In professional construction and renovation, baseboards should be installed before the carpet.
By installing baseboards before carpet, you create a clear boundary between the flooring and the walls. This makes it easier to replace or update your carpet in the future without having to remove or adjust the baseboards.
The current trend for baseboards favors minimalist, clean, and seamless designs. The most popular styles are tall, flat-stock profiles with square or slightly eased edges, frequently painted the exact same color as the walls to elongate the room visually.
The 7% rule states that the height of your baseboards should be approximately 7% of the room's ceiling height. For example, if your ceiling height is 8 feet (96 inches), a baseboard height of approximately 6 to 7 inches will look harmonious.
Installing the baseboards first makes it much easier to stain and paint your baseboards because you don't have to worry about getting any stain or paint on the brand-new carpet. If you choose to install your baseboards first, be sure to: Leave a gap for the carpet. (Use a spacer if you need to.)
Install your trim and baseboards before the carpet. This allows the carpet and padding to tuck neatly underneath the baseboard for a clean, professional finish, and protects the walls from stretching tools.
Yes, absolutely! The carpet remains a favorite for bedrooms because it's soft, warm, and quiet. Plus, new technology makes modern carpets more durable and easier to maintain than ever.
We will walk you through some of the most common beginner mistakes when installing trim molding and how to avoid them so your next project goes smoothly.
Baseboard moulding is installed at the bottom of walls, where they meet the floor. While providing a finished look to a room, baseboard moulding can also be strategically used to visually enlarge the space. By opting for a taller baseboard moulding, you can give the impression of higher ceilings and more overall space.
Crown molding is not out of style; in fact, it is making a strong comeback. Designers are embracing elaborate trim work and architectural details to add depth, character, and a bespoke, "lived-in" feel to homes.
A home typically looks outdated when it features overdone, time-stamped trends from specific past decades, such as honey oak cabinetry, popcorn ceilings, or generic word art. Outdated homes also often suffer from poor lighting, worn-out flooring, and heavy window treatments that block natural light.
Sustainability is central to flooring choices in 2026. The trend emphasises materials that are both stylish and environmentally responsible: – Wood & vinyl: Reclaimed or responsibly sourced. – Carpet: Wool and recycled‑fibre carpets are gaining popularity for their natural feel and eco‑credentials.
There is no strict rule, as both lighter and darker baseboards can look fantastic depending on your design goals. It ultimately comes down to the aesthetic you want to achieve.
While professional carpet installers take care to avoid damaging baseboards, occasional scuffs or chips can occur due to the abrasive nature of carpet backing. Be prepared by scheduling carpet installation a few days after painting baseboards, using high-quality paint, and keeping extra paint on hand for touch-ups.
The average cost to carpet a 12x12 room (144 square feet) is $450 to $1,500 fully installed. This total spans about $3 to $11 per square foot, covering the carpet itself, padding, and labor.
How To Avoid The Top 5 Carpet Installation Mistakes That Will Cost You Money
In luxury real estate, a ceiling height of 10 to 12 feet is the accepted baseline for main living areas. While standard homes feature 8- to 9-foot ceilings, luxury properties utilize 10 feet+ and dramatic volumes reaching 12 to 14+ feet to deliver a highly sought-after sense of airiness, grandeur, and architectural sophistication.
Choose Light and Bright
Opt for light-coloured flooring such as pale hardwood or light-toned luxury vinyl tiles. These brighter options can effectively reflect natural light, instantly creating a sense of greater space and openness in a room.
Yes, crown molding is still very much in style. Instead of a passing trend, it is widely considered a timeless architectural staple that finishes a room, adds value, and elevates the space.
Minimalist and flat baseboards are currently the most popular. The contemporary design focus is on clean lines and subtle elegance rather than ornate millwork.
Nailing is the industry standard for installing baseboards. It provides immediate strength, allows for easy removal during future remodels, and holds the trim firmly against uneven walls. However, gluing is highly effective in specific scenarios, such as avoiding hidden pipes or bypassing hard surfaces.
Common home decor mistakes to avoid include using rugs that are too small, hanging curtains too low, and pushing all furniture against walls, which makes spaces feel disjointed or cramped. Other major pitfalls are inadequate lighting, over-accessorizing, and choosing trendy, uncomfortable furniture over functional, quality pieces.
Warm neutrals and earthy tones are the most popular carpet colors right now, officially replacing cool gray as the top designer choice.
Real hardwood is the undisputed champion of resale value, offering a 70% to 80% return on investment. If solid hardwood exceeds your budget, opt for Engineered Hardwood or Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), which offer durability at a fraction of the cost.
What to Choose Instead (Modern Flooring Options)