How to Pick the Right Carpet

Step 1: Style

When you decide to buy carpet, you already have some idea of the look or feel you want in the room or rooms you wish to carpet. You many want a formal, luxurious look, or your decor may be better complemented with a style designed for casual areas. Or perhaps you need something very practical and durable for a high-traffic area. You also probably have a color in mind. Happily, carpet comes in a rainbow of colors, so you'll be able to find virtually any color you want. Today's stain-resistance treatments makes almost any color practical.

Your house may already have a color scheme established, so you will want a carpet that works well with your existing furniture, draperies, and wall treatments. Since exact color shadings are often hard to remember once you are away from them, it's a good idea to bring along paint chips, wallpaper samples, and even chair cushions or other fabric samples when you come shopping.

Color is the professional decorator's secret weapon for establishing the feel and personality of any room. Lighter colors can make a room feel larger and brighter. Jewel tones create an atmosphere of richness and elegance. Earth tones give a room a warm, cozy, inviting feel.

The staff at Village Carpet will help you compare the performance characteristics of different carpet styles, but satisfying your specific decorative needs is always the first consideration.

Step 2: Examine your budget

Quality carpet need not be expensive. Carpet pricing is usually directly related to quality — heavier denser carpets generally cost more. Special looks or textures can also add to the cost of carpet. The staff at Village Carpet will assist you in determining exactly what you are paying for so that you can choose the value that best suits your needs.

In planning your carpet budget, bring your room dimensions to the store and let your salesperson determine how many square yards of floor you need to cover with both carpet and padding. A good rule to follow is buy the best quality carpet you can afford.

Step 3: Decide What's Practical for Which Area

Carpet has practical benefits. It also reduces noise levels, serves as excellent insulation and cushions your steps when you walk. With the new stain resistant technologies, carpet is easier than ever to maintain.

However, keep in mind that a carpet you fall in love with may not always be practical in all the areas you might want to use it. What's beautiful and luxurious in formal living rooms or master bedrooms might not be suitable in high-trafffic hallways, entrances, or children's bedrooms. In short, look for carpet styles that suit the room and the activities that occur there.