How do I pick the right carpet for my needs?

When choosing your carpet, be mindful of the location where the carpet will be going. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is it a high-traffic area?
• Is it a room high in moisture?
• Will you spend time eating in the room?

Your answers to these questions will govern the type of carpet that’s best for you.

For high-traffic areas such as living rooms or hallways, it’s often better to get a high-grade carpet that can withstand the wear. It might cost you more upfront, but the benefit of longer wear normally outweighs the additional cost. For places like these, a high-quality hard twist or loop pile carpet is a winner.

As for bedrooms, consider who’s in them. Will it be the kids’ bedroom or the parents’ bedroom? Because children often spend more time in their bedrooms than adults do, it’s only natural that they will benefit from a higher grade of carpeting. But also consider the comfort factor. If children will be playing on the floor, a cut pile carpet is usually best because if feels soft to the touch.

Bathrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are usually poor places for carpeting because of moisture and liquid spills. Instead of picking carpeting for these areas, it’s best to choose a floor surface that’s easy to clean, such as tile or linoleum.

What color should I choose?

Unless you plan on painting, choose a carpet that matches your room’s current colors. For example, if your walls are painted or wallpapered in bright tones, it’s best to stick to neutral shades for the carpet. Your carpet should complement your walls as opposed to fighting for attention.

What is the right fiber for me?

Many people think that choosing dark-colored or patterned carpets can help disguise dirt. The truth is that’s not always the case. It really has more to do with the carpet fibers than the color or design. For example, nylon is the most popular choice for carpet because this durable, yet inexpensive, fiber lasts longer than other choices and is the easiest to clean.

Consumers may also look at wool, especially for luxury carpets and area rugs. While this expensive fiber is more difficult to keep clean, wool has legendary resiliency and is naturally flame retardant.

What is the right carpet design for my situation?

A pattern design may help hide unfortunate spills that have resisted cleaning and also mask effects of use, like flattening and shading.

If you do go with a pattern though, keep in mind the space of your room as well. For example:

• Large-scale patterns tend to make a room look smaller in size and more inviting.
• Small-scale patterns create the illusion that the room is bigger when combined with a color.

What is the life expectancy of my carpet?

As with all finely crafted products, the life expectancy of your carpet depends on how carefully you maintain it. Never go with a carpet that requires more work than you can give to it. All sellers and carpet makers have instructions for care, so be sure to look those over prior to making a carpet purchase. With proper cleaning and maintenance, you can help prolong your carpet’s life and appearance.

Choosing your carpet isn’t difficult as long as you follow these tips. Just a little forethought and information are all you need when it comes to picking carpet that is right for you.