Buying carpet is an important purchasing decision for your home. Not only does it play a large role in the overall aesthetic of your space, but it can also affect your comfort level and even your health.
With so many different types, materials, and brands on the market, choosing the best carpet for your home can seem like a daunting task. This guide will help you select the perfect carpet for your needs.
Contents
1. Where You Will Put the Carpet
When choosing carpet for your home, the first thing you need to consider is what area of the house it will be going in. Different rooms have different needs when it comes to carpet. For example, a bedroom might need a softer, more luxurious feel, while a playroom might need something that can stand up to stains and wear and tear.
Here are some general guidelines for choosing carpet based on the room it will be going in:
- Bedrooms: Choose a soft, plush carpet for bedrooms. You want something that will feel comfortable underfoot and help you create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere.
- Living rooms and family rooms: These areas get a lot of foot traffic, so you’ll want to choose a carpet that can stand up to wear and tear. A low-pile or looped carpet is a good choice for these areas.
- Hallways and stairs: Choose a durable carpet for hallways and stairs. Since these areas see a lot of foot traffic, you’ll want something that can stand up to heavy use. A low-pile or looped carpet is a good choice for these areas.
- Kitchens: Choose a durable, stain-resistant carpet for kitchens. Since kitchens are prone to spills and stains, you’ll want something that can stand up to messes. A synthetic fiber like nylon is a good choice for kitchens.
- Bathrooms: Choose a water-resistant carpet for bathrooms. Since bathrooms are prone to moisture, you’ll want something that won’t mildew or mold. A synthetic fiber like polypropylene is a good choice for bathrooms.
2. The Carpet Material
Once you’ve decided where the carpet will be going, you can start to narrow down your choices by material. Carpet is typically made from one of four materials: wool, nylon, polyester, or polypropylene.
Each type of fiber has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
- Wool: Wool is a natural fiber that is durable and stain-resistant. It’s also comfortable and hypoallergenic. However, wool is a expensive, and it can be difficult to clean.
- Nylon: Nylon is a synthetic fiber that is durable and stain-resistant. It’s also affordable and easy to clean. However, nylon is not as comfortable as wool and it’s not hypoallergenic.
- Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is durable and stain-resistant. It’s also affordable and easy to clean. However, polyester is not as comfortable as wool and it’s not hypoallergenic.
- Polypropylene: Polypropylene is a synthetic fiber that is water-resistant and stain-resistant. It’s also affordable and easy to clean. However, polypropylene is not as comfortable as wool and it’s not hypoallergenic.
3. Colors and Styles
Once you’ve decided on the type of fiber you want, you can start to narrow down your choices by color and style. Carpet comes in a wide range of colors and styles, so it’s important to choose something that will complement your home’s décor.
Here are some general guidelines for choosing carpet based on color and style:
- If you want the carpet to blend in with your home’s décor, choose a neutral color like beige, gray, or brown.
- If you want the carpet to stand out, choose a bold color like red, blue, or green.
- If you want the carpet to have a pattern, choose a style with a geometric or floral design.
- If you want the carpet to be textured, choose a looped or berber style.
4. The Carpet Pile
Once you’ve decided on the material, you can start to narrow down your choices by pile. Carpet pile refers to the way the fibers are twisted and tufted together. There are two types of carpet pile: looped and cut.
- Looped: Looped carpet has loops of fiber that are tufted together. It’s durable and easy to clean, but it can show footprints and vacuum marks.
- Cut: Cut carpet has fibers that are cut at different lengths. It’s softer and more luxurious than looped carpet, but it’s also more prone to crushing and matting.
5. The Carpet Brand
When you’re ready to start shopping for carpet, you’ll want to choose a brand that’s known for quality. Some of the best carpet brands on the market include Shaw, Mohawk, and Stainmaster.
6. The Carpet Warranty
Be sure to check the warranty. Most carpets come with a warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship.
However, not all warranties are created equal. Some only cover certain types of damage, while others have limitations on how long they’ll last. Be sure to read the fine print so you know what’s covered before you make your purchase.
7. Understand Maintenance Requirements
Different types of carpets require different levels of care. For example, wool carpet is more delicate than synthetic fibers and needs to be vacuumed more frequently.
Be sure to ask about the maintenance requirements for your type of carpet before you make your purchase. This way, you’ll know what to expect in terms of upkeep.
Final Thought
Now that you know how to choose the best carpet for your home, it’s time to start shopping. Carpet is a great way to add comfort and style to any space. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your needs.
