What kind of carpet for your home?

Carpet can be an excellent flooring choice, being warm, safe for small children to have their inevitable bumps on, and attractive. Re carpeting your home or considering the carpet for a new home though, is a choice that is based on more than aesthetics. You need to consider longevity, allergies, cleaning and various other aspects of your home's new flooring before proceeding.

Types of carpet

There are many different lengths, styles and practical aspects of carpets to choose from, depending on your home and needs.

• Wool carpet is made from at least part, and usually pure wool. It is strong and hardwearing, attractive, low allergenic and usually a little more costly to begin with than synthetics
• Berber carpet is also made of wool, but in a particular handspun, undyed fashion. It is now commercially manufactured, but still has a 'homely', warm, quality feel
• Shag pile is a long cut, loose weave carpet that is mainly decorative. It is not practical in most areas of the house, but makes a great highlight for one room
• Loop pile carpet is woven in small loops, and can be very hardwearing and tough. This is a great option for families, as it is also easy to clean
• Cheaper carpets include sisal, which is made from a type of cord, and is coarse but hard wearing, and buying carpet remnants - offcuts that may suit the room you have in mind
• Velour has a velvety finish, and plush carpet has a soft, even finish Neither are ideal for children, as they may wear quickly under harsh use
• Twist pile is a simple carpet where each piece of yarn is twisted. A harsher look is achieved with a tighter twist, called 'hard twist'

Any of these might suit your home, depending on the intended use and the kind of feel and look you are after. Combine different types in different areas of the home to create interest and variety.

Things to consider when carpeting your home

When deciding what type of carpet would suit your home, ask yourself a few simple questions. How hardwearing and cleanable does it need to be? What feel do you want - soft and velvety, flat and hardwearing, loose shaggy and warm? Do you want natural fibres or synthetics? What is your budget? Also consider health concerns such as allergies (some carpets, such as shag piles, encourage dust mites more than others), and 'outgassing' of chemicals from some synthetics and carpet glue.

Then head out and look at a variety of colours, styles and materials before making a decision. Take your time, as you will be living with it for a while.

Carpet for your home

Choosing new carpet for your home is an important decision, as the flooring in your home needs to be practical as well as attractive. Make sure you take the time to choose something that is practical, comfortable and beautiful, and you will enjoy your home for years to come.