Don’t Forget the Underlay
Even the best carpet needs a good underlay beneath it. Underlay is the cushioning layer that goes between the subfloor and the carpet, and it’s crucial for three reasons:
Comfort: A quality underlay adds extra softness underfoot and makes your carpet feel more luxurious overall.
Performance: Underlay absorbs impact and helps carpet wear more evenly. It can significantly extend the life of your carpet by reducing friction against the backing. (A poor or old underlay can cause your carpet to degrade faster.)
Insulation: Underlays can provide thermal insulation (keeping your room warmer and saving energy) and also absorb sound. If you’re in an upstairs flat or have wooden floors, a good underlay can help muffle the noise of footsteps.
When you buy carpet, it’s usually worth investing in a decent underlay (foam or rubber underlays are common). The salesperson might recommend one based on your carpet choice – generally, a thicker underlay isn’t always better; density matters too. For example, stairs need a thinner, very firm underlay to give proper support, whereas a bedroom might get a slightly thicker, softer one for a cushy feel. Using the right underlay can even improve heat retention in a room – a nice perk in chilly Britain.
Colour & Pattern Considerations
We touched on colour trends in our trends blog, but when choosing your carpet colour, keep a few practical points in mind:
Very light colours (cream, white): Gorgeous, but high-maintenance. Best reserved for low-traffic, no-shoes areas or for adults-only spaces. They show dirt and stains easily.
Very dark colours (charcoal, navy): These won’t show stains as much, but can show lint, dust, and pet hair more (the opposite of a white carpet!). They also might make a small room feel smaller. Great for creating contrast or a dramatic cosy vibe though.
Mid-tones and heathered (flecked) colours: These are the most forgiving. A tweedy beige, grey with lighter and darker fibers mixed, or a multi-tone loop in say, tan and brown, will hide a multitude of sins and still look uniform. Ideal for high-traffic family areas.
Bold colours and patterns: A patterned carpet (floral, striped, geometric) or a strong colour can really enliven a space. If you fall in love with one, think about the long term – will you still love that bright red carpet in five years? One strategy is to use bold carpet in smaller areas (a stair runner, a study, a playroom) and keep hallways or big rooms more neutral. That way the statement is contained and easier to change if tastes shift. But if you love it, go for it – life’s too short for boring floors!
Carpet Quality and Budget
Lastly, consider quality versus cost. Carpet is often priced by weight/grade – a heavier carpet usually has more yarn per square metre and can indicate a more durable product. If you’re carpeting a forever home or a main room, it often pays to get the best you can afford so it stays looking good longer. On the flip side, if you need a quick refresh on a tight budget or for a room you won’t use much, there are plenty of affordable options that can still do the job nicely. When comparing carpets, feel the thickness of the pile and check the density (how close together the tufts are). A dense, firm carpet of medium height can wear better than a very thick but loose pile. Also check the warranty – some carpets come with 10-year wear or stain warranties, giving an idea of how confident the manufacturer is in their product.
Don’t forget to account for underlay and fitting costs in your budget. A great carpet with shoddy installation or no underlay won’t perform as it should. Always use a reputable fitter – many carpet shops (like us!) offer expert fitting services, which can save you a lot of hassle and ensure your new carpet is stretched and secured properly for a beautiful finish.
Bottom line: The perfect carpet for you will balance style, comfort, and practicality. Think about the room’s use, choose a fibre and texture that suits your lifestyle, invest in good underlay, and pick a colour/pattern you’ll love living with. With these considerations in mind, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a carpet that looks stunning and feels just right under your feet.
