Looking for the best flooring for bedrooms? You’ve come to the right place!
In this guide to bedroom flooring, we’ll cover the 5 best flooring options for bedrooms (as well as a few products to avoid), plus key factors to consider when choosing between different bedroom flooring ideas.
We’ll even give you the pros and cons of each flooring choice and answer all the most common questions you have! Ready to get started?
Let’s begin!
#1: Carpet
If carpet isn’t the best flooring for bedrooms, it’s definitely the softest!
Carpet is a fantastic choice because it can offer what no other floor can: comfort and warmth, which is why we had to put it at #1 on our list.
Your Choice of Carpet Style Matters
There are 3 main factors that influence how a carpet performs: carpet pile height, carpet pile style, and the material (aka the fiber) used to make it (see next section).
Pile height determines how long each strand of carpet is. In general, a longer pile is going to be cozier than a short pile carpet (which is more durable). But since bedrooms usually see minimal foot traffic, you can get away with a deep pile carpet without worrying about tearing it up over time.
Cut pile carpets are typically more comfortable because the strands have a cushiony feeling underfoot. As such, cut pile carpets are normally the go-to when it comes to bedroom flooring options.
Carpet Fibers: Wool vs. Synthetic
When it comes to carpet fibers (AKA the material your carpet is made out of), you generally have two options: synthetic fibers and natural fibers.
Wool carpet is by far the most popular natural-fiber carpet available, but its performance doesn’t quite match synthetic-fiber carpets made of materials such as nylon, polyester, or triexta. In essence, wool carpets are a luxury option. They require more upkeep and can cost over $20/sq. ft. (though some brands like Doma do offer wool carpets at more reasonable prices).
On the other hand, synthetic carpets such as those made of nylon or polyester are incredibly durable, nearly stainproof, and possess much better moisture resistance.
All that said, is synthetic carpet better than wool carpet (or vice versa)? Nope! It depends entirely on personal preference!
Shop By Brand
Take a look at the floor selections offered by our most trusted brands and find the one that excels at meeting your needs.
The Best Carpet Brands for Bedroom Flooring
The best carpet brands bring a lot to the table, whether they offer superior performance, the best value, or the most stylish options.
Here are some top carpet brand choices for all your soft-surface bedroom flooring ideas.
- Doma—Since bedrooms are low-traffic and usually built for comfort, wool carpet is one of the best bedroom flooring options—and Doma sells some of the most affordable wool carpets around. Plus, they come in a ton of bold styles.
- Proximity Mills—This brand sells high-performance carpet at a surprisingly reasonable price. They offer type 6,6 nylon (the most durable fiber around) as their standard, so it’s great for kids’ bedrooms or bedrooms where kids and dogs run around.
- Newton—This value brand sells 6,6 nylon and solution-dyed polyester carpets on a budget—so it’s great for kids’ bedrooms or other areas where you need durability, but don’t want to spend a premium for fancy flooring.
#2: Hardwood
Many consider hardwood to be the best flooring, period. But we’re not so cut-and-dry!
Hardwood doesn’t have the same softness as carpet, obviously, though it has a lovely bit of springiness—and it looks amazing as bedroom flooring.
Solid vs Engineered Hardwood?
Solid hardwood is the traditional option, and it’s just what it sounds like: thick planks of wood flooring.
Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, is made of a veneer of real hardwood on top of a plywood core. This means it’s more stable (i.e. more resistant to moisture and environment changes) than solid hardwood, while looking exactly the same as its solid counterpart.
The Case for Hardwood as Bedroom Flooring
Hardwood flooring is an excellent choice for bedroom flooring for several reasons. First, its timeless beauty and variety of finishes can complement any bedroom decor, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Hardwood is also highly durable and, with proper care, can last for decades, making it a worthwhile investment. Its resilience to wear and tear means it can withstand the daily activities of a busy household, maintaining its beauty over time. Any scratches or dents that do occur can often be sanded out and refinished, restoring the floor to its original condition.
Unlike carpet, which can harbor dust and allergens, hardwood is easy to clean and maintain, contributing to better indoor air quality. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping are typically all that’s needed to keep hardwood floors looking their best and free of irritants.
Additionally, hardwood floors can enhance the value of your home, making it an attractive option for future resale.
#3: Vinyl Plank (LVP/LVT)
Luxury vinyl plank is a premium type of waterproof PVC flooring (aka vinyl) that can mimic the appearance of any and all types of wood flooring.
While fully synthetic, the best vinyl plank flooring brands make products that look and feel just like authentic hardwood. Vinyl plank can also come in tile looks (i.e. LVT) that mimic all types of tile.
Some brands distinguish the composition of their LVP and LVT lines, but broadly speaking, they’re the same type of floor and both can be some of the best flooring for bedrooms.
The Case for Vinyl Plank as Bedroom Flooring
If you want something that scores well across the board, vinyl plan might be worth taking a look at.
Now, LVP can sacrifice a little when it comes to comfort (it may not have the same give as hardwood), but a good vinyl flooring underlayment can shore up this weakness and most options cost less than $1/sq. ft.
Best of all, vinyl plank requires minimal upkeep and can look good for decades. Good LVP is also pretty forgiving in terms of moisture and environmental changes (especially if it’s installed correctly), so it’s great for busy folks and families.
#4: Cork
Cork Flooring offers many of the perks of hardwood but in a more eco-friendly package. It can be a great choice for bedrooms because of how comfortable it is—despite its classification as a “hard-surface” floor.
The Case for Cork as Bedroom Flooring
Cork is very springy. This makes it an ideal bedroom flooring choice for children or anyone with chronic joint pain. Cork is also a natural insulator, so it’s warm and absorbs sound well. All these points together make a great choice for relaxing bedrooms.
Oh, and despite these perks, cork is cheaper than premium hardwood flooring and offers similar performance in terms of durability (if maintained).
#5: Laminate
The Case for Laminate as Bedroom Flooring
Laminate flooring is constructed from multiple layers, including a photographic layer that mimics the appearance of wood, stone, or other materials, allowing homeowners to achieve the look of high-end flooring at a fraction of the cost. Its top protective layer is resistant to scratches, stains, and fading, making it a practical option for busy households and those with pets.
One of the significant advantages of laminate flooring is its ease of installation, often featuring a click-lock system that allows for a hassle-free, floating floor installation. This makes it a great DIY project, reducing the need for professional labor and cutting down on costs.
Laminate flooring is also easy to clean and maintain, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping to keep it looking its best. Additionally, it is available in a wide variety of styles and colors, providing ample options to match any bedroom decor.
About The Author
Christian Southards
June 28, 2024
Christian is a freelance everything-writer, editor, and interior design nerd. When he’s not writing about flooring and remodeling, he’s either writing news for the California American Legion or working with his hands on his house. His favorite type of flooring is hardwood, but admits to having carpet in his bedroom.