Ah, but pins will travel on a hardwood floor. When I made that decision, I was torn between marmoleum (which comes in incredible colors and is very soft underfoot) and carpet. I took all sorts of carpet samples home and tested them by dropping pins on them from a few feet up. The very best, to me, was a very short pile, light cream carpet. Nothing gets lost in it, a lot of pins land standing up, and - best of all - since there are no kids running in and out, it stays nice and clean. I didn't pay a lot per square yard. You do need the clear chair pads, though.
We have a lot of hardwood and love it, but this is a warm, soft look.
Hugs,
Charlotte