Neutral carpet color
How to Choose Your Carpet Color
By
Cheryl Simmons
Cheryl Simmons
Cheryl Simmons is a flooring expert who grew up in the flooring industry, working in her family's retail store since her youth. She has written nearly 100 articles for The Spruce, mainly covering everything having to do with carpeting from colors and filaments to runners to area rugs.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 05/31/22
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
Carpeting can be one of the most difficult components of decorating because there are so many decisions to make: the style of carpet, fiber type, pattern, quality, and finally, color.
Color is often the hardest decision for customers. It can be tough to visualize the color in a large space, judging from a tiny swatch. A color change can have a dramatic effect, and sometimes even though a change is desired, it can be a bit scary.
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to deciding on a color of the carpet, then read on for some tips and suggestions to help you out.
Watch Now: 6 Tips for Choosing the Right Carpet Color
What Color to Choose First?
Which part of their room’s decor should you select first, when you are starting from scratch? For the main living spaces in the home, such as the family room, choose the sofa color first. The reason is that the selection of fabric colors is often more limited to sofas than with carpet or paint. Many sofa styles are offered in a choice of only four or five (or fewer) colors unless the sofa is being custom made. Therefore, if not chosen first, it can be difficult to find a sofa in the style you like, that matches the carpet you have already chosen.
Once the sofa is selected, then choose the carpet, and finally the paint. Again, this is because the paint has a virtually unlimited color selection. Start with the element that is most restricted in choice, and save the component with the biggest selection for last.
Use the same logic in other rooms, such as bedrooms. In this case, options for bedding are pretty vast, so choose the carpet color first. Since bedding is a smaller investment and relatively easy to change, you may want to select the paint color before choosing the bed covering.
Neutral Colors for Carpet
There is a reason why neutral colors are the biggest sellers in carpeting. Carpet has a big impact in a room, and bright colors in a large expanse can be overpowering. Also, replacing the carpet is expensive. Unless you have the resources (and patience) to replace your carpet every few years as trends change, you are best to keep the color on the floor neutral. Use the brighter or bolder colors in other, less expensive elements of the room: paint on the walls (much easier and less costly to change than the carpeting), cushions on the sofa, bedding, and smaller accent pieces such as lamps and framed art.
Current trends favor neutrals in earthy hues, including warm grays and the ever-popular beige.
Neutrals don’t have to be boring. To make sure your carpet still has personality despite the neutral color, opt for texture in the carpet. Friezes or cut and loop styles provide depth and character to your carpet while keeping it subtle enough to avoid turning it into the focal point of the room.
Berber Flecks
Another great way to incorporate personality into your carpet is to choose a flecked color instead of a solid color. Technically speaking, these flecks of color in a carpet are known as Berber, even though most people use the term Berber to refer to a looped style of carpet. Typically, carpets with Berber flecks are found in neutral colors with darker neutrals used for the flecks.
In addition to being visually appealing, Berber flecks are quite practical, as they can help to hide any bits of dirt or lint that may be found on your carpet in between vacuumings. You may want to consider a flecked color if you dread the thought of seeing anything out of place on your carpet.
Lifestyle Matters and Carpet Color
Your lifestyle and the way how the carpeted room will be used are huge considerations in carpet color. A busy household with kids, pets and working parents doesn't usually lend itself well to white carpets, which can show soiling more easily than other colors.
Keep in mind that very light and very dark colors show far more undesirable debris than mid-tones. While a dark color may be great at hiding stains, it will show lint and dust more than other colors. A carpet that is neither too light nor too dark will be the best color for masking these issues.
Choose Your Carpet Color Wisely
The carpet color can alter the entire feel of a room, so be sure to select your color carefully and wisely. Think about how trends may change over the years, and be sure that the color you love today will still appeal to you down the road.
Once you’ve narrowed down the color choice, it’s time to start looking at samples.
The 10 Best Places to Buy Carpet in 2022
The 13 Best Carpet Colors for the Home
Choosing the Right Timeless Hue
1/14
Nothing dates décor quite as noticeably as passé carpet colors. A faddish shade whose appeal has faded can make the whole vibe of a room obsolete. The designers’ trick to preventing a home from feeling like a time machine is to stick with classic neutrals while staying on trend in subtle ways, via interesting fibers and textures. To help you select the ideal carpet color for every room in your house, we’ve gone to the experts and curated the 13 best shades for this year—and years to come.
istockphoto.com
1. Sway by Shaw
2/14
A mix of beige, brown, and gray fibers, Sway’s blend of warm and cooler neutrals will coordinate beautifully with almost any wall, trim, or furniture color, says Katy Chmela, trend analyst for Empire Today. As part of Shaw’s In the Know Collection, Sway benefits from the R2X® Stain and Soil Resistance System, which prevents discoloration and repels accidents.
empiretoday.com
2. Moon Dust by Mohawk
3/14
Step into 2020’s trend toward cooler neutrals with the pleasing pale blue-gray of Moon Dust. For heavily trafficked areas, a carpet with a subtle pattern will wear well over the years—and Mohawks’ Tailor Made collection features a linear, monochrome design that’s sophisticated yet simple enough to stand the test of time.
empiretoday.com
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3. Sonora by Empire Today
4/14
Want to carpet your home stylishly and boost your eco-cred in the process? Choose the classic chic of Sonora, a heather gray that’s part of Empire Today’s Incomparable HOME Fresh™ collection, the world’s first and only 100 percent hypoallergenic carpet. Not only is this easy-to-clean carpet ideal for allergy or asthma sufferers, but it’s also made of 90 percent recycled materials—and is 100 percent recyclable should you ever tire of the timeless hue.
empiretoday.com
4.
Match Play by Shaw 5/14
Gray is gaining on brown and beige as the neutral of choice—and Match Play by Shaw is a warm dove gray created to complement wooden furnishings and contemporary fabrics and designs. With its uniform texture, this 100 percent polyester plush carpet will keep its tight weave year after year, reducing pilling and shedding, and resisting stains and dirt.
empiretoday.com
5. Astonish by Engineered Floors
6/14
It’s the tiny light gray stipples that distinguish Astonish from your standard gray plush carpeting. The restrained pattern won’t clash with other colors and textures, and the luxurious feel invites you in, making Astonish ideal for living rooms. Plus, the polyester weave resists stains and pet accidents, and stands up to heavy foot traffic.
empiretoday.com
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6. Livos (Macadamia) by Sisal Carpet
7/14
The plant fiber sisal has long been a popular carpet material thanks to its durable texture and hypoallergenic properties, with Livos being among the most elegant sisal weaves.
Though available in 17 earth tones from black to alabaster, the Livos’ hue of the moment is Macadamia, a blend of nutty tans and light grays that’s great for both warm and cool palettes.
sisalcarpet.com
8. Prague (Taupe) by Couristan
8/14
Subtly striking grays and blues are woven into the minimalist pattern of Prague by Couristan. While it comes in a range of blends from navy to cloud, we’ve chosen Taupe for its versatility and dirt-defying properties. Note the slight sheen that adds oomph without overkill.
couristan.com
10. Antelope by Karastan
9/14
Some animal prints are in one year and out the other—not so with Taupe Antelope! Unlike many bold patterns, this delicately dappled brown has a gentle, savannah-inspired flair that’s bound to last. Plus, the carpet is woven with proprietary Kashmere nylon threads for a super-soft finish as durable as the design.
karastan.com
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7.
Vanilla Bean by Unique 10/14
When it comes to beauty and durability, you can’t beat a classic Berber carpet, which features fiber loops rather than cut pile. Made of 100 percent sheep’s wool, this eco-friendly Berber comes in a range of neutrals including Vanilla Bean, a warm ivory that won’t look bleached out in light-filled rooms.
greenbuildingsupply.com
9. Nouveau by Mohawk
11/14
Nouveau nuances basic beige with a slight blush of lilac for a sure-to-please shade that adds a soothing vibe to any room. Paired with Mohawks’ SmartCushion pads to improve insulation and durability, it’s as wonderful to walk on as it is to admire. Another plus: It’s part of Mohawk’s Air.O line, which has the distinction of being the industry’s first 100 percent recycled carpeting.
mohawkflooring.com
11. Shipyard by PetProof
12/14
Homeowners redoing their floors today are selecting more tonal and multi-colored options for freedom they provide future design choices, says The Home Depot's flooring merchant Matt Bare.
With Shipyard Textured Tonal from PetProof's Playful Moments II collection, for example, the neutral elephant gray features olive undertones and real depth in the crevices. Plus, its unique stain resistance will protect the carpeting from discoloration due to dirt or accidents.
homedepot.com
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12. Rain Drop by LifeProof
13/14
A soft repeating pattern can be the source of a secondary color that ties the room together and elevates the sophistication of the neutral. Rain Drop in LifeProof's Kensington carpeting uses the running ogee pattern to introduce a brushed nickel to the otherwise pearly textile. This flooring also benefits from the R2X Stain and Soil Resistance System, so you can worry less about a light carpet color underfoot.
homedepot.com
13. Abbey by Home Decorators Collection
14/14
Abbey's marbling of pebble, oat, and cream shades makes this Soft Breath II Texture Carpet from the Home Decorators Collection an ideal choice for spaces that abut wood and stone finishes alike.
The Home Decorators Collection boasts PureColor, so these floors stay clean—and, consequently, more vibrant—for longer.
homedepot.com
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5 mistakes when choosing a carpet for the interior - read the Blog on kover.ru
We offer you a short video that will help you make a choice on our website or in the store..
how to choose the right one? We have collected 5 basic tips that will help you avoid mistakes and find a carpet that will "fit" into the interior flawlessly.
1.
Choose a larger size
If the choice is between a small or a large carpet, choose a large one. It will make the room visually more spacious. A small carpet, on the contrary, will visually reduce the space, and the room may seem cramped.
How do you know if the carpet size is right?
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The entire furniture group fits on it at least partially. For example, a sofa and armchairs can stand on the carpet completely or only with their front legs.
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The carpet in the living room is 30-40 cm smaller than the perimeter of the room on each side.
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In the bedroom, the carpet extends beyond the bed by at least 70 cm - then, when you get up in the morning, you will feel soft, warm pile under your feet, and not a cold floor.
Without a doubt, living room and dining room especially need a large carpet. Just imagine how great it will be to gather family or friends in the evening, sit on a fluffy shaggy and play board games or watch a movie.
And there's room for everyone! In addition, a large carpet perfectly will bring furniture into an ensemble and give a sense of harmony and general mood.
2. Use ornament
Don't be afraid to experiment with carpet ornament.
It's like a seasoning that will give your "dish" - your interior - all facets of taste. Of course, a solid color or neutral carpet is “safe” as it won’t draw as much attention. But with the ornament you get a lively, inviting space that will reflect your personality .
Don't know which ornament to choose? Are you sure that it is difficult to combine them in the interior?
Here's a little cheat sheet on which patterns suit different styles:
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Floral - classic, neoclassic, provence, country, shabby chic, eclectic. A small floral pattern will create a feeling of richness and luxury. Large - freshness and spaciousness.
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Damascus - classic, neoclassic, baroque, empire, boho, eclectic.
This pattern creates an atmosphere of sophistication, even pomp. When there is a lot of it, it can look "stuffy", but if you use a little damask pattern, it will give your home extraordinary elegance. -
Geometric - art deco, classic, loft, Scandinavian style, minimalism, Bauhaus, ethnic, fusion. There are a lot of geometric patterns. Large ones make the atmosphere in the room free, the look “rests” on them. Small ones bring strong dynamics and focus attention.
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Tropical - eclectic, boho, ethnic. Such an ornament brings an exotic note and gives the interior an energetic flavor.
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Natural - Scandinavian style, neoclassical, Mediterranean, art deco, eclectic. Imitation of textures of sand, stone, marble, natural landscapes will make the room fresh, fill it with naturalness and peace.
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Abstract - minimalism, Scandinavian style, neoclassical, eclectic, Bauhaus.
An abstract ornament can also be very different, but invariably brings a feeling of freedom, lightness and inspiration.
And here are 4 easy rules on how to combine patterns in the interior:
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A bright pattern is best placed on a neutral background. For example, a patterned rug will look good on a plain floor.
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Let one pattern dominate and the others complement. The dominant ornament is usually the largest and most noticeable, while the rest are more neutral and smaller.
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All patterns need at least one common color. Then they will harmoniously look side by side.
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Combine no more than 4 ornaments in one room.
Whatever carpet ornament you choose, it will suggest a solution for the rest and allow you to “build” the interior you want.
3. Decide on the material
Carpets are now made from dozens of materials, both natural and synthetic.
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The first s are always luxurious and have all the advantages of natural origin: naturalness, pleasant texture and authenticity. These are sheep wool, silk and cotton.
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The second are practical and hypoallergenic. For example, acrylic or polyester.
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And then there are the new generation materials , which combine the beauty and tactile tenderness of nature with durability. They are made from natural fibers through chemical and mechanical processing. These are the most environmentally friendly materials to date, organically clean and safe. These include modal, tencel, eucalyptus and bamboo silk.
We analyzed all of them in detail in the article “Modern materials in carpets. Selection Guide" - run through it before you buy!
Why is it important to pay attention to the material of the carpet?
In addition to the properties you need, it will bring a special atmosphere to the interior.
Each material has its own energy and tactility. Touching wool, viscose or silk will give you a completely different feeling - and it is important to choose the most pleasant.
In addition, the material will emphasize the texture of furniture and floors.
By the way, if you have a beautiful wooden floor , don't be afraid to "hide" it with a carpet. The texture of wood from the neighborhood with a properly selected carpet only wins, being filled with new colors and becoming even more noble.
When choosing a carpet for the interior, our decorators always take into account the shade and texture of the floor, so that the resulting ensemble looks perfect. As a result, you will get a stylish interior and all the comfort that a carpet can give.
4. Do not leave the purchase of a carpet "for later"
If you are creating an interior from scratch, start with a carpet.
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This is a very large and expressive piece that can bring together all the rest of the furniture and decor.
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You can use the pattern, color and texture of your carpet as a cheat sheet when choosing accessories and furniture. The interior will be thoughtful and harmonious.
Find a carpet, complement it with suitable textiles and decor, and the formula for the perfect interior has been found! Trust me it will be easy.
How set the mood for the interior with the help of a carpet, we wrote in our article.
5. Remember that a carpet is not always expensive
In our catalog you will find handmade and machine-made carpets for any budget. Set the parameters you need in the filters to get a selection of suitable carpets!
Why do we really have the right prices?
Our company, which has existed for more than 20 years, buys carpets directly from weavers at manufactories. You pay only for the carpet itself, and not for a long chain of intermediaries.
We also regularly organize promotions and discounts.
As a result, we offer hand and machine carpets of the highest quality at the lowest possible price. With us you can afford the carpet of your dreams.
Color combinations in carpets and interiors - read in the Blog on kover.ru
What is the secret of an attractive interior? Of course, in color!
Friendliness reigns in modern design: all trends sound bright and coexist willingly in one space, complementing each other. The world of interiors is filled with freedom and diversity. This means that we no longer have to stick to one style - we can try everything at once!
What should we focus on so that the space remains harmonious despite the experiments?
Designers answer: color.
Choose a carpet according to the color scheme and it will easily create the desired mood in your interior.
To make it easier for you to choose, we divided the carpets into palettes and identified three main .
Pastel solutions
These are delicate carpets, one look at which gives peace. They are completely monophonic or decorated with a pattern, the shade of which differs only by a tone or two from the main one.
In the interior, the pastel carpet does not dominate, but serves as a “base”, on which furniture and accessories stand out favorably.
Pastel colors are popular in the interior of the "colors of the earth." It's 6 shades that surround us in nature : sand, olive, ocher, pearl gray, golden and light blue. They create harmony and peace.
Choose an earthy color rug to fill your home with serenity.
Intense color combinations
These include juicy, "explosive" tones: scarlet, burgundy, indigo, emerald, red, lemon, fuchsia.
These shades are no longer just a backdrop for furniture. They capture attention and set the mood for the entire space . Nothing will create an atmosphere in the house like a carpet with rich colors.
But active colors can be difficult to combine with other decor. So that you do not get confused, we have collected three main tips on how to fit a bright carpet into the interior:
- Let it contrast with the floor.
If the finish is light, more solid tones, such as burgundy or navy blue, will do. If the floor is dark, choose a carpet that is lighter than it. For example, yellow, orange, azure. - Let the carpet and decor have at least one common color .
Golden streaks on the carpet will go well with the golden legs of chairs and tables. And the fuchsia pattern with pink accents on the wallpaper or sofa cushions. - Bright colors can be tiring. To keep the room cozy, combine no more than 3 rich shades of in it and dilute them with neutral ones. For example, bright carpet + bright walls + neutral floor.
We also have a little cheat sheet on which shades go well with each other:
A carpet with the right range of colors can tie the whole interior together and make it complete.
