Carpets have been a staple of homes for decades, vastly enhancing the aesthetics of a living space, while also making it more comfortable and accommodating. While there are those who prefer hard floors such as wood and stone, carpets are still popular in living rooms and bedrooms, as well as some corridors. They come in a wide range of styles and designs, making them some of the most versatile of potential additions to your household.

But with so many different carpets on the market, it can be difficult to choose the best for you. There are plenty of variations, including size, shape, colour, and of course, the material that it is made from. Some variation of fibre is used in most cases, but the specific kind can affect everything from durability to maintenance, so it is important to choose the right type to suit your home.

We’ve put together this carpet-buying guide to give you a better idea of the things you should be considering if you are looking to purchase a new carpet. We will look at some of the most common questions asked by customers when it comes to suitability and compatibility, as well as how styles and colours can change aesthetics and appeal. 

When looking at purchasing a new carpet, it’s better to think about the carpet that’s right for your home before actually browsing through the options. With so much choice on the market, you’re likely to be able to narrow down potential products and even find the ideal carpet for you much more quickly. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most important factors that are likely to influence your choice for the ideal new carpet.

Where are you placing your carpet? In high-traffic areas such as living rooms and on stairs, you will want to choose products made from more durable materials such as nylon and polyester. These fibres are also more resistant to stains, which is crucial if you are part of a household where liquids such as tea and coffee are transported across the house on a regular basis. Nylon and polyester are also likely to prove less expensive than some alternative materials, which will also prove beneficial to those on a budget.

Meanwhile, wool or blended natural fibres are great examples of materials that provide increased comfort and warmth. They are also more visually appealing and provide rustic aesthetics that can also be purchased in designs more suitable for modern homes. The drawback of this is the fact that these products can stain more severely compared to those mentioned previously.

As mentioned above, the material your carpet is made from directly influences the rooms it can be used in. The material of a carpet greatly affects its durability as well as its appearance and the maintenance involved in keeping the carpet looking its best. We’ve included some of the most common carpet materials below, the majority of which are available in many different styles, colours, and designs.

• Wool – a natural product that is produced by sheep, there are plenty of advantages to wool, which these days is often considered a ‘premium’ carpet material. Its most appealing feature to many is its highly effective – and all-natural – warming ability. Wool carpets are ideal for those who otherwise struggle to keep the heat within a certain room. This makes wool carpets extremely popular in living rooms, where they prove ideal for the winter months. Wool is also considerably more environmentally friendly than many other options on this list, but it is also notably more expensive.
• Nylon – this material is extremely versatile and is found in a great many clothes and furniture products throughout the modern market. Nylon has been utilised in carpet production for many years now, and this is primarily because it is valued for its durability and resilience. In particular, it exhibits exceptional resistance to staining, and while not totally immune to it, you will find that it is much easier to maintain than wool and other natural fibres. Nylon is suitable for high-traffic areas too, but is less visually appealing than wool and can still prove rather expensive.
• Polyester – polyester is one of the most affordable carpet options, which makes it extremely popular. It can also be purchased in numerous colours and styles, ensuring that you have plenty of visual choices when browsing exclusively polyester carpets. Along with the typically lower pricing, the main draw of polyester is its outstanding stain resistance. However, in general, it lacks a lifespan as lengthy as nylon, and the unique aesthetical appeal of wool. 
• Polypropylene – a relative newcomer in the industry, this material is resistant to moisture, mould, and mildew in particular. This makes polypropylene carpets unique in that they are some of the very few carpet types that can be used in outdoor or exterior settings, as well as basements and – in some cases – lofts. The main drawback of polypropylene is that its visual appeal can vary hugely, and it is one of the least comfortable carpet types to walk on.
• Blended Carpets – a blend of natural fibres makes these carpets incredibly popular with eco-friendly households. They enjoy many of the benefits of wool, and when combined with nylon – as many examples are – they can also exhibit increased durability and longevity. You get the best of several worlds with blended carpets, though this comes at an increased price when compared to several other options, such as polyester.

These two factors are directly related to one another. The pile height is essentially the average height of each of the fibres rising from the base of the carpet. As you can imagine, certain carpet styles incorporate different pile heights. Sometimes this is for aesthetical reasons, while in other cases there are practical benefits. Below are some of the most common carpet styles, and how they differ from one another, particularly when it comes to the pile height of the carpet. 

• Cut Pile – The loops of a carpet are cut to create a soft, dense surface. Options include plush, saxony, and textured carpets. They are great for bedrooms as well as formal spaces thanks to their neat, uniform look coupled with the fact that they are easy to walk across. These carpets prioritise style over durability, but are still reasonably resilient and able to withstand fairly frequent foot traffic. 
• Loop Pile – The loops of your carpet remain intact, keeping them low in profile. These carpets are amongst the most durable options, with their resilient builds making them ideal for areas that experience high traffic. They are also among the least comfortable to sit or walk on barefoot, and while they certainly aren’t painful or even irritable to use by any means, there are alternatives that will be more accommodating. 
• Cut and Loop Pile – With this third option you get the best of both worlds, with a combination of cut and looped fibres combined to create a decent balance of durability and style. These are some of the common carpets, especially if you are looking at a carpet that boasts a particular pattern or texture.
• Pile Height – Carpets with notable pile height are the softest on the market, especially if they are made from certain materials. This can make them incredibly comfortable, and ideal for use in rooms where walking in barefoot may be a common practice or even a necessity, such as the bedroom. The main problem with carpets that utilise a taller pile height is the fact that they require more general maintenance. They are more prone to gathering and trapping dust as well as hair, and they can be more vulnerable to staining.

There are arguably little to no practical benefits and drawbacks when it comes to carpet colours and patterns, other than the effect they can have on the ‘mood’ of a room. However, the aesthetical differences between certain carpets are huge, and can be defined by the colours and patterns featured on the carpets in question. Neutral colours and patterns can be some of the most versatile and are able to complement a wide variety of décor styles. This makes them ideal for both traditional and contemporary homes, where they can be used in corridors, bedrooms, and living spaces.

Meanwhile, bold colours are available for those who want to make a statement, or simply to liven up a room and act as a key focal point. These brighter colours are very common in carpets intended for use in kids’ bedrooms, while also working well in certain living rooms, playrooms, and dens. They are not so ideal for bedrooms, where they can often clash with more soothing tones more often associated with adult bedrooms. They are also better left out of rooms where they are more likely to get stained, as the resulting patches can be far more obvious.

Patterns are on hand to add vibrancy and personality. There are multiple types, including geometric patterns, floral patterns, and more abstract designs that can again serve as an effective eye-catcher. Choose a pattern to suit the aesthetics of your room, or leave your carpet sporting a single colour, depending on your personal preferences; as with most stylistic choices, the only right choice is your own.

One of the most common misconceptions among homeowners is that carpets and mats/rugs are the same, with carpets referred to as mats, and mats and rugs labelled carpets on a regular basis. The subject of size and shape is the best section to make clear that these products are very different. While they offer similar benefits in certain situations, the main difference is that mats and rugs only cover small areas of a room, while most carpets are designed to cover entire floor spaces.

However, there is a lot to consider when it comes to carpet size. You’ll want to consider the size of the room you are looking to cover in a carpet, as certain carpet features will prove less or more effective depending on the room size. For example, carpet patterns tend to look better in larger rooms, especially if they utilise large shapes and geometric effects. Meanwhile, larger rooms can suffer from more monotonous carpets that only utilise a single colour.

Maintenance is important no matter the type of carpet you opt for, but you will absolutely have more duties to carry out on a more frequent basis depending on the carpet type you decide to install within a room. All carpets will require regular vacuuming, which is the case for pretty much any flooring option. Carpets can actually hide dust and debris more efficiently, which is great visually, but in terms of hygiene greater care must be taken to vacuum properly. High-traffic areas should be vacuumed once a week, especially if your carpet is a high-pile variant.

Prompt stain removal should be carried out whenever such an unfortunate incident occurs. It is best to blot spills with a clean cloth or kitchen towel, though some stains will prove more stubborn and may need a mild detergent or – better yet – a specialised carpet stain remover. You may even want to consider hiring a professional cleaner every now and then to really return your carpets to their former glory. If you have a white or similarly bold carpet colour, consider limiting the amount of food and drink you take across the surface.

Carpets of all sorts are prone to certain types of physical damage, the most notable coming from furniture. In order to prevent uneven wear, you should consider periodically rearranging your furniture or using furniture gliders when moving heavier objects. Permanent indentations are more likely in less resilient carpets, such as those made of natural fibres, those with higher pile heights, and those with brighter colours. 

There is more money involved in purchasing any flooring option than just the initial purchase, as you may have already gathered by reading through the previous sections in this guide. Maintenance doesn’t tend to be particularly costly so long as care is taken when using your carpet. When setting an overall budget when purchasing your carpet, you should bear in mind that additional costs may include maintenance and replacement. Keep in mind that high-quality materials and craftsmanship may come at a higher price.

Materials, size, pile height/type and even the colour/pattern can influence the overall cost of a particular length of carpet, while installation costs will also come into play if you decide to bring in a professional to lay the carpet for you. This is certainly recommended for larger or more complex room layouts. 

Selecting the right carpet for you will hopefully now be more straightforward. The correct choice for your home will be one that blends practicality and style that suits your needs and preferences. By understanding what exactly it is you want from your carpet, you will be able to effectively utilise one in pretty much any major room in your home. Keeping in mind maintenance requirements will also help you to extend the lifespan of your chosen carpet more easily.

The most important factor is undoubtedly budget, and by factoring it in, you can explore various options and seek professional advice whenever it is needed. A well-chosen carpet not only complements your décor but also enhances the comfort and ambience of your home. With the right care and attention, it becomes a cherished element of your living space, providing warmth, style, and comfort for years to come.

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