Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Livingetc
Livingetc
Roddy Clarke

Carpet Trends — 13 Styles, Colors, and Materials Designers Are Choosing for 2025

Green bedroom with black and white checkerboard carpet.

If you're looking for carpet trends for 2025, we're here to tell you this flooring option still has a rightful place in our homes. The right design will showcase the potential of this flooring to make a big design statement, whether you prefer a more neutral option to ground your flooring, or you want to embrace bold colors and patterns so they become the focal point of the room.

We mention all this because carpeting hasn't been the most popular flooring option in recent years. For the latter half of the 20th century, carpet dominated homes. As a result, it has fallen out of favor in the last few decades, often viewed as dated, with many people choosing hardwood flooring or rugs instead. But carpet has plenty to offer that these options can't. It can have a much cozier feel and help to add warmth to a room, as well as typically being a cheaper choice, too.

"The carpet is the base for your space; it’s the glue that brings it all together," says interior designer Nadia Watts, founder of Nadia Watts Interior Design. "Your carpet will ground your room and bring cohesion to the other elements in the space. It’s also a huge style statement, as the design of your carpet will dictate the entire space. I like to start with the carpet and build my design from there, using colors and textures that are pulled from or compliment the rug choice."

From color and pattern to material and weave, there's so much to consider when it comes to choosing the best carpet. If you want to stay ahead of all the latest interior design trends, we asked some experienced designers what type of carpets they're using in their projects this year, and these are the 13 options they recommend.

1. Dark Carpets

(Image credit: GRT Architects)

It seems the whole interior design world has gone dark and moody lately, and the same applies to wall-to-wall carpet ideas, too. In recent decades, carpets have tended to be lighter in tone (a decision that does work in your favor in smaller spaces that you want to brighten). However, there's something about a deep navy or brown rug that can create a seriously sumptuous feel, especially when paired with soft underlay and a high pile.

"Dark rugs are super grounding and a great foundation for a strong and playful design with the furniture or something brighter and lighter," says Shanan Campanaro, founder and creative director of furniture brand, Eskayel. "I think everyone is finally getting sick of just a light-colored neutral." To really play into a moody style, pair a dark carpet with color-drenched walls of the same shade, as pictured above, for a truly transportive, enveloping effect.

2. Art-inspired patterns

(Image credit: Tihany Design)

There's something really transportive about an abstract living room carpet idea. The design pictured above feels as though you're walking across a work of art and becomes the main focus of the space, instantly drawing the eye.

The design is by Alessia Genova, principal at Tihany Design, who is leaning into using powerful colors and patterns again this year with artistic shapes. The carpet was influenced by Henri Matisse and the movement of Fauvism, bring dynamic movement to the flooring of this hotel.

"After a period of very monochromatic palettes, people want to see colors, and they find strong patterns a way to create identity in a space," Alessia says. "Carpet can be a big surface to do so in an impactful way. This one is an artistic expression which takes inspiration from the revolutionary spirit of Fauvism and the pioneering vision of Henri Matisse.”

If you want a more literal artistic look, you could choose art and craft-inspired looks like William Morris patterns, or a printed replica of famous oil paintings (Van Gogh's cherry blossom, for example).

3. Wool Carpets

(Image credit: Nicole Franzen. Design: Thomas O'Brien)

Besides the aesthetic benefits of carpets, they practically provide a lot of warmth. No textile does that better than wool, a carpet material that's so on trend right now.

"Wool remains popular and continues to grow as a result of more positive awareness of its advantages," says Joanna Ramsden, creative director of Brockway Carpets. "Wool is a natural option and has been proven to be the best floor insulator. Safety is also key - Absorbing VOCs, flame resistance, and being anti-slip are all naturally inherent to wool."

If that wasn't enough to convince you to invest in a wool carpet, this material is also one of the most sustainable carpet types out there. "Additionally, wool carpet can massively benefit the air quality in your home as its fibers trap airborne pollen and dust particulates, helping to prevent these from circulating in the air," says Jodie Hatton, Design Manager at carpet brand, Brintons. Is there anything this wonder textile can't do?

4. Bold colors

(Image credit: Greg Natale Design)

According to many designers, carpet is the new paint and by opting for bright and vivacious hues it adds a wow factor to the home — a key focus of current color trends.

For those who might be wary of adding in such a statement, choose a tone that complements the wall colors to ensure the look remains cohesive. For maximalists, opt for a contrasting color to ensure it remains a feast for the eyes.

"There is a 70s revival happening and I am here for it," says Nadia Watts. "Warm colors like blush pink, mustard yellow, red, and avocado green are everywhere, and the vibe extends to sleek patterns and maximalist color palettes, too. We're seeing the trend of minimalism and monochromatic changing to 'more is more'. That means more color, more pattern, bigger bolder designs, and lots of texture."

5. Recycled Materials

(Image credit: Joshua McHugh. Studio credit McKay)

In an urgent bid to change industry habits, designers are turning to waste to contribute to a circular economy and shift perceptions on materials. Taking a circular approach to carpets is key to taking accountability, especially since this flooring option commonly ends up in landfills.

"Carpets made from plastic fibers such as nylon, polypropylene, or polyester can easily be made from recycled plastic such as water bottles," says Nadia. 'These materials are durable and earth-friendly, and can be cut to make them feel soft like wool but at a fraction of the price."

According to Nadia, another great sustainable option is recycled yarn. "Used carpeting, discarded fishing nets, and textile waste from clothing manufacturing are all examples of repurposed materials used to create carpets," she says. We love this beautiful cross-hatched rug from Target which weaves in recycled denim for a splash of color and a multi-textural look.

6. Decorative Borders

(Image credit: Jennifer Manners)

Creating bespoke carpets is a way designers are adding a unique touch to spaces. When laying a carpet on top of a wooden or tiled floor (a common approach when it comes to flooring trends), leaving a small gap around the edge allows it to stand out and gives space for a decorative border to be added.

"Fringe is a decorative trim that is usually on the shorter end of the rugs, to work well on traditional or contemporary flat woven rugs," says Kashi Shikunova, director of Yam Studios. "That aside, hand serving is a tight, continuous thread along the edges made by hand often in matching yarn to the rug. It's often invisible and looks very sleek."

Right now, rounded edges - and scalloped borders in particular - are all the rage. The look so decorative, and they add a whimsical touch to your carpet. "Vintage-inspired borders such as fringe and herringbone are also in, or step it up a notch with leather or suede borders," says Nadia.

7. Stripes

(Image credit: Crucial Trading)

The timeless appeal of striped patterned carpets is still a firm favorite for many designers today. Giving structure to a space, stripes help to bring a variety of tones and shades into a scheme. They work particularly well as a bedroom carpet idea, being impactful enough to feel a little interesting but able to be subtle enough that they still create a restful space.

Stripes are also a great way to a dynamic element to a design. "Using contrasting colors or tones, they can create a striking visual impact that immediately catches the eye," says Anushka Ahuja, co-founder of Studio By Agni. "The stripes can also be utilized to manipulate the perception of space; horizontal stripes can make a room appear more expansive, while vertical stripes can make it feel taller."

That said, Joanna notes that stripe trends have shifted in recent years. "Soft tonal stripes are very popular in plain yarns and natural yarns while colored stripes are more likely to made in two or three bold colors in broader designs," she says. "The muti-colored 'barcode' is being replaced by a more elegant configuration, too."

8. Staircase Carpets

(Image credit: Kelly Wearstler)

If you're wary of going bold with your carpet choices, start by experimenting with smaller areas, like staircase carpets, which are relatively low commitment as they are simple to install and switch up.

"There's a growing trend to put color and pattern on stairs and landings, especially as edged runners," explains Joanna. "By definition, staircases lend themselves color and design and there are many exciting collections in the market. They're areas that lead people around the home and are directional. They need to be seen and provide the perfect canvas for 'carpet art'."

9. Color block

(Image credit: Frenchie Cristogatin)

Color blocking has taken many different forms over the last few years, but it comes up season after season in interior trends. Going bold on the walls isn't for everyone, and it's certainly not for every space, but the best carpet colors in clashing hues can be a more subtle and exciting way to embrace this ever-popular trend.

"Typically, opposites work as pairings, something light against something dark, something bright against something desaturated," says Barbara Reyes, director of design at Frederick Tang. You can complete this look with a literal color-blocked carpet, or you could layer colorful rugs over a bright carpet. Your decision will really depend if you're looking to replace your flooring option or just build upon an existing one.

10. Textural carpets

(Image credit: Kim Sargent. Design: Amy Lau Design )

Taking inspiration from architectural and structural configurations, many carpet and rug designers are incorporating curves and rounded silhouettes in carpets to add a textural effect.

"Textured rugs add depth and dimension to a space, creating visual interest and tactile appeal," says Anushka. "They bring a sense of warmth, coziness, and comfort to a room, making it feel inviting and cozy. The rug's textures can also help soften the overall look of a space, balancing out smooth surfaces and adding a touch of character."

You might choose intricate patterns, layering rugs, or various materials like shaggy, braided, or woven textures to bring depth and dimension to your room through texture. The choice is entirely yours, but Joanna recommends patterned loops, especially in undyed and natural wool, or tonal and stipple yarn for something different. "These are designed to coordinate more effectively with other materials – carpets, paints, furnishings - and are very sympathetic to current living needs, from practicality to sophistication and elegance," she says.

11. Mixed finishes 

(Image credit: James Merrell)

Lately, there's a real trend toward carpets that incorporate more subtle designs that stick to a simple color palette but add interest with a mix of finishes. In the bedroom carpet idea pictured above, the base material is a simple flat woven design with a lovely natural texture. Then, to give a touch of something more luxurious, a delicate abstract print in a softer, deeper pile creates a beautiful subtle print.

"While leaning towards the pricier side, I love rugs that combine wool and silk," says Kashi. "The combination of these materials crafts a luxurious matt finish with a delightful thickness, and the incorporation of silk adds a touch of opulence. Moreover, the plushness of the rug underfoot is truly remarkable, creating an exceptionally soft sensation with every step." This timeless floor material (or should we say "materials") feels so luxe and is well-suited to a sophisticated space.

12. Earthy hues

(Image credit: Image credit: John Daniel Powers. Project: Jett Projects)

While carpet trends are showing that we can go bolder with our colors and prints, there's also a strong trend for using carpets known for their most renowned quality — adding warm, cocooning, comforting vibes to a room. And this coziness is only enhanced with toasty, earthy tones. Rich terracotta and ochre shades, for example, are ideal for bringing in deeper hues to a neutral space without overwhelming those softer, paler shades.

"The ever-popular and easy-to-live-with greige, beige, and natural earthy tones, which have been so popular for rugs and carpets this year, can be paired with warm, deep hues to add richness of tone while maintaining the calm spaces we still crave," explains Lynn Llewellyn-Jones, color consultant for fibre. "These colors make us feel grounded and secure, optimistic and energetic."

Preventing a neutral scheme from looking dull all falls down to the texture, says Jodie. "An alternative flooring like wood or tiles can make a room feel stark and bare, whereas a soft woven wool carpet, layered with accessories in cashmere, mohair and linen will all work to soften a look and create an inviting scheme," she says. Neutral carpets, then, have the seal of approval.

13. Checkerboard Patterns

(Image credit: Owen Gale)

Sure, a checkerboard pattern can seem a bit overwhelming if used on a large surface like a carpet, but experts suggest this pattern can still be part of modern interiors in the form of shorter carpets. These pieces can contribute to bedroom, passageway, and living room color ideas to make a bold statement.

"Checkerboard patterns always stay in style because they possess a timeless appeal that transcends trends," says Anushka. "The symmetry and balance of alternating colors create a visually pleasing and harmonious design, offering a sense of order and sophistication."

While it might feel like an overwhelmingly contemporary pattern, checkerboard has been used in various design styles across different eras, from traditional to modern, proving its enduring popularity. "It's a versatile choice tailored to suit other color schemes and materials, making it a timeless and evergreen design element in interiors," adds Anushka.

So are carpets back in style?

A look at the most popular flooring options of recent years might convince you that carpets are an outdated flooring option never to return, but that couldn't be further from the truth.

Joanna admits that with people spending more time inside their homes and high-traffic areas needing more durable options than carpet, it might not be the cream of the crop in every scenario. "However the carpet that's most on-trend is going on staircases, landings, bedrooms, and smaller living areas," she says. "Rugs and runners are hugely popular, too, helping to bridge the gap."

We can safely say that after speaking with designers and trendspotters, carpets deserve a place in our homes if done right. So if you're considering giving up on those bare floorboards, take the leap and use these carpet trends as inspiration.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.