5 Carpet Colors Interior Designers Say Are No Longer In Style

Whether you’re replacing old carpet or selecting new flooring, take note of these expert tips to update your space with a modern touch.

While the bright orange shag carpet from the ’70s is long gone, some other carpet colors still linger, and interior designers are eager to move on from them. Even if your space has a contemporary design, these particular hues can quickly make the room feel outdated.

Here are five carpet colors designers recommend avoiding—and the fresh alternatives to consider instead.

1. Bold and Neon Colors While neon shades like green, orange, pink, and teal have been out of style for a while, they still appear in some patterned or solid carpets. Neon carpets once added a fun pop of color, but interior designer Jill Greaves suggests exploring other playful design options, such as paint or wall art. However, vibrant earth tones are a great alternative for adding depth and warmth.“Amber, rust, deep russet, and reddish browns are trending now, but steer clear of bright, true red,” says Greaves. “For a youthful mix, try rose, soft pink, or gold tones in place of hot pink.”

2. Cool Grays Cool gray carpets have been a staple in many homes, but with a shift toward warmth and color, they can feel out of place. Greaves notes that while gray is still popular, warmer shades of gray are more on trend now. Instead of cool grays, consider putting warm grays or neutral putty tones in your space for a fresh look that complements vintage and coastal design trends.

3. Stark White Similar to cool grays, stark white carpets are becoming outdated as homeowners embrace more textured, colorful, and inviting interiors. White carpets, in particular, are notoriously difficult to maintain, especially with children or pets. “We’ve had too much white! People are tired of white-on-white rooms and are craving more warmth and natural textiles,” says Greaves. If you’re unable to replace your white carpet just yet, try layering a seagrass rug on top to add some visual interest.
4. Builder Beige “Builder beige” carpets, often seen in new homes, are no longer the go-to neutral. Emily Vaughan, an interior designer, recommends moving away from this bland shade, as today’s interiors embrace more color and personality. Instead of traditional beige, Vaughan suggests looking for neutrals with texture or subtle patterns, like a stripe or herringbone. Natural fibers like sisal or jute can offer a neutral base while adding warmth and interest.
5. Black While black carpets made a bold statement in the past, they’re no longer in vogue. Dark-colored flooring is being replaced with lighter, more natural tones.

Greaves recommends dark brown or charcoal as modern alternatives to black. These deep neutrals still provide a moody atmosphere without feeling outdated. For those who want to incorporate black, consider a patterned rug with black accents or experiment with pairing black and navy blue for a fresh twist.