Your Lifestyle: How you live your life is critical in choosing what type of carpet to install. If you have kids and pets, having a soft, plush pile carpet would be unwise. A hardwearing patterned, multi-coloured, textured loop pile would be a more fitting choice. If you want luxury, be sure the carpet can withstand the rigours of day-to-day wear in high-traffic areas such as hallways and stairs.

Cleaning and maintenance: If you want your carpet to look and feel great over its lifetime, you need to research fibres and colours. All carpets require different amounts of upkeep and cleaning. Cut piles are soft and luxurious under foot, but they show footprints and tracks from vacuuming. 

Anticipate fading – Fading of carpets is a fact of life but can be disastrous. A carpet in direct sunlight will fade dramatically over time, despite the industry using hi-tech dyes. Ultraviolet light is very powerful at “bleaching”, and even if the carpet is not exposed to direct sunlight, it will still fade. It is recommended that the colour you choose is two shades darker than you want it to be to counteract the fading over time. Darker colours will show fading more than lighter colours. Consider whether you intend to replace or move furniture, as the carpet under the furniture will fade significantly less than the exposed carpet.

Colours: Colour choice is always tricky as you will have to live with the colour for a long time. Consider the ambience of the room and the effect you are trying to achieve for your home. If you want a cosy, homely feel, then dark coloured carpets will bring this to your house. Light colours bring a feeling of space and brightness to any room, no matter how small. 

A household with pets or children might want to consider darker or heavier patterns as they are more tolerant of heavy stains than lighter, more neutral colours. 

Fibre Type: There are many different fibres used to make carpets, and they all have different abilities. Understanding the thread makeup will help you make a more informed decision.

Nylon: This carpet is durable, stain resistant, and typically long-lasting, making it easy to clean. It doesn’t have the luxury feel of wool but is a good compromise over cost and durability. Nylon is a versatile fibre that is used in countless styles of carpets.

Wool: Wool fibres create a luxurious feel, as you would expect, and create a hardwearing carpet. The negative aspect of wool is cost; wool carpets can be costly, although they are very durable. A Pure wool carpet is made without chemicals or additives, making it an excellent choice for those with allergies or sensitivities to chemicals.

Polypropylene: This artificial fibre is very cost-effective, It is commonly used in rental properties due to its hardwearing properties and stain resistance. Over the years polypropylene has improved therefore it does provide the best value for money for all areas of the home.

Polyester: A manufactured fibre prized for its ability to hold vibrant colours and is more hypoallergenic than most other fibres. The pile can flatten under weight, making it unsuitable for high traffic areas.

Acrylic: Acrylic is sometimes called “synthetic wool”. It simulates the feel and appearance of wool at a fraction of the price, but unfortunately, it is not very durable and is unsuitable for high-traffic areas on its own. For that reason, it is often blended with wool to produce quality blended carpets at a reduced price.

By matching this information to your carpet requirements, you can find a perfect carpet for your home and your family. Don’t dismiss research and leave it to chance, as the wrong carpet could be a very costly mistake.