When it comes to interior design, carpet plays a vital role in defining the style and overall look of a space. While trends come and go, certain carpet colors have stood the test of time and are considered timeless. However, there are also shades that designers believe we should steer clear of.
One color that designers often advise against is white. Although it may seem like a clean and fresh option, white carpets can easily become stained and show dirt, making them less practical for high-traffic areas. Instead, consider shades such as taupe or beige, which have the same light and airy qualities but are more forgiving in terms of dirt and scuffs.
Another shade that designers warn against is bold, overpowering colors. While it might be tempting to make a statement with a vibrant carpet, it can quickly become overwhelming and may clash with other elements in the room. Instead, opt for neutrals or muted shades that can create a calming and cohesive look.
Patterned carpets are also something to be cautious of. While they can add interest and texture to a space, they can also easily go out of style and may limit your options when it comes to selecting furniture and decor. Instead, consider using patterned rugs or incorporating patterns in smaller elements like throw pillows or curtains.
Lastly, designers advise against choosing carpets made from certain materials, such as sisal. While they may be trendy in certain contexts, they can be difficult to clean and maintain in the long run. Instead, opt for materials like wool or nylon, which are known for their durability and long-lasting nature.
In general, when selecting a carpet color, it’s important to consider the overall color scheme and style of the space. Designers like Jessica Shea from Shea Studio believe that carpets should complement the existing colors and create a cohesive look. By avoiding these colors and opting for more timeless and versatile options, you can create a beautiful and long-lasting flooring design for your living space.
Carpet colors to avoid
When it comes to choosing carpet colors for our homes, there are certain shades that designers suggest we stay away from. These colors may not be the best choice for your interiors because they can create a dated or overwhelming look. Here are five carpet colors that experts recommend avoiding, along with some alternative options to consider.
- Beige: Beige carpets have long been a popular choice, but currently, designers are moving away from this color. Beige carpets can easily show dirt and stains, making them difficult to maintain. Instead, consider using a neutral color like gray or white, which will provide a timeless and clean look to your room.
- Patterned carpets: While patterned carpets might seem like a creative and bold choice, they can quickly become overwhelming and distract from the rest of your room’s design. Opt for solid-colored carpets instead, which will provide a more cohesive and calming look.
- Bold and bright colors: While it’s tempting to choose a vibrant and eye-catching color for your carpets, it’s best to avoid them. Bold colors can easily clash with other elements in your room and may go out of style quickly. Stick to neutral shades or muted colors that will stand the test of time.
- Sisal or sisal-like carpets: Natural fibers such as sisal may seem like a great option due to their eco-friendly nature, but they can be difficult to clean and maintain. They also tend to be rough underfoot and may not provide the desired comfort. Consider using carpets made from synthetic materials that mimic the look of sisal, but offer better durability and ease of cleaning.
- Heavily patterned or textured carpets: While textured carpets can add interest and depth to a room, heavily patterned or textured carpets can overpower the space and make it feel busy. Opt for carpets with subtle patterns or textures that will enhance the overall style of the room without being too overwhelming.
By avoiding these carpet colors, you can ensure that your flooring will complement your overall design and create a cohesive and inviting space. Whether you are redecorating a living room or renovating your entire home, choosing the right carpet color is essential to achieve the style you desire.
1 Swap overdone gray for a contemporary beige
When it comes to choosing carpet colors for a room, neutrals are often the safest option. However, gray has been heavily overdone in recent years, and designers are now urging homeowners to consider a contemporary beige instead.
Beige is a versatile color that works well with a variety of interior design schemes. It can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in a living room, and it pairs beautifully with bold colors and patterns. While gray can sometimes overpower a room, beige is a timeless and classic choice that will never go out of style.
“I believe that beige is a great option for carpets,” says Becca from Becca Designs. “It’s a neutral color that can work well in any room, and it complements a wide range of furniture and decor styles.”
Casey from Casey Studio agrees, stating that beige carpets can add a touch of elegance to any space. “Beige is a versatile color that can be used in both traditional and contemporary interiors,” she says. “It pairs well with other neutrals like white and taupe, and it can also work beautifully with bolder colors like blue.”
One great thing about beige carpets is that they are easy to maintain. Unlike lighter colors that show dirt and stains easily, beige carpets are more forgiving and can hide small imperfections. This makes them a practical choice for high-traffic areas like living rooms and hallways.
When it comes to the design of the carpet, there are plenty of options to choose from. Jessica from Jessica Designs recommends sisal carpets for a natural and earthy look, while Becca suggests opting for a textured design to add interest to a room.
Overall, if you want a carpet color that will stand the test of time and complement any interior design scheme, consider swapping overdone gray for a contemporary beige. It’s a long-lasting and versatile choice that will never go out of style.
2 Avoid white if you have young children
If you have young children, it’s best to avoid white carpet colors. While white carpets may give a room a fresh and clean look, they are not practical for homes with little ones. Young children tend to be messy and may spill drinks or drop food on the carpet. Having a white carpet would require constant cleaning and could easily become stained and dirty.
Instead of choosing white, opt for colors that are more forgiving when it comes to stains and dirt. One great option is stone or shea colors, which are light enough to brighten up a room, but also provide better camouflage for spills and accidents. These colors will still create a light and airy feel in the room, while being more practical for a busy household with children.
Many designers believe that light gray or taupe carpets are the way to go when selecting a color for a living room or play area. These colors provide a neutral base that can easily be matched with different accent colors and furniture styles. They are also more forgiving in terms of showing stains or dirt compared to white carpets.
In general, it’s important to consider the material of the carpet when choosing a color. Certain materials, such as those with a patterned or textured design, are better at hiding stains and dirt than plain, solid colors. Talk to a designer or visit an interior design studio to learn about the latest trends and options when it comes to carpet colors.
While it might be tempting to follow the current trend, it’s also important to think long-term. Trends come and go, but classic and timeless colors will always be in style. Keep in mind that carpets are a long-lasting investment, so it’s best to pick a color that you will be happy with for years to come.
In conclusion, white carpets might be beautiful, but they are not practical for homes with young children. Opt for colors such as stone or shea, which provide a similar light and airy feel, but are easier to maintain. Consider other neutral shades like light gray or taupe, which can easily be matched with different accent colors, and pay attention to the material and design of the carpet to ensure long-lasting beauty.
3 Do away with stressful red in favor of earth tones
If you’re looking to create a calm and inviting atmosphere in your home, it’s best to avoid using red carpets. While red can be a bold and creative color choice, it is also known to evoke strong emotions and increase stress levels. Designers suggest opting for earth tones instead, as they provide a soothing and grounding effect.
When it comes to flooring, there are certain qualities you should consider. Earth tones, such as brown, tan, and beige, are a great option to create a warm and inviting space. These colors have long-lasting appeal and can work well with a variety of design schemes. In terms of current trends, earth tones are widely popular for their timeless and versatile nature.
One designer, Jessica Casey, believes that earth tones can be a great choice for interiors where a calm and relaxing atmosphere is desired. With their natural and organic qualities, earth tone carpets can make a room feel more connected to nature and promote a sense of tranquility. They also provide a neutral backdrop for other design elements and allow you to easily change the look of your space without having to replace the flooring.
Another benefit of earth tone carpets is that they can help to hide dirt and stains. Lighter shades of brown and beige are particularly effective in this regard, as they are less likely to show dirt and wear over time. This makes them a practical choice for high-traffic areas and homes with pets or children.
Earth tones also work well with a wide range of other colors and materials. They can be paired with vibrant accents for a pop of color or complemented by paler neutrals for a more subdued look. Whether you prefer a rustic or contemporary style, earth tones provide a versatile foundation that can be easily incorporated into any design scheme.
In general, earth tones offer a more calming alternative to red carpets. They allow you to create a relaxing and warm environment in your home without sacrificing style or sophistication. If you’re looking for a flooring option that will stand the test of time and create a sense of harmony, earth tones are definitely worth considering.
4 Switch out all-over black for a subtler accent
When it comes to carpet colors, black might not be the best choice for your home. While some designers believe that black carpets can create a bold and dramatic look, others think that they can be a little overpowering and can make a room feel smaller and darker than it actually is. Additionally, black carpets tend to show every speck of dust and dirt, making them difficult to keep clean.
Instead of choosing an all-over black carpet, consider using black as an accent color. You could opt for a carpet with a black pattern or design, or choose a carpet with subtle black details woven into a lighter base color. This way, you can still achieve the sleek and sophisticated look that black provides, but in a more subtle and manageable way.
One popular option is to go for a carpet with a blend of black and gray. This color combination is timeless and versatile, working well with a variety of interior design schemes. It’s also easier to maintain and keep clean compared to an all-over black carpet.
If you want to add a little more color to your floors, consider choosing a carpet with blue or beige undertones. Both of these colors have a calming and neutral effect, making them suitable for a variety of interior styles. They can also help to create a sense of spaciousness and light in a room.
Some designers believe that carpets with a taupe or stone color can be a great alternative to black. These colors have a natural and earthy feel, and they can work well in both traditional and contemporary homes. They are also long-lasting and can be a great investment, as they won’t easily go out of style.
Overall, while black carpets might seem like a bold and trendy choice, it’s important to consider the long-term implications and maintenance involved. By opting for subtler accents of black or exploring other color options, you can create a more timeless and easy-to-maintain look for your floors.
5 Ditch outdated purple in favor of cool blue
When it comes to carpet color schemes, designers believe that it’s time to steer clear of outdated purple carpets and opt for a cool blue instead. Purple carpets may have been popular in the past, but they are no longer in line with current interior design trends.
One of the reasons why designers recommend ditching purple carpets is because they tend to show dirt and stains more prominently than other colors. Lighter shades of purple, in particular, can easily become dirty and look worn out over time. On the other hand, cool blue tones are great at hiding dirt and stains, making them a practical choice for high-traffic areas.
In terms of style, purple carpets may also be seen as overpowering. The bold and vibrant nature of the color can make a room feel overwhelming and restrict the options for furniture and decor. In contrast, cool blue carpets create a more calming and soothing atmosphere, allowing for a wider range of design ideas.
When it comes to pairing a cool blue carpet with other colors, designers recommend neutrals such as beige, gray, and taupe. These shades complement the coolness of blue and create a harmonious color scheme. Alternatively, if you want to make a bold statement, you can opt for a white or off-white room with accents of cool blue. This creates a crisp and fresh look that can brighten up any space.
Choosing a flooring material that will complement a cool blue carpet is also important. Carpets made from long-lasting and durable materials like wool or nylon are great options. They not only add warmth and comfort to a room, but they also provide excellent sound insulation.
In general, designers believe that ditching outdated purple carpets in favor of cool blue is a wise choice. The versatility and calming qualities of blue, combined with the numerous design possibilities it offers, make it a popular color for carpeting in today’s homes. So, if you’re considering updating your flooring, don’t overlook the vast options that cool blue carpets can bring to your space.
FAQs
Q: What are some carpet color options to avoid?
- Designers often advise against using certain shades of blue as they can make a space feel cold and uninviting.
- Bold and vibrant colors such as bright red or neon green may not work well with most interior color schemes and can be overwhelming.
- White carpets, while they may look great in showrooms or in magazine spreads, are not practical for homes with high foot traffic or households with pets and children, as they easily show dirt and stains.
Q: What carpet colors are currently trending?
- Neutral shades such as beige and taupe are timeless and versatile, making them great options for any interior design style.
- Earth tones like brown and gray are also popular choices as they can easily blend with other elements in the room.
- Warm and rich colors like deep red or burnt orange can add depth and a sense of coziness to a space.
Q: Is it true that dark-colored carpets show dirt more than light-colored ones?
Yes, it is generally true that darker carpets tend to show dirt and stains more easily than lighter ones. However, this can also depend on the material and texture of the carpet. Some materials, such as certain types of stain-resistant carpets or those with a patterned design, may be more forgiving when it comes to dirt and stains.
Q: What carpet color should I choose if I have pets?
If you have pets, it is often recommended to choose carpet colors that can camouflage pet hair and stains. Neutral shades such as beige or gray can be a good choice in this case.
Q: Are there any carpet colors that can make a room appear larger?
Lighter-colored carpets, such as shades of white or cream, can create an illusion of spaciousness and make a room appear larger than it actually is. However, if you prefer a darker color, choosing a carpet with a lighter pattern or texture can also help in achieving a similar effect.
| Jessica | Designer at a renowned interior design studio |
| Casey | Interior designer with expertise in choosing carpet colors |
| Becca | Homeowner who has recently been renovating her floors |
How do I choose a carpet color
When it comes to choosing a carpet color, there are a few guidelines that designers often work with. Many believe that the color of your carpet should complement your overall color scheme and work well with the rest of your interiors.
Casey Shea, an interior designer at Shea Studio, suggests thinking about the nature of your home and the colors that already exist there. She says, “If your home has a lot of natural light, you may want to steer clear of darker carpet colors, as they can make the space feel smaller and darker.”
In general, neutral colors are a safe option for carpeting. Beige, cream, and light gray carpets are commonly used because they don’t overpower the rest of the room. They also tend to show less dirt and are long-lasting.
If you want to add a little accent to your room, bold carpet colors can be a great option. Blue carpets, for example, can create a creative and vibrant atmosphere, especially when paired with white furniture or other light-colored accents.
For those who are looking for a more natural feel, sisal or jute carpets can bring the outdoors into your home. These rugs feature natural colors and designs, showcasing a touch of nature in your interior.
When choosing a carpet color, it’s important to consider the overall color scheme of your room. Make sure the carpet coordinates well with the wall color, furniture, and other elements in the space.
It’s also worth noting that patterned carpets can be a good option if you want to add some visual interest to your floors. However, make sure the pattern doesn’t overpower the rest of the interior design and that it complements the overall color scheme.
In conclusion, when choosing a carpet color, it’s important to think about the overall color scheme of your room, the nature of your home, and your personal style. Neutral colors are usually a safe bet, but don’t be afraid to add a pop of color or embrace a natural look. Just make sure the carpet coordinates well with the rest of your interior design for a cohesive and stylish result.
What color carpet stays the cleanest
When it comes to choosing the color of carpet for your home, there are a few options that might stay cleaner than others. Designers often steer people away from certain carpet shades, as they can show dirt and stains more easily. Here are some suggestions for carpet colors that can help maintain a cleaner appearance:
- Beige or taupe: These colors are often used in interior design schemes as they are believed to be easier to keep clean. The neutral tones of beige and taupe can hide dirt and stains better than brighter shades.
- Gray: Gray is one of the latest trends when it comes to carpet colors. However, it is important to choose a paler shade of gray to avoid it being overwhelmed by dirt and stains. Light gray carpets can be a great option for those who want a modern and minimalist look.
- Patterned: If you want to hide dirt and stains even more, choosing a patterned carpet can be a wise choice. Intricate designs and patterns can help camouflage any minor spills or dirt that may accumulate over time.
- Neutrals: Neutral colors, such as beige, gray, and taupe, have long been favored by interior designers for their versatile and long-lasting qualities. These colors can easily blend with various interior design schemes and can make a room feel more spacious.
Casey Shea, an interior designer, believes that the choice of carpet color should be based on the overall design scheme of the room. “If you have a room with mostly neutral colors, a beige or taupe carpet would be a safe and low-maintenance choice,” she says. “On the other hand, if you want to add a bold accent to your floors, a patterned or gray carpet can be a great option.”
Becca Gardens, another interior designer, advises homeowners to consider the type of material used in the carpet when it comes to keeping it clean. “Some materials, such as nylon, are easier to clean and are more resistant to stains,” she explains. “Others, like wool, may require more care and maintenance.”
| Color | Cleaning Ease | Design Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Beige or taupe | Easier to clean | Neutral colors, versatile |
| Gray | Lighter shades recommended | Modern, minimalist look |
| Patterned | Camouflage dirt and stains | Versatile, hides spills |
| Neutrals | Blend with various schemes | Spacious feel |
In general, when choosing a carpet color that stays clean, it’s best to go for neutrals, paler shades, or patterned designs. These options can help hide dirt and stains better, making your carpet look fresh and long-lasting.