We don’t think about ‘em much, but carpets are integral in shaping the image and feel of casinos in Las Vegas. You can’t miss the busy, colorful designs, but there’s a method to the madness.
🪡 A Style Evolution
Much like everything else in Vegas, casino carpets have evolved over the years. They used to have simpler patterns that repeated frequently, embraced kitsch in the ‘90s, and became more sophisticated and elegant over time with longer distances between repeated patterns.
🤔 What are Casino Carpets Made Of?
The carpets are usually made of wood and nylon, a combination that’s excellent for durability — and fire-resistant to cigarette ashes dropping to the floor.
💸 They Aren’t Cheap
It costs anywhere from $34 to $50 a square yard to replace a casino carpet. That adds up to millions of dollars at a larger casino like the MGM Grand.
☝️ Special Requests
Steve Wynn wanted his carpet colors to be especially bright, possibly due to the casino mogul’s eyesight loss. The Bellagio once requested a carpet inspired by the colors and swirls of an ice cream sundae.
🎰 Do Carpets Encourage Gambling?
Some believe the wild patterns are an intentional way to confuse gamblers, keeping them inside the casino longer, but that’s a myth. If anything, the main purpose is comfort and hiding dirt tracked in by thousands of shoes a day. That’s why it’s rare to see white or cream colors on a carpet pattern.
- Casino carpet designer Terrien Hale and interior designer Alice O'Keefe shared insight for this story during an appearance on City Cast Las Vegas.
- The two are also giving an upcoming talk at Duck Duck Shed on Friday, April 25.
