The best carpets in bedrooms are all about creating a space that you can't wait to retreat to at the end of the day – as well as somewhere to welcome in a new one.
Everything from your choice of bed to the colour on your walls matters here, as do the types of carpet you opt for. Who wants to crawl out of a comfy bed to be greeted by something cold, rough and unwelcoming underfoot?
Carpet is the ideal choice for a bedroom as it is not only soft on your bare feet but also comes in such a huge range of colour and patterns. It also works well with underfloor heating and, if you choose wisely, will be durable and easy to clean.
We asked the experts for their advice on what is the best carpet for bedrooms to ensure this room offers you a dreamy, cosy and stylish retreat after a long, hard day.
What is the best carpet for bedrooms?
You might think that all carpet is created equal, but you'd be wrong. That's not to say you have to spend a small fortune on the types of flooring you opt for in the bedroom but there are a few rules to bear in mind.
It isn't only colour and pattern that play a part in your choice of carpet – the material it is made from, as well as the underlay you pick is important too.
"Carpet is often the most popular flooring choice for the bedroom because it sets the tone of the room, helping to create a comfortable haven that is conducive to a good night’s sleep," says Sarah Jenkinson, product manager at Kingsmead. "It is from this point that the rest of the design scheme is built, from colour and furniture, to textiles and accessories."
1. Is the best carpet for bedrooms made from wool?
Wool carpet is known for being one of the best types of natural flooring around. Not only is it super soft to walk on but it is also available in a huge number of textures, piles, patterns and colours.
The other great thing about wool is that it is breathable, natural and stays cool underfoot in the summer and warm in the winter. Okay, it might not be the very best option if you are looking for a flooring that can withstand heavy footfall, but in the bedroom, it is ideal.
“Wool is one of the best options for carpet in the bedroom due to its unparalleled comfort and luxurious softness, making it ideal for creating a cosy and inviting ambiance," says Kirsty Barton, brand storyteller at Alternative Flooring. "Its natural insulation properties provide warmth and noise reduction, essential for a restful space. Wool is also durable and resilient, promising long-term wear while maintaining its plush feel."
“When selecting the best carpet for a bedroom, several key factors should be considered to ensure comfort, durability and aesthetic appeal," says Johanna Constantinou, trends expert at Tapi Carpets & Floors. "For bedrooms, comfort is a top priority. Opt for carpets with a plush, soft texture that feel pleasant underfoot, such as Saxony. Carpets described as 'soft and sumptuous' are ideal for creating a cosy atmosphere in your bedroom."
Kirsty has been working at Alternative Flooring for over 20 years. She has been instrumental in shaping Alternative Flooring's brand identity and is committed to the company's core pillars: people, product, and planet.
2. Is manmade carpet rough underfoot?
The majority of manmade carpets contain nylon or polypropylene which isn't a bad thing at all. In fact, when looking at wool carpet vs polypropylene, it is interesting to note that in many cases manmade carpets are wool blends – also sometimes referred to as '80/20 wool'. These carpets are commonly made up of 80% wool combined with 20% synthetic material, such as nylon.
These wool blends are brilliant for bedrooms – particularly children's bedrooms – as they still offer underfoot comfort but are easy to clean and stain resistant.
"You could consider opting for a hardwearing carpet that can withstand constant comings and goings, as well as the occasional spill," advises Kirsty Barton. "A faux carpet is a great choice and can be made to reproduce the look of popular styles such as sisal and wool, so you don’t have to compromise on style.”
"The Thinking Beyond range from Kingsmead offers a selection of muted tones and provides a soft, luxurious feel underfoot," points out Sarah Jenkinson. "The collection is eco-friendly as it uses Econyl® yarn, a type of regenerated nylon made from entirely recycled waste materials and, importantly, features a plush velvet-feel texture, ideal for early mornings underfoot.”
"Synthetic carpets, like polypropylene, can be more stain-resistant and budget-friendly," says Johanna Constantinou. "Bedrooms often benefit from carpets that are easy to clean and maintain. Look for stain-resistant features, especially if you have pets or children."
3. Which colour carpet is best for bedrooms?
You will probably have your own ideas about the wall colours you want but don't forget how much of an impact the colour of your bedroom flooring ideas will have on the overall look of the room. In fact, it is best to choose your flooring before you pick out a shade for your walls.
"In any interior scheme, neutral colours and the comforting texture of carpet brings a feeling of softness and calm." says Jodie Hatton, design manager at 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."
"We are seeing the return of neutral and calming tones within the bedroom; homeowners are seeking a tranquil and relaxing space to unwind after a busy day," agrees Sarah Jenkinson.
"Choose colours and patterns that complement your bedroom decor," suggests Johanna Constantinou. "Neutrals like greys, beiges and creams are versatile and popular choices for bedrooms.”
Jodie is a textile designer with over 10 years experience in bespoke design with a focus on high-end interior projects. She is the Design Manager at Brintons, purveyors of designer carpets, and she is currently working towards completing a masters in design research focussing on sustainable and regenerative design solutions.
4. Is patterned carpet a good idea?
Don't shy away from the idea of patterned carpet – it doesn't have to be garish or something that quickly dates. There are many patterns that will stand the test of time, including stripes, checks and even some botanical designs – and if you are looking for the best carpet for pets, a patterned option can be brilliant at hiding stains.
5. What kind of underlay is best for bedroom carpet?
Your main priority in the bedroom should be comfort and your choice of underlay is, in many ways, even more important than your choice of carpet. In short, if you are going to splash the cash, the type of underlay you opt for is the place to do it.
"Underlays come in various thicknesses and densities, typically ranging from 8mm to 12mm," explains Johanna Constantinou. "Thicker underlays are better for areas with heavy foot traffic due to their enhanced durability and comfort."
Tapi’s interior trends expert and keen Floorologist is Johanna Constantinou. Jo is passionate about sharing unique tips, insights, and helpful key information on all things flooring. From the technical to the trends, she has been in the industry for over 10 years.
FAQs
Is natural carpet easy to clean?
Wool carpet is really easy to clean but in the case of some other natural fibres, it is best to use dry cleaning methods only as many don't respond well to water.
Most manufacturers recommend vacuuming natural flooring two to three times a week and having it professionally cleaned annually by a firm with a dry cleaning system.
Three of the best vacuum cleaners
The perfect piece of kit if you don't want to spend a fortune but are keen to buy a vacuum that is efficient, reliable and easy to wield. This offering from Amazon's basic range features an anti-allergen HEPA 12 filter and comes complete with a range of nozzles and tools. Like most vacuums these days, this one is bagless.
This brilliant vacuum from Vax boasts an impressive run time of 45 minutes and maintains its powerful suction even when the dust canister is full and the battery is waning. It weighs just 3.1kg meaning less effort and it charges quickly too. The LED 'dustracker headlights' make it easy to see any spots you've missed.
With 40 minutes of run time, this cordless vacuum from Dyson is perfect for homes with pets as its detangling mechanism lifts strands of hair from the brush bar as you go and directs them to the dirt bin. It weighs 2.56kg and converts to a handheld vacuum.
How much should I spend on bedroom carpet?
Carpet costs vary wildly depending on the material, pile and supplier. At the very lower end of the scale you can find synthetic carpets for as little as £10-£25/m2 but if it is a more luxurious underfoot experience you are after for your bedroom floor then you might want to consider paying a little more. Velvet carpets feel super squashy and soft underfoot but can cost over £100/m2.
Wool is a brilliant option that needn't be too expensive - prices range between £20-£150/m2.
Carpet is a great option for bedroom flooring but don't discount some types of wood flooring - they have a natural beauty that really helps to visually warm up a space, are easy to clean and work brilliantly over underfloor heating.
If you want to soften the whole look and add a layer of soundproofing, throw down some thick, cosy rugs.
"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," says Jodie Hatton.
