HOW TO CHOOSE CARPET: Introduction
Deciding on the perfect carpet can be a daunting task with all the choices available but it doesn’t have to be. It’s easy when you visit the clean, well-lit, easy-to-shop showroom of a CarpetsPlus Color Tile design center. Plus, with an expertly trained staff, you’re sure to find what you want at the price you need in a fraction of the time. To find a retailer near you click here.
By reading this short article you will familiarize yourself with common terms and it will save you time when you get to the showroom. Let’s begin with the basic choices you’ll have to make.
STYLE: The carpet you choose for your home reflects your personal style and your practical requirements just as much as the clothes you wear. Choose a style or construction of carpet that appeals to your personal taste and suits your lifestyle.
COLOR: Carpet comes in many colors, from solids and tweeds, to berbers and jewels. Making a selection can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Trust your instincts in coordinating colors that enhance the design of your room.
FIBER: To make the right fiber choice, it’s important to consider some simple questions: Do you have children or pets? Will your carpet be in a high traffic area? Will it be exposed to direct sunlight? Will it be near an entrance from the outdoors? The ideal carpet for you is one that appeals to you visually, and is also durable enough for your lifestyle.
HOW TO CHOOSE CARPET: Carpet Styles
CABLE: Characterized by thicker, heavier yarns, cables make a bold design statement and provide exceptional comfort underfoot. Cables can also combine a variety of yarn thicknesses, twists and textures to produce a shag-like effect. Great for any room where a touch of luxury is desired.
SAXONY: A smooth and luxurious surface with classic styling appropriate for more elegant spaces with less traffic such as a formal living room or dining room.
TEXTURE: The most popular style of carpet. Slightly twisted fibers create a textured surface with traditional styling that’s perfect for any casual room. Textured cut pile carpet performs well in high traffic areas and is available in a wide range of colors.
FRIEZE: Tightly twisted fibers create a curled surface with contemporary styling. Friezes provide resilience and comfort for active spaces and are less likely to show footprints or vacuum marks than any other style of carpet. A distinctive and upscale look for bedrooms and family rooms.
LOOP: Often referred to as “berbers,” loop pile carpets have a continuous, uncut surface that wears well in high traffic areas. Durable yet comfortable, loop piles are perfect for casual spaces with lots of activity like family rooms, dens and play rooms.
PATTERN: Unique and expressive, patterned carpets use cut and lop pile combinations to create a sculpted look. Available in organic, trellis and geometric designs, this carpet can evoke a dramatic style in bedrooms and living rooms.
HOW TO CHOOSE CARPET: Color
Neutral colors are the easiest to decorate with and can give a room a spacious, airy look. While beiges are the most popular, neutral colors have expanded into other color families such as pale greens, sun-washed yellows, lilac and sky blue.
If you want a bolder statement, use a more dramatic color to add flair and create an upbeat and sophisticated room. To achieve this look, identify a common accent color in your decor, and then find a coordinating carpet color.
As a basic rule, warm colors can add comfort to a room that lacks light, while cool greens and blues can bring a calming ambiance.
Lighter colors can make a room seem larger, while darker colors can often make it more intimate and cozy. Darker colors, berbers and tweeds also help disguise everyday soiling in high traffic areas.
HOW TO CHOOSE CARPET: Carpet Fiber Comparison
NYLON: It’s the most versatile of all fibers, providing exceptional softness and excellent flexibility in creating a wide variety of carpet styles. Nylon is also the most durable and resilient carpet fiber available. Though not inherently stain resistant, most nylon carpets include a stain-resistant carpet treatment like R2X or Scotchgard.
TRIEXTA: Combining the resilience of nylon and the stain resistance of polyester, Triexta provides excellent performance and value. It’s also exceptionally soft and offers a wide array of styles and design options.
POLYESTER: While not as durable as nylon, polyester offers exceptional color clarity, and it is also naturally stain and fade resistant. Polyester carpet offers the best value in floor covering.
POLYPROPYLENE: Polypropylene offers excellent resistance to fading and is inherently stain resistant – useful in rooms with direct sunlight.
NATURAL FIBERS: Wall-to-wall carpet and area rugs are also available in a variety of natural fibers. Wool, sisal, sea grass, and jute are all sourced from renewable resources and provide excellent options in sustainable floor covering.
