove carpets are a stylish and cozy addition to your space. 

1. Keep it subtle and simple

See, carpets can be just as subtle and stylish as your whitewashed floorboards, plus they and a coziness and a softness underfoot you don't get with hard floors. If you are dubious about embracing wall-to-wall carpet pick a neutral color – whites, creams, light greys – they all add a calming feel and can be a backdrop for any color scheme too. And isn't it just so luxurious to have pale carpets? Sinking your feet into pale cushioned flooring is so reminiscent of hotel rooms.

'In any interior scheme, neutral colors and the comforting texture of carpet brings a feeling of softness and calm.' says Jodie Hatton of Brintons. 'These are best suited to rooms where you spend a lot of time, such as a bedroom, where relaxing is key to creating a happy space. The texture of the carpet is also key to preventing the overall neutral scheme from looking flat. Where an alternative flooring like wood or tiles might make a room feel stark and bare, a soft woven wool carpet, layered with accessories in cashmere, mohair, and linen will all work to soften a look to create an inviting space.'

2. Mix and match 

And at the opposite end of the spectrum, carpets are ideal if you are a lover of maximalist interiors. Why ignore the floor when you are layering up patterns? It can add just as much pattern and texture as wallpaper and is the perfect place to introduce a clashing print. 

Jenna Kane, Product Developer at Kersaint Cobb says that 'statement flooring within bedrooms is being seen more and more, as the trend for teaming luxurious materials with vibrant hues increases in popularity. A deep, rich colored carpet is the perfect way to inject a touch of character.'

And this modern bedroom is definitely full of character. Covered literally floor to ceiling in House of Hackney prints it's the perfect example of carpets have shed their dated skin and can add so much interest and personality to a room.   

3. Choose a natural fibre carpet

Sisal carpets are about the only carpet material and style that has been acceptable in recent years. These on-trend natural fiber floorings look almost like large area rugs, adding just the right amount of texture and neutral tones for a room. They are simple, low-pile designs that are perfect for more minimalist or rustic bedrooms. And they are a practical choice too, perfect for high-traffic areas as they are hardwearing and stain-resistant.

If you want to add a touch more comfort underfoot try layering smaller, softer rugs either side of the bed. 

4. Turn your bedroom floor into art

We've all seen painterly rugs grace the floors (and even the walls) of stylish homes for years now and in the right setting these more statement, colorful designs can work just as well with fitted carpets. If you don't want a bold bedroom carpet to overwhelm the space, the key is to key the rest of the room minimal and monochrome.

Now, we aren't saying a faux sheep is minimal, but look at the rest of the space. The dusky pink from the carpet is used on the walls, for the curtains and the upholstery of the chaise. The space still feels calm and inviting, despite the brilliantly whacky carpet. 

5. Add a thick velvet carpet for extra softness underfoot

Plush carpets, the ones your toes disappear into, are perfect for a bedroom. A chunky loop or a thick velvet-like pile adds an instant luxurious feel to any space and again there's that hotel feel as you pad around your cushy floors. 

When it comes to color, solid is best with thicker carpets. And you can't go wrong with an ever-popular neutral like grey. As Jemma Dayman of Carpetright says 'Given that the bedroom is our sanctuary, a calm space where we retreat to for rest, recuperation and to recover, it’s no surprise that this soothing neutral hue is our go-to color choice. Offering sophistication and versatility, grey works well as a neutral base, creating a warm or cool aesthetic, depending on the undertone of the chosen shade. Not only does a good quality grey carpet create a calming feel in a bedroom, but it also a durable flooring option that will stand the test of time in terms of style and wear.'

And by opting for such a timeless neutral color for your bedroom flooring, you can refresh the scheme as often as your tastes and trends change.

6. Fake a carpet with a large area rug

So you ripped up your bedroom carpet already and now you want back in on the trend. Or if you rent and want to cover up some inherited flooring. Area rugs are the way. Big big rugs that go underneath all of your furniture and almost touch the sides of the room will create the look of wall-to-wall carpet with you having to commit to having it fitted. Add to the allusion by layering rugs on top of your larger rug just as you would a carpet.

'If you are looking for an easier alternative to a full carpet install, layering a couple of rugs in your bedroom will work a treat as another option. Stylistically and while still adding the ultimate cozy feel, layering rugs look beautiful and give people the opportunity to integrate varying colors and patterns into their bedroom scheme to create something new and unique.' says Noemie Deed Founder of Cosy Coco. 'In terms of practicality, it’s equally effective in the bedroom for underfoot comfort and warmth as you can position the rugs around the foot and edges of your bed. All-in-all, a simple, beautiful substitute to permanent carpeted flooring.'

7. Switch wallpaper for a patterned carpet

See your flooring as a fifth wall, somewhere you can add color and pattern, and texture in a less obvious, more interesting way. So instead of opting for bedroom wallpaper, keep your walls simple and add a mural on the floor. It sounds dramatic, but just look at this bedroom carpet idea. The minimal grey walls make room for the patterned floor, and there's a cohesiveness here too so the look doesn't feel too bold. 

8. Go bold with colorful zig zags

How cute is this fun zig-zag carpet? Sometimes going for something unexpected with your bedroom carpet can give a quirky edge to an otherwise quite classic scheme. See how this space feels classic and traditional with its grey walls, simple headboard, and layers of beautiful bed linen, and then there's that flash of zig-zag that feels out of place and yet totally works. 

Try this out in a small bedroom where you don't have a sea of flooring visible so you just catch pockets of the bold pattern. And keep it cohesive, pick a colorway that's mirrored in the rest of the decor. 

9. Add warmth to a cool toned color scheme 

A black and white bedroom color scheme is a classic, but this cool-toned combination does risk leaving a bedroom feeling cold and stark.  An easy way to counteract that, without interfering with the minimal palette too much, is to add a wall-to-wall carpet in a softer, neutral tone. A cream, or even beige, carpet will add that hint of a pink tone to bring some warmth into the room and you can always enhance my adding in a few cushions or soft furnishings in a similar shade. 

10. Blend your bedroom carpet with the walls

Speaking of beige carpets, they were once dreaded by new homeowners and renters alike. It was the color choice of all landlords and every 70s renovation, and yet as we all know, beige has made a comeback, so we say it's time to embrace beige carpets too. 

A very chic way to do beige is to go all over with it, walls, ceilings, and floors, so choose a bedroom carpet that's going to blend seamlessly in with your walls. As this bedroom carpet idea proves the effect creates a very cozy, cocooning space that's perfect for a sleep space. You can always break up the wall-to-wall beige by adding pops of brighter colors for contrast. 

What's the best color for a bedroom carpet?

The best color for bedroom carpets will depend on the overall look you are after and your lifestyle too. If your bedroom is well used by yourself, animals and children we'd say avoid any lighter shades and instead opt for dark tones like grey and blue as they will cover a multitude of sins. 

But if your bedroom is a sanctuary used only for sleeping, there's nothing quite like a plush white or cream carpet to add a luxurious feel. If you are concerned about wear and tear you could always add a couple of small rugs on either side of the bed, or in areas that see the most footfall. 

What's the best material for bedroom carpets?

Again, the best material depends on your style, who uses the room, and how often. Jenna Kane recommends wool carpets for bedrooms 'they are ideal for bedrooms as they are hardwearing and soft underfoot. As a natural fiber, wool is also breathable, it will be warm in the winter but remain cool in the summer. The best floor coving in a bedroom is something that offers comfort, serenity, and is soft and calming.'

Low pile carpets like sisal and jute can work really well in a bedroom too, and more streamlined, minimalist look as they are low pile. They aren't the comfiest underfoot, however, so be sure to throw down a few rugs too. 

Is carpet in a bedroom outdated?

Admittedly, the jury was out on this one, but after hunting through our archive and speaking to experts, we are pleased to report no, carpet in a bedroom is no longer outdated.

It's time we rewrote our conceptions of patterned carpets. This nostalgic flooring might remind you of dancing to Madonna and drinking cherry soda in your parent's old living room, but this is the year an increasing number of people are going back to the future and are fuelling the most unconventional revamp of the year. 

As an increasing number of people look for inventive ideas to create an uplifting workspace or a way to enliven their homes during the winter months, they are looking to the past for a trend that will prevail long into the future.

British- based manufacturer Axminster Carpets, who have made carpets for the most discerning of clients, including King George III, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, recently announced they had seen a 12 percent rise in demand for patterned carpets since 2019. However, as Gary Bridge, the Design Director of Axminster revealed, the wild, widespread fever for boldly printed flooring is only going to get bigger. 

See more: What the best-dressed floors are wearing this season

'We are delighted to see growth in patterned carpet,' the Director began. 

'Our bespoke service and woven to order offering is flourishing. Customers are looking to support British manufacturing and seek sustainable natural flooring whilst bringing some personality into their homes through a pattern. The market is growing tired of plain interiors, and along with exciting patterns in wallpapers and textiles - flooring has now become the new space to have fun with. 

Our unique high quality looms produce both delicate and bold designs; we are proud to be leading the way in the revival of patterned carpet.'

The concept of having fun with your flooring is welcomed by homeowners amid the current restrictions when your living room is your theatre, home-bar, and disco in one. Maybe you will be dancing to old records on a patterned carpet once again, after all? 

As the world stays at home, Claire Kimble, Design Manager at Crucial Trading Carpets, emphasizes the impact of the lockdown on the rising trend. 

'As our homes become our sanctuaries and a place of security and comfort, our personal spaces become a platform for our self-expression. They talk to the outside world and tell a story as to how we are living our lives. Influences of texture, pattern, a craft that embraces time, natural materials that reflect the heritage- they all have a place within the interior schemes of current times, especially within the floor space.'

She continued, 'As spaces are redefined, and we find the home's definition changing, there is a need to introduce rugs and carpet into our interiors. Open spaces with hard flooring now appear hard and cold; the acoustics are important, especially with multigenerational living and homeschooling & working. It's time to add comfort and warmth.'

'This is a time like no other; the home has never been so important to us, as it will continue to be in times to come. Bringing color and pattern within carpet and rugs into our homes uses the floor as a decorative platform that reflects feelings and who we are.' 

Furthermore, Andy Guard, Creative Director of Roger Oates Design, discussed the powerful transition from minimalism to electric prints. He shared:

‘Minimalism is over - replaced by color, pattern, and texture. We have found clients are confident introducing color and bold patterns into schemes through their flooring. Colour is superior to having no color, and pattern has a playfulness that is exciting to work with. Some of our most popular designs are our most vibrant bright colors and striking patterns. Be bold, mix things together in different parts of the home - and don’t worry about ‘matching’ - if all the rooms express your personality, it creates a cohesive scheme.’

Andy continued, focusing on the power of stripe in our homes: ‘Stripes are timeless and the variations infinite, from classic fine pinstripes to contemporary asymmetric bands of color. Maximize your prints in courageous colors for impact or use texture and subtle neutrals to create a relaxing space. When used thoughtfully, stripes can define areas and even adjust the perspective of a room. Stripes along the hall will lengthen it, whilst stripes across the hall will make it appear wider.

Stripes are so versatile they work with wooden floors, tessellated tiles, and even floral wallpaper. There is a stripe for everyone.’ 

Looking to inject some carpet into your home, but are not sure where to begin? 

When it comes to patterned carpet, there is one thing to remember- The bolder, the better.  

Patterned carpets aren't the only retro trend we can't get enough of at the moment- read more about the piece you need on your bedside table this year.