Designers Agree: 5 Rooms You Should Never (Ever) Put Carpet In

Carpet floors have been a staple in homes for decades. Carpeting first gained popularity in the 1950s because of its affordability, and quickly became the top flooring option for residential spaces. While carpet styles have changed over the years (hello, ’60s shag rugs and ’70s orange carpet), it has remained a popular flooring choice in many homes. Its comfortable and practical, making it a frequent choice for bedrooms and living rooms.

While carpet has its upsides, it also has its drawbacks. From maintenance to cleanup, carpet flooring can be costly—especially if you install it in the wrong spaces. If you’re replacing your floors or are considering new carpet, steer clear of these rooms.

1. Bathrooms

Bathrooms are number one on our no-carpet list for a reason. Due to showers, sinks, and tubs, bathrooms are high-moisture areas. They’re also often confined spaces with less ventilation than other rooms in a home, leading to higher humidity levels. When a bathroom is carpeted, the moisture will eventually start seeping into the carpet, causing mold and mildew growth. Not only will mold and mildew buildup damage your carpets, it’s also a health concern for anyone who uses the space. Mold and mildew may also cause your bathroom to smell musty and stale—not the relaxing and fresh feeling you want your bathroom to have.

Instead of using carpet in your bathroom, consider vinyl, laminate, ceramic, or porcelain tiles. All are water-resistant, meaning you won’t ever have to worry about mold or mildew building up under your flooring. Vinyl and laminate floors are more budget-friendly, easier to install, and sturdy enough to handle lots of traffic. Ceramic and porcelain tiles have a higher-end look, but come with a higher price tag and will most likely require a professional to install. To make your bathroom feel cozy and luxurious, lay plush bath mats in front of the shower and sink, or try using a bigger, water-resistant bathroom rug.

2. Kitchens

Kitchens often act as multi-purpose spaces: We use them to prepare food, eat meals, entertain, do homework and art projects, and more. That means kitchen floors should be spill and mess-friendly. Kitchen carpets are likely to become stained over time, causing them to look dingy. Instead of carpet—which will need to be replaced frequently—consider installing hardwood, laminate, or vinyl flooring in your kitchen. These kitchen flooring options allow for easy mess clean up and will withstand the wear-and-tear kitchen floors receive. Use low-pile or washable runners in your kitchen to add color and warm up the space.

3. Laundry Rooms

Similar to bathrooms, laundry rooms are high-moisture areas that are prone to mold and mildew buildup over time. This slow buildup can be accelerated if there are any issues with your washing machine. Any washing machine leaks would cause excessive damage to carpet, and the flooring would likely need to be removed and replaced.

Instead of carpet, use laminate, vinyl, or slate for your laundry room floors. That way, if your washing machine does leak or needs to be replaced, you can simply slide out the machine and clean up the spill without having to replace the floors.

4. Mud Rooms

Mud isn’t welcome on many floors, but it’s an especially large hassle on carpet. Mud, salt, dirt, and grass stains from shoes can lead to hard-to-remove stains in a hard-working mud room. Save yourself time and elbow grease by opting for slate, wood, or vinyl flooring that is water-resistant and easy to wipe off. To further prevent obvious staining, choose darker flooring that won’t show mud and dirt as easily.

5. Recreation Rooms

While you might think it’s a good idea to put plush carpet in spaces where kids often play, there are better options for recreational rooms. Marker, paint, and drink stains can be difficult to remove, especially if they’re dried or set-in. Instead of an easily-stainable carpet, choose another soft flooring that is easier to clean. Consider purchasing foam floor tiles that fit together across the room. They are soft, durable, and water-resistant. Plus, the tiles come in varieties of patterns and colors, so you can choose an option that matches your home best.