Do-it-yourself projects have become long term trends that have taken the modern world by storm. Recently, they have extended their reach to home improvement, particularly interior design and decorating. While some people would say that it’s best to leave it to the experts, others believe that it will turn out well as long as you know the basics of decorating and aesthetics.
Consequently, this is when things often fail, as not many DIYers focus on functionality. A notable example would be in carpet installation where people generally prioritize looks over everything else.
That said, it’s important to note that the regular DIYer from Bristol must know the basics before choosing a carpet for their home and have the professional carpet fitters install it. Here are three things DIYers should focus on when looking for the right carpet:
1. Fiber
In the quest to find the perfect carpet for your home, perhaps a critical decision you’ll be making will be about the kind of fiber you want your carpet to be made of. Among the options available are nylon, polyester, and olefin, all of which offer various degrees of durability, stain resistance, and potential future fraying.
Of the three, nylon is the most popular and is regarded as durable and resistant to wear. However, it is not the best at fighting stains. Next is polyester, which is the second most common type found in homes. Polyester carpets are soft and budget-friendly and are typically resistant to staining and fading. Lastly, olefin is a type of fiber known to be cheap, somewhat ‘stain-resistant,’ and retains color well. Unfortunately, it’s susceptible to fraying.
2. Texture
The texture of your carpet refers to how the fibers have been sewn into the backing of your carpet. Either they are sewn in little loops and remain so, or they are later cut after the sewing. Additionally, the durability and strength of your carpet depend on how tightly the fiber strands have been wound before they are sewn into the backing. Carpet textures are classified into two categories:
- cut pile, which can be frieze, saxony, or cable carpets
- loops, whose fibers are cut unevenly but sewn in same heights or those whose fibers are also uneven but sewn in varying heights
3. Style
The third and most likely the most exciting part of the process is choosing the style you want to have. This is when aesthetics come into play, as you deliberate over the compatibility of the carpet and the rest of the room, including walls and furniture. Styles that are available include, but are not limited to, carpeting that is either smooth, twisted, or shag, all of which are considered plush types. If these aren’t to your liking, there are the level loops and the patterned loops to consider.
With all these aspects in mind, you may find yourself wondering what is the best carpet for your home. Well, that’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Of course, you would want a carpet that is beautiful and comfortable, and you might also want to contemplate how frequently you can get your carpet cleaned. Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Knowing the basics of carpeting just means you can make a more informed decision on your DIY interior decorating project.
