Alfombra vs. moqueta vs. tapete
The words 'alfombra', 'moqueta' and 'tapete' are all used in Spanish to refer to different types of floor coverings. While they can sometimes be used interchangeably, there are some key differences in terms of where they are used, their size and structure.
Alfombra
'Alfombra' typically refers to a large carpet that covers most or all of a room. It can be used to describe anything from heavy-duty commercial carpeting to an elegant Persian carpet.
Mi abuela tiene una alfombra persa en su sala de estar.
(My grandma has a Persian carpet in her living room.)
Necesitamos reemplazar las alfombras del hotel.
(We need to replace the carpets in the hotel.)
Moqueta
'Moqueta' is often used to refer specifically to wall-to-wall carpeting, or broadloom carpet. This type of carpet is typically installed over a pad and attached to the floor, covering the entire surface without being moved or removed easily.
La moqueta del dormitorio es muy suave.
(The bedroom's wall-to-wall carpet is very soft.)
Decidimos instalar moqueta en la oficina para reducir el ruido.
(We decided to install wall-to-wall carpeting in the office to reduce noise.)
Tapete
'Tapete' often refers to small or medium-sized rugs that cover a specific area of the floor, not the whole floor. They are similar to doormats and smaller area rugs and can be easily moved.
Pon un tapete en la entrada para evitar que entre la suciedad.
(Put a rug at the entrance to prevent dirt from coming in.)
El gato está jugando con el fleco del tapete.
(The cat is playing with the fringe of the rug.)
Summary
'Alfombra', 'moqueta' and 'tapete' all refer to types of floor coverings in Spanish; 'alfombra' generally means a large carpet covering most or all of a room, 'moqueta' refers specifically to wall-to-wall carpeting, and 'tapete' is used for small or medium-sized area rugs which can be easily moved or laid on specific places.