Buzz
What could feel better than sinking your toes into a plush rug?
©iStockphoto.com/casenbinaAfter a long day, there's nothing more satisfying than getting home, kicking off your shoes, and burying your toes in a soft, comfortable rug. This sense of comfort and luxury has drawn people for millennia, ever since nomadic tribes in Central and Western Asia first began weaving rugs in the fifth or fourth millennium B.C. [source: Eiland]. These early artisans crafted rugs to cover dirt floors, serve as blankets, saddle covers, storage bags, tent entrances, and even tomb coverings. In modern times, rugs are predominantly used as floor coverings, with a vast array of colors and textures to choose from.
With so many options available, choosing the right wall-to-wall rug for your home might seem daunting — but it doesn't have to be. By thoughtfully considering factors like style, comfort, durability, and price, you can find a rug that you'll love walking on with your bare feet. If you're ready to avoid the chill of a cold, hard floor first thing in the morning, keep reading to find out which rug is the perfect fit for you.
Carpet Selection: Style
When you install wall-to-wall carpeting, it becomes a defining feature of the room, making it crucial to select a color and texture that reflect your personal style. One of the toughest choices you'll face is picking the right carpet color. Many opt for neutral shades, which pair well with bold wall paint, vibrant artwork, or unique furniture. If your space feels a bit dull, you might choose a more colorful carpet to add some vibrancy. Keep in mind that dark tones create a cozy, warm atmosphere, while light shades can open up a room, making it feel larger.
The texture of carpet is determined by the height of its fibers, known as the pile. Shaggy or twisted fibers offer a more relaxed, modern appearance, while smooth, even fibers are better suited for formal settings. Multi-tonal fibers can add depth and texture to the carpet, making it a popular option for casual environments. Once you find a carpet you like, ask for the largest sample available. Take it home and see how it looks alongside your walls and furniture in both natural and artificial light.
Carpets are made in three main pile styles:
- Loop pile: Fibers are looped and attached to the backing, resulting in a firm, even texture. Examples include Berber and level loop.
- Cut pile: Fibers are looped and then cut. Examples include plush, which is dense and evenly cut, as well as Saxony and frieze, which have a shaggier texture.
- Cut and loop pile: A combination of both looped and cut fibers.
Carpet Selection: Comfort
If you're seeking a carpet ideal for lounging, napping, or playing with your children, it’s essential to ensure it’s soft, not rough. That’s why comfort should be a priority when choosing the perfect carpet for your home. The feel of a carpet largely depends on its style and the material from which it is made. In general, cut pile carpets tend to be softer than loop pile carpets, with plush being the softest of all. Wool is widely considered the softest material, but it can be quite expensive, so you may want to explore nylon or polyester as a more affordable yet comfortable alternative.
Comfort isn’t just about how a carpet feels—it also extends to its impact on your health. You’ve likely encountered a newly installed carpet and noticed that distinct ‘new carpet’ smell. Though it may seem harmless, this odor is caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, which are released from the carpet and padding. These VOCs can degrade indoor air quality and have been linked to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergies. If your budget permits, consider carpets made from natural fibers like wool and jute, or those dyed with organic or chemical-free dyes.
Carpet Selection: Durability
When you’re spending a significant amount on carpeting your home, you want it to be durable and long-lasting. That’s why it’s crucial to select a carpet that can withstand the intended use of the room and the foot traffic it will encounter. Like comfort, durability depends on the carpet’s style and the fiber material used. Loop pile carpets are typically the most durable due to their closed-loop structure, which makes them less prone to pulling or shedding. Fibers such as nylon, olefin (polypropylene), and wool are more resistant to wear and tear than others like acrylic or polyester.
Although many people overlook it, padding plays a crucial role in extending the durability of your carpet. It provides cushioning for your feet, helps insulate your home from cold and noise, and can even increase the lifespan of your carpet when installed correctly. Different carpets require varying padding thicknesses, so be sure to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines before attaching any padding to the floor.
Square carpet tiles have gained immense popularity as advancements in fibers and adhesives have made them more durable. These tiles, typically measuring between 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) in width, offer flexibility in design by allowing combinations of different colors and patterns. One of their greatest advantages is that if an accidental spill occurs, only the affected square needs replacement, saving the cost of redoing the entire room.
Carpet Selection: Price
Carpet prices can vary significantly, allowing you to choose from a wide range depending on your budget. A quick look at a major carpet manufacturer’s pricing shows a range from $4 to $33 per square yard. For a small room, you might spend anywhere between $70 and $500, not including padding, installation, or other related expenses [source: Shaw Carpet]. You’ll likely find a carpet that fits your budget somewhere in this range. However, be cautious of cutting costs too much, as opting for cheaper options may require early replacement, ultimately costing more in the long run.
While carpeting can be a significant investment, there are ways to save money. Start by comparing options from various brands. With so many choices for color, texture, and fiber, you're likely to find a few companies offering the style you want at a lower price. After narrowing down your selection, ask the salesperson for an itemized estimate. You can often find cheaper padding, tack strips, and installation services from other suppliers. Avoid installing the carpet yourself, though—unless you’re experienced, it can be a frustrating and difficult task!
