When Choosing New Carpeting, Don't Make Your Decision Based on Price Alone!
New carpeting for a home can be very expensive, but you don't want to make your decision about the carpeting you choose based on installation price alone. Cheap carpeting may actually cost you more in the long run, if you consider the cost of constant cleaning and then eventual replacement for low quality carpeting versus a higher-quality option. Note a few tips for choosing the best carpeting for your home, beyond the price tag.
Size and light of the room
If the room in which you're having carpeting installed is somewhat small, you may want a lighter shade of carpeting to ensure the room doesn't start to look like a cave. The only exceptions might be a child's room or a room with lots of foot traffic, as a lighter colour will show more dirt and mud.
Also, note the overall lighting of the room; if the space gets lots of direct sunlight, you can opt for a darker shade of carpeting. Direct sunlight won't allow that dark carpeting to seem overly muddy and drab. Otherwise, choose a very light shade of carpeting for a small space.
Fibre and pile
Carpets with thick or tall fibres feel good underfoot, but that fibre is more likely to get crushed and matted down in high-traffic areas. For an entryway, living room, dining room, and family room, opt for a low fibre. Also, note how fibres are connected to the backing; looping refers to fibres that are sewn around the backing in a continuous loop, rather than glued down, for added strength and durability. These won't come out of place in high traffic areas, so the fibres are less likely to look worn and to show footprints and traffic marks.
Cut-style pile refers to fibres that are cut along the top after being attached to the carpet backing. This can make the carpet feel softer underfoot. Look for cut-style in bedrooms, where you want more sound absorption and maximum comfort from your carpeting.
Artificial fibres
Don't shy away from artificial fibres and materials for your carpeting, as these can often be much more durable than cotton, wool, or silk. Polyester carpeting may actually be made with recycled plastics and other materials, so it can be a very eco-friendly choice. Nylon carpeting is also very durable and naturally resists water and moisture, so it may be the most stain-resistant. Choose these materials for homes with kids and pets, or for rooms with lots of foot traffic.