Is Carpeting Out of Style? What Cincinnati Homeowners Need to Know About Flooring Trends
When you walk into a home in Cincinnati, one of the first things you notice isn’t the furniture or the paint color—it’s the flooring. For decades, carpet was the go-to option for living rooms, bedrooms, and even dining spaces. But with the rise of hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and tile, many homeowners today find themselves asking the same question: Is carpeting out of style?
The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Carpet is evolving, not disappearing. In fact, it remains a smart choice in many areas of the home, especially as new materials and designs make it more durable, stylish, and practical than ever before. To help you make the best decision for your home, let’s look at how carpet compares to hardwood, LVP, and tile—and explore where it still shines.
Why People Ask: Is Carpeting Out of Style?
Carpet has always been tied to comfort. It’s warm underfoot, soft to the touch, and provides insulation against Cincinnati’s chilly winters. But over the years, trends shifted toward sleek, easy-to-clean surfaces. Open floor plans, modern design preferences, and the popularity of hardwood floors have led some homeowners to view carpet as outdated.
The truth is, the flooring industry has changed. Today’s carpet looks nothing like the flat, beige, wall-to-wall carpeting of the 1980s. With patterned designs, plush textures, eco-friendly fibers, and improved stain resistance, carpet is still very much relevant—just in a different way than before.
Carpet vs. Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors have long been seen as the gold standard for resale value and timeless appeal. In Cincinnati’s historic neighborhoods like Hyde Park or Clifton, hardwood flooring matches the charm of older homes beautifully.
Advantages of hardwood:
- Long lifespan (can last decades with refinishing)
- Increases home value
- Classic look that rarely goes out of style
- Easy to clean
Disadvantages of hardwood:
- Higher upfront cost compared to carpet
- Can scratch and dent, especially in busy households with pets or kids
- Cold and noisy underfoot
Where carpet still competes: Bedrooms and family rooms. Many Cincinnati homeowners love hardwood throughout the main living spaces but still choose carpet upstairs or in basements for its warmth and comfort. Carpet is also quieter, which makes it appealing for multi-level homes.
Carpet vs. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Luxury vinyl plank has exploded in popularity in recent years. It’s designed to mimic the look of hardwood while offering more resistance to moisture and scratches. For families who want a stylish but low-maintenance floor, LVP is a strong contender.
Advantages of LVP:
- Waterproof or highly water-resistant (great for kitchens and bathrooms)
- Affordable compared to hardwood
- Scratch and dent resistant
- Wide variety of styles and finishes
Disadvantages of LVP:
- Doesn’t have the same prestige as real hardwood
- Can feel harder and colder than carpet
- Lower sound absorption
Where carpet still competes: Playrooms, nurseries, and areas where children spend time on the floor. Parents in Cincinnati often prefer carpet in these spaces because it provides cushioning and reduces slips and falls.
Carpet vs. Tile Flooring
Tile is a mainstay for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways because of its water resistance and durability. For homeowners in neighborhoods like Mason or West Chester, tile is often chosen for high-traffic areas.
Advantages of tile:
- Excellent water resistance
- Long-lasting durability
- Stylish, with many modern designs available
- Adds value to kitchens and bathrooms
Disadvantages of tile:
- Hard and cold underfoot
- Grout requires maintenance
- It can be expensive to install
Where carpet still competes: Living spaces. Tile is rarely used in bedrooms or family rooms because it doesn’t provide the same sense of comfort or warmth. Carpet excels in these areas by creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Flooring Trends Cincinnati Homeowners Should Know
So, is carpeting out of style? Not at all. What has changed is how homeowners use it. Instead of covering every room, carpet is now being installed more strategically. Here are the latest flooring trends we’re seeing across Cincinnati:
1. Carpet in Bedrooms and Basements
Hardwood or LVP in the living room, but carpet upstairs? That’s one of the most common design choices today. Carpet in bedrooms makes mornings more comfortable, while basement carpet tiles add warmth to what could otherwise be a cold space.
2. Patterned and Textured Carpeting
Forget flat beige carpet. Modern carpets come in bold patterns, textured finishes, and multi-tone designs that can add depth and character to a room. These designs help carpet feel modern, not outdated.
3. Carpet Tiles for Flexible Design
Carpet tiles are popular in both residential and commercial settings. They’re easy to install, replace, and mix-and-match, making them a stylish and practical choice.
4. Sustainable and Hypoallergenic Materials
Eco-conscious Cincinnati homeowners are choosing carpet made from recycled materials or natural fibers. Advances in manufacturing have also created carpets designed to trap fewer allergens, which is a big plus for families.
When Carpet Is the Best Choice
Even with the popularity of hardwood, LVP, and tile, there are plenty of situations where carpet is the better option:
- Bedrooms – Cozy and quiet, perfect for relaxing spaces.
- Basements – Helps insulate and adds warmth.
- Family Rooms – Great for movie nights or lounging.
- Playrooms/Nurseries – Provides cushioning and safety for kids.
- Stairs – Adds traction, reducing slips and falls.
Carpet isn’t out of style—it just has its own best uses in the modern home.
The Verdict: Is Carpeting Out of Style?
Carpet is no longer the default flooring for every room in a home, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of style. Instead, it’s evolved into a design choice that balances comfort with functionality. Hardwood, LVP, and tile may dominate kitchens, living rooms, and open floor plans, but carpet continues to shine in bedrooms, basements, and cozy gathering spaces.
For Cincinnati homeowners, the best approach is often a mix: durable surfaces in high-traffic areas combined with carpet in spaces where comfort matters most.
Work with Flooring Experts in Cincinnati
At Cincy Preferred Flooring, we’ve helped countless homeowners navigate the question: Is carpeting out of style? Our answer is always the same—carpet still has a place in modern homes, but it works best when paired with the right materials for each space.
Whether you’re looking to refresh a bedroom with plush carpet, install hardwood in your living room, or explore LVP and tile for kitchens and bathrooms, our team has the experience and product selection to help. We even offer free in-home estimates so you can see the options for yourself.
Ready to update your flooring? Contact Cincy Preferred Flooring today or schedule your free estimate online. Let us help you create a home that’s stylish, comfortable, and built to last.
