Designing with Carpet Tiles

Modular carpet tiles can be used to create a rich, deep floor covering for any room of the house. Mix up the patterns for a playroom floor, or create a subtly shifting pallet of the living room rug; the design possibilities of this product are endless.

What Are Modular Carpet Squares?

Modular carpet tiles are squares of carpet that can be pieced together to form multiple variations of pattern and color. Where as traditional carpets are all of one piece, and must be installed by professionals, who cut the carpeting to the room, and then tack it down with staples, carpet tiles can be laid to create an area rug, or a whole room covering, by the homeowner.

Companies like FLOR, one of the leading innovators of carpet tiles, have a unique system which allows the carpet squares to be joined to one another, rather than each other. This allows the carpet tiles to be removed with ease, in case of cleaning or damage.

Other systems include adhesive carpet tiles. These adhesive carpet squares can be easily installed by the homeowner, and provide much of the same design flexibility as the other squares, but in a more permanent fashion.

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Uses for Carpet Tiles

Carpet tiles can be used over nearly any substrate or surface where carpets would typically be laid. The substrate will need to be even, and smooth, with no large dips, lumps or knots before installation.

Carpet tiles can be used to cover an entire room, or pieced together as an area rug. They work particularly well in children’s rooms or playrooms, as their easy to install, remove and clean system can help keep the carpet looking newer, longer.

Designing With Carpet Tiles

One of the best aspects of carpet tiles is the ability to pieces together multiple colors and patterns to create unique, one-of-a-kind carpet creations. Choose a thick, plush carpet tile for the living room, in small squares of subtly alternating colors, to create a rich, deep look. Or, create a fun playroom floor of random, primary colored carpet squares. Alternate patterned and solid squares for a more interesting look, or even combine multiple patterns for an eclectic style that will work in family rooms, rec rooms and basements.

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For more conservative and classic throw rugs, stick to one pattern of squares, and use multiple colors, scattered throughout. This can create a rich and versatile pallet for any room of the house, without overwhelming the area with too much going on. Modern homes can create updated looks by using rows of carpet squares in solid colors. If using a 10’ x 10’ area rug, use ten tiles in a row of a solid color, then switch to a contrasting color for the next row, using up to ten different colors for a striated effect. Use any type of pattern for the colors, to create a multi-dimensional look.

Create an eclectic look that will work well in many family rooms by choosing a color pallet, such as blue/gray, and using multiple patterns all in the same color family. Try horizontal stripes of different patterns, or create a patchwork quilt effect by mixing plaids, stripes and checkers in varying shades of the same color. This can provide a lot of detail, without overwhelming either the room or the viewer.

Modular carpet tiles are rapidly gaining in popularity with their ease of installation, cleaning and removal. Combining these attributes with an endless array of styles makes this product truly versatile, and a floor covering for the 21st century.