Family life is wonderful, but it can also be damaging to your flooring. That's why there are certain considerations to keep in mind when you're looking to update your floor to, let's say, carpet! Carpet is a great option that provides a soft surface but also durability and now even stain-resistance, which makes it perfect for you and your children to be active on.
1. NYLON CARPET:
OVERALL BEST CARPET FOR HIGH-TRAFFIC FAMILY ROOMS
Nylon can withstand kids, pets and even heavy foot traffic while still keeping a fresh look. It's very comfortable to sit and walk on without leaving any walking or vacuuming tracks.
• Why: Extremely durable and resilient.
• Ideal for: family rooms, stairs and hallways
2. TRIEXTA/SMARTSTRAND:
BEST HYPOALLERGENIC CARPET FOR PETS AND ALLERGIES
In addition to being a moisture and stain-resistant carpet, Triexta is a very non-absorbent fiber. That means it’s hard for allergens like pet dandruff to stick to the carpet fibers. It’s a great choice for anyone with allergies or for homes with pets that shed!
• Why: Durable, claw-safe and highly stain resistant
• Ideal for: family rooms, kids playrooms, pet zones
3. POLYESTER CARPET:
BEST CARPET FOR NURSERIES AND KID BEDROOMS
Polyester is affordable, soft and stain resistant. While not quite as durable as nylon, it’s an excellent choice in rooms for your little ones. Never fret over spilled sippy cups again!
• Why: Vibrant colors and natural stain resistance
• Ideal for: bedrooms and nurseries
FAMILY FRIENDLY CARPET BY ROOM
FAMILY ROOM/LIVING ROOM
Durable, Comfortable & Stain Resistant
Your living room needs to be a mix of comfort, style and durability. After all, it sees a lot of action between adults, kids and furry friends! Nylon or Triexta are your best bets to provide durability along with comfort. Plus, their stain resistance means a few spilled drinks won’t ruin the look of your carpet! Consider choosing a textured or patterned carpet to hide signs of wear in high-traffic areas.
Find more help choosing the best living room carpet.
BEDROOMS & NURSERIES
Soft, Cozy & Quiet
Your bedroom is your space for rest and relaxation. Why not indulge a little? Wool, plush polyester or soft nylon all provide warmth and comfort that make them ideal carpets for bedrooms and nurseries. For next-level coziness, you can also consider frieze carpets.
Learn more about the best bedroom carpets.
PET ZONES:
Stain Protection & Claw-Safe Options
When it comes to your four-legged family members, durability and stain resistance are a top priority. Triexta is one of the best choices for pet zones, and it has the added bonus of being a good hypoallergenic option. If you have cats, remember to avoid loop carpets! Their claws can snag and cause damage to the fibers.
Here’s how to keep carpets clean with pets.
Shop All Pet-Friendly CarpetSTAIRS & HALLWAYS
Maximum Durability
For heavily trafficked areas like stairs and hallways, nylon is your go-to carpet. Its durability helps keep these spaces looking fresh, no matter how many people walk on it throughout the day. If you’re concerned about appearance, however, choose a loop or patterned style - they hide wear better!
Get more help finding the toughest carpet for areas with heavy foot traffic.
PLAYROOMS
Stain Resistant & Easy to Clean
Playrooms are going to get a little messy. That’s the point of them! But you can save yourself a few headaches by opting for carpets that are stain resistant and easy to clean. Triexta or polyester are good kid-friendly options. And remember: lower pile height=easier cleaning.
Find the best carpet for playrooms.
BASEMENTS
Moisture-Resistant & Practical
When it comes to selecting a carpet for your basement, it’s best to be practical. Olefin/Berber is very durable and has a high moisture tolerance, which makes it a smart choice for basements and other areas of your home where moisture is an issue.
See more pros and cons of basement flooring.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CARPET INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE
Carpet Installation
Before your carpet installation, you’ll want to make sure you remove all furniture and personal items from the area. We recommend that you be at home during the installation process so you can review all materials and address any questions about carpet placements or seams.
To know what to expect from the process, check out our full carpet installation guide.
Carpet Padding
Carpet padding is often overlooked, but it’s a vital part of your floors! It protects the underside of your carpet from wearing against the bare floor and can help lessen the impact of heavy furniture and foot traffic. Padding can also help dampen sound and stop drafts from seeping through.
Learn more about the importance of carpet padding.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning your carpets properly can help extend their lifespan and keep them looking fresh for years to come. Some carpets, like nylon, are relatively low maintenance, while others require specialized care. Regardless of the carpet fiber you select, general maintenance includes:
• Vacuuming once or twice a week
• Spot cleaning spills immediately by blotting with a clean cloth
• Deep cleaning every 12-18 months
Find more carpet cleaning tips.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE BEST CARPET FOR HIGH-TRAFFIC AREAS?
For high-traffic areas, you’ll want to prioritize durability. Nylon is the best, most durable option.
WHAT CARPET IS BEST FOR KIDS’ BEDROOMS?
Polyester is the best carpet for kids’ bedrooms because it’s soft and stain resistant.
WHAT IS THE BEST CARPET FOR ALLERGIES?
Triexta is a good hypoallergenic option because its fibers are very non-absorbent, which makes it hard for allergens like pet dandruff to stick to the carpet fibers.
WHAT CARPET IS BEST FOR DOGS & CATS?
The best carpet fiber for dogs and cat is Triexta, because its durable, stain resistant and hypoallergenic.
HOW LONG DOES CARPET LAST WITH PETS?
The wear and tear from pets can shorten a carpet’s lifespan to 5-7 years. However, with proper care and cleaning, carpets can last longer.
