I used to think that all the carpets in my house had to match.
I wanted everything to look coordinated and “put together.”
But after getting some advice from my interior designer friend, I realized that’s not necessarily the case.
Mixing and matching carpet styles and colors in different rooms can actually make things more interesting!
The short answer is: It depends.
Matching your landing and bedroom carpets creates a cohesive look, but contrasting them can add visual interest.
Here are some ideas to help you decide if your landing and bedroom carpets should match or not:
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Landing Carpets Photo Gallery
Match Landing & Bedroom Carpets for Consistency
Having the same carpet in your landing and bedrooms creates a seamless flow from room to room.
This can make spaces feel more open and expansive.
For example, using a neutral medium-pile beige carpet throughout gives the illusion of a larger area.
It doesn’t visually chop up the space or make it feel smaller like contrasting carpets can.
Going for a wall-to-wall carpet effect makes everything feel unified and airy.
Using one continuous carpet connects the rooms together visually.
It creates a smooth, seamless transition between spaces.
Keeping the same neutral tone and texture stops the eye from being jarred when moving from room to room.
This helps spaces flow together harmoniously without interruption.
Matching carpets also gives a cohesive, pulled-together aesthetic.
It makes decorating easier since you don’t have to worry about clashing styles.
Keeping everything simple and unified means you can add pops of color and personality with artwork, accessories, etc.
The carpets fade to the background, letting other elements shine.
This is great if you want a minimalist Scandi vibe or boho coastal look.
Matching neutral carpets creates a blank canvas effect.
You can layer in textures with natural fiber rugs and play with bright furniture and decorative objects.
The neutral carpet backdrop lets bolder pieces really stand out without competing.
If you like a coordinated, minimalist look, keeping the same carpet throughout is a great option.
For example, using wall-to-wall wool berber carpeting gives a crisp, unified look.
The organic texture adds subtle interest without being distracting.
This is perfect if you want an airy, open feel.
It also allows the beautiful architecture and proportions of a space to be the focus.
The unified carpeting directs attention to other design elements like windows, trim work, and ceiling details.
Nothing competes with the gorgeous bones of the home.
Contrast Landing & Bedroom Carpets for Interest
Using different carpets adds visual interest and defines each space.
For example, layering a geometric trellis-patterned carpet on the stairs and landing can make it feel like a special transitional area.
While plush solid carpets in the bedrooms delineate them as separate sleeping spaces.
Go for a carpet with a large-scale pattern or bright color on the landing.
This makes it feel like a distinct spot, not just a pass-through space.
An ornate oriental rug defines the landing as a decorative focal point.
Then tailored berber carpeting in the bedrooms keeps things quiet and classic.
The landing can have a patterned carpet while the bedrooms have something more neutral.
A bold graphic print adds drama to the landing, setting it apart.
Then breezy linen carpeting in the bedrooms keeps things relaxed for resting and recharging.
You could also reverse it and use neutral carpeting on the landing.
Then go bold in the bedrooms if you want the sleeping spaces to feel special.
Having contrasting textures like plush in one room and berber in another also adds depth.
A cushy shag carpet in the master bedroom creates a warm, inviting sanctuary.
While practical, hardy loop carpeting flows down the landing and into the kids’ rooms.
Or get creative and mix textures within rooms!
A cozy shag area rug on top of wall-to-wall berber carpet adds zones of comfort.
The landing carpet can be dark while the bedrooms are light.
Deep charcoal grey carpeting grounds the landing, making it feel smart and sophisticated.
Then airy, pale carpets in the bedrooms keep things serene.
Moody indigo carpeting on the stairs and landing feels dramatic and enveloping when you first enter.
But bright creamy carpets in the bedrooms keep things fresh and upbeat.
If you want to delineate different zones and rooms, go for contrasting carpets.
It creates a more eclectic, layered look.
Mixing colors, textures, and patterns lets you have fun and get creative.
Define each space based on its purpose and the mood you want to create.
More Landing Carpet Ideas
Opt for a Bold Pattern
Make a statement on your landing with an eye-catching geometric, oriental, or medallion patterned carpet.
The landing is a great spot to experiment with fun, bold prints that might be too overwhelming elsewhere.
Layer Multiple Rugs
Place a larger jute or sisal carpet down first, then layer a colorful woven rug or hide on top.
The layered look adds depth and texture.
Mixing materials like wool and cotton creates visual interest.
Incorporate Natural Materials
Use sisal, jute, cotton, or wool carpets to bring organic textures into your entryway.
Natural fibers feel earthy and warm.
Jute’s burlap-like look is casual and inviting.
While sisal’s woven strands add a tactile element.
Go for High-Traffic Durability
Since the landing gets lots of foot traffic, choose a sturdy, durable carpet made from synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester.
Machine-woven styles like berber stand up well to heavy use.
Look for a tight, dense pile that conceals footprints.
Stain-resistant treatments also help carpets last longer.
Install Runners on Stairs
Runners are narrow carpets designed specifically for stairs.
They add color and protect the staircase from everyday wear.
Opt for a short dense pile that grabs feet and prevents slips.
You can complement or contrast the hallway and landing carpets.
Use Outdoor/Indoor Carpet
Outdoor or indoor/outdoor carpet is fade, mold, mildew and stain resistant.
It’s a great option for high-traffic landings that see people coming and going.
Fun graphic prints bring personality to a mudroom style entry.
Incorporate Whimsical Touches
Add a playful touch with a carpet runner that has a funky pattern or fun message down the middle.
Or use a carpet shaped like a doormat with a bold welcome message.
This adds a touch of whimsy when you first enter the home.
You can also find carpets with colorful, pop art style patterns to spice up a boring landing.
Don’t be afraid to use an unconventional shape as well.
An oval or octagon carpet can break up all the rectangles.
Add Milestone Dates
Personalize your entryway carpet with special dates embroidered or woven in.
Commemorate when you moved in or family birthdays.
This adds sentimental value and gives guests something to discover.
Make It Mudroom Functional
In high-traffic mudroom areas, look for carpets that can handle messy shoes.
Outdoor carpeting or woven doormats are good options.
Stain guard treatments and frequent vacuuming are a must in these spots.
Have a “shoe zone” near the door to keep dirt contained.
Set-Off Carpeted Seating
Use an area rug to define a carpeted seating nook off the main landing.
This cozy lounge zone encourages you to pause when coming and going.
Layering carpets adds sound dampening too.
Upcycle Carpet Scraps
Give your landing a custom look using carpet remnants and scraps.
Cut fun shapes or designs to form a patchwork statement.
This eco-friendly idea also saves money.
Shop Flea Markets
Flea markets and yard sales are great spots to find old or vintage carpets full of character.
Breath new life into a worn treasure with a good cleaning.
The imperfections add charm.
Define Spaces with Area Rugs
Use area rugs to designate specific zones like a reading nook or family photo spot.
Layer them on top of wall-to-wall carpeting for additional sound dampening.
Size them to fit furnishings like a bench or pair of chairs.
Showcase Heirloom Rugs
The entryway is a great place to display a treasured antique area rug passed down.
The visibility highlights its beauty and craftsmanship.
Just be sure it’s not in a high-traffic zone where it can get damaged.
Welcome with Plush Pile
Greet guests with literal open arms using a plush, shaggy rug.
The softness underfoot feels extra inviting.
Plush pile also helps absorb sounds in an echoey foyer.
Ground with Natural Fiber
Natural fiber rugs like jute and sisal have an earthy vibe.
Their texture brings the outdoors inside.
The colors and woven look keep things casual.
Make Stairs Safer
Runners are ideal for hardwood stairs, especially if you have little ones or elderly family.
The carpet provides traction and cushions falls.
Tread-matching designs disappear into the stairs.
Display Vintage Finds
Give dated carpets new life by reframing them as artwork.
Mount them to the wall or lay them out as “tapestries.”
Eclectic pieces add character to modern spaces.
