7 Alternatives to Carpet: What Can You Use for Flooring?

Tiles in the kitchen

This option is suitable for those who want to decorate the kitchen area without resorting to textiles. Tiles laid on the floor in the form of a carpet create an interesting accent and fit perfectly into the classic style, not overloaded with details. If the ceramic floor is supplemented with heating, the comfort of being in the kitchen increases several times. This option is thought out at the renovation stage.

Jute mats

Connoisseurs of Scandinavian minimalism and eco-style will love the light and inexpensive covering made of durable jute twine. Jute mats are lint-free carpets made from a tropical plant similar to reed. The products are environmentally friendly, durable and easy to clean. It is pleasant to walk on such a surface barefoot: it massages and exfoliates the feet. Another option for a natural covering is a bamboo mat.

Handmade rugs

Handmade products are especially valuable today. Any thing made with love acquires its own history, thereby filling the interior with coziness and warmth. Instead of a traditional carpet, you can lay a patchwork rug on the floor, hand-sewn from old things. To create it, you will need old clothes cut into even squares or other geometric shapes, and a backing. Patchwork items are especially appreciated in Scandinavian and rustic styles.

You can also weave or sew a rug by hand from knitted yarn made from old T-shirts. Another option for replacing a traditional rug is a large-knit wool blanket. All you need is thick yarn and a few hours of free time.

Fur skin

One of the traditional ways to replace a rug is a fur skin, which can be laid in both the bedroom and the living room. The most preferable option is artificial fur, which does not require special care. Dark skins need to be vacuumed and combed, but light ones will sometimes have to be dry-cleaned. Some products with short pile can be machine washed, choosing a gentle mode. A fur skin often becomes the center of the composition around which the interior is built.

Insulated linoleum

Unlike tiles, this floor covering is much cheaper and easier to lay. Many products qualitatively imitate the structure of wood, so linoleum is actively used in many modern interiors. You can choose a coating on a foam base, which has excellent heat-insulating and noise-absorbing properties. This type of linoleum is easy to clean and highly wear-resistant.

There is also linoleum with a jute or felt base. This type of flooring is very soft and pleasant to the touch, but requires special care and gentle handling. Linoleum with a warm base is appropriate in the bedroom and children’s room.

Carpet

For those who like to walk around the house without slippers and socks, carpet is the ideal covering. It is easy to lay, has a pleasant structure and retains heat well. If you take proper care of the carpet (using a vacuum cleaner with a water cleaning function), it will last for many years. The coating holds dust and dirt in one area, preventing small debris from getting into other rooms.

The disadvantage of synthetic carpet is that some of its components can cause allergic reactions. Natural carpeting does not have this disadvantage.

Cork floor

An environmentally friendly covering made of tree bark with a beautiful texture is an excellent replacement for a carpet in a modern apartment. Cork perfectly absorbs noise and has high thermal insulation. Cork flooring is pleasant and elastic, easy to maintain (vacuum cleaner and damp cloth), and for allergy sufferers it is a real find, as the coating repels dust.

Unfortunately, cork flooring must be protected from mechanical impacts. It is easily damaged by heels and furniture legs.

By removing or replacing a banal carpet in an apartment, it is not necessary to sacrifice warmth and comfort – there are many original ways to maintain the attractiveness of the interior and ensure comfort.