Buyer’s guide to carpets

While solid timber flooring has plenty of pros, don’t overlook carpet when it comes to choosing flooring for your home. A high-quality product can last for up to 20 years, in addition to acting as an excellent heat and sound insulator. It can be cosy, comforting and soft underfoot; patterned, practical and luxurious, too. It’s a great all-rounder and there’s a style and type suitable for most rooms and homes.

Where to begin

There’s a plethora of options available, from your choice of colour and pattern, through to material and pile type. With so many options on the market, dedicate plenty of time to research so you have a strong idea of what you want before heading into any flooring showrooms.

Once you’re ready to begin browsing, it’s smart to take some approximate measurements with you so you’re armed with all the basic information. Most retailers are happy to provide a selection of swatches free of charge, so you can take them home and double check whether various styles and shades