When the Arkansas heat kicks in, keeping your home cool becomes a top priority. While ceiling fans and air conditioning do their part, your carpet and flooring can also play a surprisingly big role in temperature control. Choosing the right carpet or flooring material can help you stay cooler indoors—naturally and efficiently.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best flooring choices to beat the summer heat, from breathable carpets to cool-to-the-touch surfaces that make a noticeable difference during hot, humid months.
Why Flooring Matters in Summer
Not all flooring materials are created equal—especially when it comes to managing indoor temperatures. Materials that trap heat (like thick carpets with synthetic padding) can make your home feel stuffy, while cooler materials like tile, stone, and low-pile carpets allow for better air circulation and help regulate heat.
By choosing the right summer carpet or floor material, you can:
- Improve your home’s overall comfort
- Reduce reliance on AC
- Create a lighter, fresher aesthetic for the season
Whether you’re revamping your floors in Conway, Little Rock, or anywhere in between, these options will keep things cool when temperatures rise.
Low-Pile Carpet: Soft and Summer-Friendly
Why it’s great: Traditional plush carpets can trap heat, but low-pile carpets are thinner and denser, making them more breathable and better for summertime use.
- Airflow-friendly: Allows for more air circulation underfoot
- Easier to clean: Summer brings dust, pollen, and pet dander—low-pile carpet handles it all with less hassle
- Cooler colors: Choose light tones like sand, taupe, or pale gray to reflect heat and visually brighten your space
For those who want the softness of carpet without the warmth, a summer carpet in a low-pile, breathable weave is a perfect choice for bedrooms or living areas.
Natural Fiber Rugs: Light, Breathable, and Seasonal
Why it’s great: Not ready to fully replace your carpet? Natural fiber rugs like sisal, jute, or seagrass can provide a seasonal alternative.
- Highly breathable: Natural fibers don’t trap heat the way synthetic materials do
- Easy to swap: Use them as summer-friendly area rugs and store them away come winter
- Eco-conscious: Many natural fiber options are sustainable and biodegradable
Layering these over hardwood or vinyl floors offers a quick, stylish solution that feels right at home with the light and breezy summer vibe.
Tile Flooring: The Coolest Option (Literally)
Why it’s great: Porcelain and ceramic tile naturally stay cool, even during peak summer heat—making them ideal for hot climates like Arkansas.
- Heat-resistant: Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and sunrooms
- Low-maintenance: Easy to clean and resistant to humidity
- Customizable look: Available in a range of colors, shapes, and textures
Tile floors are a great long-term investment for areas where heat and moisture meet. Add a few washable area rugs for softness without sacrificing that cool touch.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Stylish and Summer-Smart
Why it’s great: LVP flooring mimics the look of hardwood but offers better performance in humid conditions—and it doesn’t retain heat the way carpet can.
- Comfortable underfoot: Softer and warmer than tile, but still cooler than carpet
- Durable: Handles heavy summer foot traffic from kids, pets, and guests
- Water-resistant: Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways
For busy households that want a sleek, summer-ready upgrade without the upkeep, LVP is an excellent choice.
Natural Hardwood: Cool Tones, Classic Feel
Why it’s great: Hardwood floors are not only timeless—they also stay relatively cool in the summer, especially when paired with breathable rugs.
- Light finishes help reflect light and heat
- Naturally insulating without overheating
- Easy to combine with seasonal décor for a summer refresh
Just remember: Arkansas humidity can affect hardwood. Make sure your flooring is sealed properly and use a dehumidifier when needed to prevent warping.
Keep It Cool With Carpet Center
If you’re ready to refresh your floors for summer, The Carpet Center is here to help. From breathable summer carpet and flooring options to stylish hard surface flooring that stays cool underfoot, we offer a wide selection of materials to suit your home and the season.
Located in Conway, Arkansas, we proudly serve Little Rock, Mayflower, Searcy, and surrounding communities. Whether you’re updating a single room or planning a whole-home flooring makeover, our team will help you find the perfect blend of comfort, style, and seasonal performance.
📞 Call us today at (501) 327-0924 to schedule a consultation, or stop by our showroom to explore cool flooring options that make every step of summer more enjoyable.
Stay cool, stay comfortable—with Carpet Center.