Four Wellness Tips For Your Home. Why Flooring Matters

Different flooring materials can be associated with allergies, asthma and eczema although it’s essential you get the correct information if someone in your family suffers from any of these conditions. Dust, moisture and mildew, for example, are great triggers for allergies. While hard flooring makes dust more visible (therefore, easier to spot and maintain), it is possible to have carpet, in fact it might be the healthier option. Carpets can act as a filter, trapping allergens such as dust- they do require regular vacuuming however. Consider natural materials to help combat allergies and asthma at home. Wool carpet is resistant to mould and mildew because moisture doesn’t thrive on this material. Its natural hypoallergenic properties mean you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of carpet at home, even if you have allergies. Eczema can also be impacted by flooring and it too can be triggered by man-made fibres. Sticking with wool is beneficial here as well. Polyester carpet is also hypoallergenic so if wool doesn’t sit within the budget, consider this as an alternative.

Cleaning plays a significant role in our mental and physical well-being. When your home is clean and organised, it’s more pleasurable to be in. Everything is where it should be and the lack of clutter makes everyday tasks that much easier. If your home is cluttered, try tackling one room or one shelf or one cupboard at a time. Create piles to store, keep, give to charity or repair or re-home. There are some excellent reality shows about this to inspire and entertain you along the way! Regarding flooring and cleanliness, regular cleaning of your floors, both hard flooring and carpet will go a long way. It minimises dust which can trigger allergies or asthma (see above) but also keeps the floors performing for longer. Our carpet and flooring cleaning guides within the advice section of the website are a great source of information and tips.

As we spend more time at home, we start to notice if our home is comfortable or not, particularly the temperature. Being cold at home is not pleasant. While carpet is an excellent option for its insulating properties (up to ten times more effective than other materials), there is the addition of rugs that can warm us up underfoot if you prefer to live with hard flooring. Floor rugs are a real workhorse. They add style and texture to hard flooring and can be protective of wear as well. They add warmth and insulation to the floor too- so go for large floor rugs when choosing! The more area covered, the more effective it will be. Thicker, longer carpet piles will bring the most warmth and ensure a good quality underlay is also used to increase insulation properties.

We may not realise it, but each colour can impact how we feel, how we act and our mood. Actively seeking out colours that make you feel happy, calm, energised or whatever you wish to feel in a certain space will help set the tone of the home and make it more pleasant to be in. To find your colour palette, draw inspiration from a range of sources. Think about how you want to feel at home. For example, you may decide to go for peaceful, restored and relaxed. Think back to that holiday you had, the day spa you visited or an image you’ve seen. This is a great starting point! In basic terms, colours such as yellow, red or orange are stimulating and energising, while blues, greens and earthy colours are relaxing and calming. This palette can be seen in flooring, from the natural tones of timber flooring to the wide range of carpet tones available.

What type of flooring is easiest to maintain?

All flooring requires some level of maintenance to ensure it will look good for a long time. All carpet and hard flooring should be swept or vacuumed regularly to remove grit and dirt from the surface (which can lead to scratches and marks). Laminate flooring and vinyl flooring are excellent low-maintenance hard flooring options while solution dyed nylon and polypropylene carpet are also resilient.

What is the best type of carpet for a home?

Choosing new carpet for your home is a big decision and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every home and family are different. Do you have pets? Small children? Is your home a holiday rental? Each carpet fibre and structure lends itself to a different look and budget and you can read more about them all in our Carpet Guide.

Are timber floors high-maintenance?

Timber floors sit higher on the maintenance scale in the hard flooring world. But while laminate flooring, vinyl and hybrid flooring might require less maintenance, all flooring requires some level of care to keep it looking like new for longer. The look and feel of real timber is also aspirational, authentic and full of genuine character which can last for years if cared for. It also has the ability to be repaired in many cases, which is why we see beautiful old homes with original (restored, often) flooring.

Disclaimer: In some states of Australia, the building regulations for Vinyl Planks, Vinyl Tiles and Hybrid flooring varies. Meaning they may not be suitable for areas requiring water resistance, such as bathrooms and toilets. We advise to always ask your local Flooring Xtra store for the correct advice regarding the local regulations. We also advise to follow the manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions and guidelines, not following the instructions could make the product not fit for purpose, for the area it’s being installed into and void your product warranty. To ensure you get the appropriate product for those areas, please contact your local Flooring Xtra store.