Conventional Carpets in Unconventional Spaces

Carpets are usually associated with comfort and warmth and play the role of adding vibrancy and elegance to the space they inhabit. They have a reputation of being a luxurious floor covering, adding texture to interiors while keeping our feet cosy. But isn’t there so much more to carpets beyond their role on the floor? When used creatively, carpets can become versatile design elements that elevate the aesthetics of the most unconventional space to find a carpet!

Let’s discuss how carpets can transform from mere floor coverings to something extraordinary- from wall coverings to tablecloths, carpets do have some unconventional uses.

Carpets as Wall Coverings

The easiest way to innovate with a carpet is to take it from the floor and place it on the wall! Many cultures like Persian, Turkish and Russian, used tapestries and rugs to adorn the walls of palaces and homes. This technique is making a comeback in modern interiors with fabric coated walls. 

Using a carpet as a wall covering or hanging can introduce texture and personality into a room. It can be a large statement piece in the living room or even a small rug in a hallway! A beautifully patterned carpet hung on a wall can serve as an attractive focal point, creating a sense of art when paired with simplistic furniture and clean lines. They also improve room acoustics and insulation by absorbing sound. 

Carpets often reflect rich cultural heritage, especially the ones that feature intricate patterns, motifs and designs from specific regions. A Rajasthani carpet brings with it a colourful and vibrant atmosphere, while a Moroccan or Persian carpet introduces a global flair to modern homes. Whichever the carpet, it adds a cultural or artistic element to the space!

Cushion Covers and Upholstery

Carpets enjoy a reputation of being highly durable and featuring intricate designs, making them perfect to repurpose into cushion covers and upholstery for furniture. Reusing carpets in this manner lends a sense of luxury to the home decor and adds an artistic twist. 

A well crafted carpet can be cut and transformed into unique cushion covers to add a bold, artistic touch to sofas and chairs. Think of a cosy brown leather recliner with a beautiful, maroon Persian carpet covered cushion. Such kind of repurposed carpets are durable, resistant to wear and tear and offer a more textured feel than traditional fabrics used for cushion covers.

Chairs, sofas and ottomans upholstered with repurposed carpets bring a rustic and bohemian charm to interiors. Whether you’re upholstering a modern piece or refreshing an antique item, carpets offer an eco-friendly and stylish way to revamp your furniture. Smaller carpets can be used as stylish throws over sofas and beds, adding warmth and a pop of colour to the space.

Tablecloths and Table Runners

Have you ever thought of using your carpet as a makeshift tablecloth? It may seem unconventional but carpets can be creatively repurposed as table cloths or even table runners to elevate dining and living spaces. This idea works extremely well with lightweight, flat=woven carpets or rugs that feature intricate patterns and vibrant colours.

Carpet tablecloths or runners create a unique and striking look- the woven textures and ornate patterns add depth and visual interest, transforming a simple table to a centrepiece of admiration. Unlike conventional fabric tablecloths, carpets are more durable and resistant to spills and stains, making them ideal for high traffic areas like dining rooms or dining patios.

Use this design idea for your dining space. Layer a carpet table runner over a simple white tablecloth to add a pop of colour and elegance to your dining area. Add a simple pendant light above the centre of your table and you are all set! The contrast between the soft fabric and bold carpet creates a dynamic and inviting look, the pendant light adding the right amount of drama to it.

Headboards for Beds

Using a carpet as a headboard is an unconventional yet highly effective way to introduce a luxurious and artistic touch to your bedroom. The carpet can be hung directly above the bed or mounted on a wooden frame to serve as the headboard itself. 

A carpet headboard offers a soft and cosy surface behind the bed in place of a wooden headboard. They are aesthetically pleasing as well, adding warmth and texture to your sleeping area. Whether you use a minimalist pattern or bold, vibrant design, a carpet as a headboard can tie the entire bedroom decor together and provides flexibility in design, allowing you to choose from a variety of colours, textures and styles to suit your personal aesthetic.

Staircase Runners and Decor

Carpets have long been used on stairs as runners, but their use can be extended beyond the typical runner format. Carpets can be creatively cut and installed on individual steps, or even wrapped around balusters for a more decorative touch. 

Instead of opting for a plain runner, use a patterned carpet to create a dynamic, artistic statement. The boldness of the design will make each step a visual masterpiece. You can also use carpet tiles cut from larger carpets on individual steps, offering a unique and custom look. This approach is perfect for homeowners looking to mix and match patterns for a more eclectic style. Wrapping a carpet around the stair baluster adds a soft, tactile element to what is usually a hard surface. This touch of creativity can make a staircase feel more inviting.

Framed Carpet Art

If you have a smaller piece of a vintage or unique carpet that you don’t want to use on the floor, you can consider framing it as a piece of art. Framed carpets bring an artisanal and handmade element into your space while showcasing intricate craftsmanship in a gallery-like manner.

Framing a vintage or hand woven carpet allows you to showcase its craftsmanship without subjecting it to foot traffic or wear. It turns the piece into a form of artistic expression, especially when combined with the right accent light or spotlight. Smaller rugs or even carpet fragments can be framed according to custom sizes, making them versatile decor pieces for entryways, bedrooms, or hallways. Framed carpets are bound to spark conversations. Whether it’s the history behind the piece or the intricate details of its design, it offers more than just visual appeal.

Outdoor Rugs and Patio Carpets

Outdoor spaces such as patios, decks and verandas are perfect areas to introduce unconventional carpet uses. While carpets are traditionally seen indoors, they can easily transition into outdoor areas, creating cosy nooks and enhancing the beauty of your garden or terrace.

Outdoor carpets are durable and designed to withstand air and moisture. Traditional carpets can still sustain in a covered outdoor space, lending a touch of luxury and indoor comfort to your exterior decor.

Smaller carpets make for excellent picnic blankets or mats. The texture provides added comfort on hard or uneven surfaces, and the unique patterns make your outdoor activities more stylish. In outdoor settings, carpets can be laid down to create floor seating areas, perfect for casual gatherings. Paired with fluffy cushions, they create an inviting, laid-back environment.

Creative Carpet Panels for Room Dividers

Carpets can be repurposed as room dividers to segment living spaces without using walls or traditional partition elements. Whether hanging from a ceiling rail or mounted on a frame, carpet panels can serve as unique, visually intriguing partitions. Carpet panels not only divide spaces but also introduce a softer element, as opposed to hard, conventional dividers. They can absorb sound, making rooms feel quieter. They also offer a textural contrast to walls or hard surfaces, especially effective in large, open-plan spaces where creating private areas is challenging.

Carpets, traditionally seen as floor coverings, hold endless potential when used in unconventional ways. From adorning walls to framing as art, repurposing them as cushion covers, or using them as creative room dividers, the possibilities are as vast as your imagination. By thinking outside the box, you can introduce these versatile pieces into various parts of your home, adding texture, warmth, and visual interest in ways that go beyond the floor.

With their durability, beauty, and cultural significance, carpets are not only practical but also deeply expressive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can carpets be used as wall coverings? How does that work?

• Yes, carpets can be used as wall coverings to create a bold and artistic statement. Traditionally, many cultures used tapestries and carpets to adorn their walls, and this trend is making a comeback in modern interiors. 
• When hung on the wall, carpets add texture, warmth, and an artistic touch to a room. They also offer practical benefits like sound absorption and improved insulation. 
• A beautifully patterned carpet on the wall can serve as the focal point of the room, enhancing the aesthetic and creating a cosy ambience.

How can carpets be repurposed for furniture upholstery or cushion covers?

• Carpets, especially those known for durability and intricate designs, can be transformed into cushion covers or upholstery for furniture. Repurposing carpets in this way adds a luxurious and artistic flair to your home decor. 
• For example, you can use parts of a Persian or Moroccan carpet to create unique cushion covers or reupholster a sofa or chair. This not only gives a rustic and bohemian touch to interiors but also makes use of the durable, textured fabric that can withstand wear and tear more effectively than traditional fabrics.

Is it practical to use carpets as tablecloths or table runners?

• Yes, carpets can be used as tablecloths or table runners to add texture and a unique aesthetic to your dining or living space. Lightweight, flat-woven carpets with intricate designs are ideal for this purpose. 
• Carpet table runners or cloths bring a striking look to any table, with their ornate patterns and woven textures adding depth and visual interest. 
• Additionally, carpets are more durable and resistant to spills than conventional fabric tablecloths, making them a practical and stylish choice for high-traffic areas like dining rooms.

What are some creative ways to use carpets in bedrooms?

• In bedrooms, carpets can be used in unconventional ways, such as a headboard for your bed. By hanging a carpet above your bed or mounting it on a wooden frame, you can create a unique and luxurious headboard. 
• This adds warmth, texture, and visual interest to the room. Another idea is to use smaller carpets as throws over beds or armchairs, adding a pop of colour and a sense of cosiness to the space.

Can carpets be used in outdoor spaces?

• Carpets can be creatively used in outdoor spaces such as patios, decks, and verandas. 
• Durable outdoor carpets are designed to withstand the elements, making them perfect for adding warmth and comfort to exterior settings. Traditional carpets can also be used in covered outdoor areas, adding a touch of luxury and making outdoor gatherings feel more intimate and stylish. 
• Smaller carpets can even be used as picnic mats, providing comfort and adding a stylish touch to outdoor activities.