Friday 30 April 2021

Patterned carpets

There is a huge range of gorgeous patterned carpets available, from Liberty prints to Berber, bold geometrics and stunning florals.  Advances in technology mean that the designs are sharper and better than ever, and can even be made bespoke.

We are all used to seeing patterns on the floor in hotels, restaurants and pubs but have you ever considered having them in your home? They are a stunning way to make a statement and stamp your personality on any room.

Why choose patterned carpet?

Patterned carpetsIt may seem daunting to choose a patterned carpet for your home but there are so many designs on the market, from simple understated ones to animal print and stripes, to suit your lifestyle and decor. They can be as soft and elegant as you like, or as bold and dramatic as you’re willing to go.  It’s a great way to bring your personal style into your home decor and make your home individual.

They are also ideal when it comes to hiding foot prints and stains (which explains why patterned carpet is so favoured in the hospitality industry!).  A lot of patterns will highlight a lighter colour at the same time as concealing stains with a darker colour.

Area rugs are an option if you don’t want a fully carpeted floor or you like a contrast with a neutral colour underneath.  They have the added advantage of prolonging the life of your carpet or flooring by taking some of the wear and tear.  Rugs also add colour and texture, while giving added softness and warmth underfoot and absorbing sound.

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How to choose one

Patterned carpets are constructed with a cut and loop pile; this means it has both cut and uncut fibres, which gives softness underfoot as well as the abilityPatterned carpets to hide dirt and stains well.  (One thing to bear in mind is that this style of carpet is not pet friendly, as paws can snag and pull the loops, which can lead to them running when you vacuum.)

Patterns range from an understated cross hatch or herringbone to colourful florals and prints.  Most carpet manufacturers have a wide choice; for example, Alternative Flooring have a great range of Liberty Fabrics in their Quirky B collection (which has everything from herringbone to zebra print and geo) and for a more traditional pattern, Axminster Carpets have plenty of choice for florals, plaids and patterns inspired by the East.

With a neutral colour scheme, a bold pattern on the floor is a stunning focal point. Alternatively a neutral colour pattern will look stylish and elegant and fits in with any existing patterned wallpaper or furnishings.  If you need the carpet to fit in with the decor you already have, use a colour wheel to make sure that the base colours will work together, there are plenty available online.

If you want to make a room look bigger, stripes are a great way to achieve this, use a stripe pattern running the length of the room.

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Which room?

Patterned carpetsAs there are so many designs available, you can find the perfect patterned carpet to complement any room in the house (although carpet is not ideal for bathrooms and kitchen due to the damp, moist environment).  They can entirely change the look and feel of the room, it really is up to you how daring you choose to go.

Subtle colours and designs work well with more formal rooms, and bolder for more contemporary spaces.  There is no rule for having the same patterned carpet in different rooms, you can choose the carpet that suits each individual room.  If you want to have a sense of flow through the house, choose from the same colour family.

For larger rooms, you have more choice when it comes to some patterns, as they will not make the space feel too busy, which can happen with smaller rooms.  The best thing to do is get samples of the patterns you like and see how you feel about them when they are actually in the room.  Lighting will affect them, as will the changing natural light throughout the day.

Bold stripes are always fun for playrooms, and help to hide the inevitable spills and stains.  There are also loads of bright, vibrant and educational rugs available if you want some extra protection for your flooring.

You do need to be more careful when laying a patterned carpet than a plain one, as designs have to be matched at all seams, especially on the stairs.  It’s a good idea to bring in a professional to make sure you get the perfect finish.

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Stair runners

One of the most popular residential uses of patterned carpet is on stair runners.   If youPatterned carpets think a pattern would be too overbearing in the lounge or bedrooms, this is a great alternative. They can also make the stairs appear wider and look stunning in contrast with hardwood or a neutral carpet in the hallway.

Herringbone patterns are a fantastic way to bring in a classic feel with a contemporary twist.  Stripe and geometric patterns are also really eye catching and can be as bold or subtle as you like.

Stair runners can be used to make your staircase to stand out as an architectural feature in its own right; go bold with a pattern and the eye is instantly drawn to it.  This is really effective when the staircase is the first thing you see when you enter the house.

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Whatever look you want to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs.  Contact us here to book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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Monday 19 April 2021

Vinyl flooring: Everything you need to know

Vinyl flooring has been around a long time, it was invented in the 1930s and became hugely popular in homes during the 1950s.  Its come a long way since then thanks to technological advances and remains a solid, affordable choice for any house.  If you’re thinking about choosing vinyl flooring, there are a multitude of reasons to pick it.

What is vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring: Everything you need to know Vinyl flooring is constructed of layers of different synthetic materials, typically PVC vinyl, fibreglass and a plasticizer.  The multiple layers mean it is durable and has a bit of ‘give’ underfoot.  It is thicker these days than when it was first invented, up to 5mm, so often is completely waterproof.

This flooring is available in sheet, plank and tile formats; this refers to how the flooring is installed.  If you want a stone or wood effect, plank or tile is ideal.

Printed vinyl sheet and tiles have a clear wear layer on the top that acts like a barrier to stop stains and spills from being absorbed.  It is therefore very easy to clean and keeps its finish well.

Sheet vinyl is a really budget friendly option as it can be mass produced in large rolls.  It is also the best option if you are looking for completely a waterproof floor as there will be few, or no, seams.

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring has a stunning finish and is durable.  It has superior acoustics and excellent soundproofing qualities.  Easy to maintain, slip and spill resistant and extremely hard-wearing, it stands the test of time while maintaining a luxurious look.  A wide range of design options are available which give a realistic look of natural stone or wood in an affordable price range.  They are most suited to medium to low footfall areas.

Vinyl flooring comes with an AC (Abrasion Criteria) rating which indicates resistance to abrasion, impact, and stains.  Generally the rating is from AC1 to AC5; the higher the number, the more durable the flooring is.  For a busy family home, a rating of either AC3 or AC4 is suitable.

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What are the advantages of vinyl flooring?

It has remained the most popular type of resilient flooring material because it is low cost, low maintenance and water resistant or in many cases,Vinyl flooring: Everything you need to know waterproof.  As it is durable and has a slip-resistant finish, it is perfect for busy areas of the home, pet friendly and maintains its finish well over time.  Another advantage is good sound insulation, so it is also suitable for the areas where sounds can echo and travel, as it minimizes noise.

It is comfortable under foot as it has some give when you walk on, it combines firmness with a bit of spring.  This makes it much easier on the joints than hard surfaces when you are standing on it for a period of time.

Technology has made a whole range of stunning, high-quality finishes possible, from realistic wood to stone and marble.  This authentic textured surface means you can have a stone imitation floor but with a warmer material than stone.  As a cost effective alternative to expensive natural materials like wood, it is hard to beat.

It is easy to install as well, most manufacturers offer self-adhesive vinyl so you can just peel off the backing and press it onto the subfloor. When vinyl flooring is properly installed and maintained, it can last for a couple of decades or even longer.  As always, the more you invest initially, the longer you will feel the benefits.

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Which rooms is it best in?

Considering all the above advantages of vinyl, it is perfect for almost any room. Vinyl flooring: Everything you need to know Bathrooms, kitchens, playrooms, garages and laundry rooms all benefit from this multi-purpose, moisture resistant flooring.

The hard wearing properties of vinyl combined with its softness underfoot makes it ideal for children and there are so many designs now that are perfect for play areas.  This comfortable surface is also great for any areas where you are standing for long time, like the kitchen and laundry room.

It is one of the best flooring choices for any room where moisture is an issue, like the bathroom.  Sheet vinyl is a good choice for hygiene as there are no seams for bacteria to grow in. If you have asthma and/or allergy sufferers in your family, vinyl is a smart option as it will not harbour dust or particles like carpet can and is very easy to clean.

The enormous range of designs and patterns now available make this flooring easy to fit into any room.  If you are not a fan of carpet, you can get a beautiful imitation wood grain or stone effect finish for the bedroom.  It has a warmth that hard surface flooring does not and is much more cost effective.

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How easy is it to maintain?Vinyl flooring: Everything you need to know

Flooring doesn’t get much easier to clean than vinyl.  All you need to do is regularly sweep or vaccum away the dirt and dust. Mop around once a week, with warm water and a mild detergent.  There is no fear of warping with vinyl flooring.

Simply wipe away any spills when they occur with a damp cloth.  Stains are also easy to deal with, spot clean them as soon as possible with a nylon pad and a neutral detergent, working from the outside in.

To keep vinyl flooring looking good for even longer, place protective pads under the legs of heavy furniture and any rubber bottoms (as these may stain).  Avoid walking on it in any rubber soled footwear.

Unlike hard surface flooring such as wood, vinyl flooring does not need to be polished or waxed.

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Herts Carpets has a vinyl flooring range available in hundreds of colours and patterns to suit your budget.  Whatever look you want to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs.  Contact us here to book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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Monday 12 April 2021

Which flooring is best for the bathroom?

Choosing the best type of flooring for your bathroom requires a bit of thought.  You want flooring that makes the room look clean and relaxing whilst also being durable, practical and easy to maintain.

What type of flooring is best for the bathroom?

Which flooring is best for the bathroom?There’s a whole range of options that are suitable for the bathroom.  Here are some of the best;

Vinyl flooring is durable with a good level of water resistance and a slip-resistant finish.  It is resistant to both dents and scratches and very cost effective as it lasts a long time.  It is very easy to clean and doesn’t fade much over time.

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring combines a beautiful finish with durability.  It has excellent soundproofing qualities and great acoustics, perfect for anyone who loves a long, relaxing bath.  LVT is also easy to maintain, slip and spill resistant and will stand the test of time while maintaining its luxurious look.  There is a wide choice of finish and design options to get the ideal look for your space.

Laminate flooring has a high quality wear layer (that protects the photographic layer beneath) making it scratch and dent resistant.  It is easy to maintain, hypoallergenic and stain resistant. Plus thanks to its shock absorbent qualities, it is also comfortable underfoot .  It does not absorb moisture so no mold or bacteria can grow in it.

Ceramic tiles are also perfect for use in the bathroom as they are waterproof and stain resistant, with a stylish finish.  Smaller tiles make the floor less slippery when wet, as the grout between the tiles acts as a non-skid surface.

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Is wood suitable for bathrooms?Which flooring is best for the bathroom?

Engineered hardwood is the best option for bathroom floors if you want wood.  Solid wood floors tend to buckle with water exposure and can be an issue with mould as well, from the moisture in the air.

If you want that warm, elegant wood look in the bathroom then engineered hardwood is the right choice.  It is constructed of thin, glued-together layers of derivative wood products, giving it stability and a plywood base that can hold up to moisture.  It is also a more affordable option and can look just as good as solid wood, as it has a veneer of actual hardwood.

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Is carpet in the bathroom a good idea?

Unfortunately, carpet is not the best choice for the bathroom as it is such a damp, moist environment.  Yes it is nice and cosy underfoot, but can be a breeding ground for mould.  Water can even seep through the carpet and damage the sub floor.  If you have existing carpet in a bathroom, use mats by the sink, bath and toilet to catch as much water spillage as possible and make sure you dry-vacuum regularly.

What works with underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating (UFH) is becoming increasingly popular as it heats the room evenly, giving a lovely cosy environment (with no cold spaces!) and can be Which flooring is best for the bathroom?energy efficient.  Once installed, it requires very little maintenance and can save on your heating bills and increase the value of your home long term.

Both water and electric UFH can be used in the bathroom.

Hard flooring like engineered wood and stone are great with underfloor heating as they effectively transfer the heat to the surface, they are the most thermally conductive.  Vinyl and linoleum are also good choices to use with UFH as they conduct heat well, plus they will stay cool during the warmer months when heating is not needed.

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Which Flooring Options Are The Easiest To Maintain?

No one wants to spend more time than they have to cleaning bathrooms, so it’s a good idea to bear maintenance in mind when choosing bathroom floors.Which flooring is best for the bathroom?

Waterproof and water-resistant options like vinyl and LVT are by far the easiest to maintain in the bathroom.  A schedule of regular sweeping and mopping is all that is required for these flooring types.

An engineered hardwood floor will need more maintenance as it is best to wipe up any spills straight away.  A good alternative is LVT flooring, with a realistic wood effect which is easier to maintain and more budget friendly.

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Whatever look you want to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs.  Contact us here to book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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Tuesday 6 April 2021

How to choose living room carpet

The living room is one of the most important spaces in your home; it’s where you spend time with family, relax and entertain.   So you want the flooring to look good while being practical and easy to maintain.

How to choose living room carpetCarpet is always a popular option as it is soft underfoot.  It has a welcoming feel and it absorbs sound and retains warmth.

When you are choosing a new living room carpet, you want to make sure you are getting something that looks and feels good, fits in with your existing decor and is durable enough to last.

There is a lot to choose from with a whole range of carpet types, colours and prices so you need to put some thought into it, as it’s likely you’ll be living with it for many years to come.

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How do I choose?How to choose living room carpet

With so many options available, it is important to know what you need and what will suit your home.

The most important factors in choosing are; foot traffic (how busy the room usually is), if you have children and/or pets, your budget, how soft you want it to be, how easy it is to clean and of course the colour that you want.  Usually, the living room is the busiest room of the house so you need a carpet that can stand the test of time and hide dirt and stains well.

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What type of carpet is best for living room

How to choose living room carpetThe living room is a high traffic area for footfall so the carpet needs to be durable, ensuring it will last for years to come and retain its appearance well.  The durability is dependent on the material and the pile; this is the surface of the carpet – loops of fibre are attached to the backing of the carpet and the loops are either left as they are (known as cut or loop pile) or cut at a length and/or angle (cut pile).  A loop pile is robust, which makes it ideal for high traffic areas.   It does not show footprints and will hide dust and dirt well.  The tighter the loops, the more it can resist crushing from heavy footfall. Loop pile is not as soft underfoot as cut pile though, and if you have pets it is best avoided, as snagging can occur.

There is also a mixed option; a cut and loop pile, which makes a softer carpet that still hides dirt and stains well.

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When choosing the material, there are both natural and synthetic options available, or a mix of both.  Natural fibres like wool and sisal feel luxurious and give unrivalled softness underfoot.  They are resilient so have a longer life and are environmentally friendly.  Synthetic materials like nylon and polypropylene are stain resistant, easy to clean and durable.  A popular choice is a mix, or blend, ie wool and synthetic, to provide natural benefits with functional qualities.

Manufacturers in the UK give usage ratings which let you know the durability, with heavy or extra heavy domestic suitable for a living room with high footfall.

Which material is cheaper?How to choose living room carpet

If you are budget conscious, synthetic materials like nylon and polypropylene are the most affordable options.  They offer a range of benefits including stain, fade and crush resistance, are easy to clean and soft to tread on. These man-made fibres are very family friendly as they are hard-wearing but have a softness as well.  Carpets that have been treated with Scotchgard or Teflon are a good choice as they prevent stains from setting into the fabric.

If allergies are a concern, a carpet made from Nylon is the most effective allergy-controlling option.  Nylon repels allergens and has the added benefits of being a long lasting, durable carpet that keeps its colour and shape well.

Natural materials like wool are more expensive but do tend to have a longer life.  Wool has many advantages like its luxurious feel and great thermal insulation, so it keeps the room warmer. It also has good resilience, so it keeps its shape longer and even improves the indoor climate.

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What color is best?

There are many colours and designs available, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find the perfect match for your interior design scheme.  How to choose living room carpetTake into consideration the colour of any existing fittings and furniture, and choose a colour that co-ordinates, that is from the same colour family.  Flooring that is a couple of shades lighter or darker than the walls always looks great.

Neutrals are very popular right now, like greys and beige, with bursts of colour from accessories such as rugs and cushions.  Also on-trend are natural, earthy colours like browns, terracota and rusty pink.

Darker colours will give a cosier atmosphere and of course help to hide stains and spills better, whilst lighter colours will make the room appear larger.

Patterns are also an option; from tartan to bold geometrics to floral, there is something to suit every taste.

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Whatever look you want to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs.  Contact us here to book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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