The practice of installing wall-to-wall carpeting over hardwood floors became widespread in the mid-20th century, particularly from the 1950s onwards [1] [2] [3].
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Historically, hardwood floors were common in homes, even in builder-grade houses, until the mid-1950s [4]. Before this period, wall-to-wall carpeting existed but was a high-end luxury, often hand-sewn from natural fibers like cotton or wool [2] [5].
A significant shift occurred in the 1950s with the invention and widespread availability of synthetic fibers, such as nylon, for carpet manufacturing [5]. This innovation dramatically reduced the cost and increased the ease of producing carpeting [5]. By 1954, synthetic wall-to-wall carpet became widely available and affordable [4]. This affordability made it a popular choice for homeowners, leading to its installation in living rooms, bedrooms, and other areas, often directly over existing hardwood floors [2] [4]. Builders also began to offer wall-to-wall carpeting as a standard option, sometimes even installing it directly over subfloors, as it was a cheaper and quicker alternative to hardwood [4].
This trend continued through the 1960s and 1970s, with carpeting, including popular shag styles, dominating home interiors [2]. The appeal of wall-to-wall carpeting was its perceived low maintenance and comfort [2]. However, by the 1980s, hardwood floors began to make a comeback as tastes shifted towards a cleaner, more classic aesthetic [2].
Authoritative Sources
- What Led to Wall-to-Wall Carpet Losing Popularity?. [From The Forest]↩
- Trends in Wood Flooring. [Harper Floors]↩
- History Underfoot: Flooring in the 19th Century Home. [Brownstoner]↩
- Mid-Century Hardwood Floors. [MidMod-Midwest]↩
- History of Carpet. [50Floor]↩
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