The PDX carpet is famous because it became a beloved cultural icon for Portland, Oregon, thanks to its distinctive 1980s geometric teal pattern and the emotional connection travelers developed with it over the decades[1][2][4]. Originally installed between the late 1980s and early 1990s to reduce noise and offer a welcoming ambiance, the design intentionally broke away from bland neutrals, incorporating blue and green hues with abstract patterns representing the airport’s runways as seen from the air traffic control tower[1][2][3].
The carpet’s fame grew through social media, where travelers posted countless photos of their feet—dubbed “shoefies”—on the carpet, often signaling a special “I’m home” moment for Portlanders and visitors alike[1][2][3][4]. The hashtag #pdxcarpet gathered tens of thousands of posts and fostered a cult following that extended to socks, shirts, mugs, and other memorabilia emblazoned with the pattern[2][4][5].
When news broke in 2013–2015 that the carpet would be replaced, it sparked citywide nostalgia and outcry. Portlanders memorialized the removal with tributes: the old carpet became the grand marshal of the city’s Starlight Parade, and its design endured through merchandise and even a special beer[5][6].
The carpet’s impact lies not just in its unique look but in its deep resonance with the Portland community, symbolizing local identity and a sense of belonging—so much so that the famous pattern is being reintroduced to the airport terminal[3][5][7].
References
- [1] How the PDX Carpet Became Famous
- [2] Portland International Airport carpet – Wikipedia
- [3] The lowdown on Portland International Airport’s famous carpet
- [4] 99% Invisible: PDX Carpet
- [5] It’s Back: Why An Iconic Carpet Is Returning To Portland …
- [6] A Brief History of That Whole PDX Airport Carpet Thing
- [7] PDX and Its Iconic Carpet: Reunited (And It Feels So Good)