5 Myths About Carpets for the Home That Are Outdated
This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive commission for purchases made through these links. Price at time of publish date may change.
Paid partnership with The Home Depot.
When it comes to designing a room, there are a million little decisions to make. What kind of furniture do you want? How much storage do you need? And, perhaps most importantly, what type of flooring works best for you and your family? While hardwood has been a popular staple for years, there is another option making a comeback that may surprise you: carpet for the home.
Carpet might not immediately seem like the trendiest or most kid/pet-friendly choice. But there have been major improvements made to carpet technology. Brands like Lifeproof with Petproof Technology and Lifeproof have even cracked the code on how to make carpet that boasts built-in protection against stains, smells, and all those unmentionables—and it looks chic, too. Keep reading as we bust a few common myths about carpeting so you can decide if it’s right for you.
1. MYTH: Carpet is hard to clean.
If you’ve ever encountered a muddy looking carpet, it’s easy to understand why you might think this. But these days, carpet can actually be very resistant to odors and stains. All Lifeproof and Lifeproof with Petproof Technology carpets are made with permanent, built-in stain and soil protection. Plus, if you purchase your carpet with the Lifeproof carpet pad, you’ll also receive their Lifetime Wear Warranty, which offers additional protections against wear and tear.
Another thing to consider is that wood floors can be challenging, too. While beautiful, they can easily get scratched, dinged, or dulled by everyday wear-and-tear. Even if you cover large portions with area rugs, those have to be maintained, too, if you want them to last. So be upfront with yourself—because no matter your flooring, there will be some upkeep involved, and carpet can end up being less of a hassle than other options.
2. MYTH: Carpet is outdated.
Gone are the days of the grungy tan carpet you’re probably picturing in your head from that awful first apartment. There are so many more styles and colors of carpet on the market now, so you can choose one that authentically suits your design style. Maximalists, for example, might go with a bolder shade whereas traditional home enthusiasts can find their perfect neutral. You can even pick between a variety of textures to add interest and subtle pattern. With all these options available, wall-to-wall carpet becomes an aesthetic choice that can be a thoughtful aspect of your overall design. Just look at these stylish spaces as proof!
3. MYTH: Installing carpet is inconvenient.
Like any flooring, it takes a few steps to install carpet. For example, you’ll want to order a few samples and review them in your own home. Just like paint and other fabric swatches, factors like natural light or your other decor affect how the carpet will look in your own environment. As far as the actual install, Home Depot offers local licensed professionals that will handle the heavy lifting for you. There are 3 easy steps to get going: First, choose your carpet and carpet pad. Then, schedule your measure appointment—at this stage, Home Depot will send a technician to take all the measurements you need. Within the next 24-hours, they’ll send you a personalized quote so you can make your purchase and start your transformation. It’s as simple as that!
4. MYTH: Carpet isn’t particularly eco-friendly.
If you haven’t heard of it, The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) is an organization that rigorously tests carpets and rugs to ensure they’re as healthy and “green friendly” as possible. In fact, a CRI Green Label Plus approval means the product meets their criteria for low chemical emissions and is also recognized by the US Green Building Council’s LEED version 4 standard as a Low-Emitting Materials Third Party Certification, and can contribute one point to a building’s LEED score. If that’s a concern, look for brands like Lifeproof and Lifeproof with Petproof Technology that are CRI Green Label Plus certified.
5. MYTH: Carpet should only be in the basement.
Or in rooms you don’t usually show off to guests or visitors. But carpet is actually a smart choice for those high-traffic spots, too, like living rooms, playrooms, or primary suites. One reason to consider is that carpet is a great acoustic barrier, which is ideal for families in multi-story homes. It’s also a soft surface for when you’re playing with kids or pets, offering way more comfort than the standard hardwood floors.
Not to mention, those areas are likely the spaces you’re spending the most time in with your family, friends, and pets—meaning they’re also the most likely to get covered with coffee spills, food, and who knows what else. When you have a stain-resistant carpet like Lifeproof or Lifeproof with Petproof Technology, it’ll be even easier to clean up after common accidents, which will save you time and stress. That way, you can get back to your party (or dinner, movie night, and general day-to-day life) faster!
Megan Stein
Megan is the Senior Director of Editorial and Content Marketing for DrewandJonathan.com. She has over a decade of experience in the home and lifestyle industry, with previous roles at The Pioneer Woman, Country Living, and People magazine. She loves to inspire readers with beautiful, approachable design ideas, as well tips on how to bring their visions to life. She’s also shopping obsessed, and is dedicated to discovering the best products to make life easier, whether it’s testing a top-rated vacuum or the finding the perfect rug to complete your room.
⚖️ How We Choose What to Recommend
