A Guide to Choosing the Right Carpet for Your Home

Are you in the market looking for the perfect carpet for your home? You probably feel a bit overwhelmed with all the choices available to you. Carpets come in plenty of different shapes, sizes, styles, and textures, thus making it difficult for you to pick which one to take home. Beyond the aesthetics, there’s the functionality that you need to keep in mind as well when choosing the right carpet. If you’re struggling to choose which carpet to purchase, then you came to the right place.

This article will cover everything you need to know about choosing the right carpet and hopefully help you make an informed decision.

Know the materials used in a carpet

Carpets use a wide variety of materials that affect its overall look and feel. Each material has its own unique characteristics that make the carpet suitable for specific applications. Here are some examples of the most common materials used in carpets:

• Nylon – Nylon is a popular synthetic material used for carpets. It’s affordability and durability make it suitable for both commercial and residential applications. Its texture is quite soft and is durable enough to resist stains and abrasion. If you’re looking for a synthetic carpet that looks good and is going to last for years, then nylon carpets are a great choice.

• Polypropylene – Polypropylene is also a synthetic material that’s highly sought after due to its wool-like properties. This material is able to withstand most stains, but is susceptible to oil buildup and soiling just like natural wool. It ranks second among synthetic carpets and it wears well over time — just like nylon.
  
  
• Polyester – Polyester is prized for its fade-resistant properties. You can expect a polyester carpet to look great for years.  It’s on the lower end of synthetic carpets, meaning that it’s quite prone to being flattened under heavy loads. It’s also vulnerable to stains, which makes it a less than ideal choice for areas where stains are likely to occur.
  
  
• Wool – Wool is one of the most desirable materials for carpets. It feels luxurious, it’s long-lasting, and is highly fire-resistant. The upper echelon of carpets use wool for many reasons; it’s able to hide soil very well and is an excellent insulator, meaning you’ll feel warm and cozy underfoot even during the winter months.

As you can see, the vast majority of the carpets in the market are made up of synthetic fibers. Only a handful of carpets are made from natural materials, which explains why they’re so expensive. Choosing between a synthetic and natural carpet will depend on your needs and your personal preference.

If you want an affordable carpet that delivers the most bang-for-your-buck, then we recommend picking up a synthetic carpet. If you want a high-end, luxurious carpet that screams sophistication and style, go with a natural carpet.

Consider the carpet’s purpose

No two carpets are alike. Some carpets are more suited for an aesthetic purpose while other carpets are better suited for a more functional application. When buying a carpet, consider its intended purpose. Are you going to use it for your living room? Or will you cover up your stairs with a carpet?

For example, a luxurious wool carpet fits much better on your home’s lounge while a nylon carpet will be able to withstand constant foot traffic from the stairs. It’s always a good idea to ask the salesperson for recommendations on which carpet best fits your needs. 

Explore different carpet piles

Pile simply refers to the density of the carpet’s fibers. A shaggy pile means it has deep, long carpet fibers that give it a shaggy appearance. A flat pile on the other hand, has shorter carpet fibers that contribute to a flatter look. This is an important thing to consider since the carpet’s pile will affect how it feels underfoot.

A flat pile will generally last longer than a shaggy pile. The downside is that it can feel somewhat cold underfoot.  A shaggy pile may not be able to sustain extensive wear, but will definitely feel more plush and cozy compared to a flat pile. We recommend choosing a carpet with a shaggy pile for areas with less foot traffic and a flat pile for areas underneath heavy furniture and appliances.