How to Choose Carpet Color

Considering Your Space

Pick a carpet color that complements your existing furniture and design. Using existing features in your room is a great way to narrow down color choices. Think about the paint, furniture, art, drapes, and decorations in the room. Select a shade that is in the same color family as other items in the room so everything looks cohesive. For example, if you have a sofa that you want to showcase, go with a neutral carpet that won’t distract from the couch. If your sofa is red, the walls are grey, and you have dark or black furniture, choose a charcoal carpet. However, don’t pick the carpet based solely on your decor if you change it often or plan to change it soon.

Select patterns or darker colors for high-traffic areas. If the room is not used often, the carpet color will stay intact for a long time and a light color might work well. However, if the room has a lot of traffic, it's best to choose a darker color or a pattern so dirt and wear and tear don’t show up as easily. A pristine white may look great in a formal sitting area that's not used much. But, it wouldn't be a great choice for your living room if you have kids or pets.

Choose lighter shades for rooms without a lot of natural light. If your room has a lot of natural light, the color of the carpet will look mostly the same as the sample. However, if you're adding carpet to a dark room, it might look a few shades darker than the sample. For example, a cream carpet may appear lighter if you have several windows in your bedroom. If you have a single window, the cream color may look more like a khaki.

Go with a carpet that suits your personal taste and style. Since buying carpet is an investment, pick a color that you really like rather than one that simply matches your space. Narrow down your carpet color choices to 3-5 options, and then make your decision based on personal preference. For instance, if you are choosing between a light grey, charcoal, or slate-gray, choose one that you are most drawn to. If tan carpet looks great in your foyer but you don't like the color, go with a beige or khaki instead.

Bring home several carpet swatches to see which works best. When deciding on a color, ask an associate at a home supply or carpet store if you can borrow some large carpet samples. Place the samples throughout your home and in various lighting conditions. Compare the look of the carpet throughout the day to get a sense of which you prefer. Then, make your decision based on personal preference. This way, you can get a clear sense of what the carpet looks like before you install it. Keep the swatches for a few days so you can see what it looks like at different times of day and lighting. Be sure to return the swatches to the store after you make your decision.

Picking Your Perfect Shade

Choose a light, neutral shade to make your space appear bigger. If you’re upgrading a small room, consider using a light-toned, neutral shade of carpet. This looks great in traditional homes and light carpet provides a sense of luxury. Attractive light shades include taupe and sand. You can also select beige, tan, or light grey carpet for a warm, comfortable option. This is a good choice for living rooms and offices, for instance.

Pick a dark-colored carpet to make the room look modern and comfy. In general, dark carpets make rooms look smaller and cozy. This is a great idea if you prefer a modern style and want your space to look warm and inviting. For instance, pick out charcoal, dark brown, or slate-gray colored carpet for a trendy bedroom or living room carpet color.

Choose a multi-colored carpet if you want to hide dirt and stains. If you have children or pets, you may be worried about them tracking footprints or leaving crumbs behind. In this case, select carpeting that has 2-3 different tones. This way, the stains or marks will be less noticeable. For example, go with a dark brown, medium brown, and tan blend to cover your living room floors. This way, you won’t notice pet hair, dirt, or debris as easily.

Select a brightly-colored carpet to create a personalized space. While colorful carpet is not for everyone, it’s a great way to add a unique touch to your space. Pick a blue, green, pink, or red carpet if you want to customize your bedroom, studio, children’s rooms, playroom, or den. Keep in mind that this may make your home harder to resell down the line, as not everyone loves colored carpet.Variation: If you want to add some color but don’t want to commit to the entire floor, go with a neutral carpet and decorate with bright area rugs, throw pillows, and blankets instead.

Deciding on Carpet Material

Choose wool carpet if you want a soft and luxurious option. Wool carpeting is made from soft, strong fibers, and it gives any space an elegant touch. This is a great option if you prefer soft carpeting. However, wool carpet is usually more expensive than other options. Alternatively, consider a wool blend. This carpet is durable yet soft, making it a versatile choice.

Go with nylon if you prefer a long-lasting carpet. Nylon carpet is often more cost-effective than wool, and the nylon material is more durable. If you have a lot of family members, children or pets, this may a good option for you. Nylon carpeting is a great choice for bedrooms and playrooms. Nylon carpets come in many different patterns and colors.

Select a carpet with loop pile for high-traffic areas. Loop-pile carpet has a low profile and is stain-resistant, so it's great for areas with a lot of foot traffic, like living rooms and hallways. This is another good choice if you have kids in your home. Pile type refers to the way carpet fibers are attached to the backing. Loop pile has circular "looped" fibers, hence its name.

Pick a cut pile carpet for a plush option. Cut pile carpeting has straight fibers, rather than looped. Cut pile carpet is dense and soft, making it a great choice for bedrooms and playrooms. Tip: If you have pets, choose a cut pile rather than a loop pile, as your pets' nails can get caught in the looped fibers.

Opt for long pile heights if you prefer soft carpeting. Carpet with a long pile height has longer and looser fibers, making it soft to the touch. This carpeting may not be as long-lasting over time, but it provides a soft and cozy feel to your space. Carpet with a long pile height is great to use in children’s play areas or nurseries.

Try a carpet with a short pile height for a durable choice. If you want a carpet that shows less wear-and-tear, go with shorter, tighter piles. This type of carpeting is lower to the ground and the fibers are often close together. Because of this, carpet with a short pile height tends to last longer and doesn't show stains as much as carpet with a longer pile. Go to a carpet store so you can feel the different types of fibers and various pile heights to find the type that will work best for your home. You can use natural fiber carpets. They do not show a thick foot track. They are durable and can be cleaned easily.