Why Use Carpet Tile?

One of the innovations in home decor is modular carpet tile. These tiles come in a variety of materials, colors and patterns, many of which are sold in combined units to make coordination a breeze. Decorators planning the flooring for their homes may wonder why to use carpet tile in place of traditional rugs or exposed wood floors. There are several reasons for using carpet tile, ranging from space issues to safety and convenience to color.

Benefits

Carpet tiles are versatile, affordable and adaptable to oddly-shaped spaces. They are easy to maintain, because you can remove a single carpet tile to replace it. Most carpet tiles can be washed in the sink when they get dirty. Some companies accept old carpet tiles back for recycling. Many carpet tiles feature recycled or renewable materials. The modular format of some carpet tiles allows for infinite variations on color, theme, texture, size and pattern.

Types

Carpet tile is not just a bland substitute for designer flooring. In fact, carpet tiles come in hip colors and designs. Try carpet tiles in a faux stone finish for a rustic look or animal patterns for a taste of the wild. Stripes, paisleys, geometric prints, abstract patterns, florals, mod desgins and an array of solid colors allow mixing and matching.

Misconceptions

Some people shy away from carpet tile because they worry about toxic adhesives, padding or multiple nails in the floor. However, carpet tile does not require glue, nails or padding for installation. Instead, most carpet tile comes with nontoxic adhesive dots that are made to stick the carpet tiles to one another rather than adhere to the floor. Therefore, they do not damage floors. Note that carpet tile is not for attaching to already carpeted surfaces or to floors with hand-painted or vintage varnish.

Function

Carpet tile in a long hallway or forgotten corner can add visual pop. It functions as a throw rug or a room-sized carpet. It comes in different grades to allow for light to heavy foot traffic. Eye-catching prints can be the focal point of the room while more subtle patterns and textures form a pleasing backdrop.

Considerations

Carpet tiles are not just for floors. Staple them to a cork board or a lightweight piece of wood and hang them on the wall as art of a bulletin board. Cover a plywood cube of wood or a pallet with carpet tiles for an impromptu ottoman. Use single tiles as coasters. Take a plain Jane table and adorn its top with carpet tiles for added texture and color.

References

• Apartment Therapy Chicago
• Flor: Trends