Are carpets fine to use in bathrooms?

Carpets are generally not recommended for bathrooms due to their unsuitability in damp conditions. However, according to some interior designers, there are exceptions to this rule.

Carpets in bathrooms were popular in the 1970s and 1980s for making bathrooms feel soft and cosy. They are no longer fashionable, mainly due to the reputation of carpets as impractical in wet spaces. However, in 2025, some homes have gone back to installing bathroom carpets

Designer Louise Jones, founder of Fairfax Jones, has a vintage bathroom in her home with a pink suite and green carpet. She loves the soft feel of the carpet underfoot. Bathmats are used and the windows are opened regularly to prevent the carpet from getting too wet. A premium quality bathmat looks attractive and used with care, preventing carpets in bathrooms from getting too damp.

Interior designers Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen recommend sisal carpets in bathrooms, as sisal is a natural plant-based waterproof material.

Some designers suggest that carpets that are not fully waterproof can be used in bathrooms that have underfloor heating, which dries them out.

Designer Suzannah Lockwood is not normally in favour of carpets in bathrooms unless a client insists on their use, and as long as quality water-resistant carpets are fitted. For added softness in bathrooms, she recommends rugs, fabric lampshades and artwork.

If you are in the minority of people who prefer carpets in your bathroom, you may choose to consult a local flooring retailer in Chester to review their range of water and stain-resistant carpets.