When you’re in search of flooring that provides a soft, cosy, and comfortable feel, carpet becomes the obvious choice. With its warmth and cushioning, carpet is a preferred option for rooms where relaxation is key. Whether you’re renovating your home or starting fresh with a new build, you can enhance your decor from the ground up with the perfect carpet options.
From lush, high-pile shag to tightly woven Berber loops, it’s important to select carpet options that not only please the eye but also suit the functionality of each room. While wood and tile flooring excel in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, when it comes to areas dedicated to unwinding, you’ll likely prefer something softer and more sumptuous. Stepping out of bed onto plush carpet feels much nicer than placing your bare feet on cold tiles in the morning, and stretching out on a carpeted floor while playing with your children is far more comfortable than sprawling on hardwood planks.
There is an extensive range of carpet options to choose from, including different materials and pile heights. With our helpful carpet guide, you’ll be able to select the perfect foundation for your home, infusing style and functionality into every space.
Carpet Materials
When it comes to carpet materials, there are various options available, depending on the desired look, feel, and usage requirements.
Nylon: Known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear, nylon is ideal for high-traffic areas. It is widely considered the top choice for carpets due to its ability to withstand footfall while maintaining its resilience. Nylon carpets are available across various price points, accommodating different budgets.
Wool: For those seeking a luxurious option and don’t mind additional maintenance, wool is a fantastic choice. A beautiful wool carpet is worth the extra care for its plush appearance and texture. Additionally, wool acts as a natural humidifier, absorbing and releasing moisture to maintain a balanced environment in your home.
Acrylic: Offering a synthetic alternative to wool, acrylic provides a similar look and feel while being hypoallergenic and moth-resistant. It serves as an appealing substitute for those who desire the style of wool but have budget constraints.
Polypropylene (Olefin): Often found in loop pile carpets, polypropylene is not as durable as other carpet fibers but boasts exceptional stain resistance and ease of cleaning. It is perfect for areas prone to spills and splashes, such as dining areas or as an area rug beneath the kitchen table.
Polyester: When vibrant and long-lasting colors are desired, polyester is the ideal choice for making a bold statement on your floors. Modern polyester carpets can even be crafted from recycled plastic, offering an eco-friendly option.
Other Natural Fibers: Various natural fibers like jute, sisal, and seagrass provide an alternative to hardwood flooring. These carpet options offer a natural look and a softer, more comfortable feel.
Carpet Pile
Carpet pile refers to the way fibers are woven or tufted through a backing material, forming either loops or cut piles.
Loop Pile: Also known as Berber pile, loop pile carpets feature intact loops. They are highly durable and do not easily show footprint indentations, making them ideal for busy rooms. Berber carpet, initially popular in commercial settings, has gained popularity in residential spaces due to its resilience.
Flatweave: Flatweave carpets consist of interlocking horizontal and vertical threads, creating a firm and flat appearance. They offer excellent durability, making them suitable for areas such as stair runners.
Cut Pile: In cut pile carpets, loops are cut to create a soft and inviting look and feel. Cut pile carpets come in different lengths, ranging from deep shag to short pile options.
Saxony Carpet: Saxony carpets are a popular type of cut pile carpet characterized by their plush, medium-height appearance. They can complement various decor styles and room types.
Frieze Carpet: Frieze carpets emulate the lushness of shag carpets but with a more modern feel. They feature long cut pile and tightly-twisted fibers, ensuring long-lasting reliability.
Cut and Loop Carpet: This type of carpet combines cut pile and loop pile elements, creating a carved look that can be transformed into a variety of patterns and designs. Cut and loop carpets offer visual and textural interest, turning your floor into a work of art.
Choosing Carpets
When considering carpet options, several factors should be kept in mind.
Accurate Measurement: It’s crucial to calculate the correct measurements for your room to avoid issues such as obvious seams, inconsistent pile direction, or pattern mismatch. Our expert flooring team can assist you in determining your carpet needs.
Professional Installation: Unless you are carpeting a simple, square room or using carpet tiles, we highly recommend arranging professional installation, especially for tricky areas like stairs.
Choosing Underlay: Selecting the right underlay is important, and our team can provide advice and guidance on this matter.
Matching Furniture: While there is a wide variety of carpet options available, it’s often easier to find carpets that suit your furniture rather than the other way around. If you have a centerpiece item you want to design a room around, choose it first and then select a carpet that complements it.
Accentuating with Area Rugs: While area rugs are traditionally used on hard flooring to add softness and warmth, layering area rugs over carpet has become increasingly popular. This trend adds contrasting textures and extra plushness to your decor.
With these considerations in mind, you can confidently choose the perfect carpet options that suit your style and create a comfortable atmosphere throughout your home.