Whether you are moving into a new home or considering a renovation for where you currently live, choosing a carpet might initially seem like a simple task. However, since the time and effort it takes to have a carpet installed is considerable, you shouldn’t rush the decision. You will want to choose a carpet that meets your needs and looks great in your home. Here are some helpful tips to make this process easier.

Where Do You Want to Have the Carpet Fitted?

Not every room in your home will necessarily look good or remain practical with a carpet installed. An obvious example would be the kitchen and bathroom, where a carpet would almost certainly be unhygienic, where other, harder forms of flooring would be more appropriate. However, a bedroom or living room can be made to feel much cosier and more inviting with a soft carpet. Decide which rooms in your home you want to be carpeted, as this will help you start to plan for the installation.

What Should Your Carpet Be Made From?

Carpet can be made from a wide variety of materials, each with its own unique qualities and advantages. Here are just a few examples of the most common materials a carpet can be made from and what their different benefits are:

• Wool carpet is extremely popular for its natural origins and innate softness. It is durable and easy to keep clean, which is why it’s so popular.
• Polyester carpets are just as durable as wool carpets but are often more resistant to staining.
• Nylon carpet resists warping but can cause static electricity to build up.

Who Will Fit Your Carpet?

Not just anyone can fit a carpet. It is a more complicated and time-consuming process than you might think, so don’t underestimate the job of having your carpet installed neatly and professionally. Look for trusted local suppliers and fitters like those at our Balham carpets shop so you can rest assured that the fitting will be perfect. Unless you are confident in your own skills, it is best to seek the help of an expert. This will ensure that the carpet is installed with the fewest possible flaws.

How Will You Look After Your Carpet?

Taking good care of your carpet is essential if you want it to last for a long time. To avoid the possibility of having to replace your carpet prematurely, learn the best techniques to clean it according to its material and colour. Regular maintenance, such as vacuuming, helps to keep it fresh, but in the event of a spill, make sure you know how to prevent different kinds of stains.

What Purpose Do You Want Your Carpet to Serve?

Do you want your carpet to be a style statement or totally focused on comfort? Does it need to be stain resistant or luxurious and thick? Think about why you want to decorate with carpet, and this will help you choose the right kind for your home.

There are so many important considerations to remember when you move into a new home. Whether it is an older building with bags of history or a new build with equally new features, you may want to freshen up your home with flooring that suits your interior design style. Especially when there is so much else to think about during this busy time, you may not have decided yet how you want your floors to be. This quick guide will give you some inspiration about how to make the floors in your new home look and feel perfect.

Assess the Existing Flooring

There is no point changing the flooring in your home if you love what is there already. The existing floors will also help you envision your ideal flooring with greater clarity. For example, you may have first thought you might like your bathroom floor to be hardwood, but after settling into your new home, you might realise that tiles would be more attractive and practical in the space. Maybe all you need to do is clean the current floors to revive their underlying charm.

Decide If You Want to Create Separate Zones

Some people prefer to have each room in their home divided by different flooring. Carpet in the living room, wood in the bedroom, tiles in the kitchen – this allows for distinct moods and interior design themes throughout the home. However, a great way to create a more cohesive and sleek look is to use the same type of flooring in multiple rooms. It depends on how you want the space to feel.

Think About the Future

Unless you plan to stay in the same home forever, you might want to keep in mind the resale possibilities that different flooring offers. For example, a soft and beautiful carpet might make it easier to sell your home at a later date than an unusual pattern or style. Of course, you want to make your house into a home, but if you plan to sell it again someday, bear this in mind.

Find a Reliable Supplier

The source of your flooring will make all the difference when it comes to quality. Do your research to make sure that the company supplying and fitting your floors is reputable and trusted. It can help to search near your neighbourhood, for example seeking carpets in Dulwich and having a local company like ours provide your floors. This is usually a better way of ensuring quality. You can ask around and find out more about the supplier or fitter before making your final decision.

Learn How to Care for Your Floors

Even the most beautiful floors need to be cared for if you want their appeal to last. Know what materials they’re made from and find out the best way to clean them if necessary. In some cases, you may need to reach out to a professional, but this will be worth it to keep your floors looking fresh and new.

There are so many different factors and materials to consider when it comes to choosing a carpet for your home. From wool to nylon to polyester, each material has its own unique benefits and price point. In this article, we’ll explore the different carpet materials and help you make an informed decision when choosing the best carpet for your home.

How to Choose the Right Flooring Option for You

There are a few considerations to make when choosing the right carpet for your home:

Your Budget

First and foremost, your budget is a major consideration when choosing flooring. Different types of flooring come with varying price points, so it’s important to choose a material that fits within your budget. Keep in mind that the installation costs may also impact your overall budget.

Wear and Tear

Another key factor to consider is wear and tear. Some areas of your home may experience higher traffic than others, so it’s important to choose a flooring material that can withstand wear and tear. For example, high-traffic areas like entryways or living rooms may require a more durable material or a flat weave, while bedrooms may benefit from a softer carpet made of high-pile silk.

Look and Feel

The look and feel of the flooring is also an important factor to consider. Your flooring choice should complement the overall aesthetic of your home, so consider factors like colour, texture, and pattern when making your decision. Additionally, think about how the flooring will feel underfoot. Considering most carpeted areas in the home are where you’ll walk around barefoot, this cannot be stressed enough.

Types of Carpeting Materials to Consider

There are many different types of carpeting materials, with these options at the top of the list for most homeowners:

·       Wool

Wool carpets are a popular choice due to their durability and natural appearance. They’re also naturally flame-retardant and resistant to stains and odours. They are one of the more expensive options on this list, but if you’re looking for a high-quality, comfortable, and hypoallergenic option for your home, they’re one of the most popular options we offer at our Balham carpets store.

·       Nylon

Nylon carpets are another durable option that’s resistant to wear and tear. They’re also available in a wide variety of colours and styles, making them a versatile choice for any room in your home. Nylon carpets are also relatively affordable, making them a good alternative to wool.

·       Polyester

Polyester carpets are a budget-friendly option that’s available in a range of colours, patterns, and styles. They’re also stain-resistant and easy to clean. However, polyester carpets may not be as durable as other materials and may show signs of wear and tear more quickly.

·       Other Natural Fibres

In addition to these materials, there are also natural fibre carpets like sisal, jute, and linen, which offer a unique texture and appearance. These options are also very sustainable and made of easy-to-grow materials like hemp or from a unique source like seagrass. For those looking for the most sustainable option for their home, make sure to check for our Green Select range, which highlights the most earth-friendly materials and recycled products.

In recent years, the push towards sustainability has influenced many aspects of our lives, including our homes. From energy-efficient appliances to eco-friendly cleaning products, there are many ways to make our homes more sustainable. A good place to get started is with our flooring choices. Earth-friendly and sustainable flooring options have become increasingly popular, coinciding with the rise of environmental and sustainability awareness. However, with so many different options available, it can be challenging to know which flooring type is the best choice for your home. With this guide, we’ll break down our earth-friendly options so you can make a better decision for your home today.

Our Green Select Standards

Sustainable flooring is becoming increasingly popular as the demand for eco-friendly products continues to rise. As a top flooring retailer, we are committed to offering the best earth-friendly flooring and carpets in Dulwich. Not only do we offer many earth-friendly options, but we’ve also made it easy to find them with our Green Select label.

·       Recyclability

To qualify as Green Select, a flooring product must meet at least one of our established environmental standards. One standard is that the product must be fibre-to-fibre recyclable, meaning they are recycled to create new carpets without any reduction in performance.

·       Must Contain Recycled Materials

Did you know that five recycled plastic soda bottles go into every square foot of PET polyester carpet fibre? Carpets created in this way using recycled materials require less energy and water to produce than fibre made from raw polyester.

·       Or Be From Natural, Sustainable, or Renewable Sources

Alternatively, flooring can be made from eco-friendly sources. Sustainable flooring materials include wool, cotton, hemp, and bamboo. These materials are eco-friendly and renewable, making them a top option for those who want to reduce their environmental impact.

Overview of the Most Popular Sustainable Flooring Options

There are many exciting new sustainable materials and products in the home interior world, but sometimes your best option is to go with the classics. These staple flooring options have always been earth-friendly and a great fit for your home:

·       Wool

Wool flooring offers sustainable and healthy benefits, including its renewable nature, eco-friendly production, low environmental impact, hypoallergenic properties, fire resistance, and ability to enhance indoor air quality. With its natural properties and absence of harmful chemicals, wool flooring is an excellent choice for environmentally and health-conscious individuals seeking a hypoallergenic flooring option.

·       Hemp, Linen, or Jute

Hemp, linen, and jute flooring offer a range of sustainability and health benefits. As natural fibres, they are renewable and biodegradable, making them eco-friendly choices. Additionally, they require fewer pesticides and chemicals during production, resulting in lower environmental impact. These fibres are also hypoallergenic, making them an excellent choice for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues. Furthermore, these materials are durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacement and ultimately reducing waste.

·       Bamboo

Bamboo’s rapid growth makes it a highly renewable resource since it can be harvested every 3-5 years, and it requires fewer pesticides and fertilisers, which reduces its environmental impact. Bamboo plants also absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere compared to other plants, making them an effective tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, bamboo flooring is highly durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacement and ultimately reducing waste in the flooring industry.

Choosing carpet for your home is a big decision, as it can greatly affect the look, feel, and overall comfort of your space. There are so many factors to consider as well, from the pile height to the fibres used. Even the density of the carpet you choose matters since it will impact its durability, comfort, and overall lifespan. While it may feel like choosing a carpet is straightforward, you’ll be surprised to learn it’s anything but. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start and if you’re making the right decision for your home. The good news is that there are a few key factors to consider when selecting a carpet for your home, and so long as the option you’ve chosen ticks those boxes, you’ll be sure to be happy with your purchase for years to come.

Room Traffic

Room traffic is going to impact the type of carpet you can install significantly. High-traffic areas like hallways, for example, need a hard-wearing option that will withstand years upon years of footsteps. High-traffic areas, for example, would better suit a nylon or polyester low-pile option. More luxurious carpets that are plush, made of silk and wool, and feel amazing to step on should be reserved for low-traffic areas like the bedroom.

Feel Underfoot

A floor that’s itchy or uncomfortable to step on is not one you’re going to want to spend much time on. Since you’ll be either barefoot or in socks, it’s essential that the carpet you choose feels good, even if it’s a hard-wearing, low-pile option. This is why it’s so important to visit the showroom not just to see but experience the best Balham carpets in person. Carpets are all about touch and comfort, so experiencing them first-hand is a must.

Maintenance Requirements

All carpets need maintenance. Regular hoovering is standard, for example, but some carpets show dirt and dust more easily than others. If you want a low-maintenance option, then choosing a stain-resistant material in a lighter colour is a must. Low pile is also going to be easier to keep clean than high pile since dust can’t burrow as deep into the fibres.

Cost

When it comes to cost, there’s a happy balance between what you can afford and what works out to be the most affordable. An option that costs next to nothing upfront may wear down quickly and need to be replaced before you are ready to move. In general, an option that’s hard-wearing and requires less maintenance, in the long run, will ultimately cost less overall, so try to choose the option that will only need to be changed out when you’re ready for a style update.

Style

Style is the last thing you should consider when it comes to carpets. Why fall in love with the look of an option that simply doesn’t work for your household? By narrowing down your options based on the practical factors that will greatly impact how you interact with your space, you can then make sure you’ve chosen a rug that doesn’t just look good but holds up throughout the years.

Walls may be a blank canvas for creativity, but floors are the backbone of your design. An excellent flooring option can harmonise your space and bring any room together. The good news is that there are options for every style and every budget. You don’t need to settle for less with the large range of options available today. Thanks to the innovation of modern engineering, you can get lookalike hardwood or vinyl floors for less. You can make your space pop with eye-catching carpets and runners.

Feel of the Flooring

Never choose a floor by looks alone. Floors, unlike walls or ceilings, are very tactile. We walk on them, press our toes into them, dance on them – and live on them. How your flooring option feels underfoot is going to play a crucial role in your purchase satisfaction. Visiting to see and touch our carpets in Dulwich is essential, as this will narrow down your options considerably based on your preferences.

Cost

There are so many great options for all budgets. If you love hardwood, but cannot afford it, look for engineered wood instead or vinyl. These manufactured options have come a long way and now mimic the look and feel of quality hardwood very well. The same applies to carpets. The point is, work within your budget, and don’t be afraid to investigate new flooring types to get the look and feel that you’re after.

Insulation and Cosiness

Insulation and how cosy your flooring is will matter. If you love hardwood, then you will need to have in your budget (or in your possession) rugs to bring the space together. If you want to potentially reduce your energy bills by up to 15%, then carpets are the way to go.

Wear and Tear

Always consider how active your household is when choosing a floor. Those with kids and pets, for example, will want a hardwearing option that can take the heat over the years and still come up looking great. Choose materials that are easy to clean or repair, for example, if you’re going for a carpet. If you’re going for a hard flooring option, consider the material’s thickness and how scratch and stain-resistant it is. These factors will play critical roles in how well your flooring holds up over the years.

Value

Flooring can add value to your property, but if you cannot afford the options that will boost your property value, don’t worry about it. Choosing the best that you can afford now and picking a flooring option that best suits you and your family is paramount. If adding value to your property is essential, opt for a hard flooring and style with rugs.

Age of the Property

The age of your property will always determine your options. If the home you live in is listed, you may not be able to change or update the flooring at all, at which point your go-to option is to use either rugs or floating carpets (carpets that are cut to size but just lie on top of your flooring without being secured).

On the other hand, older properties are also full of potential. If the flooring just needs a refinish, you can benefit from stunning character-filled hardwood floors for less. If you want to restore a home, then adding quality hardwood or tiling can bring it back to life.

Are you looking for inspiration for the flooring in your home in the new year? 2023 is an exciting year in carpet and rug design, and there is a wide range of innovative styles to choose from.

Whether you want to invest in new carpet throughout your home or you just want to refresh your property with a few well-placed rugs, you are guaranteed to find something you love in the below carpet and rug trends for 2023.

1. Vintage Rugs

If you love all things vintage, then this is the carpet and rug trend for you. Perfect for creating a nostalgic feel in your home, you can find vintage rugs online and in some specialist carpet shops.

For maximum effect, choose a large vintage rug that acts as the focal point in the room and keep the rest of your home accessories to a minimum.

Discover the best vintage rugs and carpets in Dulwich here and transform your home for 2023.

2. Textured fabrics

Textured fabrics are set to be big in both carpets and rugs in 2023 and work well in most rooms in the home. Look out for textured materials such as jute, wool, and sisal, as well as more textual variations that promise to add depth and visual interest.

Natural fibres such as seagrass and jute also make superb underlay rugs and are ideal for smaller spaces.

3. Abstract shapes

When it comes to rugs in 2023, you can expect to see a lot of abstract shapes on the shelves. In particular, geometric shapes are set to be popular, as well as more unconventional shapes that work well with unique furniture choices.

Don’t be afraid to go bold with your choice of rugs this year, as anything that feels a bit unusual is guaranteed to be bang on trend.

4. Bold colours

In 2023, carpet has become the new paint, with bold colours seen all over the top interior design magazines. Adding the wow factor to any room in your home, if you want to go all out, opt for contrasting colours on your walls and floors.

Alternatively, if you prefer a more understated look, then choose a tone that compliments the colour on your walls – but still remember that bold is better this year.

5. Recycled materials

For eco-conscious homeowners, recycled materials will be all the rage in 2023, with designers turning to leftover fabrics to create bespoke carpets and rugs.

Although not the best option for wall-to-wall carpets, rugs made from recycled materials can make your home feel warm and welcoming – not to mention the fact that no one else will have the same rug as you.

6. Stripey patterns

Stripey carpets and rugs tend to go in and out of fashion, but in 2023, they are back with a vengeance. A firm favourite for many interior designers, stripey carpets and rugs come in an extensive variety of styles and shades, with options to suit most interior design styles.

In particular, stripes work well in the bedroom as they add interest without being too overwhelming and disturbing your tranquil space.

Having a carpet instead of hard flooring in the home is surprisingly beneficial. It’s warmer, cosier, and versatile regarding patterns and colours. However, there is one catch: carpets aren’t as easy to clean and can be challenging to keep fresh in the long term. At least, that’s what a lot of people will tell you. But, in reality, keeping a carpet clean doesn’t have to involve hours of scrubbing with stain remover. With these five maintenance tips, your carpet will stay looking fresh.

1: Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum

Carpets quickly become full of dust and dirt, which is why you must vacuum regularly to keep them fresh and clean. A carpet cleaner while vacuuming is also a good idea, as it will bring up the tougher dirt and leave the carpet smelling fresh. Not a fan of vacuuming, or do you not have the time? Use the simple solution of a robot vacuum, which will learn your home’s layout and vacuum for you!

2: Clean Spills as Soon as They Happen

One of the biggest reasons carpets tend not to last as long as hard flooring is that they become riddled with stains. Usually, this is because the homeowner doesn’t clean up spills as soon as they happen. Instead, they decide to sort them out with their next carpet cleaning. Don’t do this. Instead, clean every spill as soon as it happens – even if it’s just a tiny spot! By cleaning them immediately, they have more chance of coming out, leaving you with a fresh carpet for longer.

3: Minimise Exposure to the Sun

Did you know that the sun can harm the appearance of your carpet? It’s true – sun exposure will fade areas of the carpet, making the colour look inconsistent. As well as that, the sun can cause the carpet’s material to become brittle and frail, meaning you’ll need to replace it sooner. To avoid that, minimise your carpet’s exposure to the sun. That might involve placing more blinds in the home. You could also place a rug/mat down on areas of the carpet that frequently see sunlight for extra protection.

4: Clip the Snags

Carpets come apart at the ends sometimes. You might think leaving them alone is the best option, but that’s not the case. If you leave the snags alone, there’s a higher chance that the threads will come loose, causing an even bigger problem! So clip the snags instead, keeping them short and unnoticeable.

5: Know When You Need a New Carpet

Sometimes, there’s nothing to save an old carpet, especially if it’s outdated with odours, stains, and damage that you cannot reverse. Knowing when to replace an old carpet is all part of maintenance. With carpets in Dulwich, you can find the flooring you need for every room. Whether you want an eye-catching multi-coloured hall runner or a simple wool carpet for your living space, you can find it at A Flooring Boutique. Once you have your new carpet installed, don’t forget to stay on top of maintenance to enjoy its freshness for as long as possible!

People love making resolutions in the new year. Many involve improving the self, such as getting in shape or learning a new skill. What about your home, though? When you spend so much time there, it deserves just as much of your attention. Especially your living room, which is the space where you get to relax and unwind at the end of the day. Wouldn’t it be nice to create an entirely new space that reflects your new tastes while providing a refreshed, relaxing zone for the new year? Of course, it would! Here’s how to update your living room for the new year.

Install a New Foor

A new floor can change the atmosphere of the entire room. So, if your floor is old or outdated, or you simply don’t like it, consider getting a new floor or carpet in time for the new year. A carpet is a great option, particularly in the winter, as it provides extra insulation and keeps the room cosy! Plus, you have many options when it comes to carpets; you could opt for a simple wool carpet or choose a loop pile design for extra density and durability. Not sure what you want? Our Carpets in Dulwich have plenty of carpet options to help you pick the perfect carpet for your living room.

Store the Clutter

A cluttered living space will make you uncomfortable, so sort that out for the new year by investing in new storage and hiding the clutter. Perhaps get a new TV stand with extra storage. Or, purchase hanging baskets for your miscellaneous items. Shelf dividers work well for cluttered bookshelves, as they make it easier to separate your items.

Hang a New Piece of Art

It’s incredible how much impact a single piece of art can have. Don’t worry – you don’t need the original Mona Lisa hung in your living space to make a difference. A new piece of art that you love will suffice. Consider hanging a large art piece above your mantelpiece for a change in décor. Not only will the artwork capture the eye, but it will help create a more finished, beautiful living room.

Buy a New Coffee Table

A coffee table usually sits in the centre of a living room, which makes it an essential piece of furniture for changing the room’s aesthetic. If you want to give your living space a refresher, consider getting a new one (especially if your current coffee table is outdated). There are plenty of excellent options for a new coffee table, such as glass, pure wood, metal, and even geometric.

Throw Down Some New Cushions

Not in the mood for a complete living room renovation? After the holiday season, that’s understandable. Luckily, there’s an easy way of changing the way the living room looks: throwing down some new cushions. A little pop of colour or interesting patterns will bring your sofas to life!

You have many options for changing your living room for the new year. You could go all out by purchasing a new carpet, or you could change something small by hanging a new piece of art or getting some new cushions.