Top ten tips for choosing a carpet

It is always best to buy the best carpet you can afford that is most suitable for the use to which it will be subjected. Factors to consider include:

1. The room it is for and how much wear it will receive. A hall, stairs and landing, for example, will need a heavier wearing carpet than a bedroom.

2. Are there any particular fabrics or existing décor to be matched? What are your future decorating plans? Remember to choose the carpet first and install it last!

3. Do you want a plain carpet, patterned carpet, or one with texture or a border? You have a large choice so experiment with colour and design.

4. How long do you reasonably expect your new carpet to last? Is it a ‘quick fix’ or a long term purchase?

5. How much do you want to spend? Don’t forget to include the cost of fitting and underlay and other materials.

Having answered these questions, you are ready to buy. When you do, always remember to:

6. Get your room professionally measured. Doing it yourself, you could order too much or too little. Also, whoever measures is responsible – so leave it to the experts - us.

7. Ask for a sample to take back home to see in your own environment and in your own natural light.

8. Buy new underlay. It will prolong the life of your new carpet by up to 40 per cent as well as giving added comfort.

9. Always have your carpet fitted professionally and always use a reputable retailer like a Registered Carpet Specialist – like us. Keep any surplus carpet – you never know when it will come in handy!

10. Buy the best carpet you can afford. As with everything else, you get what you pay for and carpet is no exception. You should expect to pay £20 per sq metre plus underlay and fitting.

Guide to measuring a room for carpet or flooring