Carpet vs timber for bedroom flooring
By: Annalese, Published: October 10, 2016
Bedrooms – the area in a home dedicated to rest and relaxation. Words like haven, retreat, and sanctuary often come to mind when envisioning the perfect bedroom space. However, this image might differ when we consider nurseries, children’s rooms, or guest suites, which may have a more playful or functional purpose. So, how do we make the right choice in flooring for our bedrooms to create the spaces we aspire to inhabit? Hard flooring or carpet? Let’s explore the options.
Bedroom carpet
Carpet is a naturally cosy flooring choice, offering unparalleled comfort underfoot. Imagine waking up in the morning and planting your feet onto a plush surface; it’s the epitome of warmth and luxury. Carpet also plays a significant role in visually warming up a space, giving it a soft and inviting aesthetic. Plush and cut or twist piles are particularly luxurious. Since bedrooms are typically low-traffic areas where eating or messy activities are less frequent (perhaps excluding the occasional breakfast in bed), carpets are a low-maintenance and practical choice.
When it comes to material options, wool carpet stands out as a premium choice. Renowned for its natural durability and insulating properties, wool carpet not only feels luxurious but also contributes to energy efficiency by keeping your bedroom warm in winter and cool in summer. It’s also an environmentally friendly option, making it a popular choice for those seeking sustainable interiors.
Alternatively synthetic carpets, like solution-dyed nylon provide a highly durable and stain-resistant option. This makes them particularly suitable for bedrooms that might occasionally endure spills or wear and tear, such as children’s rooms or guest bedrooms.
Hard Flooring in Bedrooms
Not all bedrooms are designed to be cosy retreats. In many cases, hard flooring options like timber flooring, laminate flooring, or hybrid and vinyl styles offer a sleek and modern aesthetic. These materials are hard-wearing, easy to clean, and versatile enough to complement a wide range of interior styles and colour palettes.
Timber flooring is a classic choice, adding natural warmth and elegance to any bedroom. Its timeless appeal ensures that it can adapt to changing decor trends over the years. Meanwhile, laminate flooring offers a cost-effective alternative that mimics the look of timber while being highly resistant to scratches and dents.
To soften the visual impact of hard flooring, you can incorporate elements like plush bed linens, curtains, or an upholstered bedhead. These details can balance the harder surfaces and create a more inviting ambience.
Bedroom rugs
If you’re trying to achieve a warm and inviting space but are working with hard flooring, rugs are your best friend. They offer numerous benefits, from adding warmth and texture to introducing colour and pattern without committing to permanent changes.
For the bedroom, a well-placed rug can make all the difference. Positioning the rug under the bed so it’s evenly distributed on both sides creates a sense of balance and cohesion. Rugs also provide a soft landing for your feet when you get out of bed, adding an extra layer of comfort.
For families, kid-friendly rugs are an excellent choice. Designed to be durable and easy to clean, they’re perfect for nurseries or children’s rooms. For a more luxurious touch, consider wool rugs, which combine softness with natural resilience and timeless style. Whether you prefer bold patterns or understated neutrals, rugs offer endless design possibilities.
Flooring for Nurseries and Children’s Rooms
When designing nurseries or children’s bedrooms, practicality and comfort often clash. On one hand, children are naturally messy, making hard flooring—with its ease of cleaning—a tempting option. On the other hand, young children spend a lot of time playing on the floor, making carpet a more comfortable choice.
This is where kid-friendly rugs come into their own as a versatile compromise. A strategically placed rug provides a soft and safe surface for play while maintaining the easy-to-clean benefits of hard flooring. Brightly coloured or textured rugs can also add a playful element to the room’s decor. Since rugs can be swapped out as children grow and their tastes change, they’re an affordable way to update the space over time.
The decision between carpet and timber (or other hard flooring options) ultimately comes down to your personal needs and preferences. If comfort and cosiness are your top priorities, carpet is the way to go. For a modern, low-maintenance solution, hard flooring like timber or laminate might be a better fit. And don’t underestimate the power of rugs to enhance any bedroom, providing warmth, texture, and style with flexibility
FAQs
What is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is constructed from several layers to create the appearance of timber or stone. Laminate floors utilise cutting edge photographic technology to simulate the grain, stain and texture of wood at a fraction of the price. Its highly resistant to scratches, dents and stains, with the top layer, known as the wear layer, usually made of a aluminium oxide or melamine resin which enhances it’s durability.
Are timber floors high maintenance?
Timber floors sit higher on the maintenance scale in the hard flooring world. But while laminate flooring, vinyl and hybrid flooring might require less maintenance, all flooring requires some level of care to keep it looking like new for longer. The look and feel of real timber is also aspirational, authentic and full of genuine character which can last for years if cared for. It also has the ability to be repaired in many cases, which is why we see beautiful old homes with original (restored, often) flooring.
Where is there a rug store near me?
The Flooring Xtra rug store means you can choose a rug online and have it sent directly to you! With so many options to select from and free delivery, it’s a great way to shop.
Annalese
StylistIn-house Stylist Annalese spends her days making homes beautiful and hunting down the perfect flooring solutions. With her finger on the design pulse, her advice on style, home design tips and creating happy, appealing homes can always be relied upon. Annalese’s favourite product is the Mathewson Tweed wool carpet from the Urban Instinct range because of its beautiful wool fibre together with its tailored loop pile design.
