Let’s Weigh the Pros and Cons!
If you’re thinking about updating your lounge or living room, you’ve likely found yourself torn between two of the most popular flooring options: living room carpet or LVT?
Both have their fans, and both bring something different to the table—especially if you have dogs, kids, or just want a space that’s easy to live in.
We always work with you to ensure you get the best information and flooring for your needs, so let’s break down the real-life pros and cons of each, so you can decide what’s best for your home.
Carpet: The Classic Comfort Choice
Why people love it:
Great for Dogs: Dogs love lounging about on carpet, and it gives them good traction for having zoomies! Plus, it’s less likely to show scratches from claws.
Softness & Warmth: There’s nothing quite like sinking your toes into a plush carpet after a long day. It’s warm, cozy, and makes the whole room feel inviting—especially in the winter.
Quietness: Carpet is a superstar at absorbing sound. If you’ve got a busy household, or just want a peaceful space to relax, carpet helps keep things quiet by muffling footsteps and voices.
Safety: Got kids or older family members? Carpet’s soft surface is much more forgiving if someone takes a tumble.
But there are some downsides:
- Cleaning: Carpets can trap dirt, pet hair, and the occasional muddy paw print. That’s actually good because it keeps the detritus away from our face and lungs. However, while regular vacuuming helps, you’ll want a regular professional deep clean to keep things fresh, especially if you have pets.
- Stains: Spills can be a pain, and some carpets are more stain-resistant than others. If you’re worried about dirt, stains, red wine or coffee accidents, always buy a polypropylene carpets since they are almost impossible to stain! We can advise you on this!
- Allergens: Carpets can hold onto dust and allergens, but with regular cleaning, they can actually help trap these particles until you vacuum them up.
LVT: The Modern, Practical Option
Why people love it:
- Easy Cleaning: LVT is a breeze to clean. Spills, muddy paw prints, and pet accidents wipe right up—no stress, no stains.
- Durability: LVT is tough. I mean TOUGH! It stands up to heavy foot traffic, dog claws, and even the occasional dropped toy or plate.
- Style Choices: LVT comes in loads of designs, from wood-look planks to stone tiles, so you can get the look you want without the maintenance of real wood or stone.
- Allergy-Friendly: Because it doesn’t trap dust or pet hair, LVT is a great choice if you or your family have allergies.
But like every flooring type, there’s pro’s and cons. Here’s what to consider:
Slipperiness: Some LVT can be a bit slippery, which might be a concern for older dogs or anyone with mobility issues.
It’s Hard: LVT is much harder underfoot than carpet. Sure, you can add a rug for a bit of softness, but it won’t have that same cushy feel and will need a regular clean, just like carpets.
Noise: LVT doesn’t absorb sound like carpet does, so you might notice more echo or the click-clack of paws and shoes—especially in bigger rooms.
So, Which Is Best for Your Living Room?
- If you want a cozy, quiet, and soft space for relaxing, watching TV, or letting the dog nap by your feet, carpet is hard to beat.
- If you’re after something super practical, easy to clean, and modern-looking—especially if you have messy pets or kids—LVT might be your winner.
Still can’t decide? Some people go for the best of both worlds: LVT for the main floor, with a big, comfy rug in the lounge area. That way, you get the easy cleaning and durability of LVT, plus a touch of softness where you want it most.
Whatever you choose, make sure it fits your lifestyle—and don’t be afraid to ask for samples to see how each option feels in your own home!