Modern practices have forever changed the carpet industry in more ways than one. Carpeting has always oscillated between being popular and old-fashioned. At the moment, carpeting has declined somewhat in favour of hardwood floors – but that is set to change. There is also the impact of modern technologies on carpet manufacturing; today, synthetic and hybrid carpets are often much more affordable than traditional methods, as well as more durable, fire resistant, and waterproof.

However, there are a few things about carpeting which have remained true throughout the years. Carpeting has always been the most popular flooring choice for bedrooms. Carpet is much softer underfoot, and the fabric has insulation value. This means that in bedrooms or play areas, carpet is not uncomfortable to walk or sit on – and it will not be icy to touch even on cold winter mornings.

Carpet also has a wider variety of available styles, shades and colours. Modern carpets are breaking the mould every day with innovative patterns, sizes, shapes, installations, and of course innovative materials. 

A good modern carpet will last between 5-15 years depending on the level of care taken with cleaning and exposure to damagers. High quality carpet can last over 20 years, but all carpet over 30 years old should be replaced due to the risk of mold and mildew.

High foot traffic, regular spills and stains, dirt tracked inside, and exposure to extreme weather conditions will cause the carpet to wear faster. You can tell if a carpet needs replacing just by its look – if the fibres of the carpet seem frayed or matted together, this usually means it needs replacing.

If you are thinking about replacing your current flooring with a modern carpet – whether that refers to the material or style – there are a few general things to consider. The first is the style and colour, as almost all carpets come in a huge variety. Once you have a vague idea of what you want the carpet to look like, you should research the different types of available materials and their individual advantages/disadvantages. To help narrow down your search somewhat, here are ten of the best modern carpets currently available in Australia.

Contemporary carpet and modern carpets for living rooms: 10 of Australia’s best modern floor coverings for a soft floor

10. Carpet Paradise Floor Coverings Sydney

Carpet Paradise provides absolutely everything you could ever need to purchase new carpet, from high-end suppliers to quality contractors that will handle the installation. With over 30 years of experience carpeting Sydney’s floors, Carpet Paradise is a trusted retailor with a proven success rate. Request a quote here to find out more about the luxury carpeting options for your home renovation.

09. Lismore hand loomed jute & cotton rugs

Cyprus Persian Carpets and Rugs is one of Australia’s favourite suppliers, with over 30K rugs to choose from online. Their Lismore range is hand loomed from all natural materials. With a rustic and beautifully neutral tone, this rug will blend seamlessly into any décor style.

08. Artistic flooring

Pioneers of Brisbane’s commercial carpeting scene, Artistic Flooring is a luxury flooring specialist providing customized carpets for any design. The experts at Artistic flooring can recommend, design and manufacture carpets in accordance to your exact specifications. They can also suggest designs that would best suit your space as inspired by your décor. Read more here or contact for a quote.

07. Solomons flooring Capalaba

Solomons flooring is a multi-material flooring supplier with the ability to install new timber, vinyl, laminate, hybrid, and carpet flooring. Their online catalogue is extensive and affordable. They stock a huge variety of colours and styles, covering all of the neutral shades as well as blue and brown.

06. DIY carpet tiles

One of the most revolutionary modern flooring innovations was the invention of carpet tile. Carpet tile is extremely easy to install – making it a favourite among avid DIY-ers – affordable, and simple to fit into unusually sized spaces. Carpet tile, much like outdoor carpet, is durable and easy to get your hands on. The carpet tile pictured above is available here from Bunnings for just $33.

05. Mike’s carpet Melbourne

Mike’s carpet discounters is an affordably priced flooring company with a specialty in carpets (though they also offer timber, vinyl, laminate, polished concrete and more). Mike’s Carpet Discounters cater to all décor styles, stocking carpets in a huge range of colours, weaves and patterns. Browse their online carpet catalogue here to find the perfect match for your home.

04. Mcleay carpet

Mcleay carpets are the oldest (fourth generation) family-owned flooring company in Adelaide. They have some of the most affordable prices in South Australia and supply carpets of the highest quality to commercial and residential settings throughout Australia.

With over 100 years of trading experience, McLeay’s has a reputation for customer-oriented services that prioritize satisfaction over profit. McLeay’s carpets guide their customers all of the way through the process, including choosing, supplying and installing their carpets. They are beloved by the community – read some of many glowing reviews for the McLeay team here.

03. Persian Rug Co.

Persian carpets and rugs are some of among most elegant options for modern homes. Authentic Persian rugs are handwoven, so the majority of Persian rugs are unique and created specifically for you. Persian Rug Co. houses Australia’s largest collection of handwoven rugs, kilims and carpets since 1993. For more information on authentic Persian rugs in Australia, see here.

02. Ikea Vonsbak

Ikea has been a respected supplier of high-quality carpets across Australia for decades. A pioneer of high quality home décor at affordable prices, Ikea’s designs can be found in households across the country. This vintage expressionist rug has an artfully worn texture that brings a sense of character into the room. It is available here for $269.

01. Prestige carpets

Prestige carpets are Australia’s leading designer carpeting companies, delivering the finest carpets around the world for maximum comfort and style. All of their products are made with pure New Zealand wool, cutting edge tufting and weaving construction methods. They are the first choice for Australia’s most famous architects and interior designers – you can read more about their works here.