Carpets and rugs provide a quick and effective upgrade to any space by contributing warmth and texture to the environment. While a nice carpet can cause instant visual gratification, picking the right one for your use can be a daunting task. To help you roll out that perfect surface for your floor, here are seven tips to ensure that you are on the well-trodden path.
Fibres
There are several materials used to make carpets, each offering something different to the user. For a long lasting and durable carpet, nylon is the best, while for those who want a luxurious feel wool is preferred. Another common and cost-effective option is polypropylene which is stain resistant and long lasting.
Colour dynamics
While lighter shades are ideal for small spaces, they get stained readily. On the other hand, darker colours not only make a room look cosier but hide stains easily as well. A combination of both is therefore advisable to create a subtle blend of colours. For final selection, check the colour both in daylight and by lamplight as they tend to look different under different light conditions.
Style
Carpets for the home are excellent in providing insulation and added padding for the feet. They also act as an effective sound barrier. For a high end product, woven carpets serve the purpose. Another popular style is tufted carpets, Cut-pile varieties are installed for comfort as they are soft to feel. The most practical is loop-pile, which is stain resistant and durable.
Twist
Checking the yarn twist, especially in the cut-pile variety is critical for performance. The tighter the twist, the more the carpet will retain its appearance. Make sure the cut ends of the carpet are tight and neat.
Check the pile density
Press the carpet surface with your fingers to check how far you can push to feel the backing. Then bend the carpet in the shape of a U to ensure how much of the backing is visible. The lesser the backing, the more dense your carpet will be.
Size
Proper size and installation is vital for the best appearance and performance of the carpet. Measure the size accurately for each room to determine how the seams will be positioned and how the edges will be finished for the doorways. Inspect the actual carpet before installation for any defects. To avoid wrinkles due to heavy traffic, power stretching is highly recommended.
Padding
A quality carpet needs quality padding or cushion, so don’t skimp on it. After all, padding only will determine how comfortable, durable, and good your carpet will ultimately look. Apart from firm support, good padding will ensure absorbing all the pressure due to heavy foot traffic. Padding is available in foam rubber, urethane foam, or rebond and in different densities to cater to traffic needs.
The process of carpet selection should be seen as a long-term investment for enhancing the value of the home. Remember to follow these important tips for the well-being and comfort of your family.