Despite the rising popularity of materials like tile, wood and laminates, carpet is still a front-runner when it comes to the floor covering for many rooms of the house.
And it has many advantages, including the fact that it can cover a variety of surfaces, even concrete, and that it is quicker and less expensive to install than most other flooring options.
Carpet also absorbs sound, insulates against cold, cushions feet and adds safety by preventing slips and falls and protecting dropped objects from being damaged.
However, advances in technology and the variety of textures, colours, cost and durability may make choosing carpets seem like a huge undertaking, so before you buy you need to ask yourself how the area to be carpeted will be used, and how heavy the "traffic" will be.
Next, you should look for performance ratings that offer guidance on choosing the carpets that will perform best for various "traffic" needs. Most guidelines are based on a five-point scale, with four or five being best for high-traffic areas like passages or living rooms.
For durability, you should also look for a high-density carpet with a tighter twist and a short loop pile rather than a cut pile. In areas like dining rooms and bathrooms, the carpet will also need to be water and stain resistant and easy to clean.
The next thing to consider is a colour and pattern that will suit your décor. Experts suggest looking for a common neutral colour in furniture and curtains and choosing a plain carpet to suit. Patterns tend to make a room look smaller while very light and dark colours will need more frequent cleaning.
When it comes to fitting the carpets, you should insist on a good quality underlay that will not only add warmth and a more luxurious feel, but also extend the life of the carpeting by evening out the floor surface beneath and preventing wear-and-tear.
And finally, you should ask your fitter to unroll and air out the carpet before installing it and also ensure that your home is well-ventilated during installation to cut down on irritation from any adhesive fumes and emissions.
