Looking to redo your bathroom? You may be interested to learn that a divisive interior design trend may be making a comeback.
As Britons turn to the 1970s for home inspiration, combining timeless classics with retro pieces, many are also considering a return to carpeted bathrooms.
Described by YouGov as "one of the greatest interior decorating crimes of the previous century", carpeted bathrooms are now widely avoided despite being popular in the '70s and '80s.
The cosy floor covering sparked hygiene concerns, particularly with worries about mould and mildew.
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Currently, just four per cent of Britons still have a carpeted bathroom, although it rises to one in 12 (eight per cent) among over 65s, according to a recent YouGov survey.
However, future results may show even higher figures, as one in eight Britons (13 per cent) deem it acceptable to have carpet in the bathroom. Among 60-64 year-olds, the figure rises further to almost one in five (19 per cent).
Online Carpets has revealed that in the past month, searches for "bathroom carpet" have rocketed by 342 per cent, while "carpet bathroom" has risen by 360 per cent in the same time period. It begs the question: are carpeted bathrooms coming back?
For the carpeted bathroom defenders keen to rediscover the trend, there are some crucial things you need to know.
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Almost one in five 60-64 year-olds say a carpeted bathroom is acceptable
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Online Carpets' James Higgins warned Britons: "Carpets can be more difficult to clean in comparison to hard flooring like laminate, meaning they are more prone to staining and holding more germs –something that isn't ideal for a bathroom space.
"Hair, fingernails, and bacteria are all present in bathrooms. These germs, mixed with a buildup of moisture, can affect the air in your bathroom and cause mould and mildew to grow in your carpet.
"Because of this, carpeted bathrooms are higher maintenance than any hard flooring, requiring more frequent cleaning and replacing, as well as keeping your windows open in the day-to-day to combat any excess moisture."
But this doesn't mean they're a "total no-go" – you just have to take proper care to avoid bathroom disaster.
'If you're not ready to commit to a fully carpeted bathroom, you can test out rugs'
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A major positive of carpeted bathrooms is that they're "comfortable" rather than "clinical", explained the expert.
Carpets also soften noise, drowning out annoying footsteps for a more relaxing atmosphere.
"So if you're happy with a more high-maintenance bathroom, they can be a serene design choice," he added.
Here, Mr Higgins shared five things you need to know for carpeted bathroom success.
Still use tiles in certain areas
"Keep tiles around wetter areas of your bathroom, such as your sink, shower, and bathtub.
"This will not only add visual interest to your room, but will also save the carpets in those areas from getting sodden."
Have waterproof flooring underneath your carpet
"If you can, install a waterproof subfloor in your bathroom before laying down any carpet.
"These backings will give you some extra peace of mind when getting any water on your carpet."
Synthetic carpet is best
"Natural fibres like wool, while great to touch, take more time to dry out and can start to smell if they get too wet.
"If you're keen on a bathroom carpet, look for synthetic materials such as 100 per cent polyester or polypropylene. These are naturally more resistant to moisture and will dry out much faster."
Look for low pile carpets
"The pile, or thickness, of your carpet is very important when it comes to choosing carpet for your bathroom.
"Low pile carpet is thinner and will lie flatter on your floors, similar to the kind of carpet you would choose for a hallway or stair runner, and will wear better in these high traffic areas.
"Low pile carpets have a tighter weave that will absorb less water and dry quicker than thicker carpets, making them an ideal choice for a bathroom."
Try rugs and carpet tiles before committing
"If you're not ready to commit to a fully carpeted bathroom, you can test out rugs with non-slip underlays or even carpet squares that can be washed, maintained, and replaced in a much easier way than fitted carpet.
"Again, look for synthetic low-pile rugs and carpet tiles to go for the best-suited carpet."