Carpet shopping isn’t an easy task. Purchasing a new carpet is an investment because of its high price tag, which makes it more vital that you select the best carpet for your home and get maximum value for your money.
Installing a carpet in your home has an immense effect on the appearance and comfort of the room which is why choosing a new carpet should not be taken for granted.
There are plenty of things to consider when carpet shopping. To ensure that you’re purchasing the best one for your home, listed below are the things to consider when choosing a carpet:
- Identify Carpet Types
One of the most basic things that you need to know when shopping for carpets is to identify different carpet types. This will help you determine which would be suitable for your household needs.
There are two main types of carpet: loop pile and cut pile. A loop pile has a more organised texture, its durability can stand massive foot traffic, a great choice for corridors and stairwells. On the other hand, a cut pile has the entire carpet fibre loops cut, giving it a softer feel. However, a cut pile can be a struggle to clean and maintain considering that the loose fibres keep dirt and liquids to spread into the carpet. As you decide which type, you’d like to go for, ensure that you search for high quality loop pile carpet or cut pile carpet that would be worth your money.
- Fibre Choices
As you decide on what kind of carpet you prefer, your next step is to identify various fibre choices to help you widen your options based on some factors, such as its texture, appearance, and maintenance. While there are plenty of options in the market, the most common fibre choices are nylon, polyester, acrylic, polypropylene, and wool.
One of the most popular fibre types you might want to consider is nylon, because of its soft texture and maximum durability. With this material, you can ensure that your carpet will last long as it can resist mould and mildew, making it a perfect option for your home. However, if you prioritise the softness of the carpet, choosing between wool, polypropylene, and acrylic would be a great choice. While they can quickly get stains, there are plenty of ways to get rid of them.
- Carpet Pad
Your carpet’s lifespan will depend on your choice of carpet pad. Knowing the importance of the carpet pad is often overlooked, because it’s basically unseen. However, carpet padding is very important as it serves as a foundation and protection for your carpet.
A carpet pad is responsible for the carpet’s support, longevity, and general feel on the ground. Ideally, you should go for a dense and firm pad to handle heavy traffic and furniture. Apart from holding weights, there are also carpet pad options that can trap any spills, which may protect your carpet and main floor.
You can also opt for a carpet pad upgrade that allows you to use memory foam for maximum comfort.
- Maintenance Requirements
Having a carpet inside your home would require maintenance to keep it in perfect condition for as long as possible. With that being said, you must be familiar with the proper way to maintain and preserve your carpet in its top condition.
Before you purchase a carpet, ask about the upkeep requirements that your choice of carpet needs. You need to factor in the environmental factors in your homes, such as pets, humidity, and possible accidental spillages or unexpected sources of dirt. Moreover, you should also confirm how much the maintenance cost would be, especially if it requires special treatment monthly or annually.
- Colour
Your carpet contributes to the aesthetic appeal of your home. Depending on the colour and pattern you choose, it can add depth and beauty, allowing you to maximise your home’s full potential.
Your carpet colour choice will still depend on your preference. However, you still need to consider the maintenance it’ll require, especially if you’re leaning towards a lighter colour which can show soiling more easily.
In addition, Lighter colour carpets tend to make rooms look wider. On the other hand, if you want the room to feel intimate and relaxed, darker shades of carpet is the way to go.
As you decide on your carpet’s colour preference, you shouldn’t forget to consider the colour of your walls and the colour pattern of your furniture so that it can match well with the carpet that you’ll select. This will allow for an organised and seamless look for your home. Furthermore, before finalizing your colour choice, you should also consider your lighting fixtures as they can affect the colour of your carpet as well.
The Verdict
Shopping for carpets is a huge responsibility you need to carry with you. It’s a one-time expensive purchase, so you need to ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth. As you shop, you should always consider various factors, such as carpet types, materials used, maintenance requirements, colour, and padding choice. These factors will help you decide before purchasing the most suitable carpet for your home.