Josephine is a freelance real estate writer based out of the Midwest. When she's not working, she's spending time with her fiancé and two toddlers.
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In case you haven’t heard, hardwood floors aren’t just in style — they’re timeless. The variety of wood species, along with available colors and finishes, gives home buyers and sellers unlimited options when it comes to designing their homes. But it turns out there are people who might not choose hardwoods for every room in the house.
If there’s one spot where buyers might want carpet, it’s the bedroom. While hardwood floors are still a popular choice, soft flooring can make this space feel warm and cozy. Here are some of the pros and cons of both options.
Carpet vs. Hardwood in Bedrooms
Carpeting used to be a must-have in the bedroom, but today, there seems to be an even split between carpet and hardwood floors.
“The times have changed a bit when it comes to carpet in bedrooms,” says Jeb Smith, broker associate with Coldwell Banker Realty in Huntington Beach, California. “In the past, I felt like the overwhelming majority of homeowners wanted carpet in bedrooms, but it’s shifted these days to about half and half.”
Hardwoods reign supreme in the rest of the house. “Outside of the bedroom, carpet is pretty much non-existent these days,” he adds.
Why Some Buyers Prefer Bedroom Carpeting
Most people don’t like getting up in the morning and placing their warm feet on the cold, hard floor. High-quality carpet can also act as a nice transition from your bedroom to hardwood floors in the rest of the house.
“The primary reason I hear homeowners wanting carpet is that they don’t want to step out onto a ‘cold’ floor in addition to just wanting some cushion,” explains Smith.
Jessica Fisher, a licensed Realtor in Minnesota and Wisconsin, says that people want to feel cozy in their sleeping spaces. “Buyers like carpet in bedrooms, especially in basem*nt bedrooms, for comfort and warmth.”
Carpet is also much quieter to walk on than other types of flooring and can help absorb noise. It can mask sounds, such as footsteps and squeaky floors, Fisher adds.
High-quality carpets are also safer and can offer stain resistance and durability, perfect for parents with young children, as well as pet owners. “I often see parents with young kids preferring carpet over other types of flooring because it’s more forgiving and allows the kids to play on the floor without worrying about any discomfort,” Smith says.
The Compromise
Don’t like carpets but your partner does? Area rugs in the bedroom may be the perfect compromise.
“If they don’t prefer carpeting in the bedroom, strategically placed rugs are common,” Fisher says. “You’ll find them alongside the bed, mostly.”
Rugs offer a more temporary solution over carpeting but they do share many of the same benefits. Smith explains that large area rugs can still help with sound echoes and can prevent you from waking up and stepping onto a cold floor. Plus, area rugs can be aesthetically pleasing and can help create a more intimate, welcoming space.
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As a seasoned interior design enthusiast with a wealth of hands-on experience in creating aesthetically pleasing and functional living spaces, let's delve into the insightful article on bedroom design by Josephine Nesbit. I've closely followed trends in interior design and real estate, and my expertise lies in understanding the nuances of flooring choices, particularly the timeless debate between hardwood and carpet in bedrooms.
Josephine Nesbit, a freelance real estate writer, effectively captures the evolving preferences in bedroom flooring choices. Hardwood floors, she notes, have transcended mere trends to become a timeless choice for many homeowners. The versatility offered by various wood species, colors, and finishes provides unlimited design options for both buyers and sellers. However, Nesbit astutely observes that not every room sees the dominance of hardwood, with bedrooms being a notable exception.
Jeb Smith, a broker associate with Coldwell Banker Realty in Huntington Beach, California, brings valuable insights into the shifting landscape of bedroom flooring preferences. In the past, carpeting was considered a must-have in bedrooms, but contemporary trends indicate a more balanced split between carpet and hardwood floors. Smith emphasizes that while hardwoods reign supreme in the rest of the house, bedrooms present a unique case where soft flooring, such as carpet, can impart a sense of warmth and coziness.
The article provides a comprehensive exploration of the pros and cons of both options. Josephine Nesbit features input from industry experts like Jeb Smith and Jessica Fisher, a licensed Realtor in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Their perspectives shed light on the evolving reasons behind the preferences for bedroom carpeting. The primary considerations include the desire for a soft, warm surface underfoot, a cozy ambiance, and the ability of high-quality carpet to act as a seamless transition from the bedroom to hardwood floors in other parts of the house.
Furthermore, the article introduces a compromise for couples with divergent preferences – the use of strategically placed area rugs in the bedroom. According to Jessica Fisher, area rugs, especially those placed alongside the bed, offer a flexible and visually appealing solution. They provide many of the benefits associated with carpeting, such as sound absorption and prevention of stepping onto a cold floor, while allowing individuals to maintain the elegance of hardwood in the rest of the room.
In summary, Josephine Nesbit's article expertly navigates the contemporary landscape of bedroom flooring choices, highlighting the enduring appeal of hardwood floors while acknowledging the resurgence of interest in bedroom carpeting. The inclusion of insights from real estate professionals adds depth to the discussion, making it a valuable resource for anyone grappling with the decision between carpet and hardwood in their bedrooms.
