Best Pet-Friendly Carpets for Bedrooms in 2024

Pets are part of the family, so it’s important to choose bedroom carpeting that can stand up to claws, accidents, and heavy traffic from four-legged friends. The right pet-friendly carpet keeps your bedroom looking great while minimizing stress, mess, and costs from damage or frequent carpet cleaning.

What Makes a Carpet Pet-Friendly?

Several factors determine how well a carpet holds up with pets:

Fiber type – Synthetic fibers like polyester and olefin resist stains, are non-allergenic, and stand up to wear and tear. Wool is naturally stain resistant. Nylon is durable but not stain resistant.

Pile height – Low pile carpets show less tracks and are easier to clean. Pile should be 1⁄2 inch or less.

Density – Higher density or threads per inch creates a tight weave and hides wear. Density of 1,500+ is ideal.

Stain protection – Built-in stain guards allow time to clean up accidents before they set.

Warranty – Long warranties of 10-20 years show carpet is built to last.

Resiliency – Bounce-back prevents matting in high traffic areas.

Top Pet-Friendly Carpet Fibers

Polyester

• Stain resistant, colorfast, and affordable
• Soft but not luxurious underfoot
• Can show crushing and matting over time

Olefin (Polypropylene)

• Extremely durable and stain proof
• Resists moisture, mildew, and chemicals
• Low pile heights good for high traffic
• Not as soft as other synthetics

Wool

• Naturally stain resistant with long lifespan
• Luxurious underfoot
• Expensive
• Can be scratched by claws

Nylon

• Very durable and resilient
• Available in plush or dense textures
• Not inherently stain resistant
• Prone to matting

Features of Pet-Friendly Carpets

Stain Protection

Stain guards provide time to clean up spills and pet accidents before they permanently set into the carpet fibers. Two types include:

Fluorochemicals – Liquid repellents added to the fibers during manufacturing. Work by causing spills to bead up so they can be blotted away. Need reapplication every 1-2 years.

Silicones – Act like sand, absorbing and locking away spills so they can be removed. Built-in protection that lasts the carpet lifetime.

Antimicrobials

Antimicrobials prevent the growth of odor and stain-causing germs, mold, and mildew in the carpet. Help keep carpets fresh between cleanings and protect indoor air quality.

Odor Blockers

Some carpets include activated carbon or baking soda layered into the backing to absorb musty pet odors. Help remove, not just mask, urine smells from accidents.

Low Pile Height

Keep pile height 1⁄2 inch or lower. Shorter fibers show less indentations from pet paws, claws, and body pressure. Easier to keep clean since soil and dust settle below wear surface.

Higher Density

A tighter weave with more fibers per inch conceals signs of pet wear and traffic patterns. Density of 1,500 to 2,000 is good for pets.

Best Carpet Styles for Pets

Cut Pile

Cut pile carpets have yarn tufts cut evenly across the surface. This category includes textures like plush, saxony, and velvet. Soil falls through the upright tufts to the backing where it’s less visible. Avoid long shag styles.

Pros

• Wide selection of textures and prices
• Luxurious soft textures possible
• Hides dirt well

Cons

• Can show mats and crush marks
• Stains sink into tufts

Textured/Frieze

Frieze carpets have tightly twisted yarns that curl in different directions across the surface. A casual, nubby texture that conceals dirt and paw prints. Stiffer pile resists matting.

Pros

• Extremely durable
• Hides wear well
• Easy to clean
• Resilient

Cons

• Casual styling not for formal rooms
• Twist can untwist with heavy traffic

Loop/Berber

Loops or uncut yarn tufts give berber carpets their knobby, nubby texture. Durable and easy to clean. Low profile ideal for pets. Available in both soft and durable styles.

Pros

• Very durable
• Resists matting
• Easy to clean
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Loops can fray or pull out
• Limited softness and luxury

Patterned Cut & Loop

Combination of cut pile tufts and loops in tone-on-tone or contrasting colors. Distributes wear well since loops are harder wearing. Pattern hides paw prints, stains, etc.

Pros

• Excellent durability
• Visually hides dirt and wear
• Design interest

Cons

• Pattern not ideal for all decors
• Stains can set in cut pile

Pet-Friendly Carpet Collections

Here are some recommended carpet collections from leading brands that are designed to stand up to pets based on features like fiber, construction, textures, and warranties.

Shaw – Pet Protect Collection

• Proprietary R2X soil and stain protector
• Antimicrobial and odor control
• Polyester and nylon styles
• 10-20 year warranties

Mohawk Home PetProtect Saxony Carpet

nuLOOM Hand Woven Wool Rug

Unique Loom Outdoor Indoor Carpet

Carpet Fiber and Construction Comparison

Fiber	Durability	Stain Resistance	Cleanability
Polyester	Very good	Excellent	Good
Olefin	Excellent	Excellent	Fair
Wool	Excellent	Very good	Fair
Nylon	Good to excellent	Fair	Good

Construction	Durability	Cleanability	Texture Options
Cut Pile	Good to excellent	Good	Wide variety
Textured	Excellent	Very good	Casual styles
Loop/Berber	Excellent	Very good	Limited
Patterned	Excellent	Very good	Wide variety

Pet-Friendly Carpet Maintenance Tips

• Vacuum high traffic areas daily, entire carpet 2-3 times per week. Use carpets rated for pets.
• Spot clean stains immediately with dish soap, vinegar, or enzyme cleaners. Blot don’t rub.
• Deep clean carpets every 6-12 months with steam cleaning or hot water extraction.
• Consider indoor-outdoor carpet runners to protect stairs/hallways. Easy to clean and replace sections.
• Place protective mats under pet bowls and beds. Can also use carpet protectant sprays.
• Trim nails and paw fur to reduce snags, pulls, and unravelling.

Choosing the Best Bedroom Carpet for Your Pets

The first step is deciding on carpet fiber and construction that balances durability, cleanability, comfort, and cost for your needs. Nylon and wool offer a luxurious feel but require more maintenance. Tough synthetics like polyester and olefin are practically indestructible. For heavy pet traffic, look for low dense loops, textured frieze, or patterned cut and loop. Make sure to select a carpet with built-in stain protection and a long warranty of 10-20 years. With periodic cleaning and basic precautions, the right pet-friendly carpet can stay looking great for years to come.