Carpeted bedrooms are a topic of debate among interior designers. While some believe that wall-to-wall carpeting is a dated design choice reminiscent of the 1970s and 1980s, others argue that it adds comfort and warmth to the bedroom. Some designers suggest that area rugs are a good middle ground, providing the benefits of carpet without fully covering the floor.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Practicality | Carpet is hard to keep clean and is prone to wearing down in high-traffic areas |
Style | Some people think carpet is outdated, others don't |
Comfort | Carpet is soft and warm |
Cost | Carpet is cheaper than hardwood, but needs replacing more often |
Maintenance | Carpet is harder to keep clean than hardwood |
Allergies | Carpet traps allergens, hardwood does not |
Noise | Carpet reduces noise, hardwood reflects it |
What You'll Learn
Carpet is a good insulator and can help maintain a quiet zone
Carpet itself isn't soundproof, but a thick shag carpet will significantly reduce noise levels. For a truly soundproof carpet, combine it with soundproof underlay. There are plenty of excellent options to help reduce noise levels travelling through your floor.
Soundproof underlay is a great way to reduce noise. All but the cheapest carpet underlay will do something to reduce noise, but there are also plenty of soundproof versions available. For example, a thick underlay like Roberts Quiet Cushion Acoustic Underlay Material uses progressive foam technology, which is designed with a cross-linked pattern that is excellent at absorbing sound waves.
If you're looking for something less invasive, lightweight EVA foam tiles can be placed over your existing flooring. They are an excellent temporary solution if you can't rip up your existing floor, and they absorb sound waves and impact vibrations.
Mass-loaded vinyl is another effective soundproofing material. It is thin but very dense, which is perfect for sound absorption. It's also surprisingly easy to work with and can be cut to size with a craft knife.
If you're planning a full renovation of the room, including ripping up the floor, you might consider putting sound deadening floor insulation under your flooring. This dense material prevents sound waves from echoing.
Acoustic floor tiles are another option to reduce echo and reverberation. While this doesn't completely solve the issue, they do still make a big difference.
Carpet can be a good insulator and help maintain a quiet zone, especially when combined with soundproof underlay or other soundproofing techniques.
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Carpet is a more affordable option than hardwood
The cost of carpet installation is generally lower than that of hardwood due to the lower material costs and a less complex installation process. The ease of installation also results in lower labor costs for carpet when compared to hardwood, which involves securing individual pieces to the subfloor.
When it comes to maintenance, hardwood is considered easier to care for as it is less susceptible to staining and doesn't trap dust and allergens as easily as carpet. Carpet requires regular vacuuming and prompt stain removal to extend its lifespan, and professional cleaning services may also be necessary.
While hardwood may be the more expensive option upfront, its durability and minimal maintenance requirements make it a cost-effective choice over time. Hardwood floors can often last for decades, and refinishing is an option to restore their original appearance if they show signs of aging.
In summary, while carpet is the more affordable option when compared to hardwood, it's important to consider the long-term costs associated with replacement and maintenance. Homeowners should weigh their budget constraints, design preferences, and lifestyle when deciding between these two flooring options.
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Carpet is a safer option for children's rooms
Carpet in bedrooms is a topic of debate among interior designers. Some believe that it is a "dated and suburban" design choice, reminiscent of the 1970s and 1980s. Others argue that it can be luxurious and transformative when used sparingly and in modern colours and styles.
However, when it comes to children's rooms, carpet is a safer option for several reasons. Firstly, it is soft and cushions falls, providing a safer environment for children who are learning to walk and are prone to frequent tumbles. Additionally, carpet creates traction, reducing the risk of slipping and falling incidents. It is also a quiet option, absorbing sound and reducing noise levels during playtime.
Another safety advantage of carpet in children's rooms is its ability to trap allergens and pollutants. While this can be a concern for children with allergies or asthma, regular cleaning and maintenance can mitigate these issues. Vacuuming at least twice a week with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter can effectively remove dust mites, dirt, pet dander, and other allergens from carpet fibres. This is especially important for infants and young children who spend a significant amount of time on the floor playing and crawling.
When choosing carpet for a child's room, consider options with low or no VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. VOCs are gases released from various household items, including carpet, and can be harmful to children's health. Opting for eco-friendly or natural materials, such as wool, can be a safer and more environmentally friendly choice.
In summary, while carpet in bedrooms may be a matter of personal preference and style, it is a safer option for children's rooms due to its softness, traction, noise reduction, and ability to trap allergens when properly maintained.
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Carpet is harder to clean and maintain than hardwood
Secondly, carpets require more time and specialised equipment to clean properly, such as deep steam cleaning at least once a year, or more frequently if you have pets. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, can be cleaned with a simple mop or vacuum and don't require the same level of intensive cleaning as carpets.
Thirdly, certain spills and stains can permanently ruin carpets if not addressed quickly, whereas hardwood floors are more forgiving in this regard. While both types of flooring can get dirty and require regular cleaning to maintain hygiene, carpets tend to be more high-maintenance and labour-intensive to keep in good condition.
In addition to being easier to clean, hardwood floors are also considered by some to be more stylish and contemporary than carpets. Hardwood is often favoured for its durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. However, others may prefer the comfort, warmth, and soundproofing properties of carpets, especially in bedrooms. Ultimately, the choice between carpet and hardwood flooring depends on personal preferences and specific needs, such as health considerations or design aesthetics.
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Carpet is less environmentally friendly than hardwood
Additionally, carpets are often treated with toxic chemicals for moth-proofing and to repel soil and moisture, which can be harmful to both the environment and human health. These chemicals can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and release harmful substances into the air, contributing to indoor air pollution. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, do not require such treatments and are less likely to off-gas VOCs.
Furthermore, the backing of carpets can also be an environmental concern. Conventional carpet backings are often made from synthetic materials that can contain toxic chemicals and adhesives that off-gas VOCs. In contrast, hardwood floors do not require additional backing materials, further reducing their environmental impact.
Another factor to consider is the installation process. Carpets typically require chemical-based glues for installation, which can be harmful to both the environment and human health. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, can often be installed without the use of these glues, reducing the use of toxic chemicals.
Lastly, the disposal of carpets can also be more environmentally damaging than hardwood. Carpets are not easily biodegradable and can take up to 20,000 years to decompose. They also contribute to landfill waste, with 1.8 million tons of carpets being sent to landfills each year. In contrast, hardwood floors are more easily recycled and repurposed, reducing their environmental impact over their lifespan.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on who you ask. Some interior designers have called the wall-to-wall carpet in bedrooms "dated and suburban", while others believe that it is a classic that will always be in style.
Carpet is a soft and warm material that feels comfortable to walk on. It is also quieter to walk on than hard flooring and helps to mask the sound of someone walking around the room. Carpet is also a safer option for children's rooms, as it provides a softer landing than hard flooring.
Carpet is more difficult to clean than hard flooring and is more prone to staining. It can also be a trap for allergens, which makes it a difficult recommendation for people with allergies.
Hardwood flooring is a popular alternative to carpet, as it is timeless, classic, and easy to clean. Rugs are another option that can be used to add warmth and comfort to a bedroom with hardwood flooring.
To make wall-to-wall carpet in your bedroom look stylish, choose a carpet with patterns, texture, and colour.