The Allure of Great Flooring

Carpeting is a classic choice for home flooring, as it brings some softness to a room while also insulating the space. Carpeting also feels great underfoot! Since there are so many different materials and styles of home carpeting, you should take time to understand the basics behind those differences, rather than simply choosing the cheapest carpeting you can find. This will ensure you know the best type and style of carpeting for your home.

Durability

If you have kids or pets, or you entertain often so that your carpets suffer lots of foot traffic, you want something very durable underfoot. Nylon and polyester are durable and stain resistant, but you might not like their artificial feeling. Wool is a more natural fabric that is much softer to the touch and can also be very durable.

However, note that wool does hold heat, so if you live in a warmer climate, opt for a wool carpet with a very low nap for a more comfortable home environment. This will mean less space along the height of those fibres to trap heat. On the other hand, if you want the carpeting for a cooler area of the home, such as a finished basement or a backroom that doesn't get much sunlight, choose a taller wool nap for even more insulation and comfort.

Quality and density

Check the density of a carpet sample by bending the fibres and separating them, like opening a sandwich. If you can easily see the carpet backing, the carpet is not very dense or doesn't have many fibres per square inch. In turn, the carpet may start to look crushed and flat before very long. While low density carpeting can be more affordable, it's good to avoid installing it in any high traffic area of your home.

Style

Don't underestimate the importance of carpet flooring that adds some interest to your home. Plain, tan-coloured carpeting might be good for a very large space where you need a neutral look, but otherwise, consider something textured. This is where the nap of the carpeting is cut to different heights, creating a varied appearance. This might be a rows of varying squares or a swirling design.

 You might also break up the look of a very large room by choosing a different colour border around the outer edge of the carpeting. In the bedroom, indulge yourself with a colour in a red tone, or opt for carpeting with a silvery tint if you love the look of very modern home decor.