Titanic Belfast

Few projects carry such a strong sense of place as Titanic Belfast. Standing on the historic slipways where RMS Titanic was built, the building has become one of Northern Ireland’s most recognisable landmarks.

When its event spaces were reimagined, the interior needed to feel connected to both the distinctive architecture of Titanic Belfast and the decorative heritage of RMS Titanic.

For Ulster Carpets, it was an opportunity to bring our carpet design expertise to an iconic project close to home, working alongside fellow Northern Ireland businesses to help realise that vision.

Carpet as an integral part of the space

The refurbishment forms the first phase of a wider investment programme across Titanic Belfast’s Level 5 and 6 event and hospitality spaces. It began with the transformation of the Titanic Suite, home to the famous replica Grand Staircase.

Working with Belfast-based Garuda Design, the project introduced bespoke carpet alongside new wall panelling, joinery, curtains and other design features, with a palette of blues, golds and neutrals running through the refreshed interiors.

From the outset, the carpet was intended to play a significant role in the character of the space rather than simply sit beneath the wider scheme.

"We knew from the outset that the carpet needed to be an integral part of the overall design."

Judith Owens MBE, CEO Titanic Belfast

Judith Owens MBE, CEO Titanic Belfast said, “We knew from the outset that the carpet needed to be an integral part of the overall design. Given the scale of the event spaces including the iconic Titanic Suite, we wanted it to be a feature in its own right and something that would really contribute to the character and atmosphere.

"The concept was to create a design that responded to the architecture of Titanic Belfast, while also drawing on the decorative heritage associated with RMS Titanic. We felt the best way to bring that concept to life was to work with local craftspeople who understand this place and its heritage. Ulster Carpets took that concept and developed it into a bespoke design that works beautifully within the space.”

Translating the concept into carpet

The starting point was the architecture and heritage of the building itself. The carpet draws inspiration from Titanic Belfast’s angular form and scale, with geometric patterns influenced by decorative flooring found aboard RMS Titanic. Art Nouveau and Art Deco references are also woven into the design alongside more contemporary detailing.

Our role was to take that creative direction and develop it specifically for carpet, considering how pattern, colour and scale would behave across these substantial event spaces.

That distinction is important. The wider interior concept was developed by Titanic Belfast and Garuda Design. Ulster’s contribution was to understand what the carpet needed to achieve and apply our specialist knowledge to turn that idea into a design suited to the finished space. It reflects the way we approach collaborative projects - supporting the wider creative vision while bringing carpet-specific judgement to the decisions that make it work in practice.

The finished design has enough presence to contribute to the atmosphere of the spaces while remaining connected to the architecture and wider interior.

Local expertise for a landmark close to home

The project has an added significance because of the people and businesses behind it. Alongside Garuda Design, it was delivered by Northern Ireland companies including Rainey & Best, McCue, and W. Stevenson & Son. A bespoke Irish linen wallcovering was also created by a third-generation decorator whose grandfather worked on RMS Titanic, creating another direct connection between the renewed interiors and Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage.

For Ulster Carpets, that local connection matters. Our own story began in Portadown in 1938, and we continue to manufacture in Northern Ireland, so contributing to a building with such a strong place in Belfast’s identity carries particular meaning.

It brings together two parts of our story: deep roots in Northern Ireland and the specialist design and manufacturing knowledge that now takes our carpets into hospitality spaces around the world.

Seeing that expertise used on a landmark so close to home makes Titanic Belfast a particularly meaningful project for our team.