9 Carpet Trends in 2021

Give your carpet a stylish refresh.

Light-filled bedroom with cream-colored carpet below bed with pink bedding

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Sometimes opting for flooring that is soft and inviting is the best choice for your room. Though hardwood is incredibly popular, carpeting is making a comeback, in part due to the innovative new options on the market.

Carpet is a great choice for bedrooms, dens, or basements where hardwood can feel too cold and sterile, or any room where there is a risk of water damage. Wall-to-wall carpet can provide warmth and add texture to your space.

If you're considering carpet, here are some of the trendiest ideas this year.

  • 01 of 09

    Try Natural Fiber Carpet

    Office with natural fiber carpet

    Design at Nineteen

    If you're torn between carpet and hardwood, consider a natural fiber carpet. Natural fiber carpet materials such as jute, sisal, wool, or seagrass are a great alternative to hardwood because they offer a similar organic look and feel without the price tag or maintenance that comes with hardwood.

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  • 02 of 09

    Animal Print Is In

    Animal print carpet in an office

    Haus of Harwood Hall

    If you're trying to incorporate a bit of maximalism into your home, consider a bold animal print carpet. This look isn't for the shy home decorator, but a leopard or cheetah print carpet is a great way to make a statement in any room and add a load of texture.

    If you're worried about overwhelming the space, keep the rest of the decor minimalist.

     

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  • 03 of 09

    Go Wild for Stripes

    Black and white striped carpet

    The Hologram House

    Stripes are a great way to make a small room appear longer or wider. This optical illusion draws the eye in and adds depth to any space. We love big, bold stripes, but you can also find carpet in thinner striped patterns for a more subtle, preppy look.

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  • 04 of 09

    Layer Rugs on Carpet

    Bedroom with carpet and jute rug on top

    Home With Kelsey

    Just because your home has wall-to-wall carpet doesn't mean you can't incorporate a few area rugs as well. When done correctly, layering an area rug on top of the carpet is a great way to add extra texture or update old carpet.

    Here, a lovely boho style jute area rug helps modernize the tan carpet and add a lot of personality to the space. Make sure to pick a rug that complements your carpet rather than tries to compete with it.

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  • 05 of 09

    Try a Vintage Rug

    Vintage rug on stairs

    The Lavender Ghost

    Installing carpeting on your stairs can is not only beautiful but incredibly functional as well. Carpeting can add traction to your stairs and create a soft landing in case of an accident. To modernize your stair runner, consider a vintage rug instead of a traditional carpet.

    Installing a vintage Persian or Turkish rug is a great way to add a lot of visual interest to your staircase. Though this can be DIY'd, you may want to hire a professional if your stairs are particularly old or worn.

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  • 06 of 09

    Try a Subtle Pattern

    Bedroom with subtle pattern carpet

    Courtney Chollet

    Patterned carpet is in and it's not hard to see why. An eye-catching patterned carpet not only adds a lot of texture to your space, but it can help an otherwise simple room feel elegant and finished.

    But if a bold, wild pattern such as animal print is too much for you, consider a subtler option. Here, an elegant square pattern lends a touch of interest without overtaking the room. Look for low-key patterns in neutral hues such as gray or white for a contemporary look and feel.

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  • 07 of 09

    Go for Plaid

    Attic space with plaid carpet

    Dina Holland Interiors

    Whether you're planning to mix patterns in your room or you want one statement pattern, consider a plaid carpet. Traditional yet trendy, plaid is a great way to add depth to your space, and works in nearly any room in your house.

    Bonus point: Plaid carpet acts as a great grid for laying furniture and lining up your space, too!

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  • 08 of 09

    Keep it Simple

    Room with soft beige carpet

    Studio 7 Interiors

    Sometimes the classics are just too good to fade away. If you're laying carpet in a frequently used room such as a family room or a living room, a neutral solid-colored carpet is often the best option.

    If you're worried about it feeling outdated, consider a low-pile or woven carpet instead of a high-pile. We love a soft tan or beige carpet paired with rich leather furniture and dark accents.

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  • 09 of 09

    Mix and Match Patterns

    Room with navy and white carpet

    AE Design

    If you're worried that incorporating a patterned carpet into your home limits the rest of your decor, think again. Mixing and matching patterns in your home is very on-trend and a lovely way to add a lot of personality to your space.

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