5 Carpet Color Options to Suit Your Home Decor Style

Color is just one factor to consider when shopping for new carpet, but it has a surprisingly big impact on the look and feel of your space. On the one hand, a lighter carpet color can make your home feel bright and airy, but then again, darker tones are more forgiving of spills and stains. If you aren’t sure how to choose a carpet color for your home, here are five popular options.

1. Off-White Shades

Light-colored carpets in off-white shades (like cream, ivory, or eggshell) instantly add a touch of luxury to any room. These hues also pair well with other neutrals or bold colors, so they should complement your existing decor and furniture. However, there is one major caveat: If you have young children or pets, off-white carpet won’t be a good choice for your home since it shows dirt and spills easier than darker colors.

Best for: Anyone hoping to open up their space and make it seem bigger.

2. Grays

There are a couple of factors that make gray a great carpet color choice for any home. For starters, it comes in a range of shades—from silver to greige to charcoal—that work well with all kinds of home decor styles. Lighter tones will add a hint of sophistication to your room, while deeper hues will conceal stains and dirt better.

Best for: People who enjoy a modern or minimalist aesthetic.

3. Light and Medium Browns

This range of hues includes colors like tan, beige, camel, and khaki—neutral earth tones that pair beautifully with neutral-colored walls and occasional pops of color. Medium shades of brown can hide small stains and pet hair fairly well, so those colors may be worth considering if you have kids or furry friends running around your home.

Best for: Folks who want a neutral carpet that doesn’t distract from their decor.

4. Dark Colors

Dark tones like chocolate brown, burgundy, or black might not be the first things that come to mind when you think about living room or bedroom carpet colors. However, if you’re aiming for a warm and cozy vibe, these deep shades can help you achieve that. Keep in mind, though, that dark carpets may make a room feel smaller and increase the visibility of certain types of debris (like lint and light-colored pet hair).

Best for: Individuals interested in making their home feel more snug and cozy.

5. Bright and Eye-Catching Hues

While many people seek out neutral flooring that meshes well with any kind of decor or color scheme, that’s not the case for everyone. If you’d prefer something that stands out a bit more (perhaps you’re striving for a maximalist aesthetic), you can find carpet in vibrant shades like green, blue, pink, and more. Just be mindful that these bold hues won’t appeal to everyone. If you sell your home, your colorful carpet might rub potential buyers the wrong way.

Best for: Risk takers who want to infuse bright colors into their home.

Can I Install Carpet Myself?

While it’s possible to install carpet on your own, there are a few reasons why it’s not a good idea. For one, this job requires specialized tools and supplies—and that’s not to mention the skills and experience needed to use them properly. Plus, some carpet manufacturers will void your warranty if you install their products without a professional. For these reasons, we recommend hiring a local carpet installer to perform the job correctly.

The price of adding carpet to your home depends on the size of your space and the carpet material. The amount of prep work required (for example, removing old carpet or repairing the subfloor) will also impact your project price. On average, though, installing carpet costs between $800 and $2,800, with most people paying about $1,800.