Bedroom carpet alternatives

[mabelbabel]

I posted in Home Decoration a few days ago, but hadn't really figured out my question properly. I have a bit more of an idea now, so here goes...

We are currently decorating a bedroom in Dusted Moss 3 with white woodwork. I'm not a massive fan of carpets but realise that they are practical for upstairs bedrooms. The question is:
Are there any clever alternatives to a roll of carpet from the carpet shop? Ideally cheap, because we are near the end of our available budget, and even better if we can lay it ourselves (and have it still look OK) and save on costs that way.

I was even thinking of something like carpet tiles, if there are any modern varieties which are not completely hideous, and don't scream "OFFICE!". Anyone have any experience of this? Or even cork tiles (but OH is not keen and would need convincing)?
The floor we've taken up is carpet tiles. They are completely horrid, scratchy things, but it got me thinking that it might be an option if we can find some decent ones instead. The floorboards underneath are very flat and don't move. The tiles were glued straight onto the floor boards, but we had no idea that it wasn't just a horrible carpet.
The room is small (less than 2m x 2m), but if we find a good solution we might use if in another bedroom as well - same colours.

What are the floorboards like? Could they be sanded down and left bare? If you take that option you could get a big piece of carpet which you can get the edges whipped (so they don't fray) and have it sitting underneath your bed so, it hangs out enough for you to comfortably walk all the way around your bed on the carpet? Does that make sense?

The floorboards are sound but not attractive. Wouldn't sanding be expensive and/or difficult? I assumed it would. And then could they be left completely bare, or would they need varnishing etc? That's not a bad idea (using a big piece of carpet or a rug to cover most of the floor), and will probably stick it on the list for consideration...
We have a lot of painted floorboards downstairs and I did consider it when I saw under the carpet tiles, but the colour we have left over wouldn't go with the Dusted Moss and I'm not really sure I want to buy another tin.
Still interested in other options too.

But it'd be cheaper to buy another tin of a suitable colour and chuck a rug down than carpeting? Even with carpet tiles.

Yep it would be cheaper, and I will consider it as an option for that reason. I think I would prefer something else though if there are any other reasonable options. I like painting walls etc, but if I never have to paint another floorboard in my life I will be very happy!

I'm not sure how they actually sand them, that probably sounds stupid but couldn't you self sand and then varnish them my DP would probably scream OIL at me he hates varnish but you could probably even ask for carpet cut offs from a carpet place and get one big enough to cover where you need make sure you whip the edges.