Choosing the right carpet

A resilient, durable carpet for high traffic areas, the loop pile yarn adds considerable strength and resistance. Loop pile carpets with an even height provide a tidy, linear style perfect for a modern interior. Loop pile carpets are easy care as they don’t show footprints and hide soil and dirt well.

A loop carpet with a multilevel loop has a sculptured look, achieved with loops at different heights. Textural loop patterns are achieved by varying the height and weight of each loop.

A cut pile carpet can add a soft, comfortable finish to an interior space. Perfect for bedrooms and living rooms. Cut piles can move and cause light to reflect differently in different places. This effect is known as shading.

These carpets generally consist of a clever combination of cut pile and loop pile – designed in a distinctive pattern. This type of carpet can create different effects in the interior of a home. Consideration needs to be taken when installing a combination carpet with a directional pattern (e.g. a horizontal repeat vs. a vertical repeat), as the direction of the pattern may effect the viewers appreciation of the space. The combination cut and loop gives a sophisticated, soft yet defined look, great for formal spaces (e.g. a guest lounge or formal dining room).

A plush cut pile carpet features dense and slightly twisted yarns that stand upright to form an even surface. This carpet type provides a feeling of luxury, with a smooth, level height and velour finish. Dense plush carpet creates a feeling of relaxation that’s perfect for the bedroom.

• A dark carpet will draw the eye downward and create perceived enclosement.
• A dark carpet will define the boundaries of a room, drawing in the viewer’s perception of the room’s width and depth dimensions.
• Use a dark carpet in a room that receives a lot of soft, natural sunlight – small or dim rooms will not look effective with dark carpet.
• Dark carpet can provide a sense of comfort.
• Use warm and cool undertones in a dark carpet to influence the tones in the room.
• Dark carpet can look clean and minimalist.
• Add interest to a room with a dark flooring using colour and texture in the furnishings and decor.

• Light carpet is a blank canvas.
• A light carpet is neutral and will work well with any colour scheme.
• Light carpet will accentuate the viewer’s perception of a room’s size.
• Light carpet will reflect light very well.
• Check light carpets under artificial lights as they may readily reflect the tone.
• Experiment with pile and texture if you are concerned white is too plain / uninteresting.
• A light carpet will require proper care, including regular vacuuming and steam cleaning to diminish the appearance of marks and stains.
• Consider the room’s use prior to installing a white carpet as this will effect the level of maintenance and care required.

• Grey is a versatile neutral.
• Grey is a great base for enhancing colours.
• A mid-tone grey such as a silver grey will provide a good alternative to light carpet as it will hide marks & stains while still appearing neutral.
• Look for the colour undertones that form the foundation of the grey – are they warm or cool? It’s important the overall colour scheme of the room corresponds with the carpet colour undertones.
• Avoid creating a stark, cold look by exploring the pile type. The construction and texture of the carpet will have a profound effect on the overall room appearance.

• A beige carpet works well with many interior design colour schemes.
• Beige is considered a classic colour that will not date stylistically.
• A beige carpet will work well for a dark or shady room as it will provide needed lightness and warmth.
• If matching a beige carpet to a beige wall, ensure your furnishings add colour and contrast.
• Beige carpet provides an unassuming and complementary foundation for colourful and interesting floor rugs.
• Pile type will significantly change the look of a beige carpet, explore the different styles to best fit the theme of the home.

• A brightly coloured carpet will instantly draw the eye toward it, becoming the focal point of the room.
• A brightly coloured carpet may draw in a high ceiling and emphasise the width & depth of the room.
• Carefully consider your rooms colour scheme both short and long-term prior to installing a bright carpet as it may inhibit how you can use the space.
• Check a bright colour carefully under numerous light conditions to ensure its appearance works well within the space.
• Create dramatic appeal with a bright carpet and complementary toned walls & furnishings.

• Brown is a practical colour and will hide dirt and soiling well.
• Brown is associated with feelings of comfort, relaxation, wholesomeness and sensibility.
• Brown carpets have warm undertones such as red, yellow and orange.
• The warm undertones in brown carpet may be exaggerated in different light conditions. Reds may appear too bright and bold.
• Check your brown carpets thoroughly in different conditions, such as under both natural and synthetic lights.
• Co-ordinate brown carpet with the interior design scheme, ensure warm tones and complementary colours are used to create cohesion.

• Too much pattern in a room will appear cluttered and small, so choose your patterns carefully.
• Consider the pattern scale and size when choosing your desired design.
• A patterned carpet will give a home a more exotic, sophisticated look, than compared to plain cut pile carpet.
• “Busy” carpets should be paired with neutral to light wall colours, and solid coloured furnishings.
• Carpet pattern should run parallel with the length direction of the room.