Eco-friendly carpets

If you’re looking for a new carpet but would like to do your bit for the environment by choosing an eco-friendly one, there are plenty of options available.

What does eco-friendly mean?

The dictionary definition of eco-friendly is ‘not environmentally harmful’, or ‘earth friendly’.  Usually, this refers to products that contribute to green living, prevent contributions to pollution (like air and water pollution) and practices that help to conserve essential resources (like energy and water).  To be truly eco-friendly, a product must be non-toxic (as a minimum), both environmental and human safety should be taken into consideration and sustainable practices, fibres and/or ingredients used.

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What are sustainable practices?

Sustainable practices are ones are that maintain the quality of the environment, like wind and solar energy.  When it comes to carpet, this means choosing one that is  manufactured with environmentally responsible policies and practices as well as using sustainable fibres.  Many carpet manufacturers have such policies and corporate responsibility practices as well.  For example, Wilton Carpets hold the Environmental Management Strategies ISO 14001 certification.  They do not use any chemicals at all during the manufacturing process, use fully recyclable packing and, where possible, bought-in materials from recycled sources.  Miliken are also champions of sustainability and recycling and are striving for a goal of zero waste.

What carpets are eco-friendly?

Traditionally, many carpets were the opposite of eco-friendly but times have changed and there are now many options available.  There are a few factors to consider when choosing an eco-friendly carpet; how it was manufactured, if it can be recycled, if it contains toxic chemicals and what it is made from.  Here are some of the most popular fibres that are eco-friendly;

Wool

Wool is a great natural fibre that is durable, insulates, absorbs sound and offers warmth.  It is naturally flame retardant and significantly improves indoor air quality, by absorbing common pollutants.  This environmentally friendly choice is sustainable, renewable and biodegradable and also looks and feels luxurious in the home.  Herts Carpets work with a number of wool carpet specialists like Axminster Carpets; they support The Campaign for Wool, raising the profile of wool as a natural, sustainable fibre.  Axminster Carpets locally source wool to further reduce any environmental impact.  Alternative Flooring also have a hand woven collection of wool carpets which is both ethically and environmentally friendly.

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Other Natural fibres

Seagrass, organic cotton, jute, bamboo coir and sisal are all examples of sustainable, natural fibres that carpet can be made from.  These renewable, eco-friendly materials make wonderfully textured, luxury carpets which are becoming increasingly popular.

For a true eco-friendly carpet, choose a company that has sustainable policies, uses natural fibres and little or no chemical treatment.  It should also have backing made from natural materials, like untreated wool, which is either glued using non-toxic materials or sewn on.

Alternative Flooring have a wide range of natural fibre carpets in their collection, including many sisal options, which can also be made into rugs and runners.

Perfect for the on-trend natural look and the New Nordic look, these fibres are hard-wearing and versatile.

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Recycled carpet

Another alternative is recycled carpet, made from pre- and post- consumer plastics.  PET carpet is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.

Some manufacturers offer a service like the Miliken Carpet Take Back programme; they will reclaim used residential or commercial carpets.  It is then either recycled into new carpets and donated to the voluntary sector, or turned into another product.  Miliken is a founder member of Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK).

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

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What are the carpet colours for 2021?

Carpet is set to be even more popular in 2021.  If you’re looking to refresh your home, it’s a great way to bring in warmth and style and there are a lot of advantages to carpet, from retaining heat to absorbing sound and of course, that wonderfully soft feel underfoot.  Below are the colours that will be featuring in interior design for the new year;

What are the on-trend colours for 2021?

The on-trend colours for 2021 are a continuation from 2020; influenced by the global pandemic and the search for a calm, peaceful living environment, and making your space individual.  Taking inspiration from nature, they can be as muted or vibrant as you like, whatever makes your living space a happy and tranquil place.  Earthy hues and calm whites feature heavily and also deep blues and mossy greens.  Sage green and dusty rose will be very popular, as will yellow and grey.  Here are some of the influences behind the on-trend colours;

New Nordic

The New Nordic look continues to be very popular, with earthy tones like terracotta and burgundy or shades of grey and neutrals. It is a cosier, earthier follow up to Scandinavian minimalism. Keep it simple and opt for the colours of nature in muted hues with textured accessories to finish the look.  If you prefer a quality wooden floor to carpet (or want one for the kitchen), they are great for creating this look, whether you are using hardwood or the more budget friendly option of laminate flooring.  Light and natural tones fit perfectly with this earthy, authentic aesthetic.

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PANTONE COLOUR FOR 2021

You may have heard about the Pantone ‘Colour of the Year’ before, it is from the company that came up with the idea of colour matching.  This was so designers could get the exact shade of any colour without any confusion.  The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a colour standardization system, made up of 1,867 solid colours.

Since the year 2000, the Pantone Color Institute have announced a Colour of the Year, based on global culture and influences.  It is hugely influential across many industries from marketing to fashion.

In 2020, the colour was Pantone’s Classic Blue which was reflected in many interior design schemes.  For 2021, they have announced two joint colours (this has only been done once before) to reflect a focus on relationships and working together.  The colours are Illuminating and Ultimate Gray, a mix of warm and cool tones, to portray a feeling of energy and clarity.

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Carpet colours for 2021

The on-trend carpet colours for the new year reflect the above influences.  Neutral design schemes with plenty of natural texture and bursts of colour from accessories will be big as will natural, earthy colours like browns, terracota and rusty pink.

Gorgeous, soft, textured grey carpets will be popular, like this luxurious Elements London Wall Street Whisky Sour carpet (pictured left).

Bright, bold colours will be seen more too, as people make their homes more individual to reflect their personalities with vibrant on-trend colours like blue. These decadent jewel toned carpets make a feature of the floor itself.

With more people becoming environmentally conscious, materials will also become more important, from wool to other natural fibres like those available from Alternative Flooring.  Plush, velvet style pile carpet and luxurious chunky loop ones will be popular for their opulent look and feel, to create the ultimate homely environment.

Colour for staircases in 2021

Carpet is great on the stairs as it makes the staircase a stunning feature and also gives you more traction underfoot.  The on-trend colours are the same as above, with neutrals like greys and browns.  For a bolder statement, patterns and stripes are great on-trend options guaranteed to make an impact in your home.

See the stunning, textured Cormar Carpets Avebury carpet (in the colourway Bradenstock Beck) pictured here…

Stair runners will remain really popular with colour, texture and patterns being centre stage.  Geometric patterns and herringbone will feature heavily, bringing a contemporary twist to a classic.

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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Cormar Carpets Primo Plus French Grey installed in Harpenden

Herts Carpets the Harpenden Carpets business has recently installed the Cormar Carpets Primo Plus twist carpet for our customer.

We installed the following:

3x bedrooms, stairs and landing in Cormar Carpets in the range Primo Plus, in the colourway French Grey.

Treadmore underlay

CAT premiere threshold trims

The Primo Plus range is a popular, easy clean twist carpet proudly made in Britain. This stunning carpet is available in 18 contemporary, varied shades, in both 4m and 5m widths.  Made with 100% Excellon polypropylene, it is hard wearing and stain resistant with a Tog rating of 1.4.

Perfect for a busy family lifestyle, this carpet is child and pet friendly, simple to maintain and bleach cleanable; meaning dirt and spills sit on the top of the fibres rather than soak in.  For extra reassurance, this range comes with a 10-year stain warranty and it is suitable for heavy domestic and medium contract use.

This range is durable so resists everyday wear and tear, yet still remains luxurious and soft.  It gives a welcoming and cosy look while creating a lasting impression in our customer’s home.

With a luxury feel and comfort underfoot, this carpet looks stunning and is designed to blend beautifully with your existing decor.

Herts Carpets have a shop in Piggottshill Lane, Southdown and we also provide a mobile estimating service in and around the Harpenden area, book a free estimate with our friendly and professional team today!

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Valley Wholesale Salamanca 76 Iron Carpet Installed in London Colney

Herts Carpets the London Colney Carpet business has recently installed the Salamanca 76 Iron carpet for our customer.

We installed the following:

Bedrooms and hallway in Valley Wholesale Carpets, in the range Salamanca, in the colourway 76 Iron.

10mm underlay

Gripper

Silver threshold trims

The Salamanca range of carpets is available in a choice of 12 contemporary colourways. Versatile and elegant, this carpet range is a stunning addition to any home.

Combining durability with luxury, the Salamanca range is an affordable range of carpets that stands the test of time and retains its appearance well.

Available in 4 and 5 metre widths, this versatile carpet is soft to the touch, plush and stain resistant.  It is a great choice for bedrooms and hallways as it gives you comfort underfoot and that cosy feel.

Whatever your lifestyle, the Salamanca range is suitable for family and modern homes alike. Easy to clean and maintain, this carpet is both child and pet friendly and allows you to remove dirt and spillages promptly before stains occur – retaining that new look and feel to your carpet for years to come.

A great choice for an elegant finish and exceptional value for money, the Salamanca range could be the ideal carpet for you.

Herts Carpets offer a mobile estimating service in and around the London Colney area, book a free estimate with our friendly and professional team today!

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Staircase carpet ideas

The staircase is usually a focal point in the home, right at eye level when you enter the house, so you want it to look impressive.  With so many choices available, here are some tips to make sure you get the right carpet, design and material.

What carpet is best for stairs?

The staircase is a high foot fall area of the house, so the carpet needs to be able to withstand some wear and tear.  Not only are they in frequent use but due to gravity, we tread more heavily on them than we do on flat surfaces.

Choose the most durable one that fits within your budget and you’ll get more years of use from it.  Carpet that is ‘heavy domestic use’ or ‘extra heavy domestic use’ has been designed to be hard wearing and not to flatten under a lot of foot fall.

Safety is also a factor as you don’t want to lose your footing on carpet that is too thick (also bear in mind that thickness does not always mean the carpet is more durable). The right carpet will not only be softer underfoot but give much more traction than harder surfaces.  Choose a low pile (3/4″ or less) as it will give you greater stability underfoot on the stairs and stand up to wear and tear better.  If you choose a looped style, such as Berber, make sure it is a good quality one and properly installed.

A wool carpet will resist stains and dirt well and retains its shape.  Man-made fibres like polypropylene provide a more affordable option that has similar features, but go for a shorter pile so it does not flatten as easily.  There are also combinations that give the best of both worlds.  Wool and polypropylene mixes are easy to maintain and keep their appearance well, while wool and nylon mixes are very durable and keep their shape well.

See the Hammer Carpets Scandic Weave (in the colourway 674-28) pictured here…

What is the best colour carpet for stairs?

If you do not want the staircase to be the focus of your interior decor, a neutral or mid-toned carpet is great in contrast with wood flooring or patterned tiles, as it does not draw the eye away from key features. Neutrals can create a warm, welcoming look and open up smaller spaces well.  A subtle design like a chevron is a great way to add texture and style.

For busy homes with kids and pets, you may want to choose a colour that hides dirt and stains well like a mid-toned grey or brown.

Small and or/narrow staircases are best carpeted in slightly lighter colours such as taupe or a light grey hue.  Darker colours will make the area appear even smaller, especially where there is little natural light.

When you want your staircase to stand out as an architectural feature in its own right, go bold with a pattern.  Monochrome staircases are very chic and a great way to make an impact.

See the Cormar Carpets Avebury carpet (in the colourway Bradenstock Beck) pictured here…

 

Staircase carpet trends

You may have noticed a lot of striped staircases and stair runners in interior designs posts.  They are increasingly popular and are a great way to create a stunning feature in the home.

Striped carpet

When the staircase is the focal point, stripes are a bold and striking choice.  Stripes completely transform the look of your home and you can create stunning colour combinations to fit with your existing decor.  They really do give the wow factor in any home with a modern, contemporary look.  As an added bonus, they help to hide wear and tear on the stairs.

Vertical stripes are a more popular choice as they open up the space by creating the illusion of height; making you staircase look longer, especially paired with light, neutral walls. They also draw your eye naturally up the staircase. Horizontal stripes, though less in demand, are great to widen out narrow staircases.

Depending on your space and the look you want to achieve, there is a huge range available from pinstripes to wide stripes in a variety of colourways.  Thin stripes will create the illusion of space and thicker stripes will work better on larger staircases.

If you have curved stairs, stripes are still an option as the carpet can be ‘bent’ to keep the stripes lined up.

It is worth noting that looped pile carpet can give a better finish with stripes as it is firm and tightly woven, whereas a twisted pile carpet is softer so the lines may not appear as straight.

Achieving the right fit is essential for striped carpet as stripes that are not 100% matched will be very noticeable, ruining the desired effect.

See the Victoria Carpets Tudor Twist Stripe (in the colourway Heart Throb) pictured here…

Stair runners

As hardwood flooring becomes ever more popular, stair runners are also becoming more common as they allow you to add colour and texture in harmony with the flooring and create great contrast.  They are also safer as they give you more traction underfoot and are much softer to land on should any falls occur.

If a pattern or stripes would be overbearing in your space, this is a great way of bringing them in without them being too much. See above for the wow factor of choosing stripes, and patterns can be just as striking.

Herringbone patterns are a great way to bring in a classic feel with a contemporary twist.  It also makes the stairs appear wider.  Geometric patterns are also really eye catching and can be as bold or subtle as you like.

Stair rods can also be used for decorative purposes; they used to be needed to keep the stair runner in place but this is no longer the case.  They are available in a wide range of colours and styles to suit contemporary and traditional styles.

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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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What you need to know about carpet moths

Carpet is a great addition to any home as it gives a warm, cosy feel and is soft underfoot.  The last thing you want is to invest in a gorgeous carpet and have it damaged by carpet moths.

How do you know if you have carpet moths?

The most common sign of a larvae infestation is threadbare patches on rugs or carpets.  These are most likely to be on the softer areas of the carpet rather than the webbing. They are usually found in darker areas, unused rooms and under furniture that has been in place for many years.  If you find significant damage, or flattened larval cases (these will be similar in size to a single grain of rice), there is a infestation that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.  Each moth can lay up to 300 eggs so the extent of the infestation may well be far greater than the eye can see.  Once inside a warm environment, they will be active (and therefore reproducing and causing damage) throughout the year as opposed to being dormant outside during the colder months.

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What do carpet moths look like?

As eggs at the start of life, they are so small they are difficult to see.  Once they are active larvae, they wrap themselves in a silken case and this is the stage during which they will be causing damage by eating their way through your carpet.  If you are unlucky enough to have an infestation, you may be able to see them at this point.

Once they have eaten a sufficient amount, they seal their silken case and pupate to become an adult moth.  The adult moth is on average 5mm long with a grey colouring and darker spots on their wings.  They hop rather than fly in general and will die once they have reproduced.

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How do carpet moths get into your house?

Carpet moths can come into the house exactly like flies; through open doors and windows.  They may also be picked up by pets or on footwear and brought indoors, or could already be living in any second hand rugs or furniture that is added to the house. Once they are in, they can reproduce quickly.

How do I get rid of carpet moths?

You need to see how bad the infestation is first, by using carpet moth traps.  These catch adult active males by attracting them with the female phermomone.  The pests will land on the traps and become stuck on the adhesive pads (which will straight away reduce the amount that are reproducing). Then you can monitor how many pests there are and where they are.  Any more than five moths in one room indicates a series problem.

You can purchase a carpet moth kit to deal with the issue, these consist of a range of sprays and powders and are targeted to the extent of the infestation.  You may need to repeat this again after 30 days according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  Both natural and chemical options are available.  The alternative is to employ a professional to make sure the infestation has been fully dealt with, as any eggs that are missed can easily lead to the same problem occurring again very quickly.

What can be done to combat carpet moths?

Carpet moths like warm, dark places so like homes with central heating and double glazing.  They are attracted by everyday household moisture, dust and dirt which is a primary source of food for them.  These pests have the ability to eat through your carpet at incredible speed and can cause extensive, and indeed expensive, damage.  As always, prevention is better than a cure so the best way to keep carpet moths at bay is regular cleaning and letting in light and air where possible.

Regular vacuuming

Looking after your carpet is essential to maintain it well and prolong its life, but it also helps make the environment less desirable for pests.  If you have any rooms that you do not use much, make sure you still vacuum it regularly, air out it when possible and open the curtains as carpet moths like dark areas best.  Make sure you vacuum even the hard to get to places, like underneath the sofa and around the skirting thoroughly and often.  Move furniture like bookcases and vacuum underneath regularly.  Any especially warm areas, ie around radiators, will need particular attention.

All those places that you find more dust are essentially the places that will need more thorough cleaning.  Empty your vacuum cleaner outside into a sealed bag to ensure any moths and/or larvae are not able to re enter the house.  Protector sprays are available for carpets but regular, thorough vacuuming should be enough to prevent infestations.

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Mothproof carpets

You can always opt for wood or vinyl flooring, but don’t let the fear of moths put you off carpet!  Most manufacturers these days use moth resistant treatments, Herts Carpets can advise on the best type to suit your needs that will still give you the look you want.

Carpets made of man-made fibres are by default moth proof but any dirt, dust or moisture on the fibres will attract the moths regardless, so they will still need to be kept clean or moths will eat any dirt attached to the fibres. Moths love to eat animal fibres such as wool, but this luxurious carpet is still a great choice as you can pick a moth resistant type.

We are here to advise and 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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In style rugs for the lounge

Rugs are a great addition to the home as they add texture and colour and can really bring a room together.  They also prolong the life of your carpet or flooring by taking some of the wear and tear, and add softness underfoot while buffering sound.  With so many different rugs on the market, how do you choose the right one for your room?  Here are some ideas.

What rugs are in style now?

Chevron is a popular pattern in rugs right now as it adds pattern and texture, ie a woven chevron one, to a room without being too overpowering.  It is also easy to pair with other patterns like stripes.  Bold, geometric prints are everywhere too, making big statements.

Vintage rugs are sought-after in home decor too, like unique vintage Turkish or Moroccan rugs. Flatweave Kilim rugs (from Turkey, North Africa, and the Balkans) are a great way to add colour and pattern as well.

The layered rug look has become very popular in the last few years, and it’s a great way to have fun with textures and styles. But it’s important to get it right and fully consider your space before you layer. A fun, bold piece like a cowhide rug looks great over a more neutral choice like a jute or wool rug and allows you to cover more area without overpowering the space.

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If you have a neutral room and furniture, a bold coloured rug can really make a splash.  This works really well if you are going for the New Nordic look.  On the other hand, if you have an accent wall or statement pieces of furniture already, you can use a rug to tie the whole look together.

For children’s play areas, there is a great range available including educational ones which can brighten up a room and protect your carpet or flooring from the inevitable spills and wear and tear.

What size should it be?

You want to make sure the rug is big enough or it won’t have much of an impact on the room.  A good idea is to measure out the size in the room, you could use painter’s tape for this, so you can get a rough idea of how it will look.

Typical living room rug sizes are 8’x10′ and 9’x12′.

Make sure your rug is at least 6″ wider (8″ is ideal) than your sofa on both sides.

Typically run the rug the length of the sofa.

Give 30″ to 36″ of a walkway between large furniture pieces (if your living room allows for it) if not then at least 18″-24″. That will help to inform your rug size.

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Where should you place it?

There are some general rules of thumb when it comes to rug placement but be warned, they are not all consistent.  The best thing to do is be aware of them and choose what you feel would suit your room best.  They are based around which furniture legs are placed on the rug.

Front legs only on the rug; this connects all the furniture in the room and is suited to most room layouts.

All legs on board; with a larger rug, this can look really stylish especially if you want to showcase some beautiful furniture pieces.

There is also the old rule which states that there should be a gap of 18″ between the rug edge and the wall to avoid the rug from overwhelming the room.  If you have a smaller room, a gap of around 8″ will work much better.  Feel free to rip up the rule book at any time though, as a rug that stretches nearly to the wall can look great too.  A lot comes down to personal taste.

Now if you would like to bring in just a small rug, perhaps one that introduces a pop of pattern into the room, another approach would be to have none of the furniture touching the rug. While this creates a completely different look, it also works!

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Can you use rugs over carpet?

Absolutely!  They can add colour and texture and help keep a room warm and cosy.  As an added bonus, they buffer sound and reduce the wear and tear on your carpet.

For short pile or looped carpets, a luxurious rug adds softness and elegance whilst a woven rug is perfect over a plusher style of carpet.

If your broadloom is deep and lush, choose an area rug that’s not as thick. If your broadloom is thin, then go ahead and feature a plush area rug over it.

If your wall-to-wall carpeting is a bland, neutral color, then you’ll have some wiggle room with your area rug’s color and design. However, be sure you tie your area rug into your existing decor theme.

Also, with dull low-pile wall-to-wall carpeting, you can go for differently shaped area rugs: round, oval, or even one shaped like an object. Just be sure it works with your furnishings.

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It is a good idea to go for heavier rugs over carpet, so they don’t buckle up and cause anyone to trip.  Alternatively, you can use a carpet gripper underneath.

Rugs over hardwood flooring

If you have beautiful hardwood flooring, a statement rug can look amazing in contrast.  They give softness underfoot, reduce wear and tear in high traffic areas and make the room warmer.

If you have a brand new hardwood floor, it is wise to wait four weeks before adding a rug, to allow the floor to cure.

Make sure you use a rug pad for safety.  You can also use a rug pad in order to have a rug on vinyl and LVT flooring.

Rubber-backed rugs can damage your hardwood floors. The chemicals in the rubber can leave permanent marks on the floor or discolor the wood. The only way to safely use a rubber-backed rug on a hardwood floor is to put it over a safe-rug pad. Homeowners can tape the rug pad to the bottom of the rubber-backed area rug. This will protect the floor and provide extra cushion when you walk on the rug.

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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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