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, especially 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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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 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?

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 and 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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What does carpet pile mean?

When you are choosing a new carpet, you need to consider the fibre (there are options from natural ones like wool to man-made like polypropylene) and the pile (or construction) that you want, so what does carpet pile mean?  It refers to the surface of the carpet – the loops of the fibre are attached to the backing of the carpet; these loops are then either left as they are or cut at a length and/or angle.

What types of carpet pile are there?

There are two type of carpet pile to choose from; loop pile and cut pile carpets.  Quite simply, the loop is left intact on loop pile and cut on cut pile carpets.

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Loop pile

This type of pile is left in its woven form with the yarn loop intact, it is also known as ‘uncut’.  This makes a robust, tough carpet with a natural appearance, that is ideal for busy areas in family homes and commercial usage.   As well as being a hard-wearing choice, loop pile does not show footprints and hides soil and dirt well.  Spills tend to sit on the top of the loops, making it an easy-clean option.  The tighter the loops are, the more the carpet will resist crushing from heavy foot traffic.

When all the fibre loops are the same length it is called ‘level loop’.  Berber is a popular style of level loop pile which is usually made using thicker yarns made into chunky loop tufts. Versatile and durable, it is most often a lighter colour with flecks of darker shades.

When the fibre loop are of varied lengths, it is called ‘patterned loop’, ‘high-low loop’ or ‘multi-level loop’.  Usually two or three different heights are used, creating a variety of textured appearances.

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Cut pile

Unlike loop pile, the yarn loop is cut leaving an upright pile that is softer, denser and more luxurious.  Cut piles are available in a range of different lengths and thicknesses.  To help it stand up it has a twist which also resists matting and crushing. Popular styles are twist, saxony, plush and freize.

Twist pile is highly twisted with a textured finish, as the loops lie in different directions.  This style is good at maintaining its appearance and hiding shading and is easy to clean.

Saxony is a traditional style which has a smooth finish.  The fibres are longer and twisted to give them more body.

Plush, also known as velvet, is thick and soft underfoot.  This luxurious option is soft and dense with shorter cut lengths.

Freize has long, twisty fibres and is sometimes referred to as ‘modern shag pile’ or ‘California shag’.  Though shorter than traditional shag pile, freize has long cut fibres that are then twisted together and kinked.  Cosy and comfortable underfoot, it hides stains well and doesn’t show footprints and vacuum lines.

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Which carpet pile is best?

Which carpet pile is best will depend on the room you are carpeting and how much it is used.

Loop pile carpet is the most hard-wearing and durable so is ideal for commercial spaces and busy household areas.  It hides dirt and dust well, but it lacks the softness underfoot of cut pile.  There are very durable cut pile options if you want a carpet that is both tough and soft, like freize cut pile.

The other option is a combination of both; a cut and loop pile. This has both cut and uncut fibres, giving it the best of both worlds, with softness and the ability to hide dirt and stains well.

If you are choosing carpet for children’s rooms and/or pets, it is best to choose a cut pile type of carpet as snagging can be an issue with uncut.

For a luxurious option, best in a room with light footfall, both plush and saxony cut pile styles are opulent and each have a gorgeous finish.

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Does the carpet pile make a difference when vacuuming?

Yes it does, ideally you will use different vacuums for loop and cut pile.  For loop pile, use a cylinder vacuum with a suction head and for cut pile, an upright with a beater bar and brush.

Whatever fibre and pile you choose, it is always important to look after your carpet with regular, thorough vacuuming.

Whatever you’re looking 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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How to choose the right carpet

When it’s time for a change in your home, you need to know how to choose the right carpet.  With so many options available on the market now, here are some thing you should consider.

What is the best type of carpet?

The best type of carpet depends entirely on your household; if you have children and/or pets, how many people live in the house and how busy it is, your budget, allergies and how you would you like it to look and feel.  It is also important to consider where the carpet is going as some types of carpet are more suitable for the living room and others for bedrooms, depending on their durability.

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For the busiest parts of the house (those with the highest traffic) choose a durable, easy to clean and practical carpet that will stand the test of time and keep its appearance well.  It’s worth investing as you want a carpet that will last for years to come.

Nylon, polyester and wool are all durable fibres that can stand up to high footfall.  Manufacturers give usage ratings to their carpets so it is easy to see if they are made for light or heavy usage.  The texture of the carpet is important too; berber, loop and cut pile are all good choices for busy areas as they are strong and can maintain their shape. The pile of a carpet refers to how the loops of the fibre are attached to the backing of the carpet; these loops are then either left as they are or cut at a length and/or angle.

When you are buying a new carpet, have a look for the Tog rating as well – this calculates the thermal insulation, so the higher the Tog rating, the warmer the carpet will be.

Man-made fibres such as polypropylene, are great ‘family friendly’ fibres as they are highly stain-resistant.  They are also hard-wearing but have a softness as well, for the perfect floor.  Carpets that have been treated with Scotchgard or Teflon are a good choice as they will 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.  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.

For those rooms where you have the option of a luxury, opulent carpet, like adult bedrooms, wool is a popular choice with a style like saxony for a deep and lush pile, giving that indulgent feel underfoot.

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What colour is best?

There are a few factors to consider when choosing the choosing the colour; what room the carpet is for, who will be using it and how much light it gets.  For kids’ rooms, it is best to go for a darker colour when they are younger as it will hide the inevitable spills and stains better.  As they get older, lighter colours are more viable.  If you have pets you may want to have a darker carpet to hide dirty paw marks and pet hair; fleck patterns are a great option for hiding these as well.

Light colours make a room look bigger and brighter, but bear in mind that they will show up any dirt or stains, so they are a better choice in rooms that are not used very much.  Bright colours are cheery and welcoming but they may fade in a room that gets a lot of sunlight.  Very dark carpet can make a small room seem even smaller but are great in large rooms, especially media or game ones.  Neutrals like browns, greys and tan strike a great balance between bringing light and warmth to a room and hiding any dirt, which is why they are so popular.

If you want the best of both worlds, a patterned, striped or bright staircase or stair runner is a good way to bring character to your home while choosing a practical colour for the majority of your home.

If you are looking for an on-trend colour, soft, textured grey carpets will be popular, like this luxurious Elements London Wall Street Whisky Sour carpet (pictured left).

One of the two Panetone colours for this year is ‘Ultimate Gray’ and all of the colour predictions for 2021 include shades of grey. All neutrals like greys, browns and greige (a mixture of grey and beige) will continue to be in favour for the foreseeable.  Bold, bright colours are coming into style too, as people design their interior colour schemes to reflect their personalities with decadent, vibrant jewel toned carpets.

Can carpet be eco-friendly?

Yes, there are many eco-friendly carpets available. Wool carpets are a great option as they are durable, luxurious and improve indoor air quality.  Wool is a sustainable source which is renewable and biodegradable. 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.

Other sustainable, natural fibres such as seagrass, organic cotton, jute, bamboo coir and sisal make wonderfully textured, luxury carpets which are becoming increasingly popular.

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Whatever you’re looking 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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Eco-friendly flooring

What does eco-friendly mean?

Eco-friendly means that a product or process is not harmful to the environment, it is ‘earth friendly’.  In most cases, 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 such as energy and water.  In order to be completely eco-friendly, a product must be non-toxic, with sustainable practices, fibres and/or ingredients used and both environmental and human safety should be taken into consideration.  Many people are becoming increasing concerned with environmental issues and are looking to make their homes more eco-friendly.

What flooring is eco-friendly?

When it comes to flooring, you need to bear in mind two main factors; what is is made from and how was it made?  Here are some of the options available.

Wood

Wood is an eco-friendly flooring option because it is natural and also because it is long lasting and recyclable.  Choose a manufacturer that uses 100% sustainably sourced wood.  FSC certified wood comes from forests that are environmentally conscious, responsibly managed and socially beneficial.  Most new wood floors from Ted Todd are FSC or PEFC certified, and they have been FSC compliant since 1997.

Reclaimed wood

Wood that has been used as flooring or in structures like historical buildings, can be repurposed to make beautiful, environmentally friendly flooring.  It is both reusing an old product and preventing the need to cut down more trees.  As the wood has been used previously, it has a tight grain which makes it more durable and hard-wearing.  Ted Todd offer a range of ethically sourced reclaimed wood including oak and pine.

Engineered hardwood

Engineered hardwood can be a great eco-friendly choice, from a manufacturer that uses sustainable wood (ie FSC certified) and practices. It is constructed of mostly high-quality plywood, with a top layer of solid wood.  This means less waste during the manufacturing process, which is very efficient.  It is more versatile and stable than hardwood flooring and can be used with underfloor heating.   Plus it has a very natural finish and conducts heat well, reducing the energy you need to heat your home.

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Bamboo

This is a tough, durable option that has a realistic wood finish, although bamboo is actually a grass rather than a tree.  It has a much faster growth rate than trees so is a very sustainable option (3-5 years as opposed to 25-125 with hardwood).

Bamboo is extremely versatile, suitable for most areas of the home, including the kitchen.  Another plus is that bamboo has natural anti-bacterial qualities, great for family homes.  Alternative Flooring use bamboo in their collection as well as other natural fibres like coir, which give a rustic look that is very on-trend.  They use products from sustainable natural resources.

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Linoleum

Linoleum is made from natural materials; linseed oil, which is combined with resins and wood fillers to make tiles.  It is both biodegradable and recyclable. Also anti-static and hypoallergenic, linoleum is a great choice for eco-friendly flooring.  Added benefits are its fire-retardant and stain-resistant qualities.  It is durable and versatile, suitable for use in high footfall areas like hallways and kitchens.

Though it has not been an on-trend flooring for many years now, it is making somewhat of a comeback due to its green qualities and there are a range of modern designs available, with wood, ceramic and stone looks and a variety of patterns.  These days, linoleum can be a stylish and affordable choice in green flooring.

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Cork

This hard-wearing option is both biodegradable and recyclable. Cork is made out of the bark of the tree; initially a cork tree takes 25 years to mature then can be harvested every 14 years, making it a very renewable resource. Recycled cork floors are also available and can be made using the cork from wine bottles.

Cork is also warm and soft underfoot, anti-bacterial and fire resistant. This durable flooring is an excellent sound and thermal insulator and it is both dirt and mold-resistant.  Though it can be dented it has elasticity, so is springy and will return to form.

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Eco-friendly carpets

Although carpet has not traditionally been seen as eco-friendly, there are now many manufacturers that use sustainable materials and practices.  When choosing a carpet that does not damage the environment, wool and other fibres such as bamboo, seagrass, jute, organic cotton and sisal are great options.  You can still have a soft, luxury carpet that is not harmful to the environment.

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Many manufacturers such as Alternative Flooring, Miliken and Axminster Carpets have sustainable, environmentally responsible policies and end of life options for carpet.

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

For our guide to eco-friendly carpets, see here…

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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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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