Carpets

Carpets are a foundation for any room's décor. They can blend in discreetly or make a statement.

As they are one of the major purchases you can make for your home, it is important to do research before you buy. Ensure that you choose a reputable dealer who has been in business for a long time. Shop around and see what guarantees and warranties are offered. Installation should be offered along with delivery.

Consider how durable the carpet needs to be. If a particular area is very busy, you will need a carpet that will take the pressure of constant use. Two basic things to keep in mind are the fibres used and the carpet's "pile." Synthetic fibres are long lasting and tend to be found in most carpets to some degree. Carpets with a loop pile are long lasting as are fibres with a tight twist.

It is important to ask about a particular carpet's wearability and colour retention when making your choices. At the same time, you should ask about maintenance for each type of carpet you are considering. Your carpet should have stain protection, soil protection as well as static guard.

Entrance ways, bathrooms and busy hallways are good candidates for durable carpeting. Many manufacturers supply a rating for their carpet's durability with 4 being very durable and less than 2.5 being appropriate for bedrooms.

To ensure the longevity of your carpet and to enhance its sound buffering qualities and insulation properties, you need to have a proper cushion for it. Look to the manufacturer's requirements to be sure you have the correct under padding. Otherwise, your carpet will wrinkle and may wear faster. An incorrect choice may void a manufacturer's warranty. The general rule, according to the US Carpet and Rug Institute, is that a cushion should be 7/16 inches thick and not less than a quarter of an inch thick.

Colour is another important consideration when purchasing. A light coloured carpet will make a room seem larger, as will wall-to-wall carpeting. More lustrous carpets will lighten a room, but will also show footprints and vacuum tracks. Sculpted carpet, that is carpet with fibres of different lengths, will reflect light unevenly and will wear faster. Pattern in a carpet should compliment furniture, not compete with it.  If a room is too busy with pattern, then pattern becomes a distraction and not a compliment to the room's aesthetic.

Carpet colour can "pick up" themes found in furniture or draperies. If you want to warm a dark room, choose warm colours. To create a restful environment, think of blues and cool greens. Pattern should compliment a room's décor, not dominate it. As showroom lights differ from your home lighting, take a sample with you to see what a colour or pattern looks like at home. Look to magazines to guide your colour and pattern choices.

When placing furniture, consider adding a smaller rug on top of wall-to-wall carpeting to create an intimate space for furniture. Many designers advocate placing chairs completely on a carpet rather than having some chair legs on and others off. Angling your furniture toward a focal point, such as a fireplace, will create intimacy and is less formal. Placing your furniture slightly away from walls will give a feeling of more space.

To ensure that your carpet is installed properly, make sure you have taken correct measurements beforehand, keeping in mind that some rooms may not have perfectly straight walls. A professional should install your carpet and should keep in mind the seams, awkward angles and odd shapes affecting a carpet such as closets and fireplace hearths. Do all repairs and paint work before the carpet is installed.

Carpets add a great deal to your home. Take your time and consider your options.

Sources

The Carpet and Rug Institute: www.carpet-rug.com

Understanding Carpet Types: www.hometips.com