Move over, hardwood floors. Wall-to-wall carpeting, though less common than other flooring applications—and sometimes perceived as “so 20th century”—still has its merits, interior designers say.
“The idea that wall-to-wall carpet is inherently dated ignores the difference between a generic product and a thoughtful material choice,” says Killy Scheer, the founder of Scheer & Co. “Sometimes a fully carpeted room feels enlivened, interesting, and wholly not old-fashioned.”
Below, Scheer and other designers explain why they appreciate wall-to-wall carpet, where it looks best in the home, and how to fully ensure that it appears contemporary, not passé.
Why Designers Appreciate Wall-to-Wall Carpet
Scheer acknowledges that while wall-to-wall carpet is indeed “polarizing,” the style also offers plenty of merits. “Good carpet can be extraordinarily luxurious,” Scheer says. “It softens acoustics, adds warmth, introduces color or pattern across an entire plane, and gives a room a wonderfully enveloping quality.”
Paloma Contreras, the founder of Paloma Contreras Design, appreciates the durability that wall-to-wall carpet provides. “It wears very well over time,” she says. “I find that using a high-quality, wool blend carpet with a simple weave or design provides a result that looks just as nice as wood flooring with a cut rug.”
Where to Incorporate Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Keep in mind that designers like Scheer agree that wall-to-wall carpeting has its limitations—skip it in main living spaces, and instead, try it in areas such as bedrooms, libraries, and dressing rooms—areas “where comfort and quiet matter,” she explains.
Molly Miller, the founder of Molly Miller Interiors, feels similarly. “There’s something really lovely about stepping out of bed onto a soft, quiet floor,” she says.
In his own bedroom in his Manhattan apartment, pictured above, designer Alexander D. Wilson opted to install a style-forward animal print wall-to-wall carpet.
How to Make Wall-to-Wall Carpet Appear Current
If you’re still worried about wall-to-wall carpeting appearing dated in your home, take Miller’s lead. “I tend to look for beautiful textures, subtle geometrics, and natural fibers like wool or wool blends rather than anything overly patterned or synthetic,” the designer says. “The result feels sophisticated and cozy rather than dated.”
Additionally, Miller advises against layering any kind of area rug over your wall-to-wall carpeting. “It doesn't work for the way I use it, where the carpet is meant to be an element of the design itself, rather than just a base layer for another floor covering,” she shares.
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Country Living. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more.
