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Interior decorating isn’t as easy as it looks – and it can be a bit overwhelming, particularly when it comes to selecting the big ticket items like carpets, tiles and other floor coverings.  Deciding on what to do is a big decision – and it’s generally a long-term one, so it needs to be a wise one.

You may be upgrading one or two rooms in a home, building a brand new house or looking at floor coverings for a shop or office environment – whatever your need is, some careful research will uncover your best options.

The fun parts of choosing a floor covering are the ‘softer’ issues such as colours and textures, but there are some real practical elements that will make a difference such as durability, budget, sustainability and what cleaning and maintenance is required   The following points from a Perth carpets specialist may be of interest as you embark on your magic carpet ride :

Traffic flow

Where is the new floor covering going?  Durability is a key element particularly if the carpet or floor covering is going into a high traffic area.  If it’s going in a home with children and pets, then stain-resistant flooring is a good idea.  

Cleaning and care

Cleaning and maintenance is also a priority question.  Shaggy pile carpets and rugs are all the rage right now, but they can quickly end up looking like a dirty sheep if they’re not maintained optimally.  Find out whether the floor covering you’ve chosen needs daily or weekly vacuuming or polishing  If you’re looking at wooden floors, enquire about the frequency of sanding and re-sealing.   How stain resistant is the one you’ve chosen?

Size of the area

The size of the room can be ‘altered’ depending on the colour of the floors.  Lighter colours make a room appear larger whilst darker colours tend to make spaces look smaller.  Areas where dark carpets work well is in cozy or intimate spaces such as studies or formal dining rooms, and are well complemented by antique furniture, open fireplaces and Persian rugs.   Carpets come in a wide variety of patterns such as florals, swirls, pin dots and geometric patterns as well as a variety of textures from sculptured to smooth, shaggy to nubby which also influence the perception of space. 

By matching floor and wall colours in complementary neutrals (but not identical colours), you can create a seamless and integrated flow.  This eliminates the perception of dividing lines and makes the whole space appear larger. 

Sound insulation

Because carpeting absorbs noise, it is very effective in high traffic areas where the sound of footfalls needs to be diminished – and in multistoried buildings where there is noise emanating from the different floors.  It has a soothing effect, creating a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere in any busy environment.   

Lower energy bills

Carpet acts as an extra layer of insulation and therefore reduces the requirement – and the cost – of expensive heating.

Safety

Carpeting provides a gentle and non-slip surface making it a far softer and safer surface especially where children, toddler and the elderly are involved – plus it provides cushioning in case someone falls.

Versatile

Each type of floor covering has its benefits from carpet tiles, timber floors, vinyl flooring and carpets – but few people realise that laying a carpet can be a really cost-effective  choice as it doesn’t require a perfectly level surface, thereby eliminating the need for costly under-carpet treatments such as a new screed.

Beige doesn’t have to be boring

Neutral coloured floor coverings provide the perfect palette for inspired decorating.  By adding a colourful rug or a textured rug to any neutral scheme will provide an instant boost.  By simply changing the rug, you can instantly change the look and feel of a room and it won’t cost a fortune.

A neutral floor covering also provides a fantastic versatile framework when it comes to furnishing a room.  Whether your look is modern minimalism or sophisticated elegance, a neutral floor covering is the perfect starting point for any scheme .

Going neutral is also the best – and safest choice – if you’re considering selling your home.  Something with universal appeal will improve the sale potential of your home.

The final bit of advice on choosing floor coverings comes from the Perth vinyl floor and carpet experts who urge people to do their research thoroughly first.   “Once you’ve done all the theory, ask for a sample to take home so that you can see it in the area where it’s going to be installed.  Things look different at different times of the day and night when the lighting changes – so it’s important to make sure it works for you 24-hours … and then you’ll know you’ve made the right decision.”