Choosing carpet: expert style tips and advice

House Beautiful brings you the vital at-a-glance guide to buying carpet...

Choose carpet because...

There are plenty of reasons to lay carpet on your floor. It's very versatile and there's a carpet to suit every room - even laying carpet in the bathroom is possible if you choose a style that's 100 per cent synthetic. From neutral plains to deep, rich colours, there's something for everyone, and you can't beat the feeling of carpet underfoot. Warm and cosy, it also has good insulating properties so will help to keep heating bills down.

Which fibre?

Carpet made from 100 per cent wool will feel the most luxurious. Wool is naturally flame-retardant and as it's a sustainable fibre, it's also an ecofriendly option. However, if you're looking for carpet for a busy area of your home, such as a hallway, it's better to choose wool that's blended with either nylon or polypropylene, as it will be more hardwearing and resistant to stains. Adding just a little nylon to a wool carpet can double its lifespan.

What type?

Carpet has different characteristics depending on how it's made. Here are the main types to look for:

Twist - This has a rugged, slightly coarse texture, is resistant to flattening and is ideal for busy areas such as hallways and stairs.

Velvet - A short dense pile, with a smooth, luxurious appearance that suits more formal rooms. It's easy to keep clean and resists flattening.

Loop pile - Made from uncut loops, this type is great for adding texture and subtle pattern to a room. Avoid this type if you have pets with claws that may pull on the pile.

Flat weave - Perfect for creating a modern look, this is a loop carpet where the loops have been pulled tight. Hardwearing, it won't shade.

Saxony - A luxuriously thick, long twist carpet, ideal for bedrooms and more informal areas. This style does flatten and is not suitable for stairs as it can be slippery underfoot.

New trends

Try the latest soft shades of grey and mid-brown. Deep jewel colours such as dark sapphire and ruby are great for adding drama to a neutral scheme, while stripes can make a focal point in an uninspiring hallway.

How to extend your carpet's lifespan...

Jeremy Garrish, Head of Buying at Carpetright, gives his three pointers for keeping your carpet gorgeous for longer...

* Always buy new underlay with your carpet. It will keep the carpet looking good for longer - a quality underlay can prolong the life of your carpet by as much as 40 per cent, so it's definitely worth the investment. Underlay also reduces the impact of sound and acts as an insulator against draughts.

* Make sure you get a professional to fit your carpet. A carpet that's not laid properly will wear badly and may not be as long lasting.

* Vacuum regularly where there is heavy traffic and vacuum the entire carpet at least twice a week to keep it looking good. Use an upright cleaner with active beater bar for cut pile carpets and a suction model for loop pile versions.