The One Room Where Buyers Prefer Carpet Over Hardwood Floors, According to Real Estate Agents (2023)

published Mar 16, 2022

In case you haven’t heard, hardwood floors aren’t just in style — they’re timeless. The variety of wood species, along with available colors and finishes, gives home buyers and sellers unlimited options when it comes to designing their homes. But it turns out there are people who might not choose hardwoods for every room in the house.

If there’s one spot where buyers might want carpet, it’s the bedroom. While hardwood floors are still a popular choice, soft flooring can make this space feel warm and cozy. Here are some of the pros and cons of both options.

Carpet vs. Hardwood in Bedrooms

Carpeting used to be a must-have in the bedroom, but today, there seems to be an even split between carpet and hardwood floors.

“The times have changed a bit when it comes to carpet in bedrooms,” says Jeb Smith, broker associate with Coldwell Banker Realty in Huntington Beach, California. “In the past, I felt like the overwhelming majority of homeowners wanted carpet in bedrooms, but it’s shifted these days to about half and half.”

Hardwoods reign supreme in the rest of the house. “Outside of the bedroom, carpet is pretty much non-existent these days,” he adds.

Why Some Buyers Prefer Bedroom Carpeting

Most people don’t like getting up in the morning and placing their warm feet on the cold, hard floor. High-quality carpet can also act as a nice transition from your bedroom to hardwood floors in the rest of the house.

“The primary reason I hear homeowners wanting carpet is that they don’t want to step out onto a ‘cold’ floor in addition to just wanting some cushion,” explains Smith.

Jessica Fisher, a licensed Realtor in Minnesota and Wisconsin, says that people want to feel cozy in their sleeping spaces. “Buyers like carpet in bedrooms, especially in basement bedrooms, for comfort and warmth.”

Carpet is also much quieter to walk on than other types of flooring and can help absorb noise. It can mask sounds, such as footsteps and squeaky floors, Fisher adds.

High-quality carpets are also safer and can offer stain resistance and durability, perfect for parents with young children, as well as pet owners. “I often see parents with young kids preferring carpet over other types of flooring because it’s more forgiving and allows the kids to play on the floor without worrying about any discomfort,” Smith says.

The Compromise

Don’t like carpets but your partner does? Area rugs in the bedroom may be the perfect compromise.

“If they don’t prefer carpeting in the bedroom, strategically placed rugs are common,” Fisher says. “You’ll find them alongside the bed, mostly.”

Rugs offer a more temporary solution over carpeting but they do share many of the same benefits. Smith explains that large area rugs can still help with sound echoes and can prevent you from waking up and stepping onto a cold floor. Plus, area rugs can be aesthetically pleasing and can help create a more intimate, welcoming space.