Carpet still popular in bedrooms, but being replaced elsewhere
News editor
When Jeannie Wildin of The County Seat got into the flooring business in the 1970s, carpet was king. Everyone wanted carpet in their homes. In recent years, though, the trend has been toward hardwoods, ceramic tiles, and stone.
“Way more hard surface,” Wildin said.
In particular, customers are demanding medium to dark-colored wood with wider planks and texture to them. Wood floors polished to a perfect shine have fallen out of style, she said.
Jane Unruh of Supreme Floor Co. said she has seen the same trend. The business has sold more wood in the past year than ever before.
Hardwood floors are most popular in living and dining rooms, as well as hallways, the two concurred.
Meanwhile, a class of flooring called “luxury vinyl tiles” has become popular for kitchens and bathrooms. Wildin said such tiles work as a compromise between ceramic tiles and sheet vinyl.
“A lot of people don’t want the hassle of grout,” which ceramic tiles require, Unruh added.
The bedroom is one place where carpet remains popular, Wildin and Unruh said.
“A lot of people like to get out of bed with soft, warm under their feet,” Wildin said.
However, customers are becoming more selective about carpet. Wildin said customers don’t want carpet that looks shaggy.
Wildin said she enjoys being in a business that varies so much with year-to-year trends.
“I like going to the trade shows, and the opportunities to keep up on trends,” she said.