Imagine a luxurious and soft floor covering that not only adds a touch of glamour but also serves as a bold fashion statement—welcome to the unexpected resurgence of wall-to-wall carpet. Often associated with bygone eras, wall-to-wall carpeting has undergone a stylish revival, finding its place in chic nightspots and fashion-forward apartments, defying its outdated reputation.
Despite its fall from favor in recent decades, wall-to-wall carpeting was once the epitome of interior design luxury, particularly in the 1950s. This resurgence can be attributed to the innovation of synthetic fibers, pioneered by DuPont researchers, which transformed wall-to-wall carpet into an affordable and plush indulgence. In the postwar era, it became a symbol of comfort and added vibrant color to homes, offering a soft surface for lounging or play. However, as trends shifted, many viewed it as outdated and opted to remove it during renovations in the hope of uncovering pristine hardwood floors. Now, it’s making a comeback, challenging preconceived notions and reclaiming its status as a contemporary design choice.
The trajectory of wall-to-wall carpet in American popular culture mirrors broader trends, evolving from a symbol of luxury to a casualty of shifting aesthetics. In the 1960s and ’70s, it grew larger, shaggier, and embraced earth-toned hues. Surprisingly, people even began installing carpets in bathrooms and kitchens. However, by the 1980s, with the introduction of pink-and-blue carpets into pastel-colored interiors featuring curved Formica furniture, wall-to-wall carpeting began losing its appeal.
The 1990s proved pivotal in sealing the fate of wall-to-wall carpet, as the rise of the dot-com aesthetic emphasized a lean, tech-centric look devoid of rugs, accessories, or curtains. As young tech entrepreneurs transitioned from basement apartments to penthouses, the association with the “old” and traditional wall-to-wall carpet became undesirable. According to Tim Sheridan, a Stark Carpet brand ambassador, this marked a microsociological shift resulting from macroeconomic changes.
Moreover, alternative flooring options, such as hardwood and vinyl tiles, gained popularity, offering more versatility and contemporary appeal. Katherine Cohen, Head of Visual Merchandising at FLOR, notes that the replacement of wall-to-wall carpet with area rugs allowed for a continued focus on high design and comfort underfoot. The dreamy association with hotels, casinos, and lounges from old movies lingered, but the practical and aesthetic advantages of newer flooring options led to the decline of wall-to-wall carpet in residential spaces.
Designer Harry Nuriev, the creative mind behind Crosby Studios, passionately advocates for a revival of wall-to-wall carpet, exemplified in the distinctive NoLiTa apartment he shares with his partner and fellow Crosby Studios member, Tyler Billinger. The couple transformed their rental into a bold and enchanting space characterized by purple wall-to-wall carpeting, creating a unique atmosphere. The apartment features intriguing details like a tiled sink, plush upholstered kitchen cabinets, and a translucent purple partition demarcating the kitchen and living room.
Nuriev challenges any reservations about the return of wall-to-wall carpet, posing the question, “What’s wrong with carpet?” To him, it symbolizes a dream associated with hotels, casinos, and lounges reminiscent of old movies. Embracing wall-to-wall carpet is, for Nuriev, a tribute to minimalism, emphasizing its appeal as a seamless, unifying surface that can evoke a sense of nostalgia and sophistication.
Furniture designer Mark Grattan, the visionary behind VIDIVIXI Studio, has embraced the revival of wall-to-wall carpeting in his Mexico City home, where mint green and white carpeting adds a sleek yet cozy ambiance. Grattan’s residence, featured on the cover of ELLE DECOR’s April 2021 issue, captures the essence of the 1970s and ’80s, drawing inspiration from influential cultural hubs like Studio 54, Mapplethorpe, and Basquiat. For Grattan, the carpeted aesthetic symbolizes an era marked by creativity, glamour, and transformative cultural shifts, particularly within the Black community—from the disco scene to the emergence of rap and hip-hop.
While Grattan acknowledges the demanding nature of carpeting, he emphasizes its appeal for individuals who take pride in cleanliness. Having installed white carpet in his bedroom, Grattan highlights the importance of considering the room’s usage and foot traffic before opting for carpet. Reflecting on personal habits, such as the willingness to remove shoes indoors, becomes a crucial factor in deciding whether wall-to-wall carpet aligns with one’s lifestyle.
