It’s an open secret that you guests judge you based on the carpet in your house – though they will never admit. Carpets make the room lively and easier to love. Choosing the right one is akin to running through a minefield, choose the wrong one and you’re messed up for good. There are numerous carpet-room combinations. We’ll help you choose the right one. These are the things that you should consider.
1. Consider your lifestyle
Do you have a young family or pets? I mean, dogs are great but they mess up everything. Go for a forgiving colour instead. In interior design class, they teach that light carpets make rooms appear larger while darker ones make it cosier. Many homeowners prefer carpets that have a mild, subtle colour combination. Bonus points if you can get a neutral colour carpet – they are repellant to stains. Seriously!
2. Carpets fade
Just like all other good things in life, they tend to lose their colour and vigour over time. It’s only natural. If light-coloured carpets match your vibe, go for one that’s at least two shades darker. This way, you’ll be on the safe side when it fades.
3. Why are you getting a carpet?
Will you be lying on it? Get one that’s dense. I find thick woollen carpets easier to lie on. There are a few good 100 percent wool carpets and they never cost much. Rule of thumb: The heavier the carpet, the comfier it is. Besides, the wool will keep the room cool on hot days. (Don’t we all know that air conditioners are the culprits behind large monthly bills).
4. It’s not just about the aesthetics
It’s true that carpets contribute greatly to how aesthetically pleasing a room is (or isn’t). But, trendy carpets tend to go out of style faster. Go for the subtle, classic textures and you’ll never regret. Look at the carpet backing. Is it satisfactory? Most interior designers install cushioned carpets. They’re compressed by foot weight protecting the carpet’s fibres from physical damage. Again, get a carpet that offers adequate sole support. Aren’t you trying to minimize muscle strain? They say that carpets help ion reducing ambient noise too. Perhaps you’ll benefit from this.
5. Don’t use your carpet as a mat
Install a walk-off product at the door. Without one, all the dirt and physical debris from people’s shoes will be transferred to the carpet. Sand and soil act as a sandpaper to the carpet and it will wear out faster than you think. Consider using doormats if you’re on a tight budget and a tiered entry point is impractical. Besides, mats and rugs are easier (and cheaper) to clean compared to carpets.
6. What textures match your vibe?
Do you prefer a casual look or formal one? Plush carpets seem to look better in an official setting while a frieze carpet is more casual and is suitable for whatever occasion. In residential spaces, casual carpets create a calm atmosphere making it conducive for relaxing.
7. There are different kinds of fibres available
What comes to your mind when you think of carpet fibres, nylon right? Many shoppers prefer nylon carpets. And this is for a good reason – nylon carpets have been in existence since time immemorial. They’ve stood the test of time. There’s a catch though – they come at a hefty price tag. This is why synthetic fibres are gaining popularity. It is worth noting that nylon is the most expensive synthetic fibre.
There are other cheaper synthetic fibres. Polyester is my second favourite – it makes great looking, durable carpets and they come at a fraction of the cost. Thanks to complex spinning procedures, we now have polyester that’s more durable than ever before. And this isn’t the best part yet – it’s naturally stain resistant. Time to say goodbye to those stubborn stains that won’t go away. Polyester beats nylon in that it’s easier to dye. Interior designers benefit most from this as they get carpets in almost all shades.
8. Hardy styles work better for high-traffic areas.
Invest enough money in getting a good carpet and you’ll never need to replace it. However, most of us work with a limited budget and we need to get the most bang for your bucks. When you’re shopping for a carpet, look for one that gives you value for money. It’s possible to get a good, durable carpet without breaking your bank. Research on carpets made from durable inexpensive fibres (such as olefin0 and you’ll see that this is true.
9. Spend more money on the under-pad
I know that you’re trying to save a few bucks by getting a cheaper flooring. I know how counter-productive this sounds too. However, the under-pad is the single most important consideration. Get a good under-pad and your carpet will never outlive its usefulness. When shopping for a carpet cushioning, go as far as your budget allows. Don’t worry, we’ll make up for this extra spending by getting a cheaper carpet. And who said that price and quality go hand in hand? There are overpriced “designer” carpet pads that have padded memory foams. They’re a sham. Don’t spend your hard-earned money here.
Again, you could also save more money by doing the installation yourself. It’s fairly easier and they’re many do-it-yourself guides on the internet.
10. Consider getting an “all-in-one” package
If you don’t want to buy the carpet and under-pad separately, get a “contemporary” carpet instead. They come with a padding installed on the underside already. You’ll never need to install an external padding whenever you choose to use them. However, they tend to be costlier. Do your own due diligence before settling for an “all-in-one” package. Do your math well lest you end up counting losses.
The best thing is that these “all-in-one” carpets are budget-friendly. Generally speaking, padded carpets are cheaper than buying the carpet and padding separately. On the downside, they’re harder to clean. I guess it all boils down to personal preference. There’s no right or wrong way of choosing a carpet. Find one that matches your style and blends with the existing walls. Or would you rather have the walls repainted instead? Well, that’s your call.