Light vs. Dark Basement Carpet

Stains

• Stains are almost inevitable when it comes to carpets, especially if you have children who are prone to spilling that glass of soda they've been running around with. Darker carpets hide unsightly stains better than lighter carpets, which is especially useful with stubborn stains that just refuse to come up. However, it is much more noticeable if dark carpets lose their color during spot cleaning and many stain removers should be used only on light carpets.

Pet Hair

• Pet hair can be just as troublesome as liquid stains, especially if you have a pet that sheds quite a bit. Choosing carpet based on how well it hides fallen pet hair depends on the color of your pet. Choose a light-colored carpet if you have a white or light-haired cat or dog, and choose a dark-colored carpet if you want to hide a black or dark brown pet's hair between cleanings.

Openness

• Probably the biggest aesthetic difference between light and dark carpets for your basement is how open they make the room feel. How big you want your basement space to feel is entirely a matter of personal preference. Light-colored carpet gives your space airiness, meaning that it will feel more open and larger. Dark-colored carpet makes the room feel considerably smaller and more intimate. Basements do not typically get a lot of light, so expect the space to feel extra small when using a dark-colored carpet.

Neutral Colors

• The most practical option for many is to go with neutral colors in your basement. A neutral color, such as beige, is not quite as light as white carpet but not as dark as chocolate or black carpet. Having a neutral-colored carpet does not affect how big the space feels, and it is compatible with most stain removers. It also allows you the most versatility when it comes to decor, because very light and very dark carpets change the entire look of a room while a neutral color is not as dramatic.