Carpets just make sense in the home. Even if you don’t want carpet throughout your property, you’ll probably still have them upstairs and particularly in bedrooms. Touching cold hardwood on a winter morning is just not nice. Hardwood or lookalike options also collect dust and require much more in terms of maintenance just to continue looking great. While carpets do need a good hoover regularly, they are far more forgiving.

Knowing you want carpet in your home is step one. Going into our carpet fitters London location in Dulwich so you can physically feel the options available is essential step number two. All that’s left is to determine what shade is right for your home.

While it may seem like there’s minimal difference, that minimal shift in colour tone can make a huge impact on how well your home comes together. You can’t just choose the shade you like on the floor, either. You need to consider a lot of key factors, including:

The Paint Colour Scheme

It doesn’t even matter if your home is entirely white. The exact shade of white is going to play a huge part in which shade of carpeting works best for your property. A cool white isn’t going to pair well with a warm beige carpet, especially if your furniture is also leaning toward the greyscale.

Warm Tone Versus Cool Tones

Now, you can absolutely repaint your property to best match your carpets later. The issue, of course, is that we all tend to lean one way or the other in terms of cool/warm tones. Knowing which side you lean on can help you choose a carpet that looks great throughout all of your home updates.

If you tend to lean towards soft whites that are creamy in tone, then you typically prefer warm tones. Your lights will be a warm yellow; you’ll prefer the feel of cosiness in your home. If you prefer bluer lights, greys, and clean modern finishings, then you’ll likely prefer cooler-toned carpets. Knowing what you lean more towards can help you choose that enduring carpet shade that works throughout your home.

The Shade of Your Large Furnishings

If you are carpeting your living room, then you will want to give some thought to how the carpet will look next to your chosen sofa. If you already have a sofa (and spent a lot on it), then the last thing you want is to install a mismatched carpet underneath it. See if the manufacturer has a fabric swatch for your sofa and/or chairs, and bring those to our carpet store to find shades that look good together.

You Can Mix and Match

Your downstairs living room carpet can be different from the carpet in your upstairs. The break between floors means you do have this as an option, which typically expands design possibilities in your home. It also means you can use a hardier carpet downstairs that will see a lot more foot traffic and a softer carpet for the upstairs bedrooms.

It’s hard to keep carpets looking brand-new forever. After all, life happens. It’s normal for carpets to soak up some spills and lose their texture over time. That doesn’t mean you should be resigned to its fate – if you incorporate these five easy habits into your life, you can expand the life of your carpet, keeping it looking fresh for longer!

1: Vacuum Regularly

The first – and most obvious – habit to have to keep your carpet clean all year around is vacuuming regularly. When you invest in a stylish carpet from Balham flooring specialists, you want to be sure your carpet will last and last. Twice a week is best here, as it ensures any dust and dirt that gets accumulated stands no chance of becoming embedded into the carpet. You should also consider using a good carpet cleaner when necessary, as this will do an even better job of getting the carpet clean and fresh.

2: Use More Rugs

If you want your carpet to stand the test of time, the best way to do so is to protect it – ideally, with rugs and runners. For example, placing a runner down an entrance hallway will help keep the carpet free of dirt from people’s shoes. If your lounge has a lot of foot traffic, a rug will help prevent the carpet from getting worn down over time.

3: Clean Stains Immediately

Spilling a little wine or coffee on the carpet is normal – it happens. However, don’t leave the stain too long. Otherwise, it will sink in and become harder to get out. Instead, clear up any stains as soon as they happen. You can usually just use household items around the house, such as white vinegar and water. Let it sink in for a while, then scrub until the carpet looks as good as new.

4: Train Your Pets Well

One of the biggest offenders of carpet ruining is pets. An untrained pet may scratch the carpet, pulling it up at the sides. Some untrained pets even have accidents on the carpet, which is never fun to clean up and will inevitably leave the carpet looking less than perfect, even if you clean it up straight away. So, whether you have a feline friend or a puppy, be sure to train them properly in the early days to keep your carpet looking fresh.

5: Take Your Shoes Off

Walking around a carpeted home in shoes will only decrease the lifespan of the carpet. It will quickly get full of dirt from your shoes and may even wear down thanks to the material on the sole of your shoes. So, to keep your carpet looking new all year round, make a habit of taking your shoes off every time you enter the house. Make sure everyone else who lives there follows suit!

Fortunately, with these five habits, you can ensure your carpet looks just as amazing in five years as it did when you first got it placed.

It’s an age-old question. When renovating a commercial or residential property, many get stuck on whether they should choose carpet or wooden flooring. Both have advantages; carpet is cheaper, softer, and warmer, whereas hardwood generally offers higher value.

Carpet vs Hardwood: What’s the Difference?

Before determining which is best, knowing how they differ is important. Carpet is typically made of synthetic fibres (although you can find natural fibre carpets) and feels soft to the touch. On the other hand, hardwood flooring is made of solid wood, such as oak, and gets sanded and finished appropriately to use as functional flooring.

A lot of people have strong opinions about whether carpet or hardwood is better. Who is right, though? To determine which one might be best for your planned renovations, here are some of the key differences.

Style

Carpet and hardwood look entirely different and will bring a different feel to the room. Hardwood is a hard flooring and comes in the colour of the woo, including any natural patternation – two planks are unlikely to be the same. While generally considered an attractive type of flooring, often suiting a variety of home styles, wooden flooring doesn’t offer many variations.

In terms of variety, carpet wins here. You can find carpets in many different styles, with variations in colour, pattern, texture, and more. You can see just how much from our Dulwich flooring specialists, who can expertly fit a wide range of carpets to suit your tastes.  

Cost

Budget plays a crucial role in decision-making when renovating a room or just redoing a floor. If you want to keep things on the cheaper end, carpet is typically the less expensive option, with hardwood flooring often racking up a higher price tag.

Comfort

When it comes to comfortable flooring, there is a big difference between hardwood and carpet. Carpet feels much softer and warmer on the feet, which many people find an advantage, particularly in colder weather. On the other hand, hardwood feels solid and hard without much warmth – it can feel nice underfoot, but you will need to be wary of drafts.

Ease of Cleaning

It’s not just about how it looks and feels – when laying down new flooring, you need to know that you can handle the cleaning! Carpets require regular vacuuming, preferably twice a week. It’s also important to clean stains as soon as they occur and use carpet cleaner when necessary.

Cleaning hardwood is simpler. Most of the time, hardwood only needs a quick sweep to get up any dirt and dust. When hardwood needs deeper cleaning, you just need to get out the mop.

Lifestyle

It’s hard to determine whether hardwood or carpet is better overall, as it depends on your tastes and preferences. Most of all, it depends on your lifestyle. For example, if you have animals, hardwood flooring would probably make more sense, as animal hair is much easier to get up off hardwood flooring than it is carpet, but animal claws can mark some wood. However, if you live in a shared building, carpet might make more sense, as carpet is quieter and can help block out noise from above and below.

The Consensus

When it comes to whether hardwood flooring or carpet is better, it really is a personal choice – there is no outright winner here. In fact, many people choose to have both in different areas of their homes. You might find a warm, comfortable, stylish carpet in the living room works beautifully, but hardwood flooring would look more sophisticated in your dining room.

Are you worried about keeping your carpets clean over the summer?

A time of year when most people relax in their gardens, stroll around the local park and take advantage of the warmer weather, dirty shoes are a common occurrence.

Fortunately, if you have already started to notice a few grubby stains appearing on your carpets, you can take steps to keep them clean and looking their best.

From upping your cleaning routine to investing in rugs and runners, read on to discover 5 top tips to keep your carpets clean all summer long.

1. No shoes allowed

Simple but effective, one of the easiest ways to avoid stains on your carpet is to ensure that people remove their shoes before entering your home.

Although this may be challenging if you have young children, believe us when we say it will be worth the effort.

If you get fed up with constantly asking people to take off their shoes, why not make a sign to display on your front door or on your porch? Just remember to ask politely!

2. Get vacuuming  

Regular vacuuming is essential for keeping your carpets in optimal condition for longer. Typically, it is recommended that you vacuum your carpets once a week. However, if you have a lot of people visiting your home during the summer, it can be beneficial to increase this to twice a week or more.

It is a good idea to sprinkle some baking soda over your carpets before you vacuum to absorb any bad odours.

3. Protect high-footfall areas

For high-footfall areas of your home, such as the stairs and the hallway, you might want to consider investing in a rug or a runner to protect your carpets. Not only can this help to prevent dirt from becoming entrenched in your carpet, but it can also help to stop general wear and tear.

You can find rugs and runners at our Balham carpets shop, with options to suit all budgets and tastes.

4. Don’t delay, clean up spills today!

If there is a spillage on your carpet or someone walks over it with muddy shoes, it is imperative that you take action straight away before the stain sets in.

You may be able to clean it with a basic solution of warm water and liquid detergent, or you may require a chemical cleaner, depending on the type of stain.

There are lots of handy tips online on how to remove carpet stains.

5. Call in the professionals

If your carpets are looking a little on the grubby side by the end of the summer, why not hire a professional cleaning company to come and give them a good wash?

While you can rent carpet cleaners and steam cleaners, this can sometimes damage the delicate fibres of a carpet, especially if you don’t know how to use them properly. However, with a professional carpet cleaner, you are guaranteed a premium service and a great end result.

You might think you can’t have carpet in your home if you have allergies. The good news is that you don’t have to fear carpets as an allergy sufferer.

While other types of flooring, such as real wood and laminate, can seem like the better option for people with allergies, you can enjoy the luxuriousness and comfort of carpet even if you are sensitive to allergens.

Keep reading to learn all about carpets and allergies. This post will detail the main symptoms of carpet allergies and what the best choices are for allergy sufferers.

What are the main signs of a carpet allergy?

If you suspect you have this type of allergy, there are some key signs to look out for. These include the following common symptoms:

• Watery or red eyes
• An irritated/itchy throat
• Excessive sneezing
• A runny nose
• Itchy, red, and/or irritated skin
• Coughing
• Trouble breathing
• Feelings of pressure in the chest

It is worth noting that the above symptoms are also common in people who are sensitive to everyday allergens such as pet dander, pollen, dust mites, and mould, which are likely to exist in your home.

Can I have carpet in my home if I have allergies?

As mentioned briefly above, even if you have a carpet allergy, this does not mean that you can’t have carpet in your home. It does mean, however, that you must be selective in your choice of carpet for your home.

Ideally, you should look for a hypoallergenic carpet made with materials that are less likely to shred and irritate you. This type of carpet is also less likely to trap other allergens, such as pet dander and pollen.

Alternatively, a carpet that is made from synthetic fibres such as nylon, polyester, or triexta is a good choice as these actively repel allergens.

You can find high-quality carpets in Dulwich that are made from fabrics that are suitable for people with allergies.

You should avoid choosing a carpet made of wool and other natural fibres as these provide the perfect environment for allergens to thrive and are likely to worsen your symptoms.

In terms of pile height, the shorter, the better, as this provides allergens with less space.

How to minimise allergens in your home

If you have carpet already in place and you have allergy sufferers in your household, then there are precautions you can take to reduce the number of allergens in your home.

Having a good cleaning schedule in place is the first course of action. This will help you to remove any allergens that settle on your floors. Make sure you ask people to take their shoes off at the door to prevent allergens from coming into your home and vacuum your carpets at least once a week.

Shampooing or steam cleaning your carpet once or twice a year can significantly reduce the number of allergens. If you are a pet owner, you may need to do this more often.

Unwashed carpets can be home to a whole host of nasties such as mildew and mould, all of which can create problems for people with allergies and respiratory problems, so make sure you stay on top of your cleaning regime!

Colours make a huge impact on how we feel in a space, but many don’t think that colour play can or should extend to their floors. This is false! Just as there are many shades of hardwood and many designs for tiles, carpets also come in many shapes, styles, feels, and shades. Choosing the right shade and pattern will have a huge impact on your space, and it’s okay to think outside of the box when it comes to laying down your floor.

There’s no right or wrong answer, only preference. That being said, going into your interior design process knowing these key facts can help you really command your efforts and overall finished piece:

Using Light Shades

Light shades of carpet can have a profound effect on a room. They create a sense of openness, making the space feel brighter and more expansive.

·       The Power of Neutrals

Light neutral shades are the top choice at our Balham carpets store, with most people choosing tones like ivory, beige, or pale grey. Why? These shades can provide a versatile base for any design style. They effortlessly blend with existing furniture and decor, allowing other elements in the room to take centre stage. Light neutrals also offer a timeless appeal and can make a room feel serene and calm.

·       The Joy of Pastels

For those seeking to infuse energy into their space, pastel shades can be an excellent choice. Soft blues, gentle pinks, or light greens can add a touch of playfulness and create a whimsical atmosphere. These shades work well in children’s rooms, nurseries, or spaces where you want to evoke a sense of tranquillity and relaxation.

Using Dark Shades

Dark shades of carpet can bring depth, drama, and sophistication to a room. They create a cosy and intimate ambience, perfect for creating a luxurious atmosphere.

·       Welcome Dark Neutrals

Dark neutrals, such as charcoal grey, deep brown, or navy blue, can anchor a space and add richness to the overall design. These shades are versatile and work well with both traditional and contemporary styles. For those who embrace boldness and maximalism, dark colours can make the statement you’re looking for.

·       Deep Jewel Tones to Add Drama

Deep jewel tones like emerald green, royal purple, or rich burgundy can create a sense of opulence and grandeur. These shades are best suited for larger spaces or rooms where you want to make a dramatic impact.

What to Keep in Mind when Choosing a Pattern for Your Carpet

When it comes to choosing a pattern for your carpet, consider the overall style and theme of the room. Patterns can be so much fun and really work to add visual interest and personality to a space. However, it’s important to remember that you need to strike a balance when it comes to patterns to ensure that the design doesn’t overwhelm the room.

If your furniture and decor feature busy patterns or bold colours, opt for a carpet with a subtle pattern or solid colour to create a harmonious balance. On the other hand, if your room feels too neutral and lacks visual interest, a patterned carpet can be a fantastic way to inject life into the space.

Allergies strike at any time, but they are a particular nightmare during the spring and summer months when you naturally want to have the open window the most. Running your air conditioning all summer long isn’t a viable option, and neither is keeping your doors shut during the hottest days. If you suffer from allergies, this may make it seem like you’re doomed to breathe in that pollen for weeks, if not months, as it settles into the fibres of your home.

This is not the case. There are many great hypoallergenic carpets in Dulwich to choose from, so upgrade your home today with these top allergy-friendly options:

What Makes a Carpet Fibre Hypoallergenic?

Hypoallergenic carpets are made from materials that are less likely to trigger allergies. These materials are resistant to dust mites, mould, and other allergens, making them a healthier choice for those with allergies. Hypoallergenic carpets are typically made from natural fibres or synthetic fibres that are specifically designed to repel allergens.

Top Hypoallergenic Carpets for Your Home

·       Wool

Wool is naturally soft, a great insulator, easy to clean, and very hard-wearing. As one of the only natural materials you can get, it’s also a great choice for the eco-conscious. The good news for those of you who suffer from allergens is that wool is also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to additional issues like mould and mildew. Wool carpets are also highly durable and can add a luxurious and cosy feel to any room.

·       Nylon

Nylon is a hard-wearing synthetic fibre that is commonly used in carpets for its versatility, durability, and, yes, its ability to rebuff allergens. Since allergens can’t be absorbed or cling to the nylon fibres as easily, you can keep your home cleaner so long as you regularly hoover it. Nylon can even be treated to make it even further resistant to allergens, making them a practical budget choice for many.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Carpet for the Best Results

To ensure that your hypoallergenic carpet continues to provide a clean and healthy environment, it’s important to follow proper cleaning and maintenance practices. Regular hoovering is essential to remove dust, pollen, and other allergens from the carpet fibres. For the best results, invest in a hoover that has a high-efficiency particulate air (otherwise known as a HEPA) filter. This filter will work to capture even the smallest of pollen to keep your home as allergen-free as possible.

In addition to vacuuming, consider professional deep cleaning once a year or so to get rid of any dirt and debris that may have fallen through the cracks. You can do this by hiring a professional carpet cleaning service or by going at it with an upholstery cleaner yourself. Spot treat any stains as they come to reduce the risk of bacteria and other pest build-ups – not to mention the damage it can do to your carpet.

When choosing cleaning products for your hypoallergenic carpet, opt for those labelled as hypoallergenic or environmentally friendly. Avoid using harsh chemicals or strong cleaners that can leave behind residue and potentially irritate allergies.

Whether you are moving into a new home or considering a renovation for where you currently live, choosing a carpet might initially seem like a simple task. However, since the time and effort it takes to have a carpet installed is considerable, you shouldn’t rush the decision. You will want to choose a carpet that meets your needs and looks great in your home. Here are some helpful tips to make this process easier.

Where Do You Want to Have the Carpet Fitted?

Not every room in your home will necessarily look good or remain practical with a carpet installed. An obvious example would be the kitchen and bathroom, where a carpet would almost certainly be unhygienic, where other, harder forms of flooring would be more appropriate. However, a bedroom or living room can be made to feel much cosier and more inviting with a soft carpet. Decide which rooms in your home you want to be carpeted, as this will help you start to plan for the installation.

What Should Your Carpet Be Made From?

Carpet can be made from a wide variety of materials, each with its own unique qualities and advantages. Here are just a few examples of the most common materials a carpet can be made from and what their different benefits are:

• Wool carpet is extremely popular for its natural origins and innate softness. It is durable and easy to keep clean, which is why it’s so popular.
• Polyester carpets are just as durable as wool carpets but are often more resistant to staining.
• Nylon carpet resists warping but can cause static electricity to build up.

Who Will Fit Your Carpet?

Not just anyone can fit a carpet. It is a more complicated and time-consuming process than you might think, so don’t underestimate the job of having your carpet installed neatly and professionally. Look for trusted local suppliers and fitters like those at our Balham carpets shop so you can rest assured that the fitting will be perfect. Unless you are confident in your own skills, it is best to seek the help of an expert. This will ensure that the carpet is installed with the fewest possible flaws.

How Will You Look After Your Carpet?

Taking good care of your carpet is essential if you want it to last for a long time. To avoid the possibility of having to replace your carpet prematurely, learn the best techniques to clean it according to its material and colour. Regular maintenance, such as vacuuming, helps to keep it fresh, but in the event of a spill, make sure you know how to prevent different kinds of stains.

What Purpose Do You Want Your Carpet to Serve?

Do you want your carpet to be a style statement or totally focused on comfort? Does it need to be stain resistant or luxurious and thick? Think about why you want to decorate with carpet, and this will help you choose the right kind for your home.

There are so many important considerations to remember when you move into a new home. Whether it is an older building with bags of history or a new build with equally new features, you may want to freshen up your home with flooring that suits your interior design style. Especially when there is so much else to think about during this busy time, you may not have decided yet how you want your floors to be. This quick guide will give you some inspiration about how to make the floors in your new home look and feel perfect.

Assess the Existing Flooring

There is no point changing the flooring in your home if you love what is there already. The existing floors will also help you envision your ideal flooring with greater clarity. For example, you may have first thought you might like your bathroom floor to be hardwood, but after settling into your new home, you might realise that tiles would be more attractive and practical in the space. Maybe all you need to do is clean the current floors to revive their underlying charm.

Decide If You Want to Create Separate Zones

Some people prefer to have each room in their home divided by different flooring. Carpet in the living room, wood in the bedroom, tiles in the kitchen – this allows for distinct moods and interior design themes throughout the home. However, a great way to create a more cohesive and sleek look is to use the same type of flooring in multiple rooms. It depends on how you want the space to feel.

Think About the Future

Unless you plan to stay in the same home forever, you might want to keep in mind the resale possibilities that different flooring offers. For example, a soft and beautiful carpet might make it easier to sell your home at a later date than an unusual pattern or style. Of course, you want to make your house into a home, but if you plan to sell it again someday, bear this in mind.

Find a Reliable Supplier

The source of your flooring will make all the difference when it comes to quality. Do your research to make sure that the company supplying and fitting your floors is reputable and trusted. It can help to search near your neighbourhood, for example seeking carpets in Dulwich and having a local company like ours provide your floors. This is usually a better way of ensuring quality. You can ask around and find out more about the supplier or fitter before making your final decision.

Learn How to Care for Your Floors

Even the most beautiful floors need to be cared for if you want their appeal to last. Know what materials they’re made from and find out the best way to clean them if necessary. In some cases, you may need to reach out to a professional, but this will be worth it to keep your floors looking fresh and new.