Making the decision to have carpet fitted in your home is the easy part; the more difficult one is choosing which is the right carpet for you! Which style, material, colour, and pattern should you get? How do you know you’re making the right choice, and which carpet would best suit your home? Well, here are six tips to help make the choice easier!

1. Choosing the Best Material

Carpets come in many different materials, so it’s a good idea to research your options before committing. The choice of material also needs to factor in your budget, as some materials may be out of your price range. Synthetic carpet is a popular choice for many different budgets, but you can also get natural fibres, such as wool, which is also a beneficial choice.

2. Choosing the Colour

When selecting the colour of your new carpet, it isn’t just about the carpet itself, but the room as a whole. You should take into account the existing colour scheme of your room, the colour of furniture or soft furnishings (like your sofa), and also any plans to change the colour in the future.

This ensures that you can then select the best colour carpet for your room. When it comes to carpet colour, it’s important to think about contrast. If you already have a bold-coloured room in dark shades, you may then want to balance it out with a light-coloured carpet. Likewise, if you have a highly neutral room, you may want to opt for a bold carpet to bring out some colour.

However, neutral carpet shades can work very well in many different spaces, so neutral carpet can still work with neutral walls, too.

3. Choosing the Length of Fibre

When you think about your new carpet, you may dream about long and soft fibres tickling your toes! Or, you may want the most manageable and thin carpet possible, which is going to be easy to maintain. Longer fibres can attract more dust and need more attentive cleaning, but it’s really about what you prefer in regard to look and feel. If you’re ever unsure, consult with carpet fitters local to you for the best advice and options for your space (as some carpet lengths may struggle if they’re going under doorways, for example).

4. Carpet vs. Rug

If you’re looking for a softer finish to your flooring, be sure that full carpet is the right option for you. It may even be that you can look for the perfect carpet runner instead of a full carpet, as soft runners can be perfect for hallways and long spaces if you’re looking to add more layer and warmth.

A rug can be a great choice for popping over hardwood flooring in a room, too, so it’s a good idea to compare all rug, runners, and carpet options.

5. Think About Your Lifestyle

If you’re spending time and money on installing a beautiful carpet, then it’s also important to make sure it can be properly appreciated and cared for. Think about your lifestyle and the activity of your household before selecting your carpet. If there are lots of pets, lots of feet, and lots of potential for mess, you may need a more durable carpet and one which is easier to clean.

6. You Don’t Have to Play it Safe

As a final tip: be bold! There are so many great carpet patterns out there that it’s worth browsing all available style options to find something that truly appeals to you.

When it comes to choosing the right flooring for your home, there can often be some debate; while some people are die-hard laminate floor lovers, others may prefer a softer touch underfoot. There’s no doubt that there are many benefits to every floor option — but what are the benefits when it comes to choosing carpet?

1. It Can Help to Reduce Noise
This can be particularly beneficial if you have a top-floor apartment or if you have a household filled with noisy feet. Carpet can help to soften the blow of any heavy footsteps and movement and keep your home a little quieter with a softer approach to moving around!

2. It Can Be Great for Pets
Pets are going to love playing on the floor, rolling around on the floor, and lounging on the floor. If you provide them with a soft, squishy carpet option, compared to a hard and cold wooden floor, you might find they do it even more. It also helps to make pets more comfortable and keep a room warmer for them.

3. It Can Have Your Home Feeling Warmer and Cosier
There’s no doubt that even just the appearance of carpet can have a home feeling warmer. Thick and cosy carpet options can help you to avoid bare feet coming into contact with a cold, hard floor and also help to insulate a room and give it an overall softer appeal. Be sure to use local carpet fitters to help fit carpet in your home, exactly the way you need for optimum cosy levels.

4. It Can Add Much-Needed Colour
There are so many different colour options when it comes to carpet that you really are spoiled for choice. In comparison to laminate flooring, you can use much bolder and brighter colours with carpet. This means a great option for those who like a bold colour scheme or would like to use colour in their rooms using the flooring rather than the walls.

5. It Can Be Fun to Use Quirky Designs
In addition to a great many colour choices, there are also an abundant amount of quirky designs you can find for carpet. Whether it’s bold geometric shapes, stripes, or spots, there are plenty of quirks to choose from. This can be a great choice for focal points or feature points, such as a large stairway or hallway, for adding interesting designs to your home’s décor.

6. It Can Be a Safer Option
Choosing carpet means there is less chance for slipping and falling. Even if you do take a tumble on the carpet, you can then have more cushioning to break your fall. Especially on staircases and hallways, carpet can provide essential grip under your feet compared to slippy and shiny laminate floors.

7. It Can Be Cheaper
Depending on the carpet option you go for and your personal requirements, of course, but you may find that carpet can be a lot cheaper than hardwood flooring options, especially if you’re kitting out every room of your home or a large space.
So there you have it! Seven reasons why carpet is a fantastic choice for any home.

Whether you are thinking of having hardwood flooring fitted throughout your home or just in one key room such as the kitchen or bathroom, there is no denying that this is a decision that requires careful planning and consideration.

Any new flooring will impact your home’s overall look, but with hardwood flooring, this is magnified even more as it’s not exactly a subtle option, now is it?

That being said, when used correctly, hardwood flooring can completely transform the overall look and feel of your home, whether it is a modern or traditional property.

Not sure where to begin when choosing hardwood flooring for your home?

Keep reading to find out the top five things that you need to consider getting the most out of this flexible and fabulous flooring option.

1.   Footfall

One of the most important aspects of choosing any flooring for your home is the flow of traffic in the room you intend to lay hardwood floors. For example, if you are planning to have hardwood flooring throughout the whole of the downstairs of your home, including the hallway and kitchen, you will need flooring that is designed to be fairly resistant to wear and tear.

If you are not sure which type of hardwood flooring to choose from your home, why not ask your local flooring suppliers for advice?

2.   Room size

When choosing the shade for your hardwood flooring, it can be a good idea to think about the size of the room you intend the flooring to go in. As a general rule, lighter shades work best for smaller rooms with less access to natural light, whereas larger spaces can accommodate darker hues.

A darker floor is also a good option if you are looking to create a cosy atmosphere.

3.   Style

As with any design choice for your home, you need to think about your property’s overall style. Ensure that you consider all interior elements of your home, including the furniture, trim work, light fixtures, and any other design features that need to match your chosen hardwood flooring.

More traditional homes tend to suit a combination of darker and lighter styles, whereas modern homes favour a light wood.

4.   Lifestyle

Another factor when choosing hardwood flooring for your home is your and your family’s lifestyle. For example, if you have pets or young children, you need to choose durable flooring, easy to clean and stain resistant.

However, if you can be more careful when it comes to walking on your floors, you can safely opt for real wood floors without fear of scratches or damage.

5.   Installation

The ease of installation will depend on the type of subfloor you already have in your home. Most properties have plywood, particle boards, or concrete slabs underneath their flooring.

If you have a plywood subfloor, you can install either solid or engineered hardwood floors. However, if you have a particleboard subfloor, you will need to replace it with plywood before fitting either solid or engineered hardwood flooring.

For homes with concrete slabs, if you want to add solid wood floors, you will need to install plywood first.

Are you thinking about transforming your staircase with a stylish and sophisticated stair runner, but you are not sure how to pick the right design for your modern home? If yes, then you have come to the right place.

With the ability to completely change the look of your staircase (in a great way, of course!) and to minimise the sound of footsteps running up and down the stairs multiple times a day, choosing the right style for your stair runner is crucial.

From timeless stripes to vibrant shades, even zebra print, keep reading to discover five stair runner ideas that might just be perfect for your modern home.

1.   Pop of pattern

Patterned carpet stair runners are extremely popular and come in a huge variety of colours and designs, meaning you are guaranteed to find one that complements your existing interior design style.

When choosing a patterned stair runner, if you have a straight staircase, you can pick any precise pattern such as diamond, square, or another geometric design. However, if you have a curved or winding staircase, you will find that matching up the pattern will be near impossible.

2.   Unleash your wild side

If you love a bit of animal print in your home or even just in your wardrobe, you will be pleased to hear that you can find many different animal print stair runners, including zebra print and leopard print.

Furthermore, if you want a more understated look, then you could choose a stair runner that has an animal print border and a more neutral colour for the centre of the runner.

3.   Vibrant reds

If your home has a fairly neutral colour scheme, then perhaps a bold red stair runner is exactly what it needs. Not only will a vibrant red runner create an unforgettable first impression of your property, but it will also add warmth to your home and make your entire entrance feel more luxurious.

4.   Stunning stripes

Another hugely popular choice when it comes to stair runners, stripes have the ability to complement both modern and more traditional type home. From timeless vertical to horizontal classics to zig-zag chevron, stripes are anything but boring when it comes to adding style to your staircase.

Whether you want understated elegance or you would prefer to pick an eclectic range of colours, you are guaranteed to find something you love in the world of striped staircase runners.

5.   Neutral finesse

If all of the above options are just too out there for you, then you might be better suited to a more neutral staircase runner. Choose from a bang-on-trend grey stair runner with a dark grey border or a soft pink shade that will add warmth and elegance.

Alternatively, if you want a stunning hallway that is even more neutral, opt for a natural runner made from jute or sisal that is punctuated by a few subtle black accents such as balustrade.

Whether you are thinking about having a new carpet fitted in your home or are you are considering the benefits and drawbacks of this type of floor covering, it is always a good idea to know how to extend the longevity of your carpet and keep it looking lush for longer.

From cleaning it regularly (and not just with a vacuum cleaner), to making sure it was fitted perfectly in the first place, to concealing any carpet runs, keep reading to discover how you can care for your carpet properly and ensure it stays and feels fresh and soft.

Don’t attempt DIY installation

If you want your carpet to look like it’s been laid by a professional, then you need to enlist the services of a reputable carpet fitter. No amount of YouTube Do It Yourself videos will suddenly turn you into a pro at fitting carpet. Yes, it may save you a little bit of money in the short run, but you will be left with an inferior finish and also be much more likely to suffer problems with your carpet in the future.

Instead, look to a professional who has glowing reviews online and one that you feel you can trust.

Vacuum frequently

This may seem like a such a simple task but vacuuming your carpet regularly is one of the best things you can to maximise the life of your carpet. Aim to vacuum at least once a week and high-traffic areas such as the hallway and stairs twice a week if possible.

You also need to make sure that you are vacuuming your carpet correctly. You should have it raised to its highest setting and go as slowly as possible as to not damage the material and to ensure all the dirt is lifted.

Hire a pro carpet cleaner

If you can afford to do so, hiring a pro carpet cleaner to carry out a hot wash extraction once a year can work wonders for your carpet. To avoid unforeseen costs, make sure that the estimate you receive includes everything from moving your furniture to routine spot removal to deodorising as part of the service.

Alternatively, you could choose to use rented carpet cleaning equipment and do it yourself, although be warned you won’t get the same results as with a pro cleaner.

Repair carpet runs

Snags are perfectly normal in carpets but can look unsightly and make your carpet appear older than it actually is. Fortunately, all you need is a pair of scissors, some tape, and carpet adhesive to make a snag miraculously disappear.

Gently tug the loose yarn to locate the point where it is still firmly attached to the backing of your carpet, and then snip it off. Protect the surrounding carpet using the tape and apply a bead of carpet adhesive into the run.

Treat stains immediately

Two of the most common stains on carpets are wine stains and pet stains, both of which need to be cleaned immediately to avoid long term staining.

For wine stains, use a cloth to blot, not rub the stain and focus on soaking up as much excess liquid as you can. Then pour a small amount of water onto the stain. Blot again. Finally, make a baking soda paste by mixing a three-to-one ratio of water to baking powder and applying to the stain — once dry, vacuum.

Pet stains need an enzyme-based cleaning solution that is suitable for your particular carpet fibre type.

Have you ever been into one of those big grand old houses and taken a look at their stunning staircases? In years gone by, the staircase of a house was one of the standout features, and even today, when people decide to build their own houses, a well-made staircase can cost thousands of pounds and add a real sense of vintage-inspired grandiose to a property.

One of the things that usually stands out on a big grand staircase is the stair runner, which is a thin piece of carpet running down the middle of the stairs, usually ornate in design. This gives the stairs some grip for the users, as well as showing off the woodwork and carpentry of the staircase itself.

If you are considering installing stair runners in your house rather than carpets on your stairs, then you might be eager to know of some of the benefits. Keep reading to find out more.

It Can Protect Your Hardwood Stairs

Stair runners are great for protecting your hardwood stairs. Your stairs will experience frequent and heavy traffic, which can mean your hardwood can become quickly damaged, despite looking so great upon first installing them. A stair runner can prevent scratches from shoes, from the wood wearing over time, and from pets clawing at the wood.

This will mean you don’t need to treat the wood as often to keep it polished and looking great.

Stair Runners Make Your Stairs Look Longer

Stair runners often look great in period properties or properties where the stairs are shallow and wide. Why? Well, the great optical illusion of stair runners is that it makes your staircase look longer and more grand. This is why it can be the perfect addition for smaller homes as well. It can make your stairs look much longer than they actually are, and therefore, make your home feel very grand.

So don’t worry if you think that your house is too small for stair runners. It works for smaller properties as well as grand homes.

It Will Bring Attention to Your Stairs

If you have a beautiful wooden staircase, a stair runner can add that finishing touch that can bring your top level and bottom level together. It can add that much-needed texture a home needs sometimes and look more elegant while unifying the home décor in general, but you must make sure to pick a style and colour that will work with both the downstairs and upstairs décor. For example, a pattern is great for drawing the eye to the stairs, but if you have patterns on your walls on your carpets leading to your stairs, this may clash, whereas a plain colour is ornate and could work instead.

For Safety

Lastly, if you are small children or elderly relatives living with you, a stair runner can provide a safe way to move up and down the stairs. They won’t have to contend with slippery floors, leading to a risk of injury. For those with mobility issues, this can be a comforting addition to the home without needing to add in a whole new carpet.

After a tough year, Christmas and the holiday season is finally here! However, from the moment the kids break up from school until they go back, it can feel like your home is a never-ending turnstile of activity. Unfortunately, this might come at a cost to your carpet. It’s important that the carpets we have down in our own homes can survive this extra footfall, but how do you do this? Make sure to follow our guide to find out more. With our helpful four tips, your carpets will continue to look and feel good, even throughout the busy holiday season.

Good Quality Carpets

The first place to start when thinking about how well your carpets will survive is to ensure they are good quality carpets. As expert carpet fitters in Surrey, we work hard to provide all of our customers with the best quality for their money, and higher quality carpets are more likely to stand the test of time when it comes to heavy use areas, especially areas such as the hallway and stairs. If your carpet is poor quality and old, then consider replacing it with good quality carpet instead. This will ensure that it can be cleaned properly, remain softer for longer, and look great.

Clean Up Spills

Spillages on the carpets are practically unavoidable, especially at this time of year then the drinks might be flowing a little more than usual! If you are unlucky and a spillage occurs, make sure you clean it up right away. Some liquids (like red wine) are likely to stain a lot more if they are left any longer than necessary, which is why it’s important to clean up any spills as soon as possible.

Be careful, though, as harsh rubbing with strong chemicals could damage your carpet. Blot gently with a tea towel or paper towel, and if soap is needed, use a warm water solution with a little washing-up liquid. This should be enough to tackle most stains if cleaned up quickly.

Watch Out For Wax

One of the things we love about Christmas is the soft lighting of candles, but we don’t love it when wax gets on the carpet!

You should always have candles in safe holders; even small tea lights can be a fire risk if they are left out. Most candle holders will also make it more difficult to knock candles over, but if you find you have been unlucky enough to get wax on the carpet, don’t panic!

Break up the wax with a blunt knife (gently so as to avoid damaging the carpet) and sweep up as much as possible. Lay a piece of brown paper over the wax and iron with a warm iron. The wax should stick to the iron and come off fairly easily, although you may need to repeat this process.

Do be careful with the iron; hot irons may melt some carpets, so it’s best to test on a small hidden area or any spare carpet you may have leftover before you go ahead with your ironing treatment.

Say No To Dirty Shoes

In the UK, Christmas is held in midwinter, which means the weather is usually cold, rainy and muddy. This can cause havoc for your carpets. To save your carpets, make sure everyone adhered to a strict no-shoes policy! Your carpet will thank you later, and you will be able to enjoy Christmas rather than find yourself scrubbing the carpet clean. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, even for carpets.

If your existing carpet appears a little worn or outdated, you might be eager to fit new flooring. As there are many options available on the market, you could be unsure about the best style for your comfort and function. One thing is certain, carpet is an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy a cosy home when the cold weather strikes. Here are five reasons why carpet is ideal for winter.

1. Greater Insulation

Carpet can help you to retain heat inside your home, especially if you have exposed floorboards. It can prevent draughts from the floor, which will naturally increase a room’s temperature during winter. It could, therefore, take some of the pressure off your central heating.

2. Banish Cold Feet

Once winter arrives, you’ll likely reach for your socks and slippers, especially when stepping out of bed each morning. If you don’t want to stand on a hard, cold floor when climbing out of your duvet, consider installing a high-quality carpet that will feel soft and warm underneath your feet. It’s a great way to create a comfortable, luxurious home this winter, and you’ll be less likely to crank up the heating.

3. A Cosy Environment

When temperatures plummet, you likely cannot wait to turn up your fire, pull out the blankets and curl up with a hot drink. Carpet is an ideal option for those who want to create a cosy environment, as it is warm, soft and feels great underneath your feet. It can also add an extra texture into the space, which can help you to create a winter-friendly interior that will make you want to relax by the fireplace with a good book.

4. Lower Energy Bills

As mentioned earlier, carpet can insulate your home and will feel warm underneath your feet, which can prevent you from increasing your heating. As a result, you can enjoy lower energy bills throughout the winter, so you’ll have more money to spend on other home improvements.

5. A Versatile Option

Carpet will complement your home throughout the seasons. It will add warmth and comfort during a cold autumn and winter, and it will look stylish and fashionable during spring and summer. Plus, there are many colours and patterns to match different tastes and interior designs, as we provide both traditional and contemporary styles to suit your property.

You also can choose one of the following carpet styles:

• Textured – hides footprints and vacuum marks
• Frieze – a textured, durable option that’s perfect for high-traffic areas
• Saxony – a casual appearance that’s ideal for busy families
• Looped – hides traffic patterns and is ideal for frequently used rooms
• Cable – a thicker carpet that’s comfortable underfoot
• Cut and Looped – offers fun patterns, such as geometric prints, formal botanicals, or multiple colours

Once you’ve picked the right colour and style for your interior, an experienced, local carpet fitter can then lay down a high-quality carpet to match your room’s exact size and shape.

If you want to fit a comfortable, high quality and stylish carpet in your home this winter, feel free to contact our friendly team for a free quotation on 0208 673 9900. We also provide showrooms in Dulwich and Balham, which could help you to find the best style for your home and budget.

Your hallway provides your guests with a first impression of your home. If it appears unattractive, cold, or uninviting, your visitors will believe every other room in the home will look the same. It is therefore essential to choose the right flooring, which can create a comfortable, stylish, and welcoming space. You also must aim to complement your chosen flooring with the correct accessories.

If you want to impress every person that knocks on your door or steps inside your home, read the following tips on how to give your hallway the wow factor.

Fit a Stylish Stair Runner

Many homeowners are choosing to incorporate stylish runners onto their stairs, as they can inject a pop of colour, personality, and texture into the space. At A Flooring Boutique, we provide a variety of on-trend stair runners that are available in many colours and patterns to suit your interior and taste.

It could help you to create a unique staircase and will prove you have exceptional attention to detail when it comes to interior design. Plus, the luxurious flooring can be customised to match the exact width of your stairs. It’s a luxurious feature that’s bound to impress every guest who enters your home.

Install Hard Flooring

You could complement an attractive stair runner with hard flooring in your hallway. A durable floor is ideal for a hallway, as it can withstand much foot traffic throughout the years and won’t lose its visual appeal. What’s more, laminate or wood flooring can elongate a space, which can create the illusion of a spacious, long hallway. We also provide hard flooring options to match every need and budget.

Hide Your Radiators

Unsightly radiators can detract from your beautiful hard flooring or a stylish stair runner. Make a positive first impression by installing a radiator cover that will complement your interior design. There are different colours and styles available on the market that can work in harmony with your flooring, or you could paint them to match your stair runner.

Add a Focal Point

Wow every guest that steps inside your home by adding a stunning focal point. You could add a splash of luxury with an elegant chandelier, or you could hang a beautiful work of art that complements the colours in your stair runner. It will grab your visitors’ attention and make them eager to explore more rooms across your home.

Contact a Flooring Boutique

If you are looking for high-quality flooring to transform your hallway, look no further than us here at A Flooring Boutique. We can provide a wide variety of options to match your needs, budget, and interior, such as high-quality carpet, durable wood flooring and stylish stair runners. We have more than 20 years’ experience both supplying and fitting flooring in London and Surrey. Call our team today for a free quote on 0208 673 9900 or visit one of our showrooms in Balham and Dulwich to make an informed decision.