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How to select the right carpet for your home and décor

Deciding that it is time to invest in a new carpet for your home is only the starting point. After that initial decision you need to then consider other factors, such as your lifestyle, the location of the carpet, budget, personal preference as well as environmental considerations.

This guide offers some insight into our top tips to help work through these considerations.

Where do you want it to go?

This is a major consideration when choosing a carpet as different carpets are suited to different spaces due to their feel and durability.

If this carpet is to go in a child’s room you might like to think about a synthetic, manmade carpet as they are easy to clean and are less expensive than a pure wool carpet.

If the carpet is for the master bedroom, you may be keen to consider a velvet with a higher pile as they are plusher and more luxurious underfoot than a pure wool carpet. Or you may want to consider a wool mix, to get the balance of plushness which the manmade carpet will offer, combined with the durability of a wool carpet.

A pure wool carpet with a shorter pile or loop is a better choice of carpet for high traffic areas such as a staircase and landing. For more information on types of carpet please have a look at our article on the different types of carpet.

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Consider Your Lifestyle

This is critical choosing a new floor. You need to think about the wear and tear a carpet will suffer.

Do you have pets or young children and how much foot traffic does the area receive?

High-traffic areas will require more durable carpets such as a wool carpet.

If you have pets, you want to avoid loop pile carpets which little claws may catch in. If you have children a synthetic carpet may suffer less damage at the mercy of mucky hands and spills than a wool carpet.

If you want the right blend of durability and comfort from your carpet, a wool mix is good option to consider as this can often offer the best of both worlds.

Consider your budget

Your budget will help to determine the type of carpet you choose. A pure wool carpet tends to have a higher price point than a synthetic carpet would. Knowing your budget will narrow this down.

Consider maintenance needs

Different carpets require varying levels of maintenance. Some are easier to clean and more stain-resistant than others. Consider your ability and willingness to maintain the carpet over time.

Consider the colour

Carpets come in a host of different colours and how they look in the home will change across the day with the changing light. Take home samples to help you gauge the colour and the appearance of the carpet in situ before committing to a decision.

Choose a carpet colour that complements your room's décor and suits your personal taste. Lighter colours can make a room feel more spacious, while darker colours can add warmth and coziness.

Consider allergies

If you or your family members have allergies, consider hypoallergenic carpet options that are less likely to trap dust and allergens. Wool is known for its hypoallergenic properties so you may prefer to consider wool if you are an allergy sufferer.

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Essential extras

All carpets must have appropriate underlay so you need to remember to factor the cost of this in. Underlay is essential as it helps maintain the life of your carpet and improve the underfoot comfort.

Consider environmental impact

If sustainability is important to you, look for eco-friendly carpet options made from recycled materials or those with low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions.

Wool carpets, are the most environmentally friendly of all the carpets as they are made from a natural and renewable source and can also easily be recycled safely at the end of their lifetime, rather than going to landfill.

Summing up

Choosing the right carpet is a personal decision, and what works best for one person or room may not be suitable for another. Take your time to research, explore options, and make an informed choice that fits your home and lifestyle.