One of the industry’s foremost experts on club aesthetics breaks down why carpet science is an actual thing and the key to creating a memorable showroom inside your venue.
(NOTE: This story appears in the July 2025 issue of ED Magazine.)
When one imagines the ambiance of an adult nightclub, the spotlight often lands — perhaps predictably — on who’s on stage. The lighting, the music, the action at the bar and, as if by natural selection, the women in attendance, all contribute too. Yet a surprisingly crucial element often escapes attention: the carpeting. As noted by any good club operator, the very floor beneath patrons’ feet plays a profound role in both the function and atmosphere of any adult entertainment venue. Strip club carpeting is far more than a decorative afterthought; it’s a cornerstone of design, psychology, hygiene and operational efficiency.
Helping the industry understand the real science behind carpeting is Marsha Mills of Alpha Patterned Carpet. A longtime EXPO exhibitor and dedicated supporter of the industry for over a decade, Mills brings a blend of aristocratic Southern charm and an easy-on-the-eyes demeanor that makes the business of choosing, or replacing, an Alpha carpet pattern feel like a breeze.
“Alpha stays ahead of the curve so that club owners have every option to consider when either purchasing carpet for the very first time or replacing their existing carpet,” she says in her native north Georgia timbre.
“For example, we just launched ‘Harbor,’ a new loose-lay LVT line available in six sophisticated colors,” she adds. “Designed to pair seamlessly with our carpeting, this collection offers a sleek, modern aesthetic for any adult nightclub.”
If you’re looking to keep attracting high-value clientele, a fresh, modern flooring choice sends a strong message: you care about the quality of your space.
— Marsha Mills
Welcome to the floor show
Strip clubs aim to create a sensory experience — a blend of seduction, comfort and fantasy. Carpeting plays a subtle yet powerful role, even if most people don’t consciously notice it. Club carpets are often visually loud, featuring dark colors and untamed patterns. This design serves multiple psychological purposes, such as camouflaging any persistent stains to maintain an illusion of cleanliness, even though guests rarely focus on what’s beneath their feet.
“Many clubs are now turning to our GLOW carpeting”, mentions Mills.
“These vibrant, blacklight-reactive colors paired with refined, hospitality-inspired patterns create a bold, modern aesthetic that elevates the atmosphere. Another growing trend is the integration of [club] logos into carpeting, which not only reinforces brand identity but also leaves a lasting impression and encourages guests to return.”
A less glamorous but essential aspect of club carpeting is safety. In venues where drinks
flow freely and guests may become, let’s say, a bit distracted — or unsteady — as the night goes on, spills are bound to happen. No problem down below, Alpha has thought of each scenario. Their carpets are designed to withstand the wear and tear of heels and soles, as well as anything that might fall from above, be it liquid, ash, or otherwise.
“We’ve enhanced all of our printed carpets with Stainless, a stain guard that encapsulates the entire fiber, providing a permanent barrier that cannot wear off over time, unlike topical stain protectants,” states Mills.
“Our printed carpets are also treated with Force 5, an antimicrobial agent that is applied with the adhesives of our carpet backing, offering protection from bacteria and mold.” For optimal performance and longevity, Mills recommends that clubs deep clean their carpet using hot water extraction at least every 180 days.
“Regular vacuuming is essential to maintaining the life of your carpet,” notes Mills.
“Removing dirt and debris helps prevent fiber abrasion, especially in high-traffic areas, preserving both appearance and durability over time.”
Something for club owners to keep in mind when either purchasing or replacing commercial carpet is that it comes in two versions: broadloom (or roll carpet — continuous large sections) or carpet tile (modular pieces). What works best is entirely up to the imagination of the proprietor and the functionality of the space at play.
“Alpha offers both carpet tile and broadloom options to suit a variety of applications. While our carpet tile is currently only available in four non-glow colors, it’s an ideal choice for dressing rooms and back-of-house areas where durability and ease of installation are key,” Mills says.
“For main spaces, our broadloom carpet makes a far greater impact on the overall interior design. Whether you choose from our new non-glow design collections with coordinating patterns or opt for our vibrant GLOW line to energize your space, Alpha provides limitless possibilities to create a custom, sophisticated look that reflects your club’s identity.”
Beyond design, carpet plays a practical role by reducing the risk of slips and falls, especially in low-light environments where visibility is limited. It also provides a softer landing in the event of a tumble, offering added protection for both guests and performers.
“Our carpet holds a Class A fire rating, making it fully compliant with commercial building codes for flooring in public spaces. This ensures it meets the highest standards for safety and performance in public spaces,” Mills adds.
Carpeting also acts as a sound dampener, which is essential in spaces filled with bass-heavy music. It absorbs foot traffic noise and ambient echoes, keeping the attention focused on the stage and maintaining an overall smoother acoustic environment.
In high-traffic environments, carpet inevitably reaches a point where it looks worn and no longer reflects the quality of the space, no matter how clean it is. Cleaning helps maintain carpet, but it doesn’t reset its age or undo years of wear—at some point, replacement becomes the smarter, more cost-effective choice.
— Marsha Mills
Designing for the darkness
As she has done so in the past with countless adult venues, Mills ensures that the installation process with Alpha is a worry-free process. All it takes is a vision and the right math.
“To begin the installation process, the first step is selecting a carpet pattern. This allows your installer to account for pattern repeats and accurately calculate the total yardage required for your project,” she says.
“Once finalized, the carpet can be ordered directly from the mill — an option that can save club owners thousands of dollars.” Mills goes on to say that the installer may choose to purchase the carpet through Alpha; however, she emphasizes that the pricing will remain the same as ordering directly.
“Production lead times can vary depending on the design and order volume, but in most cases, carpets are ready to ship within 4 to 6 weeks from the date of purchase,” she says.
When it comes to pricing, Mills notes that today’s carpet typically runs between $1.70 and $2.50 per square foot. Installation by a skilled, quality carpet installer generally costs around $1.00 to $1.75 per square foot.
At this year’s EXPO, Mills and her team are excited to showcase Alpha’s new Harbor loose lay LVT collection, designed with both style and performance in mind. The company will also be unveiling its newest GLOW carpet patterns.
“When I come to EXPO each year, I tell club owners, ‘If you can imagine it, we can work with you to create it,’” she says.
“With our state-of-the-art, high-definition dye injection technology, we can print photographic images and logos with show-stopping clarity. Our expertise doesn’t end with design. We offer a full range of flooring solutions, from carpet tile and over six colors of Resilient LVT in three different installation methods. When any club chooses Alpha, they gain access to our team of dedicated specialists, who will work with them every step of the way. We understand that your club’s carpeting is more than just décor — it’s a defining part of the guest experience and we are here to help.”
For more information, visit alphapatternedcarpet.com.
Think one carpet is the same as another? Think again!
Here are some of the latest developments in carpet technology:
Built-In stain & soil protection: Modern carpets often have stain resistance embedded in the fibers — not just topically applied.
Crush resistance & bounce-back: Better resilience under furniture or foot traffic — no more “flat” worn-out zones.
Noise reduction: Acoustic backing options reduce echo and noise — great for clubs with music or live entertainment.
Anti-microbial & moisture-resistant backings: All of our carpets come standard with Force 5® backing, which provides built-in anti-microbial protection and moisture resistance. That means they’re designed specifically for environments like clubs, where spills, humidity, and odors are part of daily life.
