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How Do I... Choose the Right Carpet Colour and Material?
Carpeting your home is a big investment – here are the main things to consider in order to make the right selection
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and design questions. Here, John Harrison, marketing manager at Godfrey Hirst, reveals how to go about selecting the right carpet colour and fibre for your home.
Which carpet colours are fashionable?
Grey continues its run as the on-trend carpet colour among designers and renovators. This year, we are seeing a shift away from deep, cosy charcoals towards lighter, mid-tones, which are great for opening up a space.
Our team of colourists has been focused on driftwood and natural greys that imitate those seen in nature, which create a soft, serene vibe.
Grey continues its run as the on-trend carpet colour among designers and renovators. This year, we are seeing a shift away from deep, cosy charcoals towards lighter, mid-tones, which are great for opening up a space.
Our team of colourists has been focused on driftwood and natural greys that imitate those seen in nature, which create a soft, serene vibe.
Which neutrals are key?
There’s been a surge in timeless neutrals such as beige, oatmeal and white, especially in easy-to-clean fibres such as Triexta.
Tip: The better quality the fibre and the denser it is packed onto the carpet backing, the better the carpet will perform over time.
There’s been a surge in timeless neutrals such as beige, oatmeal and white, especially in easy-to-clean fibres such as Triexta.
Tip: The better quality the fibre and the denser it is packed onto the carpet backing, the better the carpet will perform over time.
And which carpet textures are popular?
Chunky loop wool piles that add a sense of warmth and natural texture to a space are very popular right now. Soft twist-pile carpets in wool, Triexta, nylon and polyester, which have a luxurious, silky feel, are also gaining traction.
Chunky loop wool piles that add a sense of warmth and natural texture to a space are very popular right now. Soft twist-pile carpets in wool, Triexta, nylon and polyester, which have a luxurious, silky feel, are also gaining traction.
What are the main options in terms of materials?
- Wool: This 100% natural material feels divine underfoot and is naturally stain resistant.
- Solution-dyed nylon: A quality nylon feels luxuriously soft underfoot and is resistant to stains, fading and wear.
- Triexta: This eco-friendly carpet material has superior wear, stain and fade resistance. Most food and beverage stains can be removed with just cold water, making it a great choice for homes with kids and pets.
- Polypropylene or polyester: A budget-friendly option; it performs well, but doesn’t feel as soft underfoot as the other fibres mentioned.
When choosing a carpet colour, what should I ask myself?
- What is your interior style – for example, is it sleek and contemporary, coastal or country cottage? The carpet colour you choose should complement your decor. A charcoal carpet, for example, works well in a contemporary home, while a light neutral might be better suited to a coastal-style abode.
- Do you have kids or pets? A heathered wool blend in a neutral or darker tone will hide soiling better than a paler carpet.
- Do you have kids but want a pale carpet? Opt for a fibre that cleans easily, such as Triexta, which requires just cold water.
- What furnishings and other floor coverings or materials do you need to match the carpet with? To truly assess how the carpet you’ve got your eye on will look alongside the other elements in the room, take a sample home with you and look at it under different light conditions, including day, night and artificial lighting.
What about when I’m choosing carpet texture and material?
- Which rooms of the home are you carpeting and what is the look and feel you want to create? For example, do you want a soft, plush carpet to create a sense of retreat in a bedroom or a robust, cut- or level-loop pile for a busy spot such as a hallway or a family room?
- What’s your lifestyle and decor? The texture you choose should complement both elements.
- How much foot traffic does the area receive? A high plush pile, for example, might not be suitable for a busy spot as it can crush under heavy footfall. A hardy cut- or level-loop pile would be better suited for these areas.
- Do you have kids or pets? A forgiving colour and a cut pile that your pet won’t snag with their claws is a good idea.
- Will the carpet be exposed to direct sunlight? If yes, you’ll want a fibre that resists fading, such as Triexta or a quality nylon.
What’s good to know?
When selecting a carpet, it’s wise to pay attention to the Australian Carpet Classification Scheme rating, which tells you which traffic conditions it’s best suited to. Carpets range from light to extra heavy duty (for busy spots such as hallways and stairs).
When selecting a carpet, it’s wise to pay attention to the Australian Carpet Classification Scheme rating, which tells you which traffic conditions it’s best suited to. Carpets range from light to extra heavy duty (for busy spots such as hallways and stairs).
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Did you find this story useful? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like or share this story and save the photos. Join the conversation.
More
Find a carpet or flooring supplier near you
Here’s all you need to know about choosing the best colour and material for your home, including which looks are trending now.