Thursday, 13 May 2021

How to keep your carpet looking great

You’ve had a gorgeous new carpet installed, now how do you keep it looking great?  It’s important to clean it thoroughly and often, and know what to do when something gets spilled on it.  Carpet should last well over a decade if you look after it well.

After installation

How to keep your carpet looking greatIt’s always best to have your carpet properly installed by professionals, as they will make sure there are no ripples and any seams are properly matched.

Ventilate the room well for around 72 hours, with open windows when practical.  Then give the carpet a thorough vacuum as there will be dust around from the installation.  New carpet will shed, especially if it is wool and/or cut pile, so it is normal to see excess fibres.

Then you can place your furniture in the room and enjoy your gorgeous new carpet.  (You can walk on it as soon as it has been laid, but do wait 72 hours before putting furniture down.)

See original image (Elements London, Wall Street luxury super soft cut pile carpet) here…

Regular maintenance

This is essential for any carpet to prolong its life and make sure it looks good.  Vacuuming at least weekly is a must, with the right vacuum. In a well used room of a busy family home, you will need to vacuum a minimum of twice a week.How to keep your carpet looking great

For large rooms, an upright vacuum is ideal, while a cordless handheld one makes cleaning stairs and hard to reach areas a lot easier.

For cut pile carpets, a vacuum cleaner fitted with a beater bar and/or brushes is recommended and for loop pile carpets, one without a beater bar or brushes is most suitable.  Make sure the height is set correctly before starting.

Professional cleaning is a great idea, around once a year, to ensure your carpet is properly maintained.  It will revive your carpets, deal with stubborn stains, banish unwanted germs and give your home that fresh feeling again.

See original image here…

Spills & stains

It’s inevitable that something will spill on the carpet sooner or later, so be prepared! The quicker you can deal with it, the better your chances of not ending up with an unsightly stain.

Blot the spill (don’t rub it) as soon as possible How to keep your carpet looking greatwith some paper towels or a cloth to soak up as much of the liquid or food as possible.  Only use white paper towels as patterned ones may leave some colour transfer on the carpet.

If you don’t have any carpet cleaner to hand, for most types of spills you can use a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water with a touch of baking soda.  Spray the mix over the spill so it is damp, leave for ten minutes and then blot again with paper towels.  You can repeat the process as many times as needed. Make sure the carpet dries thoroughly afterwards.

Never use bleach on your carpet as it may alter the colour.  For really tough stains, you may need to get some stain remover.  Make sure you have checked the manufacturer’s instruction before using any chemicals.  An odour neutraliser might be necessary as well if there are any unpleasant smells.

If you have a busy household with lots of foot traffic, children and pets, it’s a good idea to use rugs to take some of the wear and tear.  This also means the carpet has protection from any spills and they add more personality to the room.  Ahead of any messy playtime, put down an old shower curtain or anything you have to hand, that can catch any liquids.

See original image here…

Carpet Dents

It’s a good idea to use furniture coasters underneath the legs of heavy pieces like the sofa, to lessen dents in the carpets.  These are usually made from plastic and How to keep your carpet looking greatare easy to buy online or in shops.  They spread the weight which means less pressure on the carpet.

An alternative is to keep leftover squares of the carpet and use them instead of furniture coasters.  This is a  free option, with the added bonus of being a perfect colour match to the carpet.

Move the furniture regularly to relieve the pressure on the carpet.  It doesn’t need to be much, just an inch or so.  If you choose a high density carpet, it will be able to withstand the pressure of heavy furniture better.

If you do find you have carpet dents, there are few ways to deal with them.  Use a coin to rub the fibres, this lifts them up again.  You can also give the carpet a quick blow dry with your hairdryer: spray some water on the dent then dry the damp area with your hairdryer and fluff it with your hands as you go.  This will give it some life back.

See original image here…

If you’re looking for your perfect and easy to maintain carpet or flooring, contact us here to book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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Friday, 7 May 2021

Flooring ideas for your conservatory

The best flooring ideas for your conservatory will depend on what you are planning to use it for; relaxing, a dining area or a workspace.  The most popular options include laminate, vinyl, carpet and engineered wood, all of which come with different advantages.

Laminate

Laminate is a great choice for any busy family home, as it is resilient and hard-wearing, so it can stand up to high foot traffic. Thanks to a high-quality wear layer, it is both scratch and dent resistant.

It is also easy to maintain, hypoallergenic and stain resistant.  Thanks to its shock absorbent qualities, it is comfortable to walk and stand on.  Another advantage is that laminate does not absorb moisture so no mold or bacteria can grow in it.

This type of flooring is a very affordable option for achieving a wood, ceramic, or stone look that is less likely to get scratched.  A wide range of finishes and colours are available.  It can withstand the rays of the sun, so is unlikely to fade if you have a lot of natural sunlight in your conservatory.

If the conservatory will be a well used area, choose laminate flooring with an AC4 or AC5 rating.  When properly installed and maintained, laminate flooring can last for up to 25 years.

See original image here…

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is one of the most popular options as it is low cost, resilient, low maintenance and in many cases, waterproof.  This makes it ideal for a busy traffic area, especially with people coming in from a wet and muddy garden.  The slip-resistant finish is another advantage for extra safety and it is pet friendly.  Vinyl has good sound insulation, it minimizes noise, which is great for the conservatory.

This durable flooring is firm with a bit of spring, making it comfortable underfoot.  Properly installed and maintained, it can last for a couple of decades or even longer.

Flooring ideas for your conservatoryA wide range of high-quality finishes are available, from striking designs to realistic wood and stone imitations.  Not only is it much more budget friendly than a natural material like stone, it is much warmer and works well with underfloor heating, as it heats up and cools down fast.  It is temperature restricted though, so should not be heated above 26°C.

Vinyl flooring is available in sheet, plank and tile formats.  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 very low cost option, and is waterproof 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, scratch, slip and spill resistant and extremely hard-wearing, it stands the test of time while maintaining a luxurious look.

See original image here…

Carpet

Carpet may not be the first thing you think of when you are choosing flooring for the conservatory but it really is a viable option.  If Flooring ideas for your conservatoryyour lounge leads to the conservatory, having the same carpet in both rooms looks stunning and gives a great flow to the space.  Some brands offer stain and UV resistant ranges which are perfect for this area.

Carpet tiles are becoming increasingly popular for conservatories. They come in a wide variety of styles, textures and colours and can be installed and replaced easily. They are an affordable option and you can change individual tiles when wear and tear occurs as opposed to replacing the whole lot.

If you want that luxurious feel underfoot, a soft carpet is the best choice and enables to can go barefoot. There will also be extra warmth and a cosy, relaxed mood to the space. This type of flooring is ideal if you will be using the space as an extra dining or lounge area.

Carpet always works well for hiding dirt and dust and absorbs sound well.  An entrance mat or rug will save a lot of the outdoors moisture from getting in. Just make sure you have maintain is regularly to keep it looking good.

See original image here…

Engineered wood

If you want a real wood look, engineered is a much better choice than hardwood for the conservatory.  Hardwood will expand andFlooring ideas for your conservatory contract due to the temperatures in this area, which can result in a damaged floor.  UV laquer will add protection, but engineered wood is much better suited to the environment.  It is more stable and able to cope with differing temperatures.

Engineered hardwood is constructed of thin, glued-together layers of derivative wood products.  As it has a veneer of actual hardwood, it can look just as good as solid wood and is much more cost efficient.  Regular sweeping and mopping is all you need to keep it maintained.

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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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.

See original image here…

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.

See original image here…

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.

See original image here…

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.

See original image here…

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.

See original image here…

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.

See original image here…

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.

See original image here…

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.

See original image here…

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.

See original image here…

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.

See original image here…

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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Monday, 29 March 2021

Hardwood or carpet for the bedroom?

Hardwood or carpet for the bedroom?How do you choose between hardwood or carpet for the bedroom?  Whilst carpet is the most common choice, there has been a steady rise in popularity of hardwood floors.  There are advantages to both and of course, varying price ranges.

Things to consider include whose bedroom it is, how warm or cold your house is and your ideal aesthetic.  There are plenty of choices to suit whatever your needs are.

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Is it better to have carpet in the bedroom?

Carpet has many advantages like absorbing sound, it is a great insulator and quieter than wood when you walk on it. It is much gentler on the joints so may well be the best choice if you have any joint pain. Also, if there is any risk of falls, it is much softer to land on.  Carpet gives warmth to a room and soft, cosy cushioning for bare feet which certainly makes a difference in winter, especiallyHardwood or carpet for the bedroom? with a plush or saxony cut pile.

You can choose your carpet with both practicality and design in mind as there are so many options available.  Adult bedrooms tend to have a much lighter footfall than other areas of the house so a luxury, opulent carpet made from wool is a popular choice with a style like saxony for a deep and lush pile, for an indulgent feel underfoot.

For a child’s bedroom, a more resilient and easy to maintain man-made, ‘family friendly’, fibre (such as polypropylene) is great as it is highly stain-resistant.  This type of carpet is hard-wearing but has a softness as well, for the best of both worlds.  If you have pets, carpet may well be the most practical option as claws tend to scratch hardwood floors.  It is best to choose a cut pile type of carpet as snagging can be an issue with uncut.

There are styles and patterns of carpet to fit whatever design scheme you want to achieve in your bedroom.

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Hardwood or carpet for the bedroom?Wood flooring on the other hand, has a timeless, elegant look and it certainly has designer appeal.  If you are looking for aesthetics in your bedroom, there is nothing like the beautiful finish of a luxury wood floor which explains why it is becoming increasingly popular.

There are a range of colours, styles and species on the market to suit your interior design scheme. Many types of hardwood are compatible with underfloor heating if temperature is an issue, and you can always add an area rug if you want extra warmth and comfort.  This will also reduce any scratches on the floor if you position it partly under the bed.  An added benefit is that wood flooring is easy to maintain.

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Is hardwood flooring more expensive?Hardwood or carpet for the bedroom?

Hardwood flooring may well be more expensive initially if you are starting from scratch but it has longevity. It can be refinished over the years to restore its stunning look and last for a lifetime.

If your budget does not stretch to a hardwood floor, there are other options to get the look you want.  Engineered hardwood, constructed of thin, glued-together layers of derivative wood products, is a more affordable option and can look just as good as solid wood as it has a veneer of actual hardwood.  Laminate flooring is also an option if you want a realistic wood look without the price tag.

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Carpet is always seen as the cheaper option, at least to start with.  You will have to replace it in the future though, as it does not last as long as hardwood even with proper maintenance.  If you like to update the look of your rooms, this may well be an advantage to using carpet in the bedroom.

Which is healthier, hardwood or carpet?

Hardwood or carpet for the bedroom?If you look for the healthier choice on anything coming into your home, or if allergies are an issue, the good news is that it doesn’t need to affect your choice when it comes to hardwood or carpet.  You can choose whichever you prefer and still have a flooring that meets your requirements.

Wool is always a great choice for carpet as it significantly improves indoor air quality, by absorbing common pollutants and it is naturally flame retardant.  This environmentally friendly choice is sustainable, renewable and biodegradable and also looks and feels luxurious.

If you have allergies, you need to make sure you choose the right carpet.  A carpet made from Nylon is the most effective allergy-controlling option, as it repels allergens and has the added benefits of being a long lasting, durable carpet that keeps its colour and shape well.  Carpet with tightly woven strands is ideal for those with allergies as the fewer the strands, the less places there are for pollen to go. It is also important to maintain the carpet properly with regularly cleaning, so it does not harbour dust.

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If you prefer a hardwood floor, it is easy to keep clean with a regular routine of sweeping and wiping with a dry cloth to keep dust, dirt andHardwood or carpet for the bedroom? pet hair at bay.  There is nowhere for dirt to hide on a hardwood floor.  It doesn’t trap mould or allergens which is perfect for anyone who suffers from allergies or asthma.

If you are looking for a green option, choose a manufacturer that uses 100% sustainably sourced wood.  FSC certified wood comes from forests that are environmentally conscious, responsibly managed and socially beneficial.

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Both hardwood and carpet work well in the bedroom, so it really is personal style, preference and budget that need to be considered.

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

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