Expert Advice on Buying Your Next New Carpet
The internet is awash with advice on buying new carpet.
A lot of it is sound advice, but mostly it’s general and not specific enough.
Of course situations and locations differ, so an article in a magazine or ezine can’t answer every individual need. But there are three central features to making a purchase that will ensure the carpet you buy is fit for purpose.
3 Essential Carpet Features
With so many carpet information sites on the internet all offering different interpretations and advice on how to buy a new carpet, where do you start?
It’s no wonder buying a new carpet can be bewildering.
Just thinking about colour, design, style, fibres, textures, backings, qualities, thicknesses, and price is enough to put you off!
What is fit for purpose? And how do you make sure that the carpet you choose will be right for you?
The best way to start is to prepare a basic plan.
Make a few notes of your requirements that you can refer to when you get to the carpet store.
The following three essential features should be at the top of your list of things to look out for:
1.) Select the Right Fibre
Selecting the right fibre is crucial for the carpet’s maximum life, appearance retention and ease of maintenance.
The main fibre choices are wool, nylon and polypropylene. Get to know the best features of each type.
• Wool for luxury, softness, resilience and appearance retention.
• Nylon for strength and durability.
• Polypropylene for stain resistance and economy.
2.) Select the Right Construction
Decide on the ‘mood’ or ‘feel’ of the space you are decorating.
Consider a soft surface velvet pile, saxony or twist pile for a luxurious and cosy atmosphere.
Luxury or light use areas can take a softer pile but always bear in mind that the looser the pile, the more likely it is to flatten and loose its appearance.
Opt for a tight, harder surface loop pile for heavy wear areas such as offices, studies, halls and utility rooms. Choosing textured loop pile perhaps for a lounge, dining room or conservatory.
Always make sure that the pile density is tight in heavy wear areas to avoid unsightly pile crushing and minimise tracking.
3.) Select the Right Colour
This one is not always so easy because fashion trends tend to influence decision making, thus impacting on a practical selection.
A light colour will always make a room feel airy and bright but soiling will be a problem, particularly in heavily trafficked areas. All carpets get dirty but lighter colours will show it more and require higher maintenance, including regular cleaning.
Darker colours are more practical, of course, but will show light soil and small bits of white fluff. A compromise here would be a patterned carpet or a Berber fleck to mask spots, spills and light soil.
A Final Piece of Advice
Ask your retailer to help you by recommending what’s best for you. Tell them about your environment, special needs and wants.
Once your carpet is installed, make sure that entrance barrier mats are in place and also that they are kept clean. Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning will keep your carpet looking good, reducing the need for frequent deep cleaning.
Concentrate on the three essential features and you will enjoy your new carpet for its useful life, with the satisfaction of knowing that you have bought the right carpet.
One that’s right for you.
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