Tappeto vs. moquette
The Italian words tappeto and moquette both refer to floor coverings, but they have distinct characteristics and uses.
Tappeto
A1Tappeto is a general term for a rug or carpet, typically used for decorative or removable floor coverings.
Ho comprato un tappeto persiano per il salotto.
(I bought a Persian rug for the living room.)
Il tappeto rosso è stato steso per l'arrivo delle celebrità.
(The red carpet was laid out for the arrival of celebrities.)
Mia nonna ha un tappeto fatto a mano nella sua camera da letto.
(My grandmother has a handmade rug in her bedroom.)
Moquette
B1Moquette specifically refers to wall-to-wall carpeting or fitted carpet that covers the entire floor of a room.
L'hotel ha installato una nuova moquette in tutti i corridoi.
(The hotel installed new wall-to-wall carpeting in all the corridors.)
La moquette beige rende la stanza più accogliente.
(The beige fitted carpet makes the room cozier.)
Dobbiamo pulire la moquette del soggiorno con l'aspirapolvere.
(We need to vacuum the living room's wall-to-wall carpet.)
Summary
While tappeto is a versatile term for various types of rugs and carpets, moquette specifically denotes wall-to-wall carpeting. Tappeto is often used for area rugs or removable floor coverings, whereas moquette refers to fixed, full-room floor covering.