Interior design trends come and go almost as quickly as fashion trends, and flooring options are not immune from this back and forth. If you are tackling a home renovation but unsure about whether to install carpet or hardwood, the design experts at Preferred Flooring are here to help you decide!
The Rise and Fall of Carpeting
The hardwood vs. carpet debate is nothing new. The carpet was a luxury reserved for the incredibly wealthy in the 18th and 19th centuries. Until 1950, the carpet was made from wool, which is still a high-end material.
Upon the invention of bulk continuous filament nylon in 1950, manufacturers finally had a way to mass-produce the warm flooring choice. Homeowners across the nation quickly jumped on the newest design trend: wall-to-wall carpet for the entire house!
Carpeting remained the preferred flooring choice for 30 years. But once vinyl and laminate flooring came on the market, they overtook carpet to become the new flooring monopolies. Homeowners found these new hard-surface options easier to clean and maintain than their beloved shag.
A Comeback Story
But now, four decades after the fall of the once-impenetrable carpet industry, the soft home accessory is coming back. It was an unimaginable catalyst that spurred this reinvigoration: the pandemic.
Over two years have passed since the initial outbreak of COVID-19, yet markets across all industries still feel the good and bad effects. Fashion and interior design trends drastically shifted toward prioritizing comfort over style, seeing the rise of athleisure and home offices.
The ultimate comfortable flooring option only made sense for carpet to make a comeback. Homeowners looking to refresh their space during lockdown turned to carpet rather than hardwood or laminate floors to make their home a cozy oasis.
Is Carpet Right for You?
Given its sudden rise in popularity, you may wonder if installing carpets should be your next home renovation project. This plush flooring offers several benefits, such as:
- Comfort: Likely the main reason homeowners install carpet. It simply feels better under our feet than cold hardwood. Who wants to walk on a hard floor in the middle of the night?
- Noise reduction: Because carpet is installed on top of several layers of padding, it is an excellent insulator. Consider choosing carpeting in rooms that may be noisier than others, such as a playroom or instrument space.
- Kid-safe: Carpeting is the preferred choice for many parents. The soft padding helps mitigate all of the bumps and falls that young children know all too well.
- Cost: New carpet is considerably cheaper than other flooring options but effectively refreshes a room. If you want to make a significant change but don’t have the budget for the new hardwood, consider installing carpet!
Preferred Flooring Prefers Carpet
Preferred Flooring is your local full-service flooring company in Breese, IL. We are happy to help you upgrade your home by adding brand new plush carpeting! We are dedicated to your satisfaction, so please do not hesitate to contact us today and start your next home project!