Finding the Perfect Carpet for Your Home

Choosing the carpeting in your home is a big choice. You don’t want to rush into that decision and end up with something that you will either find unappealing later on, or that shows wear and tear because it wasn’t properly suited to the lifestyle your family leads. There are several important factors to consider before you make a final decision. With all of the varieties of carpets available, there is certainly a combination of elements that would work perfectly for your home and tastes. The challenge is finding the one most suited.

To begin with, the material you decide on will most likely be determined by the amount of traffic the prospective room is going to get. The majority of families make a rule of taking off their shoes upon entry, and often request that houseguests follow suit. If that’s the case, than the rooms further into the house likely aren’t as vulnerable to dirt and damage as the ones closer to the door. Likewise, areas like the bedroom usually don’t see as foot traffic, so you might decide on a material that favors comfort over durability.

The other big factor in making a decision is price. The material the carpet is made with, the style of construction and the colors and patterns can all have an effect on the cost. If it’s a larger room that you want carpeted, you may want to go for something slightly cheaper.
So what materials are available, and what are their pros and cons? We’re going to examine the three most common artificial materials: nylon, polyester and olefin.

Nylon Pros

• Soft, comfortable feel.
• Durable and long-lasting.
• Stain-resistant coating.

Cons

• Priciest of the three.

Polyester Pros

• Affordable.
• Highly stain-resistant.

Cons

• More vulnerable to damage.

Olefin Pros

• Mold and Mildew Resistant
• Holds its color, even against some bleach solutions.

Cons

• Not as durable as nylon.

The style of construction is very important as well. Plush, for example, prioritizes comfort over durability, while Berber is just the opposite. Once you’ve decided on how and what of your carpet will be made, the final choice is color. Lighter carpets can make a room feel more spacious, but stains and damage will be more readily apparent. Conversely, a darker color is will be more stain-resistant, and is often the go-to choice for homes with pets or small children. Whatever choice you make, just make sure it complements the surrounding area.