5 things designers look at to compare carpet vs hardwood floors – they'll help you choose the right one for your room

If you’re currently renovating your home, planning on doing so, or even if your home is in need of new flooring, you will have most likely been faced with the question: what type of flooring is best?

For living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, and hallways the debate whether to choose hardwood flooring or carpets is a very real and common one. While there is no one definitive answer, as there are variables that range from budget, the look you want to achieve, practicality, and personal taste, there are definitely advantages and disadvantages to each that you should consider before making your decision.

Choosing a floor type is not a design decision that can be quickly or easily reversed or one that can simply be guided by interior trends, so I’d want to make sure I got it right. Three experts give us their take on the matter to help you make a decision you won’t regret.

1. Good looks

There is no denying that in terms of looks, wood flooring can give a very elevated feel to a home. Whether you choose to go for a darker color, a beige, or medium brown, or play with different types of patterns, there is a lot of versatility when choosing this type of flooring and it can adapt well to different styles of homes. Christoph Wellekoetter, Head of Product Management at Parador tells me ‘in 2024, parquet will be the go-to foundation in both town and country. The elegant chevron pattern adds texture and interest to an interior whilst remaining neutral.’

'While carpets have a bit of a bad rap for some, who think it’s too old-school, there aren’t many options that beat the incredibly cozy look and feel they give a space. ‘Carpet started getting a bad rap when TV reno shows began peeling back 60s shag to reveal 1940s hardwood to our collective horror,' says Bethany Adams, Principal Designer at Bethany Adams Interiors.

While carpet might not, on balance, be the preferred flooring type for many modern homeowners, there are still ways, of course, for it to look modern and stylish.

2. Resale value

There have been plenty of studies over the years that have shown that hardwood flooring has better resale value than carpet - and with interior design trends where they stand, this remains true to this day.

Ashley Macuga, Principal Designer at Collected Interiors thinks that ‘not only do hardwood floors have stronger resale value, but they also add depth, warmth, and character to a home’. Wellekoetter agrees going on to add that ‘engineered wood has a very natural, warm feel with organic swirling grain patterns and color variations that suit a vast range of interiors - from modern to traditional and rustic countryside style.’

3. Durability

In practical terms, hardwood floors are more durable than carpets. ‘They can withstand heavier traffic, resist stains, and show less signs of wear and tear over time,’ explains Ashley.

The good news is that if budget is an issue, and with choosing hardwood floors it can be, there are also more affordable options. ‘Laminate and vinyl are very versatile, achieving this look whilst being highly affordable and durable types of flooring,’ explains Parador's Christoph. ‘Hardwood floors can also be layered easily with rugs, adding texture and a sense of coziness to any space,’ Ashley adds, which makes it easy to change the look of your room simply by adding or removing a rug.

4. Coziness

'While I would never advocate installing wall-to-wall carpet over existing hardwood floors, I do take a softer stance (pun intended) on a carpet in general, in rooms such as bedrooms, offices, and family rooms,’ says Bethany Adams.

The designer thinks that for any room that needs to be quiet, cozy, or provide a soft landing for children's play, carpet is a luxurious and practical solution. ‘Just be sure you're installing 100% wool fiber for maximum stain and fire resistance,’ she adds.

5. Cleanliness

Interior designer Ashley Macuga is, however, not convinced about carpet for another reason you might not have thought of. ‘For families with allergens to dust or pet dander, carpet is the first thing we will replace in a home. The smooth surface of hardwood floors makes it easier to remove pest allergens, and allows the whole family to breathe a little easier knowing that they have prioritized their health,’ she explains.

So, what should you go for?

Like with any design decision that is not easily reversed, taking time in advance to ask yourself what you need the space to deliver for you is really key. Is it practicality you need, do you have pets or any allergies, or do you want a more timeless look? In this case, hardwood flooring might be a better option for you.

However, if you’re looking for a very cozy, hotel-like feel, and would also like a softer landing underfoot for a more quiet space, then carpets should tick the boxes. There are pros and cons to both options, and now that you know what they are, it’s all about assessing what works for you, and not being afraid to bring in your personality and personal taste in the mix too, for a decision you won’t regret.

Look after your hardwood floors or carpets with these buys

ForceField Fabric Cleaner

Price: $17.14

If you're going for carpets in your home, you'll need to be mindful of stains, as carpets are not as easy to clean as hardwood floors. Make sure you keep stain removal products at hand in case you need to do damage repair after unwanted spills.

Furniture Felt Pads

Price: $18.45 (68 pack)

Hardwood floors can get scratched, so make sure you stick felt pads on your furniture's legs, especially chairs as they can damage your floor when you pull them in and out form under your dining table.

Hardwood Scratch Concealer

Price: $28.99

If your hardwood floor has scratches on it this product is great to keep at hand as it eliminates those annoying white lines. It's easy to use to and it just dries under ambient light creating a seal that doesn't wash away.