When it’s time to buy carpet, today’s homeowner is faced with a bewildering array of choices. The type of fiber, what kind of traffic it will stand up to, the pattern, the price range — all these factor into making the right decision. Then there’s the question of how it will affect your home’s value if and when it comes time to sell.
Neutral colors remain popular and are generally a safe choice, but today’s designers are using color, texture, and patterns to turn carpet into a design statement, and the range of choices is broader than ever. From woven organic patterns to looped and cut-loop fabrics, the variety is endless.
When it’s time to buy carpet, today’s homeowner is faced with a bewildering array of choices. The type of fiber, what kind of traffic it will stand up to, the pattern, the price range — all these factor into making the right decision. Then there’s the question of how it will affect your home’s value if and when it comes time to sell.
Neutral colors remain popular and are generally a safe choice, but today’s designers are using color, texture, and patterns to turn carpet into a design statement, and the range of choices is broader than ever. From woven organic patterns to looped and cut-loop fabrics, the variety is endless.
Berber reigns as a favorite, even in the traditional neutral, but today’s versions offer more visual interest with variations in depth and sculptured effects offering a bolder look. Carpet is trending toward layering of color for a designer look. Color against a neutral background distracts the eye away from stains and spills while adding visual interest and depth.
Besides the fashion appeal, this also minimizes stains and vacuum tracks.
Once you’ve settled on the color and style you want, think about the traffic your carpet must stand up to. A thick pile is softer and more luxurious, but it’s harder to roll furniture on a thick pile. Dirt and debris end up trapped deeper in the fabric, so it may not be the best choice for an entryway or high traffic space. It’s also more expensive to replace.
Textured carpets such as Berber, frieze, cable and cut loop stand up to high traffic areas well. Cut and loop is very popular and works in all spaces from living rooms to great rooms to bedrooms. Its variety of surface textures offer patterns and designs that fit well with both traditional and contemporary décor. Saxony’s deep, plush even pile suits formal living and dining areas and bedrooms.
Synthetic fibers make up over 90% of today’s carpets, with nylon offering good appearance and resistance to fading, soil and stains. Other synthetics include olefin, polypropylene and polyester. Quality can be enhanced by the twist and heat set of the fibers, as well as the density of the tufts. While it’s soft, cleans well and is high-density. Wool is more expensive and doesn’t stand up to moisture and wear as well as synthetics.
Fortunately, the major carpet manufacturers take a lot of the guesswork out of carpet buying by performance-rating their products. Those ratings, combined with a knowledgeable sales person, go a long way toward making sure the carpet you buy is right for you. Manufacturers also recommend the proper type of pad for best performance and often will not guarantee their product if you don’t follow their recommendations.
Choosing among the variety of new options adds interest to a room and adds to its perceived value. New carpet is one of the easiest ways to set your home apart from others and add enjoyment for you and future owners for years to come.
While warranties vary among manufacturers, the simple fact is that regular and proper care of your carpet can keep it in good condition for 20 or more years. There are lots of companies who call themselves “carpet cleaners,” but many use cheap, quick methods that not only don’t do a good job of deep cleaning, but may actually void the warranty on your carpet. Deep Soil Carpet Cleaning by A Personal Touch is done with a powerful truck-mounted steam cleaning system operated by IICRC-certified technicians personally selected and trained by our company’s founder and owner to deliver the finest carpet cleaning available on Colorado’s Front Range.
Give us a call at 720.344.2870 or use our online contact form for any questions you may have. There is also a form on the page to request a free estimate. Then relax and enjoy your freshly cleaned carpet with the confidence that comes from our company’s motto: “We don’t cut corners, we clean them.”
