Do tiles belong in the bathroom and carpets in the bedroom? Not necessarily. If you want a tiled bedroom or a carpeted bathroom, there’s nothing stopping you. The key is choosing materials that meet your personal needs and preferences.
That said, most people prefer carpeted bedrooms and tiled bathrooms. If you’re considering a bathroom carpet, weigh the pros and cons, explore your options, and choose what’s best for your home.
Pros and Cons of Bathroom Carpets
Warmth: A bathroom carpet offers warmth, a major advantage. Stepping out of a hot, steamy bath onto a cold floor is unpleasant, but a shaggy or thick-pile carpet provides comfort. Slippers can help, but a carpet feels cozier.
Safety: A carpet designed for bathrooms often has a non-slip backing, reducing the risk of slipping on a wet floor.
Odor and Bacteria Resistance: Bathroom-specific carpets are designed to stay odor-free even when wet and resist bacteria, which thrives in damp, warm environments. This helps maintain a healthy bathroom.
Maintenance: Without a carpet, cleaning tiled floors is straightforward—just mop regularly. With carpets, you must maintain dryness to prevent mold, bacteria, and odors, which can also form in tile crevices if not cleaned properly.
Aesthetics: A soft, fluffy carpet can enhance a bathroom’s style, especially in larger spaces. In smaller bathrooms, bath mats designed for the purpose are more practical, though less stylish.
Cons of Bathroom Carpets
Moisture Issues: Dampness is the biggest drawback, as it promotes mold and accelerates the deterioration of soft furnishings. Regular wall-to-wall carpets in bathrooms can become wet and rot within weeks or months due to humidity and steam.
Exploring Bathroom Carpet Options
Types of Bathroom Carpets
Modern bathroom carpets go beyond small mats sold in sets with toilet-seat covers. They differ significantly from the tacky 1970s-style bathroom carpets. Today’s options are often washable, water-resistant, or even waterproof (typically with a waterproof backing, like latex). Types include:
- Waterproof waffle-backed carpets
- Twist pile carpets on a roll, cut to fit any bathroom size
- Easy-to-wash nylon or plush-pile carpets, cut to size for a wall-to-wall look
- Cotton candlewick rugs
- Exotic Indian rugs made from cotton, silk, or other yarns, some reversible, designed specifically for bathrooms
What to Look for in a Bathroom Carpet
Coverage: Decide how much carpet you want. A rug over tiles might suffice without becoming damp or smelly. Alternatively, consider a loose, wall-to-wall bathroom carpet.
Safety: Ensure the carpet has a non-slip backing. Bathrooms are inherently damp, and wet surfaces are slippery and potentially dangerous.
Cleanliness: Choose a carpet that’s easy to clean, ideally machine-washable. Without proper maintenance, carpets can quickly develop moldy odors.
Material: Natural materials like cotton or wool are ideal, though some synthetics, like nylon, dry faster and are also suitable.
Specific Bathroom Carpet Options
Flor offers eight types of rugs and runners suitable for bathrooms. These can be lifted for airing out when damp, preventing moisture buildup.
The Home Decorators Collection provides plain and patterned bathroom rugs, including those with Oriental, contemporary, or abstract designs in vibrant colors. Materials range from natural jute to wool.
While the selection of bathroom carpets isn’t as extensive as for other rooms, you’re likely to find a suitable option that balances style, practicality, and durability for your bathroom.
