Putting new carpets in your home is an expensive business, so it´s important to plan carefully before any purchase so you don’t end up stuck with a colour you don’t like or a material that loses its quality early on. Here’s a rough guide to making the right decision.
Consider your requirements. Does the carpet in each room need to provide noise insulation, or add colour? Must it be durable or need only infrequent cleaning? How much money can you afford to spend on it? If you’re doing more than one room then will the colours match if they border?
Padding. The various thicknesses of the padding placed beneath the carpet will not only absorb sound, but provide extra warmth and help to reduce wear-and-tear to different degrees, so it’s worth investigating the options.
Look at your lifestyle. Is the carpet going to be placed in a high-traffic zone, such as over the stairs or in the living-room? Do you have children or pets that are likely to be running around on the carpet with dirty feet? If so you’re better off looking at something like Berber or textured carpeting than plush. Carpet tiles are a good idea if staining is anticipated, as they can be cheaply and easily replaced, and a stock of them stored in a cupboard. Woven wool is useful for stairs, as it is quite heavy-duty.
Styles. Remember that light-coloured carpets will add the illusion of space to a small room just as wallpaper or paint does on the walls. They also make furnishings stand out. Whereas darker colours are better for hiding unsightly stains. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of patterned carpets available so take samples if that’s the option you’re going for to ensure they suit. It’s also possible to get some good quality eco-carpets now that reduce the impact on the environment of their manufacture.
Sourcing carpet. There are many places where you can buy carpets, but in most cases you’re probably better off sticking with a specialist provider that offers a large range and can give good advice. Similarly, when it comes to something that can dramatically affect the look of your home it’s best to have it fitted professionally. Get quotes broken down into materials and fitting so that you can make comparisons easily.
Aftercare. Always check with the supplier that aftercare and maintenance needs of your carpet and adhere to them. There are many types of warranty available so check you’re only paying for one that reflects your needs.
